Top 12 Christopher Lee Horror Films of All Time
Do you like Christopher Lee’s chillingly iconic performances in classic Hammer Horror films? If so, join us as we look back at his top 12 horror movies of all time.
We’ll explore how these spooky thrillers made audiences around the globe scream with terror and delight over six decades ago – and still do to this day!
Whether you’re new to the genre or an old-time enthusiast, we guarantee our list has something for every horror movie lover.
It’s time to unearth The Top 12 of Christopher Lee’s best Horror films of all time – plus we have added a couple of bonus movies that make up some of the most frightening – horror films ever!
The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)
The Curse of Frankenstein was one of the first color horror films by Hammer Film Productions. This movie is loosely based on Mary Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus. Christopher Lee plays an updated version of Frankenstein’s Monster.
The success of The Curse of Frankenstein inspired Hammer Film Productions to make The Horror of Dracula, as well as giving The Curse of Frankenstein its own series of sequels.
Some of these sequels included films like:
- The Revenge of Frankenstein
- The Evil of Frankenstein
- Frankenstein Created Woman
- Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed
- The Horror of Frankenstein
- Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell
The Horror of Dracula (1958)
Christopher Lee might be most famous for playing Count Dracula in the 1958 British horror film The Horror of Dracula. This movie is notable for being the first color adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel and helped shape the popular image of Count Dracula.
- Chris Lee only has ten lines in this movie, all at the ten-minute mark of the film.
- Count Dracula never actually speaks to anyone other than Jonathan Harker in the entire movie, except for a few snarls and hisses.
- The movie was filmed at Bray Studios and the neighboring estate in Berkshire. From 1951 through 1970, Hammer Film Productions owned this studio.
While much of Dracula’s popular conception is derived from Bela Lugosi’s portrayal – Lugosi wore a formal evening dress and spoke with a thick Hungarian accent – but Lee’s portrayal was equally influential.
Among other things, Lee’s portrayal introduced the idea of Dracula being tall, wearing fangs, and having a widow’s peak.
The Horror of Dracula was extremely popular, and it led to a number of sequels. These are some of the most famous vampire movies ever made and Christopher Lee would usually star in these movies alongside his good friend Peter Cushing.
The Mummy (1959)
The Mummy is another classic Hammer Horror film, inspired by the series of Universal Horror films about mummies from the 1940s.
- Before the sequence was shot, a grip unintentionally bolted the door Sir Christopher Lee must smash through. When Lee broke down the door, his shoulder was dislocated, yet the scene is still shown in the film.
- Not all of Christopher Lee’s mummy walks are acting. He sustained injuries to his knees and shins while filming scenes in the studio tank “swamp” in addition to the back and shoulder problems mentioned above. He was unable to view the many pipes and fittings that were hidden beneath the murky water.
Like many of the classic horror films that Christopher Lee starred in, The Mummy also features Peter Cushing.
The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959)
The Hound of the Baskervilles is one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous novels, telling the story of Sherlock Holmes as he investigates mysterious murder attempts involving a mysterious hellhound.
The novel was adapted into a film in 1959 by Hammer Film Productions. This mystery/horror film stars Christopher Lee as Sir Henry Baskerville. This film is less famous than the Dracula or Frankenstein films, but it is still one of Christopher Lee’s best horror films.
The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll (1960)
Continuing the tradition of adapting classic gothic horror novels, Hammer Film Productions released The Two Faces of Dr. Jeckyll back in 1960, shortly after the success of movies like The Curse of Frankenstein, The Horror of Dracula, and The Hound of the Baskervilles.
In The Two Faces of Dr. Jeckyll, Christopher Lee does not play either Dr. Jeckyll or Mr. Hyde, but their acquaintance Paul Allen, who becomes wrapped up in the mysterious murders that are gripping the city.
The Gorgon (1964)
The Gorgon is a 1964 gem starring horror legends Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. Directed by Terence Fisher, this film tells the story of a small town plagued by a terrifying creature that turns people into stone.
What makes The Gorgon stand out from other horror movies of its time is its atmosphere and suspense. Fisher creates a pervasive sense of dread throughout the film, with the townspeople constantly on edge and unsure of how to defeat the monster. Every scene drips with tension, building to a heart-pumping climax.
Lee and Cushing are at the top of their game here, delivering dynamic performances that make the audience feel connected to their plight.
The film also boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Richard Pasco and Barbara Shelley, both of whom add depth and texture to the story.
But let’s get back to the creature itself – what is the Gorgon, exactly? Without giving too much away, let’s just say that it’s not your typical bogeyman.
This creature is a true nightmare, with a unique method of attack that will stick with you long after the movie is over.
Plus, the special effects used to bring the Gorgon to life are impressive even by modern standards, adding to the film’s overall sense of unease.
With its strong cast, expert direction, and terrifying premise, this film is a true classic of the genre. Be prepared to be terrified – but remember to keep a statue of yourself handy, just in case.
Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966)
Dracula: Prince of Darkness, the second film in the Hammer Dracula series. Starring the legendary Christopher Lee as the titular vampire, this Movie is a spooky and thrilling ride that will leave you wanting more.
Directed by Terence Fisher, Dracula: Prince of Darkness was released in 1966 and has since become a major cult classic.
It follows the story of Dracula, who is on a mission to bring his wife back to life. The catch? He needs the blood of young, innocent women to make it happen.
As you can imagine, chaos ensues as Dracula sets his sights on his next victim, all in the name of resurrecting the love of his life. But everything is not as it seems, and soon the characters are faced with some unexpected twists and turns.
