How many times have we asked our grandmother’s to recite a horror story as a child? I know There are innumerous occasions in everyone’s life. Even though we know, we will get stone-cold in fear and skip the bathroom to the next day.
The adrenaline rush and the rising heartbeat hearing such stories are priceless. With age came the chance of having those same experiences with much more conviction, waiting for late-night with enthusiasm to start the best horror movies of all time to take its full essence.
But just after a few moments into the movie shivering with fear and cursing our own decision of bringing this upon us. Even though it was scary, we held on and on to finally unravel the mystery. But its effects stay for weeks as certain situations from the movies resembling normal life bring back those chills and hail coincidence that they always somehow occur at night. Here is a list of the best horror movies of all time.
1 – The conjuring (2013)
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The Conjuring, released in 2013, is a horror movie that has left an indelible mark on the genre. Narrating the story of the Perron family and their experiences in their haunted farmhouse, the movie keeps the audiences glued to their seats with its suspenseful twists and turns. Endowed with a talented cast and an equally impressive director, James Wan, the film delivers a truly terrifying experience, making it a must-watch for everyone who enjoys a good horror flick.
So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare yourself for a gripping cinematic ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
2 – The others (2001)
The Others (2001) is a captivating supernatural thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Set in a remote mansion in 1945 England, Grace (Nicole Kidman) and her two young children await the return of her husband from the war. However, when peculiar occurrences begin to happen, Grace becomes convinced that their home is haunted. As she struggles to uncover the truth behind the mysterious presence in their home, she discovers that nothing is what it seems.
The Others is a masterfully created film that boasts stunning visuals, an eerie atmosphere, and an unforgettable twist ending. You won’t want to miss this spine-tingling cinematic masterpiece.
3 – A Quiet Place (2018)
A Quiet Place, directed by John Krasinski, is a film that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where silence is crucial for survival, the movie follows a family as they navigate their daily lives without making a sound. With incredible performances from Emily Blunt and the child actors, the tension in the film builds with each passing second. What’s most impressive about A Quiet Place is how it utilizes sound design to create a truly immersive experience.
Every creak and groan could mean life or death for the characters, and the audience is right there with them, feeling every jolt of fear and excitement. A Quiet Place is a must-see for any fan of suspenseful, thrilling movies.
4 – The Shining (1980)
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Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is a horror masterpiece that has endured to this day as one of the most iconic films in its genre. This psychological thriller is based on the Stephen King novel of the same name and features an unforgettable performance by Jack Nicholson as a struggling writer who takes a job as an off-season caretaker at a remote hotel.
As the isolation and paranormal activity wear on him, Nicholson’s descent into madness is both chilling and mesmerizing. Kubrick’s signature visual style, paired with an unsettling score and eerie setting, make The Shining a classic that continues to haunt audiences over 40 years after its release.
5 – The Sixth Sense (1999)
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Released in 1999, The Sixth Sense is a classic thriller that still manages to send chills down our spines today. The film tells the story of a young boy named Cole who possesses a mysterious ability to see and communicate with the dead. As he struggles to come to terms with his gift, he seeks the help of a psychologist named Malcolm Crowe, played by Bruce Willis. With stunning performances from both Willis and young Haley Joel Osment, the movie delves deep into the psyche of its characters and explores themes of loss, connection, and redemption.
Its unexpected, haunting twist ending has made it one of the most iconic films in the genre. The Sixth Sense is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good scare and appreciates a well-crafted story.
6 – Psycho (1960)
Psycho is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences even today, over six decades after its initial release. Directed by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock, the film is widely regarded as one of the greatest suspense thrillers in cinematic history. The iconic shower scene alone is enough to give anyone goosebumps, reminding us of the sheer talent that went into crafting this masterpiece.
The film’s exploration of themes such as identity, mental illness and the dark side of human nature, rendered through its memorable characters and stunning imagery, all come together to create an unforgettable cinematic experience that is a must-watch for all film enthusiasts.
7 – Get Out (2017)
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Get Out (2017) is a sensational horror movie that recounts the story of a young African-American man who goes to visit his white girlfriend’s parents. What starts as an innocent weekend away from home quickly becomes a nightmare for the protagonist as he finds himself in a sinister and inexplicable situation. Jordan Peele masterfully directs Get Out, using the horror genre to explore racial tension in America.
The film keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, with astounding performances from Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, and Bradley Whitford. If you’re in the mood for a thought-provoking thriller with twists and turns, Get Out is the film to watch.
8 – Shutter (2004)
Shutter (2004) is a chilling horror movie that takes you on a ride through the supernatural. The movie is a perfect nightmare-inducing flick that will leave you with goosebumps all over. It follows the story of newlyweds Thun and Jane, who get involved in a mysterious car accident. After that, strange and creepy occurrences start happening to them. The couple soon realizes that there is something more sinister at play and decide to get to the bottom of it.
