In classic horror cinema, few actors command the screen with as much magnetism and distinctive presence as Vincent Price. With a career spanning decades, Vincent Price’s roles have traversed various genres, from horror to comedy, and have cemented him as an iconic titan of film. From iconic villainous roles to more subdued, introspective characters, Price has demonstrated an impressive range in his acting. Vincent Price’s nuanced portrayals often challenge audiences to see beyond the surface, tapping into deeper, more universal themes. His legacy in film continues to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers to this day. His voice, expressive features, and unparalleled ability to evoke emotion make each of his appearances memorable. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best Vincent Price films of all time.
10. The Last Man on Earth – Ubaldo Ragona, Sidney Salkow (1964)
In a post-apocalyptic world, Dr. Robert Morgan, portrayed by Vincent Price, is seemingly the only human left unaffected by a global plague. This plague has either killed humanity or turned them into vampire-like creatures. Day by day, Morgan fortifies his home and hunts these creatures, struggling with loneliness and the weight of his survival. The stark landscapes, devoid of human activity, emphasize the sheer magnitude of Morgan’s isolation. His interactions with the transformed creatures paint a vivid picture of a world turned upside down.
This adaptation of Richard Matheson’s novel “I Am Legend” stands out as one of the best vampire films of the 60s, mostly due to Price’s haunting performance. He perfectly captures the essence of a man burdened with isolation and the constant threat surrounding him. The atmospheric setting and slow burn narrative highlight the hopelessness of Morgan’s existence, with Price’s portrayal at the emotional heart of the film.
9. House on Haunted Hill – William Castle (1959)
Eccentric millionaire Frederick Loren, played by Vincent Price, invites a group of strangers to spend the night in a haunted mansion. Offering $10,000 to anyone who stays the entire night, the guests soon realize the house holds genuine terrors. As the night progresses, mysterious events unfold, making them question Loren’s true intentions. The mansion itself becomes a character in the narrative, with its shadowy corridors and hidden rooms. Each guest has their own motivations and fears, further complicating the unfolding drama.
William Castle’s film is a classic of the horror genre, not least because of Price’s chilling performance. His portrayal of Loren is both mysterious and captivating, keeping audiences guessing throughout. The use of sound and lighting also plays a crucial role in building tension and emphasizing the mansion’s haunting atmosphere. The film’s suspenseful storyline, coupled with Price’s enigmatic presence, creates a memorable experience filled with thrills and chills.
8. House of Wax – André de Toth (1953)
Vincent Price takes on the role of Professor Henry Jarrod, a wax sculptor in 1900s New York. After a devastating fire set by his business partner, Jarrod is presumed dead, only to return with a new wax museum. However, there’s a dark secret behind his lifelike creations, leading to horrifying revelations. As the story unfolds, the museum’s eerie ambiance and the uncanny resemblance of the wax figures to real-life people become increasingly unsettling. The suspense intensifies when visitors to the museum recognize familiar faces among the exhibits. The macabre twist on art and reality blurs the lines, heightening the audience’s unease.
This 3D horror film showcases Price in one of his most iconic roles. His transformation from a passionate artist to a man consumed by revenge is both enthralling and terrifying. The film’s innovative use of 3D technology, combined with Price’s chilling performance, makes “House of Wax” a standout in classic horror cinema.
7. The Fly – Kurt Neumann (1958)
Scientist André Delambre, played by Vincent Price, becomes a victim of his experiment when he attempts to teleport himself, only to have his atoms merged with a fly. As Delambre slowly transforms into a human-fly hybrid, his brother François, also portrayed by Price, tries to find a solution while uncovering the shocking truth of the experiment. The transformation scenes are particularly unsettling, highlighting the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition. The emotional turmoil faced by the Delambre family, as they grapple with André’s horrifying condition, adds layers of drama and suspense to the story. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale, warning of the unintended consequences of playing with nature.
Price’s performance in “The Fly” showcases his versatility as he juggles two roles in one film. His portrayal of both the tormented scientist and the desperate brother adds a further layer of depth to this classic science fiction horror tale. The film’s unique premise, combined with the memorable acting, has solidified “The Fly” as one of the best Vincent Price films of all time and a must-watch in the annals of horror.
6. Theatre of Blood – Douglas Hickox (1973)
In this darkly comedic horror, Vincent Price stars as Edward Lionheart, a disgraced Shakespearean actor who believes he was unjustly denied a prestigious critics’ award. To exact his revenge, Lionheart enacts a series of murders inspired by Shakespeare’s plays, targeting the very critics who spurned him. Each murder, meticulously crafted to mirror the Bard’s tales, showcases Price’s deep understanding of Shakespearean drama. The manner in which Lionheart gleefully revels in his revenge showcases the depths of his obsession and bitterness. As the critics scramble in fear, the audience is treated to a twisted celebration of classic literature in a modern setting.
Vincent Price’s flamboyant and theatrical performance is the highlight of “Theatre of Blood”. His character’s over-the-top acts of vengeance, combined with the film’s unique blend of horror and humor, make for an unforgettable viewing experience. The film stands as a testament to Price’s ability to dominate the screen, regardless of the genre.
