While we get a lot of Top 10 lists from various bands and musicians, it’s rare that we get one that pays homage to the real classics, the ones that created the foundation for our genre. But those are exactly the films that Austin, TX based David Stükenberg is into: black and white films from generations past that may not have the greatest special effects, the most blood (if any), or the most terrifying of villains but instead have charm, amazing atmosphere, and classic, thrilling music.

Stükenberg comments, “My favorite horror movies are the old silent ones like The Unknown,” “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” and of course anything with Vincent Price. I also love the “Abbot & Costello” horror-themed films. Growing up watching a movie like “Frankenstein,” I think I was able to walk away with a little less fear across the board because even as a six year-old, I knew that Frankenstein’s costume was made out of cardboard boxes, and should you become injured by any monsters, you only bleed ketchup, and then you are good. But it’s all truly terrifying with the amazing special effects in black and white. So great.”

And to celebrate the upcoming release of the Appalachian rock-inspired Novella, Stükenberg has put together his Top 10 Black & White Horror Films! Check out the full list below!

Top 10 Black & White Horror Films list from David Stükenberg:
Murder He Says (1945)
Glow in the dark dogs and a redneck household who poisons their unsuspecting guests. Plus, the best hay bail hide-and-seek chase scene ever.

Young Frankenstein (1974)
Mel Brooks taking the Frankenstein franchise with Willy Wonka at the helm. How can you beat that?

The Birds (1963)
Alfred Hitchcock made something normal horrifying, with some of the most epic shots to ever hit the silver screen. Incredibly over dramatic but perfect in its own way.

Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
As if the title didn’t give you enough of a reason to check it out. One shot of the creature’s mask will give you all the reasons you need.

King Kong (1933)
Special effects, special effects, special effects. Oh yeah.

Dracula (1931)
This is the eerie roots of every vampire movie ever made. The silent factor makes this one legitimately unsettling.

Son of Frankenstein (1939)
Some of the best overuse of fog machines in a graveyard, ever. And Boris Karloff is the man!

The Fly (1958)
Vincent Price is in rare form. In case you ever wondered what a human fly would look like, here is your opportunity. I’ll give you a hint: your eyes are huge and on the side of your head.

The Seventh Seal (1957)
I’m not sure it’s technically a horror movie but some of the best acting I have ever seen while playing chess with the Grim Reaper. They don’t make ’em like that anymore.

Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955)
Maybe the most non-scary movie of all time. But, it provides constant laughs at it and even a few with it.

Stükenberg on-line:
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Make sure to check out Stükenberg’s Kickstarter for his new album Novella.

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