- According to Sir Christopher Lee, the lines assigned to his character were so terrible that he decided to play them silently. Lee is misremembering this, according to screenwriter Jimmy Sangster, who asserts that Dracula’s language was not written by Sangster for the film.
The film’s gothic atmosphere and spooky set design make for a truly immersive experience.
The Blood Demon (1967)
The Blood Demon is another great Christopher Lee horror movie, based on the classic Edgar Allan Poe story “The Pit and the Pendulum.”
The film tells the story of a count (played by Lee) who has been executed for murdering young women. The Count then comes back to life seeking revenge for his execution.
Dracula Has Risen from The Grave (1968)
Buckle up vampire fans, because we’re diving into one of the most legendary Dracula adaptations of all time – “Dracula Has Risen from the Grave.”
Set in the heart of London during the 1970s, “Dracula Has Risen from the Grave” sees the Count resurrected from his grave once again, ready to terrorize unsuspecting mortals.
Armed with supernatural powers that allow him to control the minds and bodies of the living, Dracula sets his sights on creating fear and chaos throughout the city.
But this isn’t a typical vampire story where the villain runs wild without consequence. Instead, a group of brave individuals bands together to take down the undead monster and save London from his clutches.
As they face off against Dracula, they show incredible strength, courage, and resourcefulness – proving that even the most powerful foe can be conquered.
One of the things that set “Dracula Has Risen from the Grave” apart from other Dracula adaptations is its gripping storyline.
With strong character development, unexpected twists and turns, and plenty of heart-pumping action, this movie keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Count Dracula (1970)
Are you ready for a goosebump-inducing cinematic adventure? Look no further than the 1970 British horror film, Count Dracula, which sees the legendary Christopher Lee taking on the iconic role of the titular character. Count Dracula is a cinematic masterpiece that is sure to leave you spellbound.
- Lee felt this performance was his best as Dracula.
- This movie was not a Hammer film and was shot in Spain or Italy.
- This is the first movie where Dracula begins as an old man and gets younger as he feeds on his victims.
- This is the only appearance of Count Dracula with facial hair.
Despite mixed reviews from critics upon its release, Count Dracula still managed to gross $2 million at the box office. One film critic called it “one of the world’s worst horror films” (but hey, what do we know, we love Plan 9 from Outer Space)
The House That Dripped Blood (1971)
The House That Dripped Blood is an anthology horror film from 1971. The story centers around a haunted house where a famous actor has recently disappeared.
A police inspector visits the local police station to get information about the disappearance and is told strange stories about the house.
One of these stories is called “Sweets to Sweet” and stars Christopher Lee as a widower and abusive father who will not let his daughter own toys or play with other children.
His daughter’s teacher becomes increasingly concerned with John Reid (Christopher Lee)’s behavior and when she tries to get information from him, he says he is glad his wife died.
Like the rest of the segments in this anthology film, “Sweets to Sweet” builds up to a shocking and wonderfully gruesome twist ending.
The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973)
The best sequel to The Horror of Dracula might be The Satanic Rites of Dracula. This was the last Dracula movie in the Hammer Horror series, and it was the last time that Christopher Lee played Count Dracula.
The Satanic Rites of Dracula is set in then-contemporary 1970s England, and it is notable for being another movie that stars Lee alongside his friend Peter Cushing, who plays Van Helsing.
BONUS: Here are two more Christopher Lee Horror movies we think are a “Must See.”
The Wicker Man (1973)
The Wicker Man is a classic of the folk horror genre. This is one of Christopher Lee’s most famous movies, and it follows the story of a puritan investigator who is investigating the disappearance of a young girl on a mysterious island.
When he gets to the island, the investigator finds a cult of pagans led by Lord Summerisle (played by Christopher Lee).
Things get increasingly bizarre the further the inspector investigates, and then builds up to one of the most shocking climaxes in film history.
Horror Express (1972)
Get ready for a spine-tingling ride on the Horror Express!
This 1972 horror classic stars our two favorite actors of the genre – Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing – and delivers a hair-raising tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
The storyline follows a group of travelers on a train journey through Russia, who soon discover that they have inadvertently unleashed a prehistoric monster from its icy tomb.
As it runs amok, attacking and killing anyone in its path, the passengers soon realize that their only hope for survival is to work together to stop the creature at any cost.
One of the standout features of Horror Express is its use of special effects. The movie’s nightmarish visuals are sure to leave an indelible impression on even the most hardened horror fans.
From the monster itself to its gory victims, every detail is crafted to perfection, creating a truly terrifying experience.
But it’s not just the visuals that make Horror Express a horror classic. The movie’s soundtrack is also incredibly effective at building tension and creating an eerie atmosphere.
It’s the perfect accompaniment to the onscreen action, drawing viewers deeper into the story and heightening the sense of danger.
Overall, Horror Express is a must-watch for fans of gothic horror. Its engaging characters, thrilling plot, and spooky atmosphere make it a standout example of the genre, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its enduring appeal.
“Its A Wrap”
Sir Christopher Lee’s work in the Hammer Horror movies is essential viewing for any self-respecting horror fanatic. His commanding presence and distinctive voice added a layer of sophistication to the genre that still holds up today.
But what sets these films apart from modern horror is their ability to be genuinely creepy without relying on extreme violence or gore.
The subtle use of music, lighting, and Lee’s own performance create an atmosphere that will leave you uneasy long after the credits have rolled.
If you’re new to the Hammer Horror movies, start with Lee’s iconic portrayal of Dracula and work your way through the rest.
From the moody Gothic horror of The Gorgon to the thrilling train ride of Horror Express, there’s something for every horror fan.
