Vincent Price is one of the most iconic and beloved actors in the history of horror cinema. With his distinctive voice, aristocratic bearing, and undeniable screen presence, Price left an indelible mark on the genre through a career spanning over five decades. From his early roles in film noir to his legendary collaborations with director Roger Corman, Price’s filmography is a treasure trove of classic performances.
In this article, we’ll be counting down the 22 greatest Vincent Price movies of all time, exploring what makes each of these films so special and highlighting Price’s unforgettable contributions to them. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, join us as we celebrate the remarkable career of the one and only Vincent Price.
22. House of Wax (1953)
In this groundbreaking 3D horror film, Vincent Price stars as Professor Henry Jarrod, a talented wax sculptor whose museum is destroyed by his greedy business partner. Left for dead, Jarrod resurfaces with a new wax museum, featuring uncannily lifelike figures. As bodies begin to disappear from the city morgue, it becomes clear that Jarrod’s new creations are more than mere wax. Price’s portrayal of the disfigured and vengeful Jarrod is a standout, as he imbues the character with a mix of pathos and menace. House of Wax is notable for its innovative use of 3D technology and its influence on the horror genre, with Price’s performance setting the stage for his future roles as iconic horror villains.
21. The Fly (1958)
In this sci-fi horror classic, Vincent Price plays François Delambre, the brother of a scientist who accidentally merges with a fly during a teleportation experiment gone awry. Price’s performance brings gravitas to the tragic tale, as he unravels the mystery surrounding his brother’s bizarre behavior and ultimate fate. The Fly showcases Price’s ability to anchor a film with his commanding presence, even when he’s not the central character. The movie’s shocking reveal and Price’s reaction to it have become iconic moments in cinema history, cementing The Fly‘s status as a must-see for any horror fan.
20. The Tingler (1959)
Directed by gimmick master William Castle, The Tingler stars Vincent Price as Dr. Warren Chapin, a pathologist who discovers a parasitic creature that feeds on human fear. Price’s performance is the perfect blend of scientific curiosity and mounting terror as he confronts the sinister creature. The film is notable for its innovative marketing gimmick, “Percepto,” which involved buzzing devices installed in theater seats to simulate the Tingler’s attack on the audience. The Tingler is a testament to Price’s ability to sell even the most outlandish concepts with his committed performance, making it a beloved cult classic.
19. Tales of Terror (1962)
Tales of Terror is an anthology film that adapts three of Edgar Allan Poe’s short stories, with Vincent Price starring in all three segments. Price’s versatility is on full display as he portrays a grieving widower, a drunkard haunted by a black cat, and a vengeful rival in a deadly wine-tasting contest. Each segment showcases Price’s range, from quiet despair to manic intensity, and his ability to bring Poe’s macabre tales to life. Tales of Terror is a showcase for Price’s talents and a testament to his enduring partnership with director Roger Corman in adapting Poe’s works for the screen.
18. The Raven (1963)
Loosely based on Edgar Allan Poe’s poem of the same name, The Raven is a horror-comedy that pairs Vincent Price with fellow horror icons Boris Karloff and Peter Lorre. Price plays Dr. Erasmus Craven, a magician who becomes embroiled in a battle of wits and sorcery with the transformed titular raven. The film is notable for its blend of humor and horror, with Price, Karloff, and Lorre clearly enjoying their roles and playing off one another’s distinct personas. The Raven showcases Price’s comedic timing and his ability to hold his own alongside other legendary horror actors.
17. Diary of a Madman (1963)
In this psychological thriller based on a short story by Guy de Maupassant, Vincent Price portrays Simon Cordier, a French magistrate possessed by a malevolent spirit. Price’s performance is a master class in conveying the character’s gradual descent into madness, as he struggles against the evil entity that compels him to commit heinous acts. Diary of a Madman allows Price to showcase his range, from the character’s initial stability to his increasingly erratic and sinister behavior. The film is a testament to Price’s ability to carry a movie with his commanding presence and nuanced portrayal of a man’s battle against his inner demons.
16. Twice-Told Tales (1963)
Another anthology film, Twice-Told Tales adapts three stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne, with Vincent Price once again taking on multiple roles. Price’s standout performance comes in the segment “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment,” where he plays a man who discovers a fountain of youth with dire consequences. The actor’s ability to convey the character’s initial wonder and subsequent horror is a testament to his versatility. Twice-Told Tales may not be as well-known as Price’s Edgar Allan Poe adaptations, but it nonetheless showcases his talent for bringing literary horror to life on the big screen.