5. The Ten Commandments – Cecil B. DeMille (1956)
The biblical epic, “The Ten Commandments,” directed by Cecil B. DeMille, retells the life of Moses from his discovery as an infant by Pharaoh’s daughter, to his role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and slavery. With the voice of God as his guide, Moses challenges the might of the Egyptian empire, resulting in the ten plagues that ravage the land. Vincent Price stars as Baka, the master builder, playing a significant role in the Egyptian hierarchy. His portrayal adds another layer to this grand tale, offering a nuanced perspective on the dynamics of power.
DeMille’s film is a spectacle of its era, boasting impressive set pieces and a large ensemble cast. Price’s role as Baka, though not central, provides audiences with an insight into the intricacies of the Egyptian court, and his inevitable confrontation with Moses is a pivotal moment. The film’s grandeur and narrative strength make it an enduring classic and easily one of the best Vincent Price films ever. The blending of history, religion, and drama crafts a tale that resonates with audiences to this day.
4. Edward Scissorhands – Tim Burton (1990)
In the gothic fairy tale “Edward Scissorhands,” Vincent Price portrays the role of the Inventor who creates Edward, a man with scissors for hands. When the Inventor passes away, Edward is left unfinished and alone in a mansion until a local Avon representative discovers him and introduces him to suburban life. As Edward tries to fit into a world he’s unfamiliar with, his unique hands both fascinate and terrify the local community. Despite his differences, he forms a bond with the Boggs family, especially their daughter Kim.
Tim Burton’s unique vision and style are evident throughout the film, which melds whimsy with a sense of melancholy. Price’s role as the Inventor, while brief, is essential in understanding Edward’s origins and the loneliness that characterizes him. The Inventor’s untimely death serves as a poignant backdrop to Edward’s longing for connection and acceptance. The film is celebrated for its ability to showcase the beauty in being different, and Price’s heartfelt portrayal is a testament to that.
3. The Abominable Dr. Phibes – Robert Fuest (1971)
Dr. Anton Phibes, portrayed by Vincent Price, is a disfigured concert organist who believes his beloved wife died due to the incompetence of her medical team. In a tale of chilling revenge, Phibes orchestrates a series of murders, each inspired by the Biblical Ten Plagues of Egypt, targeting the surgeons he holds responsible. Assisted by his silent aide Vulnavia, Phibes executes his diabolical plan with intricate precision. The police, led by Inspector Trout, scramble to decipher the pattern behind the gruesome murders before more lives are claimed.
Robert Fuest’s “The Abominable Dr. Phibes” is a unique blend of horror and dark humor, with Price’s performance as the centerpiece. His portrayal of Phibes is a masterclass in restrained menace, blending sorrow with a macabre sense of justice. The film’s cleverly designed death traps and its haunting art deco aesthetics ensure its place as one of the best Vincent Price films of all time, becoming one of his most iconic roles, marking a highlight in his illustrious career.
2. The Thief and the Cobbler – Richard Williams (1993)
In the animated fantasy “The Thief and the Cobbler,” the Golden City’s peace is maintained by three golden balls atop its tallest minaret. The story follows Tack, a mute cobbler, who inadvertently crosses paths with a thief, setting off a chain of events that threaten the city’s safety. Vincent Price lends his voice to the film as Zigzag, the grand vizier, who has sinister plans to overthrow the kingdom with the help of the One-Eyes, a barbaric army. The film becomes a race against time as Tack and the thief try to retrieve the golden balls and save the city.
Richard Williams’ animated magnum opus offers a visual feast, distinguished by its detailed design and fluid animation. Vincent Price’s voice acting for Zigzag provides a delightful villainy that contrasts beautifully with the silent protagonists. The film’s unique storytelling, combined with its visual splendor, makes it a standout in the realm of British animation. Vincent Price’s contribution adds a layer of theatrical charm to a tale that’s both timeless and enchanting.
1. The Masque of the Red Death – Roger Corman (1964)
Based on Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, “The Masque of the Red Death” sees Vincent Price as the wicked Prince Prospero. As a deadly plague, known as the Red Death, ravages the land, Prospero takes pleasure in the suffering of his subjects, sealing himself and a selection of nobles inside his castle to avoid the disease. The prince holds a decadent ball, mocking the death outside his walls, only to be confronted by a mysterious masked figure representing the very plague he seeks to escape from. The story becomes a meditation on life, death, and the inevitability of fate.
Roger Corman’s adaptation captures the eerie essence of Poe’s tale, bathed in rich colors and gothic atmospheres. Price’s portrayal of Prospero is both captivating and terrifying, embodying the hubris and decadence of a man who believes he can defy death itself. The film’s thematic depth, combined with its visual beauty, provides a haunting cinematic experience. As Prince Pospero navigates the narrative’s moral complexities, viewers are left to contemplate the nature of existence and the unstoppable march of time, making this one of the best Vincent Price films ever.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best Vincent Price films of all time:
- The Last Man on Earth – Ubaldo Ragona, Sidney Salkow (1964)
- House on Haunted Hill – William Castle (1959)
- House of Wax – André de Toth (1953)
- The Fly – Kurt Neumann (1958)
- Theatre of Blood – Douglas Hickox (1973)
- The Ten Commandments – Cecil B. DeMille (1956)
- Edward Scissorhands – Tim Burton (1990)
- The Abominable Dr. Phibes – Robert Fuest (1971)
- The Thief and the Cobbler – Richard Williams (1993)
- The Masque of the Red Death – Roger Corman (1964)
