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The Top 25 Best Horror Movies Of All Time
Today, we're here to rank our picks for the 25 best horror movies of all time. This list is entirely subjective, so feel free to add to it in the comments. So without further ado, let's jump right in!
25. Blair Witch Project (1999)
The Blair Witch Project launched an era of found-footage movies, while remaining the best one out of the bunch. With incredible creativity, the makers of this movie managed to turn a $30,000 budget into a modern classic that grossed about $248 million. Its minimalist approach, relying heavily on atmosphere, suggestion, and the power of the unseen, makes this movie a great start for this list.
© Artisan Entertainment / Summit Entertainment
24. It (2017)
With a perfect blend of nostalgic charm and modern horror, IT brought Pennywise the Clown back to life, thanks to Bill Skarsgård's haunting performance. The film masterfully balances scares with the coming-of-age story of the Losers' Club, making it more than just a horror movie—it's a tale of friendship and resilience against unimaginable evil. Its box office success and cultural impact highlight IT as a standout entry in modern horror, deserving its place on this list.
© Warner Bros. Pictures
23. Ringu (1998)
Ringu claims the number 23 spot on this list for its profound influence on both Japanese and global horror cinema. This chilling tale of a cursed videotape that kills its viewers seven days after watching it introduced audiences to a new form of psychological horror, focusing on atmospheric tension and deeply unsettling imagery rather than gore. The film's iconic antagonist, Sadako, with her eerie movements and ghostly appearance, has become a lasting figure in horror culture. Ringu not only sparked a wave of successful Japanese horror films but also led to a highly popular American remake, cementing its legacy as a cornerstone of the genre.
© Toho
22. Braindead (1992)
Before his fame for Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson directed this splatterfest of a horror movie. The film combines over-the-top violence with slapstick humor, creating a uniquely entertaining experience. The creativity in its practical effects and its fearless embrace of the absurd push the boundaries of the horror genre, making it a cult classic.
© Trimark Pictures
21. Carrie (1976)
Carrie takes the number 21 spot for its powerful blend of supernatural horror and poignant social commentary. Directed by Brian De Palma and based on Stephen King's debut novel, Carrie tells the tragic story of a bullied teenage girl with telekinetic powers who exacts a devastating revenge on her tormentors. Sissy Spacek's haunting portrayal of the title character and the film's iconic prom scene, drenched in blood and terror, have left an indelible mark on the horror genre. Carrie explores themes of isolation, repression, and the horrors of adolescence, making it a deeply unsettling yet emotionally resonant film that continues to influence and inspire horror filmmakers.
© United Artists
20. Zombieland (2009)
Zombieland is an incredibly fun and comedic take on the zombie movie genre. The film has an incredible cast, with Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and even a surprise cameo by Bill Murray. The wit and humor in this movie is used very naturally, and the “rules for surviving Zombieland” provide a clever narrative framework. The movie became a breath of fresh air in the zombie genre by infusing it with humor and heart, making it a standout in horror-comedy and deserving of its place on this list.
© Sony Pictures Releasing
19. Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)
A Nightmare on Elm Street claims the number 19 spot for its innovative concept and the introduction of one of horror’s most iconic villains, Freddy Krueger. Directed by Wes Craven, the film explores the terrifying premise of a killer who haunts his victims in their dreams, blurring the line between reality and nightmare. Freddy’s burned visage, razor-sharp glove, and sadistic personality have made him a lasting figure in horror culture. Beyond its chilling scares, A Nightmare on Elm Street taps into deep psychological fears, particularly the vulnerability of sleep, making it more than just a slasher film.
© New Line Cinema
18. The Evil Dead (1981)
The Evil Dead had a groundbreaking impact on low-budget horror and developed an enduring cult status. Directed by Sam Raimi, the film follows a group of friends who unwittingly unleash demonic forces in an isolated cabin, resulting in a chaotic and terrifying descent into madness. Raimi's inventive camera work, relentless pacing, and visceral gore – achieved with limited resources – set a new standard for indie horror. The film’s blend of sheer terror and dark humor, along with Bruce Campbell’s iconic performance as Ash, has made Evil Dead a beloved staple in horror cinema, inspiring sequels, a remake, and even a TV series.
© New Line Cinema
17. Midsommar (2019)
Midsommar is an oddly brilliant movie, that moves the terror into the light. Directed by none other than horror's newest star Ari Aster, Midsommar switches the typical, claustrophobic and dark horror movie setting to the bright, pastoral setting of a remote Swedish festival, using daylight and serene landscapes to amplify the unease. With its unsettling blend of folk horror, psychological dread, and emotional trauma, Midsommar crafts an intense, slow-burning experience that leaves a lasting impact. Florence Pugh's gripping performance and the film’s exploration of grief, toxic relationships, and cultural extremism elevate it beyond conventional horror, making it a modern classic and a bold, original entry in the genre.
