· Tara Price · Lifestyle
The Best Horror Movies: Guaranteed Screams from the Scariest Classics to Modern Nightmares
Let’s not mince words: The best horror movies have a way of creeping into our minds and staying there, haunting our dreams, and making us check under our beds for weeks.
Whether you’re a seasoned horror lover or just dipping your toes into the genre, this list of the best horror movies will have you questioning every creak and groan of your home.
Whether you’re a seasoned horror aficionado or just dipping your toes into the dark waters, this list of the best horror movies of all time will have you questioning every creak and groan of your home.
We’re covering everything from good old-fashioned supernatural spooks to modern-day nightmares that redefine terror.
What Makes a Horror Movie Truly Terrifying?
The beauty of horror is that there’s something for everyone. It could be the slow, creeping dread of psychological horror that leaves you questioning reality (think The Shining), or a gorefest with zombies splattering across the screen (Dead Alive, anyone?).
Fear hits differently for everyone, and our selections here reflect the diversity of terror.
Remember, a great horror movie isn’t just about jump scares—it’s about taking your anxiety, turning it up to eleven, and keeping you hooked.
1. The Exorcist (1973)
It doesn’t matter if you’re a sceptic or a true believer; The Exorcist will put chills down your spine.
A young girl possessed by a demon, a mother desperate for answers, and a priest battling his faith—this movie packs some of the most bone-rattling visuals ever put on film.
The phrase “possession horror” practically got its name here. You might want to keep a light on for this one.
2. Hereditary (2018)
If you’re not emotionally ready for a serious ride, then Hereditary will kindly escort you to the exit.
Its fear isn’t just in what’s happening—it’s in what’s lurking beyond, waiting to reveal itself.
Director Ari Aster delivers a heavy dose of generational trauma mixed with supernatural terror.
The head-scratching moments you’re left with are unforgettable—one moment in particular might just pop into your mind at the worst times.
3. The Ring (2002)
Nothing beats a good urban legend—except, perhaps, one that reaches out of your TV and comes for you personally.
The Ring introduced audiences to Sadako and reminded us that VHS tapes can be far scarier than anyone realised.
One viewing is enough to haunt you for years. Just don’t answer the phone afterward.
4. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Atmosphere. That’s what makes The Texas Chainsaw Massacre a perpetual classic.
The almost documentary-style grit makes it easy to forget it’s just a movie.
Leatherface became an icon, but it’s the buildup, the feeling of being trapped in Texas with nowhere to run, that keeps it terrifyingly relevant. There’s hardly any blood—but the terror seeps in through every frame.
5. The Descent (2005)
The Descent is a perfect mix of claustrophobia and monsters—a creature feature that brings some legitimate chills.
The real terror begins when a group of friends venture into the dark recesses of a cave.
Think darkness, shadows, panic, and creatures lurking just out of sight.
For many, the idea of being trapped underground with no escape would already be enough. Throw in terrifying cave creatures, and it’s game over.
6. Psycho (1960)
Hitchcock had a knack for transforming the mundane into something chilling.
Psycho turns a roadside motel and an overly devoted son into the stuff of nightmares.
Marion Crane’s shower might be the most famous in cinematic history, and Norman Bates—well, he redefined the term “mommy issues.”
7. Sinister (2012)
People have different opinions about what scares them. Some fear the supernatural, others the unknown.
With Sinister, it’s the creepy tapes that provide that unsettling chill. A struggling writer finds a box of disturbing home videos—each one more disturbing than the last.
You’ll be double-checking every noise in the house after this one.
8. Halloween (1978)
Michael Myers is just…always there. That sense of inescapable dread, of inevitability—that’s what Halloween brings to the horror table.
It’s simple, it’s relentless, and the soundtrack will make your skin crawl before the Shape even shows up. You know what makes it scarier? The fact that he doesn’t need a reason.
9. Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s Get Out puts a new twist on horror by bringing in social commentary so cleverly that the real horror becomes society itself.
The moment you meet the Armitages, you feel something’s not quite right. It’s witty, it’s tense, and it’s unlike anything else.
10. The Thing (1982)
John Carpenter’s The Thing is paranoia manifested. It’s cold, isolated, and filled with distrust.
The practical effects are still unmatched, with transformations that will leave you staring at the screen in disbelief.
The Antarctic research base is already terrifying in its isolation—adding a shapeshifting alien just makes it that much worse.
11. Suspiria (1977)
Dario Argento’s Suspiria is a wild ride into the depths of witchcraft and colour-drenched nightmares.
The plot may be thin, but it doesn’t matter. This movie is an assault on the senses, with vivid imagery, disturbing music, and an eerie sense of foreboding.
You’ll feel like you’re trapped in a nightmare of neon hues and whispered incantations.
12. The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel is a masterclass in psychological horror. Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of Jack Torrance’s descent into madness is as chilling as it is unforgettable.
