Osgood “Oz” Perkins, the son of the legendary Psycho actor Anthony Perkins, has carved his own path as a director. His recent film, The Monkey, adapts a lesser-known Stephen King short story, but this is just the tip of the horror iceberg in Perkins’ cinematic repertoire.

Perkins began his Hollywood journey as an actor, appearing in 1983’s Psycho II alongside his father. Though he landed roles in popular films like Legally Blonde, his acclaim comes from writing and directing. The Blackcoat’s Daughter, his directorial debut, earned a “Certified Fresh” badge on Rotten Tomatoes, showcasing Perkins’ signature moody horror style. Here’s a look at where to watch the standout films of Osgood Perkins, ranked by critical and audience acclaim.

Longlegs

Longlegs spins a tale reminiscent of The Silence of the Lambs. FBI Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) embarks on a mission to capture a cunning serial killer (Nicolas Cage) terrorizing Oregon. With its psychological and supernatural fusion, Longlegs became Neon’s highest-grossing film of 2024.

The Monkey

The Monkey brings Stephen King’s 1985 short story from Skeleton Crew to life with Perkins at the helm. This film offers a gory, darkly comedic take on a cursed cymbal-clapping monkey toy, diverging from Perkins’ atmospheric horror for a more playful approach.

The Blackcoat’s Daughter

In The Blackcoat’s Daughter, written and directed by Perkins, two students (Kiernan Shipka and Lucy Boynton) encounter an escaped mental patient (Emma Roberts) at a secluded prep school. This debut skillfully establishes the atmospheric tension characteristic of Perkins’ future works, though it feels slightly "undercooked."

I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House

This film offers a haunting narrative akin to a Shirley Jackson novel. Ruth Wilson stars as Lily Saylor, a live-in nurse for Iris Blum (Paula Prentiss) in a chilling haunted house story. I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House has divided audiences, seen as either an underrated gem or criticized for its climax.

Gretel & Hansel

Gretel & Hansel reimagines the famed Brothers Grimm fairy tale with a supernatural twist. Although the film’s cinematography is striking, the storyline seems to lack excitement. Gretel & Hansel marked Perkins’ first step back from screenwriting, and his absence is noticed.