© A24
16. A Quiet Place (2018)
Having silence be the main focus in an audiovisual medium seems pretty weird on paper, but is perfectly executed in A Quiet Place. The film follows a family living in near-total silence to avoid blind, sound-sensitive monsters that hunt by noise. The film's clever sound design heightens the suspense, turning everyday sounds into sources of terror. With strong performances, particularly from Emily Blunt, and a gripping portrayal of family survival, A Quiet Place delivers a fresh take on post-apocalyptic horror.
© Paramount Pictures
15. Saw (2004)
Saw (2004) earns the number 15 spot for its role in revitalizing the horror genre with its gritty, psychological approach and the birth of the “torture-porn” subgenre. Directed by James Wan, Saw presents a mind-bending game of life and death orchestrated by the twisted and iconic villain, Jigsaw. The film's elaborate traps and moral dilemmas force characters to confront their survival instincts in brutal, horrifying ways. With a clever narrative structure, shocking twists, and a low-budget success story, Saw became a cultural phenomenon, spawning a long-running franchise and influencing a generation of horror films. Even though the other Saw movies could never live up to the first one, in a narrative aspect.
© Lions Gate Films
14. Halloween (1978)
Halloween (1978) takes the number 14 spot for its pivotal role in shaping the modern slasher genre and introducing one of horror’s most enduring villains, Michael Myers. It set a new standard for slasher films, with its minimalist storytelling, eerie atmosphere, and iconic score composed by Carpenter himself. The film's use of suspense, tension, and stalking terrorized audiences without relying on excessive gore, proving that less can often be more in horror. Jamie Lee Curtis's breakout role as Laurie Strode helped establish the “final girl” trope, while Michael Myers' faceless, relentless nature became a blueprint for future horror antagonists. Halloween's legacy as a genre-defining classic cements its place high on this list.
© Compass International Pictures / Aquarius Releasing
13. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Night of the Living Dead had a monumental impact on both horror and independent filmmaking. Directed by George A. Romero, it is widely credited with creating the modern zombie genre, redefining the undead as relentless, flesh-eating creatures. Beyond its innovative horror elements, Night of the Living Dead is also noted for its social commentary, particularly with the casting of Duane Jones, an African-American actor, in the lead role – an unusual and bold move for the time. The film’s raw, gritty style and bleak, nihilistic ending shocked audiences and left a lasting imprint on horror cinema. Its cultural influence, combined with its terrifying atmosphere, makes it a cornerstone of the genre deserving of this prestigious spot.
© Continental Distributing
12. Scream (1996)
Scream takes the number 12 spot for its clever reinvention of the slasher genre, blending self-aware satire with genuine scares. Another Wes Craven classic, the film revitalized horror in the 1990s by acknowledging and deconstructing the clichés of the genre while still delivering an intense, suspenseful narrative. The iconic Ghostface killer, with his taunting phone calls and brutal murders, became an instant horror icon. Scream is also praised for its strong ensemble cast, led by Neve Campbell, and its memorable opening scene with Drew Barrymore. By mixing meta-humor with true tension, Scream not only entertained, but redefined horror for a new generation.
© Dimension Films
11. Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary is Ari Aster's first and best film to date. The film explores grief, trauma, and family dysfunction, while gradually descending into a terrifying nightmare of occult horror. Toni Collette delivers a powerhouse performance as a mother unraveling under the weight of personal tragedy and dark family secrets, with the film building tension through its slow-burn pacing and shocking twists. Hereditary stands out for its atmospheric horror, haunting imagery, and emotional depth, making it one of the most disturbing films of the modern era.
© A24
10. Rosemary's Baby (1968)
This movie is an all-time classic. It was actually directed by Hollywood legend Roman Polanski, and features Mia Farrow as a young woman, who becomes increasingly suspicious that her pregnancy is part of a sinister plot involving her neighbors. The psychological terror that her character endures is captured expertly by Polanski's vision, without which, this movie wouldn't have worked as well as it did. Its exploration of themes like bodily autonomy, trust, and control, paired with its chilling climax, cemented it as a landmark in psychological horror, influencing countless films to follow.
© Paramount Pictures
9. Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele's horror debut remains legendary to this day. Peele used his keen observations of our world, and created an incredibly efficient and gripping horror movie. The film follows Chris, a young Black man who uncovers disturbing secrets during a weekend visit to his white girlfriend’s family. Get Out masterfully uses suspense, tension, and horror tropes to explore deeper issues of exploitation, privilege, and cultural appropriation. Its clever script, eerie atmosphere, and unexpected twists captivated audiences, while Peele's ability to infuse real-world fears into a horror framework made it both timely and timeless.
© Universal Pictures
8. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Quentin Tarantino once said that The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was a perfect movie. It secures the number 8 spot for its raw, unrelenting horror and its profound influence on the genre. Directed by Tobe Hooper, the film broke new ground with its gritty, realistic style and unsettling portrayal of violence. Set in rural Texas, it introduces Leatherface, an iconic horror villain known for his grotesque mask and chainsaw-wielding terror. The film’s minimalistic approach, combined with its stark, documentary-like atmosphere, creates an almost unbearable sense of dread and urgency.
