Mads Mikkelsen favorite horror movies revealed as he and Hugh Dancy, both central to NBC’s Hannibal, shared their top picks during a recent convention appearance, spotlighting classic films that have shaped the genre. The iconic actors reflected on their choices at Emerald City Comic Con 2025, offering a look at horror staples that continue to inspire fans worldwide.
Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy Share Their Horror Film Influences
Having played the complex roles of Hannibal Lecter and Will Graham, Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy are well-versed in the psychological territory of horror. Their experience on a visually striking and intricate television series has given them a deep appreciation for what makes horror compelling. Their ability to discern quality within the genre is trusted by audiences, since they bring authenticity from their own acclaimed work.
The duo’s exposure to psychological themes in their acting doesn’t limit their appreciation for traditional scares. Both have shown appreciation for the classics that have stood the test of time, embracing both suspense and more direct, spine-chilling narratives. This blend of taste reflects not only their professional background but a genuine passion for impactful cinema.
Hugh Dancy Singles Out Nosferatu as an Eternal Classic
At a recent convention stop, Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy continued to engage with their fanbase. At Emerald City Comic Con 2025, the pair were quizzed about their horror movie preferences, with their answers drawing special interest from attendees and genre fans alike. When the question of favorite horror films arose, the breadth of the genre left them momentarily overwhelmed, but their choices soon emerged.
Hugh Dancy was quick to express his enduring admiration for Nosferatu. He made it clear he referred to the original 1922 masterpiece, Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, not the recent version directed by Robert Eggers. The film, renowned for its innovation and formative impact on vampire lore, holds a remarkable 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its role in mainstreaming vampires as figures of terror rather than fascination remains significant even after a century.
For contemporary audiences wanting to revisit this silent era icon, Nosferatu is now highly accessible. It can be streamed for free on Plex, with additional options on Amazon Prime Video and Fandango, as well as rental through Apple TV. Dancy’s recommendation arrives at a moment when the film’s availability makes it easy for horror fans old and new to experience this genre titan.
Exploring More Favorites: The Shining and Halloween
Hugh Dancy also included another revered title on his list, noting he is a great admirer of The Shining. The film adapts Stephen King’s novel to chilling effect and features a cast led by Jack Nicholson, Shelly Duvall, and Philip Stone. With an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score and a legacy that continues to shape the horror landscape, Dancy’s choice reflects thoughtful engagement with classics that have left a cultural mark.
Mads Mikkelsen, meanwhile, selected John Carpenter’s Halloween from 1978 as his standout. He recounted personal experiences tied to the film’s release: being too young for the cinema at the time, he had to rely on his brother’s detailed retellings of the plot before sneaking into a screening. The anticipation and buildup did nothing to water down his reaction.
For me, it was the first Halloween film. I snuck into the movies when I was too young for it, and my brother had seen it and he just pitched it to me, like, 50 times and I was just listening to him. And then I eventually, when I came in and saw it… I was frozen in the seat even though I knew everything that was happening.
—Mads Mikkelsen, Actor
The iconic slasher, directed by John Carpenter, is widely celebrated for its position as a defining entry in horror, with Mikkelsen’s memory demonstrating the emotional potency such films can have even decades after their debut. Despite knowing the plot beforehand, the atmosphere and execution left him transfixed—an experience many horror enthusiasts can relate to with their first exposure to a genre-defining classic.
All three films mentioned by the actors—Nosferatu, The Shining, and Halloween—remain accessible via popular streaming services. Nosferatu is free on Plex and rentable elsewhere, The Shining can be watched on Apple TV, and Halloween is available through Netflix. Their recommendations offer a ready-made watchlist for anyone eager to revisit or discover horror cinema’s most influential works.
The Enduring Impact of Horror Choices from Genre Veterans
The selections from Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy highlight not only their expertise as actors within the horror space but also their appreciation for foundational works in the genre. Their choices—from the silent-era innovation of Nosferatu, to the psychological terror of The Shining, and the unforgettable suspense of Halloween—offer insight into the films that have shaped their craft and continue to influence the broader landscape of horror entertainment.
By sharing these titles, Mikkelsen and Dancy both reflect and reinforce the continuing legacy of horror cinema, encouraging both seasoned fans and newcomers to seek out and appreciate the artistry and history of the genre’s milestones. As discussions around future Hannibal projects persist, their film recommendations stand as a testament to the genre’s enduring appeal and their own roles as passionate curators of its best.
