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 25 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.
25. The Fly (1958)
Kicking off our list is this sci-fi horror classic directed by Kurt Neumann. Price plays François Delambre, the brother of a scientist who meets a tragic fate after an experiment goes awry. While not the lead role, Price brings his usual gravitas to the part, setting the stage for the film’s famously shocking finale. The Fly remains a landmark of 1950s genre cinema.
24. The Raven (1963)
Loosely inspired by the Edgar Allan Poe poem, The Raven is a tongue-in-cheek horror comedy that unites Price with fellow genre icons Boris Karloff and Peter Lorre. Price clearly has a blast as the wizard Erasmus Craven, engaging in magical duels and witty repartee with his co-stars. It’s a delightfully silly romp that showcases Price’s oft-overlooked comedic chops.
23. Witchfinder General (1968)
Also known as The Conqueror Worm in the US, this grim historical horror film features Price as the notorious 17th-century witch hunter Matthew Hopkins. It’s a rare villainous turn for Price, and he delivers a chilling performance as the ruthless Hopkins. Directed by Michael Reeves, Witchfinder General is a harrowing and uncompromising work that ranks among Price’s most intense roles.
22. The Haunted Palace (1963)
Despite its title, The Haunted Palace is actually based on H.P. Lovecraft’s story “The Case of Charles Dexter Ward.” Price stars as a man who inherits a cursed castle and becomes possessed by his warlock ancestor. It’s a moody and atmospheric film that benefits greatly from Price’s ability to convey both vulnerability and menace.
21. The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
Another Corman-Poe adaptation, The Masque of the Red Death showcases Price as the decadent and cruel Prince Prospero, who holds a masquerade ball while the plague ravages the countryside. With its striking visuals and philosophical underpinnings, the film is a standout in the Corman-Poe cycle, and Price’s performance is suitably commanding.
20. The Last Man on Earth (1964)
Based on Richard Matheson’s novel I Am Legend, this post-apocalyptic thriller stars Price as the titular last man, a scientist immune to the plague that has transformed humanity into bloodthirsty vampires. Price anchors the film with a somber, world-weary performance that ranks among his most understated and affecting.
19. The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971)
In this delightfully campy horror-comedy, Price plays Anton Phibes, a disfigured musician who seeks revenge on the doctors he blames for his wife’s death. With its art deco sets, dark humor, and Price’s gloriously over-the-top performance, The Abominable Dr. Phibes is a one-of-a-kind cult classic.
18. Dragonwyck (1946)
One of Price’s earliest starring roles, Dragonwyck is a gothic romance in which he plays a mysterious and brooding aristocrat with a dark secret. It’s a perfect showcase for Price’s ability to blend charm and menace, and his chemistry with co-star Gene Tierney is electric. Dragonwyck established Price as a leading man in the gothic horror genre.
17. The Comedy of Terrors (1964)
Reuniting Price with his Raven co-stars Boris Karloff and Peter Lorre, The Comedy of Terrors is a gleefully macabre farce about a group of unscrupulous undertakers. Price is hilarious as the conniving Waldo Trumbull, and his rapport with his fellow horror icons is a joy to behold. It’s a prime example of Price’s skill as a comedic actor.
16. House of Usher (1960)
The first of Roger Corman’s Edgar Allan Poe adaptations, House of Usher stars Price as Roderick Usher, a tortured aristocrat living in a crumbling mansion with his cataleptic sister. Price’s portrayal of Roderick’s descent into madness is a tour de force, and the film’s lush visuals and oppressive atmosphere make it a gothic horror essential.
15. The Tingler (1959)
Directed by William Castle, the king of gimmick-laden horror films, The Tingler features Price as a scientist who discovers a parasite that feeds on fear. It’s a wonderfully silly premise, but Price plays it completely straight, grounding the film with his authoritative presence. The Tingler is a prime example of Price’s ability to elevate even the most outlandish material.
14. Twice-Told Tales (1963)
An anthology film based on the stories of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Twice-Told Tales gives Price the opportunity to play multiple roles, including a cursed man in “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment” and a hypochondriac in “The House of the Seven Gables.” Price’s versatility is on full display, and he seems to relish the chance to tackle such varied material.