15. The Last Man on Earth (1964)
In this post-apocalyptic horror film based on Richard Matheson’s novel I Am Legend, Vincent Price stars as Dr. Robert Morgan, the sole survivor of a pandemic that has transformed the world’s population into vampire-like creatures. Price’s performance conveys the character’s isolation, despair, and determination as he fights for survival and searches for a cure. The Last Man on Earth is notable for its bleak atmosphere and Price’s commanding presence, which carries the film’s weight on his shoulders. The movie is a showcase for Price’s ability to anchor a story and deliver a compelling performance, even in a minimalist setting.
14. The Tomb of Ligeia (1964)
The last of Roger Corman’s Edgar Allan Poe adaptations starring Vincent Price, The Tomb of Ligeia features Price as Verden Fell, a man haunted by the spirit of his deceased wife. Price’s portrayal of Fell’s obsession and gradual descent into madness is a highlight of the film, as he grapples with the supernatural forces that threaten to consume him. The Tomb of Ligeia is notable for its atmospheric cinematography and Price’s ability to convey the character’s inner turmoil and mounting dread. The film serves as a fitting conclusion to the Price-Corman Poe cycle, showcasing their successful collaboration in bringing the author’s dark tales to life.
13. The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
In this visually stunning adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, Vincent Price stars as Prince Prospero, a cruel and decadent nobleman who holds a masquerade ball while the peasants outside his castle walls succumb to a deadly plague. Price’s performance is a tour de force, as he revels in the character’s wickedness and ultimate downfall. The Masque of the Red Death is notable for its lush cinematography, elaborate set design, and Price’s commanding presence as the film’s central villain. The movie is a prime example of Price’s ability to portray complex, morally bankrupt characters with a mix of charisma and menace.
12. Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine (1965)
In this campy spy-fi comedy, Vincent Price stars as the titular Dr. Goldfoot, a mad scientist who creates an army of beautiful female robots to seduce and rob wealthy men. Price’s performance is a delightful blend of menace and humor, as he chews the scenery and revels in the film’s absurd premise. Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine showcases Price’s comedic timing and his willingness to embrace the more lighthearted aspects of his screen persona. While not a traditional horror film, it demonstrates Price’s versatility and his ability to adapt to different genres and tones.
11. The Conqueror Worm (1968)
Also known as Witchfinder General, this British horror film stars Vincent Price as Matthew Hopkins, a ruthless 17th-century witch hunter who exploits his position for personal gain. Price’s portrayal of Hopkins is one of his most menacing, as he brings a cold, calculating cruelty to the role. The Conqueror Worm is notable for its graphic violence and bleak atmosphere, which set it apart from Price’s more gothic horror films. The movie showcases Price’s ability to play a truly despicable villain and his talent for conveying the character’s inner darkness through his performance.
10. The Comedy of Terrors (1963)
This horror-comedy reunites Vincent Price with his The Raven co-stars Boris Karloff and Peter Lorre, as well as Basil Rathbone. Price plays Waldo Trumbull, an unscrupulous undertaker who resorts to murder to keep his business afloat. The film is a showcase for Price’s comedic timing and his chemistry with his fellow horror legends. The Comedy of Terrors is notable for its blend of macabre humor and genuine scares, with Price’s performance anchoring the film’s delicate balance of tones. The movie is a testament to Price’s versatility and his ability to hold his own among a cast of iconic actors.
9. Witchfinder General (1968)
Also known as The Conqueror Worm, this British horror film features Vincent Price in one of his most menacing roles as Matthew Hopkins, a ruthless 17th-century witch hunter who exploits his position for personal gain. Price’s portrayal of Hopkins is cold, calculating, and utterly devoid of empathy, making him one of the most chilling villains in the actor’s filmography. Witchfinder General is notable for its graphic violence and bleak atmosphere, which set it apart from Price’s more gothic horror films. The movie showcases Price’s ability to fully embody a truly despicable character and delivers a performance that lingers long after the credits roll.
8. The Haunted Palace (1963)
Loosely based on H.P. Lovecraft’s The Case of Charles Dexter Ward, The Haunted Palace stars Vincent Price in a dual role as Charles Dexter Ward and his sinister ancestor, Joseph Curwen. Price’s performance is a master class in conveying the contrast between the two characters, as he switches between the mild-mannered Ward and the malevolent Curwen with ease. The film is notable for its atmospheric cinematography, eerie score, and Price’s commanding presence, which anchors the story’s supernatural elements. The Haunted Palace is a testament to Price’s versatility and his ability to bring depth to even the most fantastical of tales.
