1920–1935 · DE
Sharp angles, warped sets, and high-contrast shadows turned inner turmoil into a visual language that defined German Expressionist horror. Silent-era staples like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Nosferatu trade realism for distorted architecture, stylized acting, and dreamlike pacing to make dread feel psychological rather than literal. Expect theatrical performances and bold designs; look for restored prints since many originals survive only in damaged or edited versions.