If you’re a fan of the adrenaline rush that comes with a good scare, you’re in the right place. Horror movies can take many forms — from supernatural beings to serial killers — and some are objectively scarier than others. Here, we list the 15 best scary movies of all time.
15 Best Scary Movies of All Time
The Exorcist (1973)
William Friedkin directed this tale of a young girl possessed by a demon and the frantic efforts to free her through an exorcism. What makes it scary is the high stakes setting, its great special effects, and its horrifying themes about evil and faith. I firmly believe that this film has raised the standard for supernatural horror and continues to frighten audiences to this day.
Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter’s classic introduces Michael Myers, a masked murderer who tracks down and takes out teenagers on Halloween night. The music of suspense and the relentless chase instill a long, permanent feeling of dread. When you take the simplicity of the story with the really chilling music, you get the perfect slasher film.
The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick directed The Shining (1980), a chilling story of a man’s inability to maintain his sanity while alone with his family in a haunted hotel. The creepy atmosphere, psychological horror and unforgettable scenes, such as “Here’s Johnny!”, make it unforgettable. I thoroughly enjoy how the movie creates tension through atmosphere rather than relying solely on jump scares.
Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece about a secretary who winds up at a remote motel managed by a disturbed man. The shocking twists in the plot and the famously unexpected shower scene redefined horror. I believe it’s a must-see movie because it mixes suspense with horror in a way that had long-lasting effects on filmmakers.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Wes Craven created the terrifying Freddy Krueger, who haunts teens in their sleep. The idea that one can be vulnerable even while sleeping is deeply unsettling. I think the kills are original; that dream thing is so scary.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Tobe Hooper’s film is about a group of friends who run into a family of cannibals in the countryside in Texas. Its uncompromising, gritty style and relentless terror are what help cement it as a horror classic. I believe the roughness of the movie, the real sense of danger, makes it scarier.
Alien (1979)
Ridley Scott’s film, a science fiction horror, features a lethal alien creature that haunts the crew of a spaceship. The small space and unseen danger have viewers at the edge of their seatsThe movie skillfully blends science fiction and horror, making the alien creature equally terrifying.
Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster about a giant man-eating shark wreaking havoc on a beach town is known for its tense music and dread of the unseen predator. This movie plays on an innate fear of the water and the unknown creatures beneath it.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Jonathan Demme directed this psychological thriller in which a newly minted F.B.I. trainee enlists the aid of a cannibalistic serial killer to track down another killer. The suspense and the chilling characters give you a thrilling horror experience. The character Hannibal Lecter frightens viewers and yet draws them to him.
Hereditary (2018)
This modern horror from Ari Aster depicts a family plagued by tragic and unearthly occurrences following the death of their grandmother. It’s the chilling and horrifying stuff that makes it a masterpiece. I feel like this movie has an emotional depth and some of these unexpected scares that separate it from the other best scary movies of all time.
Get Out (2017)
This film, directed by Jordan Peele, is about a young Black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family and discovers horrifying secrets. The blend of social commentary and horror makes for truly unique and disturbing fare. I love the way this movie applies horror to real-life issues.
It (2017)
Andy Muschietti’s take on the Stephen King novel has a number of kids battling a shape-shifting evil clown. The film serves up clown phobia and the terror of childhood trauma in a horrific fashion. The film captures that innocence and horror so brilliantly.
The Conjuring (2013)
In James Wan’s film, real-life paranormal investigators assist a family that is terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. The effective scares and the fact that it’s based on a true story make it pretty terrifying. Personally, I found the ambience and jump scares to be superb.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
In Roman Polanski’s slow-burning psychological horror Rosemary’s Baby, a woman suspects a satanic cult has plans for her baby. Suspense and unease only escalate as this film unfolds. It personally found this film’s quiet horror is more unsettling than full loud scares.
The Babadook (2014)
In Jennifer Kent’s film, an evil presence in a cryptic book torments a mother and son. It unpacks grief and mental illness, adding emotional depth to the horror. The reason this film haunts is that it fuses genuine emotional torment with supernatural terror.
Final Thoughts on the Best Scary Movies of All Time
I think these are some of the very best scary movies of all time because they cover a broad range of the genre, forcing us to confront various types of horror — supernatural, psychological, slasher, and even social commentary. I even enjoy horror movies that really make me think about life and evoke some questions to ponder, not just jump scares. Also, a lot of these films have made an impression on the horror genre that still ripples through new movies.
If you’re in the mood for a few spooky flicks worth losing sleep over, this list is a good place to start. I hope you find some new favorites here.
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