1976—Brian De Palma, director—starring Sissy Spacek, John Travolta, Piper Laurie
Brian De Palma’s Carrie was the first screen adaptation of a Stephen King book—of his first published novel, in fact—and it is still considered one of the very best. The film (marking its 50th anniversary this year) established its American director as a filmmaker of prominence. Both Sissy Spacek (in her breakout role as Carrie) and Piper Laurie (as her religious fanatic mother) earned Oscar nominations (a rare thing for a horror movie). Carrie also introduced Amy Irving and P.J. Soles to the screen and gave Nancy Allen and John Travolta their first significant movie roles. The film’s climactic prom scene (featuring Carrie in a now iconic pink prom gown) is a De Palma tour de force.
Content warning: Carrie is an R-rated film.