While Horror may not be the first genre you think of in association with Academy Awards, it is not entirely uncommon for some spooky films to really capture a wide audience and carry elements of Oscar-winning films. With Spooktober in full throttle at this moment in time, we thought it was best to share with you some of the most iconic award-winning horror movies of all time. 

‘Rosemary’s Baby’ (1968)

While Farrow’s performance did not earn a Best Actress, the film did earn a nomination and win for Best Supporting Actress with Ruth Gordon’s performance. It would be Gordon’s only career win and final nomination. Rosemary’s Baby earned its other nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. 

‘The Exorcist’ (1973)

Becoming a foundational film for the 20th-century horror genre, The Exorcist received its critical due with ten Oscar nominations. Only earning two wins from its extensive nominations, The Exorcist was nominated for Best Editing, (now called) Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress. The iconic horror film won Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound. To relive the horrors of this tale, you can stream The Exorcist on HBO Max.

‘The Omen’ (1976)

The 1960’s and 70’s became absolutely notorious for producing a list of horror films which have a big cultural impact and fan following. Only recognized for its musical feats, The Omen earned two Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song and Best Original Score, taking home the latter award. While the chilling story did not earn any acting, directing, or production nominations/awards, it still withstands the test of time, as its 2006 remake failed to do it justice.

‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)

The film that swept the Oscars, winning five of its seven nominations, The Silence of the Lambs featured cinema’s favourite cannibal psychiatrist, based on the novel by Thomas Harris.

Foster and Hopkins would take home statues for Best Actress and Actor, respectively. The late Jonathan Demme walked away with Best Director, and screenwriter Ted Tally won Best Adapted Screenplay. Becoming the third film in Oscar history to do so, The Silence of the Lambs won Best Picture, taking home the “Big Five.”

‘Sleepy Hollow’ (1999)

A Tim Burton adaptation of the classic tale, Sleepy Hollow has remained a Halloween classic for die-hard fans of the season, starring cult favorite Johnny Depp. 

Burton and his team were finally rewarded for their whimsical and macabre style; Sleepy Hollow earned the Oscar for Best Production Design. This would be its only win of three nominations, with Best Costume Design and Best Cinematography as the other nominations.