The Overlook Hotel, with its endless hallways and impossible layout, becomes a character of its own.
If the twin girls or the woman in Room 237 don’t get you, the sense of impending doom will.
13. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Before found footage became a mainstream genre, The Blair Witch Project pioneered the style and left audiences terrified.
The fear comes from what you don’t see, as three filmmakers venture into the woods and never come back.
The shaky cameras, the strange symbols, and the eerie sound of twigs snapping at night make this movie a raw, immersive experience.
14. It Follows (2014)
A curse that passes from person to person like a twisted game of tag—It Follows is one of the most unique horror films in recent years.
The slow, inevitable pace of the entity coming after you is terrifying. There’s no escaping it, no matter how far you run.
It’s a simple concept executed brilliantly, leaving you feeling paranoid and unsettled.
15. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Freddy Krueger is the stuff of literal nightmares. Wes Craven brought us a villain who doesn’t just haunt your dreams—he kills you in them.
With its surreal visuals and terrifying concept, A Nightmare on Elm Street turned sleep into something to fear. You’ll be scared to close your eyes.
16. The Conjuring (2013)
Based on the real-life cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring is a modern supernatural horror masterpiece.
It has all the elements of a classic haunted house story—creepy basements, eerie dolls, and malevolent spirits.
James Wan’s direction makes every scene a masterclass in tension-building.
17. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby is a slow-burn horror that focuses on paranoia and betrayal.
When Rosemary becomes pregnant, she begins to suspect that her neighbours are part of a satanic cult, and her growing paranoia is enough to make you question everyone around you.
The psychological horror here is as chilling as the supernatural elements.
18. Midsommar (2019)
Ari Aster’s Midsommar takes the horror genre and places it in broad daylight, making it all the more unsettling.
What starts as a trip to a secluded Swedish village turns into a nightmare of cult rituals and human sacrifice.
The vibrant visuals and unsettling atmosphere make it an experience you won’t forget.
19. The Babadook (2014)
Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook is more than just a monster movie—it’s a study of grief and mental health.
The titular creature represents the darkness that lurks within and the struggle to keep it at bay.
The combination of psychological terror and the supernatural makes this film a deeply affecting experience.
20. Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg’s Jaws might be the reason so many people are still terrified of the ocean.
The great white shark terrorising a small coastal town is as menacing as any supernatural creature.
The suspense, the music, and the primal fear of what lies beneath make Jaws an unforgettable horror experience.
21. The Omen (1976)
The Omen is a chilling tale of a young boy who might just be the Antichrist.
With strange deaths surrounding him and an eerie atmosphere that builds throughout the film, this classic horror keeps you on edge.
It’s a masterclass in how to build tension without relying on excessive gore or jump scares.
22. Poltergeist (1982)
“They’re here…” Poltergeist took haunted house stories to a whole new level.
A suburban family’s home becomes the site of terrifying paranormal activity, and the youngest daughter’s abduction by malevolent spirits is truly chilling.
The blend of emotional storytelling and supernatural horror makes this one of the most iconic ghost stories.
23. The Fly (1986)
David Cronenberg’s The Fly is body horror at its finest. Jeff Goldblum stars as a scientist whose teleportation experiment goes horribly wrong, leading to a gradual transformation into a grotesque human-fly hybrid.
The special effects are incredible, and the film’s exploration of humanity’s limits makes it a standout horror.
24. Candyman (1992)
Based on Clive Barker’s story, Candyman delves into the intersection of urban legends and social issues.
Tony Todd’s portrayal of the titular character is chilling, and the film’s exploration of fear, racism, and myth makes it both terrifying and thought-provoking. Say his name five times in the mirror if you dare.
25. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
John Landis’s An American Werewolf in London is both a horror and a dark comedy.
The transformation scenes are legendary, and the movie strikes a perfect balance between horror and humor.
It’s a werewolf movie that doesn’t shy away from the gore while still managing to be genuinely entertaining.
Scary Movie Night Checklist
Not sure where to start your horror binge? Here’s a quick checklist for the essentials:
- Psychological Terror: Hereditary, The Shining, Psycho, The Babadook
- Classic Slasher: Halloween, Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, A Nightmare on Elm Street
- Supernatural Horror: The Exorcist, The Ring, The Blair Witch Project, The Conjuring
- Creature Feature: The Thing, The Descent, It Follows, Jaws
- Modern Horror with a Message: Get Out, Sinister, Suspiria, Midsommar
Make sure your popcorn is ready, your blanket is nearby for hiding behind, and most importantly—don’t look behind you.
Horror’s Secret Ingredient
At the end of the day, great horror sticks with you. It’s the kind of movie that makes you second-guess walking down a dark hallway or hearing a strange noise outside.
It taps into something primal, something that says: run.
The best horror movies don’t just scare you—they dare you to keep watching, even when you know the nightmare is only just beginning.
