Tobe Hooper was one of the most influential horror filmmakers ever. He was particularly active in the 1970s and ‘80s, directing some of those decades’ most enduring horrors, like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Poltergeist. Hooper quickly earned a cult following with his bold, often shocking style and his ability to evoke fear through atmosphere and tension. At their best, his projects have a raw, visceral power, simultaneously gripping and unsettling the viewer.

Not all of Hooper’s movies succeed, of course. In fact, his filmography is something of a mixed bag, including both duds and masterpieces. Nevertheless, even his failed experiments tend to feature at least a few intriguing elements, whether it’s a unique fusion of genres or an inspired supporting performance. For this reason, many directors have cited him as an influence, from Ridley Scott and Hideo Nakata to Alexandra Aja and Nicolas Winding Refn. With this in mind, here are Hooper’s ten best movies, ranked.

1. ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ (1974)
2. ‘Poltergeist’ (1982)
3. ‘Salem’s Lot’ (1979)
4. ‘Lifeforce’ (1985)
5. ‘Body Bags’ (1993)
6. ‘The Funhouse’ (1981)
7. ‘Shadow Realm’ (2002)
8. ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2’ (1986)
9. ‘Eaten Alive’ (1976)
10. ‘Invaders from Mars’ (1986)