7. The Invisible Man Returns (1940)
In this sequel to the 1933 classic The Invisible Man, Vincent Price plays Geoffrey Radcliffe, a man who is falsely accused of murder and uses the invisibility serum to clear his name. Price’s performance is a highlight of the film, as he conveys the character’s desperation, anger, and eventual madness through his voice and physical presence, despite being invisible for much of the runtime. The Invisible Man Returns is notable for its impressive special effects and Price’s ability to make a lasting impression, even in a supporting role. The film is a testament to Price’s early promise as a versatile actor and his ability to elevate any material.
6. Laura (1944)
In this classic film noir, Vincent Price plays Shelby Carpenter, a charming but duplicitous Southern gentleman who becomes a suspect in the murder of the titular Laura. Price’s performance is a standout, as he brings a mix of suave sophistication and underlying menace to the role. Laura is notable for its lush cinematography, clever plot twists, and Price’s ability to hold his own among a cast of Hollywood heavyweights, including Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. The film is a testament to Price’s range as an actor and his ability to make a lasting impression, even in a supporting role.
5. The Pit and the Pendulum (1961)
This Roger Corman adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s short story stars Vincent Price as Nicholas Medina, a man haunted by his family’s dark past and the untimely death of his wife. Price delivers a tour-de-force performance, conveying Medina’s anguish, paranoia, and eventual descent into madness with unparalleled intensity. The Pit and the Pendulum features stunning visuals, atmospheric sets, and a chilling climax that showcases Price’s ability to portray the psychological torment of his character. The film is a prime example of the successful collaboration between Price and Corman in bringing Poe’s works to life on the big screen.
4. The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971)
Vincent Price stars as the titular Dr. Anton Phibes, a disfigured musical genius who seeks revenge on the doctors he blames for his wife’s death in this stylish horror-comedy. Price’s performance is a masterclass in balancing horror and humor, as he brings a manic energy and dark wit to the role, despite spending much of the film behind elaborate makeup and masks. The Abominable Dr. Phibes is notable for its art deco set design, clever death traps, and Price’s iconic portrayal of the vengeful Phibes. The film is a testament to Price’s enduring appeal and his ability to reinvent himself in the latter stages of his career.
3. House of Usher (1960)
In this landmark adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, Vincent Price delivers a mesmerizing performance as Roderick Usher, a man consumed by grief and madness in the wake of his sister’s untimely death. Price’s portrayal of Usher’s descent into insanity is both chilling and tragic, as he captures the character’s inner turmoil and the weight of his family’s dark legacy. House of Usher is notable for its lush cinematography, atmospheric score, and Price’s ability to convey the story’s gothic horror through his nuanced performance. The film marks the beginning of Price’s successful collaboration with director Roger Corman and solidifies his status as a horror icon.
2. House on Haunted Hill (1959)
In this classic haunted house thriller, Vincent Price stars as Frederick Loren, an eccentric millionaire who offers a group of strangers $10,000 each if they can survive a night in his supposedly haunted mansion. Price’s performance is a masterclass in charisma and ambiguity, as he keeps the audience guessing about his true motives throughout the film. House on Haunted Hill is notable for its clever use of gimmicks, including director William Castle’s famous “Emergo” technique, which involved a skeleton flying over the theater audience during key scenes. The film showcases Price’s ability to command the screen and his talent for blending menace with charm, making it a quintessential entry in his filmography.
1. Theatre of Blood (1973)
At the top of our list is Theatre of Blood, a deliciously macabre horror-comedy that showcases Vincent Price at the height of his powers. Price stars as Edward Lionheart, a Shakespearean actor who takes revenge on the critics who panned his performances by murdering them in the style of the Bard’s plays. Price’s performance is a tour de force, as he gleefully inhabits multiple Shakespearean roles and delivers each kill with a mix of theatricality and dark humor. The film allows Price to showcase his range, from dramatic monologues to physical comedy, all while maintaining a sense of menace and pathos. Theatre of Blood is the perfect blend of horror and comedy, with Price’s performance anchoring the film’s delicate balance of tones. It’s a fitting capstone to his career and a testament to his enduring legacy as a horror icon.
Conclusion
The 22 films on this list represent the cream of the crop, the essential Vincent Price performances that every horror fan should see. But even beyond these classics, Price’s body of work is a treasure trove of memorable performances and iconic moments. He was a true original, a larger-than-life presence who left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
So whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering Price’s work for the first time, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and dedication of this one-of-a-kind actor. His legacy continues to inspire and entertain new generations of fans, and his place in the pantheon of horror greats is forever secure. Long live Vincent Price, the master of menace and the king of horror.
