5 excellent horror films that have won Oscars and are worth streaming right now

      For some reason, horror remains somewhat of a taboo genre in Hollywood. It is often perceived as a quick money-making strategy for studios that invest very little in production costs. However, horror films can represent much more than simple cash grabs. Take, for instance, the 2017 film It, which earned over $700 million, illustrating that horror is not just a marginalized genre but an integral aspect of cinema. Yet, it frequently gets overlooked and regarded as subpar.

      Consequently, it's hardly surprising that only a handful of horror films have received Oscar nominations, and many of those are not strictly horror; they blur the lines between horror, drama, and thriller, similar to titles like Black Swan, The Shape of Water, and Parasite. Nevertheless, there are a few horror classics that achieved not only Oscar nominations but also secured wins. Here are five Oscar-winning horror films you should definitely see.

      Get Out (2017)

      Universal Pictures

      Oscar wins: Best Original Screenplay

      Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Director – Jordan Peele, Best Actor – Daniel Kaluuya

      Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking film Get Out introduced a new wave of horror, where frightening movies challenged societal issues in both overt and subtle ways. The story follows a Black man who visits his White girlfriend's family, only to uncover their sinister intentions. Get Out is not merely a horror film; it is rich with themes of race and privilege, making the antagonists all the more chilling.

      “The inspiration for the film came when Obama was elected, accompanied by a sentiment that we could stop discussing race because the issue was resolved,” Peele shared with The Guardian in 2017. “We now live in a system where racism intersects with policy. We have moved beyond the time when people were trying to deny the existence of race.”

      What sets Get Out apart is its ability to convey profound messages without feeling overly didactic, all while remaining sharp, engaging, and suspenseful.

      Watch Get Out on Prime Video.

      Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

      Paramount Pictures

      Oscar wins: Best Supporting Actress – Ruth Gordon

      Other Oscar nominations: Best Adapted Screenplay

      In Rosemary’s Baby, a young couple, Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse, relocate to a New York apartment with dreams of building a life together. However, they soon find themselves entangled with their intrusive neighbors, the Castavets, which leads to bizarre occurrences. The shocking events that unfold, especially Rosemary being raped and impregnated by Satan, remain disturbing even today, and were particularly jarring in 1968 when the film was released.

      Ruth Gordon portrays Rosemary’s Satan-worshipping neighbor, Minnie Castevet. Her character is delightful and funny—just the kind of eccentric New Yorker you'd enjoy conversing with—yet she harbors a sinister secret. It’s no wonder Gordon won the Best Supporting Actress award in 1969.

      Watch Rosemary’s Baby on Paramount+.

      Alien (1979)

      20th Century Fox

      Oscar wins: Best Visual Effects

      Other Oscar nominations: Best Art Direction

      Alien transformed both horror and sci-fi genres. While alien-themed films and slasher flicks existed prior, Alien uniquely merged the two. It demonstrated that, with the right atmosphere, pacing, lighting, and cinematography, alien films could be genuinely terrifying.

      What adds to Alien's scare factor are its visual effects. The xenomorph alien, inspired by H.R. Giger's artwork, was depicted as both alive and mechanical. To this day, the creature is among the most iconic figures in cinematic history, particularly famous for the memorable chest-burster scene where the xenomorph emerges and swiftly grows more powerful. While fans might debate Alien versus Aliens, when it comes to horror, the original remains unparalleled.

      Rent Alien on Prime Video.

      Jaws (1975)

      Universal Pictures

      Oscar wins: Best Score, Best Sound, Best Film Editing

      Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture

      Jaws encompasses many facets: it's a summer blockbuster, formerly the highest-grossing film ever, and it solidified Steven Spielberg's status as a major player in Hollywood. At its heart, however, it is a horror movie. In some respects, it is even more frightening than typical horror films, as it doesn’t just feature a menacing killer (the shark) but also taps into our fear of the ocean, playing on our understanding that unseen dangers lurk beneath the water's surface.

      It’s also fitting that John Williams won the award for Best Score, thanks to his iconic composition for the film. Rarely does a movie become instantly recognizable solely by its score, yet anyone who hears that infamous "dun dun" knows exactly where it comes from. Although the Jaws sequels are largely forgettable (unless you're looking for a laugh), the original film endures as a terrifying and expertly crafted movie.

      Rent Jaws on Prime Video.

      The Silence of the