Germany has long been known for its rich culture and history, which also extends to the realm of cinema, contributing significantly to the genre of horror. Here’s a list of the 12 best German horror movies ranked from good to unforgettable:

1.Nosferatu: Eine Symphonie des Grauens (1922) – A masterpiece of silent cinema, directed by F.W. Murnau, this movie is a seminal work in the horror genre and effectively set the template for vampire films to follow.

2.Suspiria (1977) – Though directed by Italian Dario Argento, this film was co-produced by Germany. Suspiria is a vivid tale of witchcraft within a dance academy and is renowned for its stunning visuals and soundtrack.

3.Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam (1920) – An iconic piece from the silent era, this film tells the Jewish legend of a clay golem brought to life, set in a visually mesmerizing expressionist world.

4.Funny Games (1997) – Directed by Michael Haneke, this unsettling film dissects violence in media through its story about two young men who take a family hostage.

5.Goodnight Mommy (2014) – This psychological horror about twin boys suspecting that their mother, who has just had facial surgery, is an imposter received critical acclaim for its eerie atmosphere.

6.The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) – A German silent horror film that uses twisted landscapes and stark contrasts to tell the story of an insane hypnotist using a somnambulist to commit murders.

7.Anatomy (2000) – A medical student uncovers a secret society that conducts unethical experiments in the name of science.

8.M (1931) – Directed by Fritz Lang, this chilling thriller-drama about the hunt for a child murderer is often considered precursor elements of psychological horror.

9.Waxworks (1924) – This anthology features stories about historical figures like Harun al-Rashid, Ivan the Terrible, and Jack the Ripper as wax figures that come to life.

10.Luz (2018) – A minimalistic yet gripping possession narrative that takes place mostly within an interrogation room, showcasing innovative storytelling techniques within the horror genre.

11.Prey (2021) – A Netflix Original involving a group of friends being hunted during a hiking trip—blending elements of survival thriller with slasher tendencies.

12.Nothing Bad Can Happen (2013) – Based on true events, this unsettling film explores faith and human cruelty as it tells the story of a young Christian punk drawn into an abusive situation.

These films have not only paved the way for modern horror but also showcased the depth and versatility that German cinema brings to terrifying storytelling.

(Note: The association of “Suspiria” with German cinema might be debatable due to it being an Italian production; however, it’s commonly referenced regarding its contribution thanks to co-production elements.)