Horror Directors Share Their Most Terrifying Adult Viewing Experiences

During the recent Fantastic Fest, an annual gathering in Austin, Texas, a collection of esteemed horror directors candidly discussed the films that have most deeply unsettled them in their adult lives. This year's focus shifted from childhood memories to current cinematic experiences, revealing a fascinating array of movies that managed to genuinely frighten these masters of terror.

A diverse range of films emerged as personal nightmares for these directors. Bryan Bertino, known for 'The Strangers', cited 'As Above, So Below' for its exceptional found-footage scares. Alex Ross Perry was deeply disturbed by the German film 'Der Fan', finding its extreme psychological realism profoundly unsettling. Scott Derrickson, a veteran of horror, confessed to being so terrified by a sequence in 'A Tale of Two Sisters' that he had to pause the movie, while his collaborator C. Robert Cargill experienced lingering fear after watching 'Hell House LLC'. Anna Zlokovic pointed to David Lynch's 'Eraserhead' for its enduringly disturbing atmosphere, and Casper Kelly admitted to being genuinely scared after watching 'Paranormal Activity' alone at night. Jalmari Helander recounted the rule-breaking shock of the original 'Scream', while Ryan Prows highlighted 'The Ring' for its chilling atmospheric dread. Finally, filmmaking duo John Adams and Toby Poser shared their anxieties: Poser felt a deep sense of unease from 'Watcher', and Adams was profoundly moved by the existential terror presented in 'The Harbinger'.

The diverse responses from these acclaimed directors underscore the varied nature of fear and its representation in cinema. Their insights reveal that even those who craft horror are susceptible to its power, finding terror not only in jump scares and gore, but also in psychological suspense, broken conventions, and deeply unsettling existential themes. It's a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to tap into our most primal anxieties, even for the most seasoned creators.

The experiences of these horror directors serve as a powerful reminder that fear is a fundamental human emotion, capable of being evoked through countless artistic avenues. Their willingness to share their personal vulnerabilities, even in the face of their professional expertise, highlights the universal impact of compelling narratives and the profound connection between creators and their art.