Gothic movies can be considered precursors to horror films, most of which have the same elements found in their themes. From scary plot lines to eerie settings, gothic movies provide a chilling movie experience, especially for fans who love the eccentric and the bizarre.
A lot of these gothic films were adapted from classic horror novels, and there are many existing versions of them to choose from. If you are looking for something creepy yet visually appealing to watch, these gothic movies will serve you just right:
Crimson Peak (2015)
After young Edith married Sir Thomas Sharpe, she moved in with him in his secluded mansion. They live in isolation together with Sharpe’s sister, Lady Lucille. Little did Edith know that the house is haunted by dark secrets, as well as the siblings. Edith tries to uncover the secrets through the visions that appear to her inside the ghostly abode.
The Phantom Of The Opera (2004)
Within the walls of the famous Paris Opera House lives the Phantom, a disfigured character with exceptional talent and obsession towards the opera’s prima donna. He constantly haunts the theater and threatens the management to succumb under his command. Christine Daaé, the phantom’s protégé, is torn between the love of the Phantom and her childhood friend, Raoul.
Dracula (1992)
The famous vampire movie recounts the tale of a 15th-century prince, Count Dracula, as he lives off blood for the rest of his life. Jonathan Harker, a lawyer, was sent off to the count’s castle to settle a deal. He sees the young man’s fiancée’s photo who looks exactly like his deceased wife. Enraged and confused, Count Dracula imprisoned Jonathan and set out to London to find her.
Dorian Gray (2009)
A young and naïve boy, Dorian Gray, arrives in London and meets two best friends, the charismatic Lord Henry Wotton and the artistic Basil Hallward. The latter painted a portrait of Dorian and the mesmerized young lad made a deal with the devil to keep his youth no matter the cost. Soon, he finds himself indulging in the pleasures and sins of life while his portrait keeps his darkest secrets.
Rebecca (2020)
The newlywed couple, Mr. and Mrs. de Winter, arrives at his family estate on the English coast. The young bride finds herself constantly fighting with the shadows of her husband’s first wife, Rebecca. The house keeps her legacy which makes it feel more eerie and haunting.
Victor Frankenstein (2015)
Based loosely on the famed Mary Shelley gothic novel, Victor Frankenstein is a radical scientist seeking to achieve groundbreaking research. While looking for animal body parts, he meets a surgeon, Igor Strausman. The latter became a close friend and partner in his study. When the rigorous research drove Frankenstein to insanity, Igor tries to save him from the brink of madness.
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (1997)
This timeless tale of a disfigured church bell ringer is one of the most beloved gothic stories of all time. Quasimodo faces the wrath of the evil Claude Frollo and the people of Paris, as well as meets a beautiful gypsy girl to who he would later dedicate an unrequited love.