13. The Pit and the Pendulum (1961)
Another Corman-Poe collaboration, The Pit and the Pendulum stars Price as a Spanish nobleman haunted by the specter of his late wife. With its lush color cinematography, elaborate sets, and Price’s tortured performance, the film is a sumptuous and unsettling slice of gothic horror.
12. Tales of Terror (1962)
An anthology film adapting three Poe stories, Tales of Terror showcases Price in multiple roles, including a vengeful sorcerer in “The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar” and a drunkard in “The Cask of Amontillado.” Price’s hammy performances are perfectly suited to the film’s ghoulish, tongue-in-cheek tone.
11. Madhouse (1974)
In this meta-horror film, Price plays an aging horror star whose past comes back to haunt him when a series of murders mirroring his old films begins to occur. Madhouse is a clever and self-referential work that plays with Price’s screen persona in intriguing ways, and his performance is a delight.
10. The Tomb of Ligeia (1964)
The last of the Corman-Poe films, The Tomb of Ligeia stars Price as a widower who becomes obsessed with a mysterious woman who resembles his late wife. With its dreamlike atmosphere and Price’s haunted performance, the film is a fitting swan song for the Corman-Poe cycle.
9. Scream and Scream Again (1970)
A bizarre and unsettling blend of science fiction, horror, and espionage thriller, Scream and Scream Again features Price as a sinister doctor involved in a conspiracy involving super-powered beings. While Price’s role is relatively small, his presence lends the film an air of gravitas and menace.
8. The Whales of August (1987)
In a rare dramatic role, Price plays a Russian expatriate who befriends two elderly sisters (played by Bette Davis and Lillian Gish) in this poignant and understated character study. Price’s performance is gentle and nuanced, a far cry from his usual horror roles, and a testament to his range as an actor.
7. Laura (1944)
While not a horror film, Otto Preminger’s classic film noir features Price in a key supporting role as a charming but shifty playboy. Price’s performance is a perfect blend of sophistication and sleaze, and his scenes with star Gene Tierney crackle with tension. Laura showcases Price’s ability to excel in non-horror roles.
6. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
In this animated Disney film, Price voices the villainous Professor Ratigan, a criminal mastermind who plots to overthrow the mouse queen of England. Price’s vocal performance is a delight, oozing with malevolent charm and wit. It’s a testament to his enduring appeal that he could captivate audiences even in animated form.
5. House on Haunted Hill (1959)
Another William Castle production, House on Haunted Hill stars Price as an eccentric millionaire who offers a group of strangers $10,000 each to spend the night in a haunted house. Price is in top form as the suave and sinister host, and the film’s mix of scares and dark humor make it a beloved classic.
4. The Raven (1935)
Not to be confused with the 1963 comedy, this early Price film is a lavish costume drama inspired by the life of Edgar Allan Poe. Price plays Poe himself, and while the film takes considerable liberties with the author’s biography, Price’s performance is a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of a troubled artist.
3. Witchfinder General (1968)
Price gives one of his most chilling performances as Matthew Hopkins, a ruthless witch hunter who terrorizes the English countryside during the 17th century. Directed by Michael Reeves, Witchfinder General is a bleak and uncompromising film that showcases Price’s ability to play truly monstrous characters.
2. The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971)
Price is at his campy, over-the-top best as Anton Phibes, a disfigured musician who uses elaborate, themed murders to exact revenge on the doctors he blames for his wife’s death. With its art deco sets, dark humor, and Price’s gloriously theatrical performance, The Abominable Dr. Phibes is a cult classic and a showcase for Price’s unique brand of villainy.
1. House of Wax (1953)
The film that cemented Price’s status as a horror icon, House of Wax stars Price as Henry Jarrod, a sculptor who becomes horribly disfigured and takes to murdering people and using their corpses as wax figures. Price’s performance is a masterclass in horror acting, conveying both pathos and menace as the tragic Jarrod. With its lush color cinematography and groundbreaking 3D effects, House of Wax remains a landmark of the genre and a testament to Price’s enduring legacy.
Conclusion
The 25 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.
