[Fearonsarms]

Originally Posted by fortunato

La manoir du diable deserves inclusion by virtue of that fact that it's generally considered to be the first horror film. While it was made to be goofy and playful rather than frightening, it still contains many aspects of what would become part of the language of horror cinema--Gothic castle, bats, ghouls, ghosts, as well as some early special effects--all in one 3+ minute short.

Seconded :)