© Bryanston Distributing Company
7. The Babadook (2014)
The Babadook earns the number 7 spot for its deeply emotional and psychologically complex approach to horror, using the supernatural to explore themes of grief and mental anguish. Jennifer Kent created a terrifying flick that follows a widowed mother, Amelia, and her son as they are haunted by a menacing figure from a mysterious children's book. The Babadook becomes a chilling symbol of unresolved trauma and suppressed emotions, making the horror feel intensely personal. With stunning visuals, a haunting atmosphere, and a standout performance from Essie Davis, The Babadook offers a fresh, layered take on the genre that resonates both emotionally and existentially. I also have to mention that the sound the Babadook makes, is one of the scariest horror movie sounds, I have ever heard in my life.
© Umbrella Entertainment
6. The Thing (1982)
The horror and science fiction film legend John Carpenter is on his A-game in this movie. The Thing's masterful combination of paranoia, body horror, and groundbreaking practical effects elevates it to a legendary piece of art. The film follows a group of researchers in an isolated Antarctic outpost who encounter a shape-shifting alien that can perfectly imitate any living being. As suspicion and fear spread among the crew, The Thing expertly explores themes of mistrust and survival in extreme circumstances. The film’s practical effects, particularly the grotesque and terrifying creature transformations, remain some of the best in horror history. The Thing's claustrophobic atmosphere, relentless tension, and iconic special effects have cemented it as a landmark in sci-fi horror, earning its place as a genre-defining classic.
© Universal Pictures
5. Let the Right One In (2008)
Let the Right One In claims the number 5 spot for its hauntingly beautiful and refreshingly unique take on the vampire genre. This Swedish horror film blends tender emotion with chilling horror as it tells the story of a young, bullied boy, Oskar, who befriends Eli, a mysterious child with a dark, vampiric secret. The film's quiet, atmospheric storytelling and its exploration of loneliness, friendship, and innocence set it apart from typical horror fare. With stunning cinematography, subtle performances, and a nuanced portrayal of both horror and human connection, Let the Right One In stands as a poignant, emotionally resonant masterpiece that redefines what a vampire film can be, deserving its high ranking on this list.
© Sandrew Metronome
4. The Exorcist (1973)
The Exorcist takes the number 4 spot for its unparalleled impact on the horror genre and its enduring reputation as one of the scariest films ever made. Directed by William Friedkin, the film tells the harrowing story of a young girl, Regan, who becomes possessed by a malevolent demon, and the desperate efforts of two priests to save her through an exorcism. The Exorcist pushed boundaries with its shocking imagery, intense performances—especially from Linda Blair—and unsettling themes of faith, evil, and human fragility. Its groundbreaking special effects and use of practical horror remain iconic, and secure its high spot in this list.
© Warner Bros.
3. Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho remains, to this day, one of the most culturally significant films of all time. Its pioneering influence on both the horror and thriller genres, forever changed the landscapes of cinema. The film follows Marion Crane's fateful stop at the Bates Motel, where she encounters the enigmatic Norman Bates. Psycho shocked audiences with its bold narrative twists, particularly the infamous shower scene, which became one of the most iconic moments in film history. Hitchcock’s masterful direction, combined with Bernard Herrmann’s chilling score, created an atmosphere of dread and suspense. The film’s exploration of psychological horror, moral ambiguity, and duality set a new standard, cementing Psycho as a timeless masterpiece and a foundational work in horror cinema.
© Paramount Pictures
2. Alien (1979)
Alien earns the number 2 spot for its groundbreaking fusion of science fiction and horror, creating a claustrophobic nightmare that has influenced both genres for decades. The movie shows the crew of the spaceship Nostromo as they encounter a deadly alien life form that begins hunting them one by one. The film’s terrifying Xenomorph, designed by H.R. Giger, became an iconic figure in horror. Alien masterfully builds tension through its slow-burn pacing, oppressive atmosphere, and shocking scenes of body horror. Sigourney Weaver's portrayal of Ripley introduced a powerful and enduring female hero, redefining gender roles in horror and cinema. Alien remains a cinematic masterpiece, combining relentless fear with breathtaking visual design, securing its place as one of the greatest horror films ever made.
© 20th Century Fox
1. The Shining
The Shining takes the number 1 spot on this list, for its masterful combination of psychological terror, surreal imagery, and its slow descent into madness. Stanley Kubrick managed to adapt Steven King's novel, resulting in a film that transcends typical horror by exploring deep themes of isolation, mental illness, and the supernatural. Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance as Jack Torrance, alongside the eerie setting of the Overlook Hotel, creates an atmosphere of relentless dread that catches you and will never let you go. Kubrick's meticulous direction, paired with the haunting score and unsettling cinematography, draws viewers into a nightmare that is as much psychological as it is supernatural. The film’s ambiguity, leaving much to interpretation, invites repeated viewings and constant analysis, making it timeless. Its ability to provoke both visceral fear and intellectual intrigue sets The Shining apart as not just the best horror film, but one of cinema’s greatest achievements.
© Warner Bros.