As the plot thickens, the suspense builds up, and you are left at the edge of your seat. With its eerie atmosphere and jump scares, Shutter (2004) will have you terrified and will definitely make it hard for you to sleep at night.
9 – Orphan (2003)
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Orphan (2003) is a gripping account of Esther, a bewilderingly brilliant and precocious nine-year-old girl who unexpectedly enters the life of a loving American family. As a couple mourning the loss of their unborn baby, the parents find solace in the adoption of the young orphan from Russia. All is well until Esther’s disturbing behavior and obscure past surface to take a grip on their lives. The chilling tale of Esther and the family who adopted her is thrillingly dark and suspenseful, leaving the audience at the edge of their seats.
The outstanding performances by the cast, especially Isabelle Fuhrman, who portrayed Esther, made the character come to life, scintillatingly. The film was a masterpiece, a heart-racing psychological horror movie that left its audience impressed with the intelligent and unpredictable plot.
10 – The Exorcist (1973)
In the realm of horror movies, few hold as much notoriety and impact as The Exorcist. Released in 1973, the film follows the demonic possession of a young girl named Regan, and the subsequent attempts of two priests to perform an exorcism and free her from the grip of the demonic entity. The movie’s atmosphere, cinematography, and acting performances all contribute to its legacy as a landmark of the horror genre.
Beyond the scares themselves, The Exorcist is known for the discussions and controversies it sparked around the time of its release, with many finding it too disturbing and graphic for a mainstream audience. Despite its challenging content, The Exorcist remains a classic of both horror and cinema as a whole, a testament to its power to unsettle and horrify audiences even nearly 50 years later.
11 – The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
The Cabin in the Woods (2012) may seem like a typical horror movie at first glance, but it’s so much more than that. With a clever and unexpected twist, this film will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The story follows a group of college students who decide to head off to a remote cabin in the woods for a weekend getaway. As they begin to explore their new surroundings, strange and terrifying things start to happen.
However, as the plot unfolds, we realize that there’s much more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye. With a perfect blend of horror, comedy, and self-awareness, The Cabin in the Woods is a must-see for any genre fan.
12 – Doctor Sleep (2019)
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Doctor Sleep (2019) is a horror film that delves deep into the uncanny world of the supernatural. Based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, the movie follows the life of a grown-up Danny Torrance who is still scarred by the events that occurred during his childhood at the Overlook Hotel. Ewan McGregor portrays the adult Torrance as he grapples with personal demons while simultaneously helping Abra, a teenage girl, fight a cult that seeks to devour her powers of extrasensory perception.
The film’s elegant cinematography, a chilling soundtrack, and daunting performances by the cast will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. It is not only a story of horror but also of hope and redemption that is worth watching.
13 – Saw (2004)
Saw (2004) is a suspenseful horror film that has become a cult classic over the years. The movie follows two men, Adam and Dr. Lawrence Gordon, who wake up in a decrepit industrial bathroom and are tasked with finding a way out by a sadistic killer named Jigsaw. As the two protagonists venture deeper into the claustrophobic and deadly puzzle that Jigsaw has created, they are forced to confront their own sins and face the consequences of their actions.
With its infamous twists and turns, Saw keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Its lasting impact on the horror genre is a testament to its thrilling narrative and unforgettable characters.
14 – Rings (2017)
Rings, the third installment in the popular American horror movie franchise, promises to take viewers on a terrifying journey packed with unexpected turns. Taking place thirteen years after the previous movie, the film follows Julia, a young woman who becomes concerned for her long-distance boyfriend’s safety after he watches a mysterious video tape. As she sets out to investigate, she discovers a cursed video that places its viewers on a seven-day countdown to their own death.
Faced with the fear of the unknown, Julia must race against time to unravel the mystery behind the cursed video before it’s too late. Rings offers a unique twist on the horror genre, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.
15 – IT (2017)
IT (2017) brought Stephen King‘s eerie and unsettling story to the big screen in a way that both honored the source material and carved out a new path for the franchise. The film follows a group of young friends in 1989 as they confront a demonic presence that feeds off their fears, taking the form of the terrifying clown Pennywise.
With jump scares and spine-chilling images, IT immerses audiences in a world where childhood innocence is shattered by the horrors of supernatural evil. The film’s success breathed new life into the horror genre and left fans eagerly anticipating the sequel.
16 – Hereditary (2018)
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Hereditary, a 2018 horror film directed by Ari Aster, certainly isn’t for the faint of heart. This unsettling tale explores the aftermath of the Graham family matriarch’s death, which unleashes a series of increasingly disturbing events. As family secrets are slowly unveiled, we witness the unraveling of the Graham family’s bonds and terror takes hold. With Toni Collette’s striking performance as the grieving and mentally unstable mother, this movie keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its chilling imagery, unexpected twists, and haunting soundtrack.
The film’s unpredictable plot and masterful cinematography elevate it beyond the typical horror genre, making Hereditary a must-see for fans of unsettling and emotional films.
17 – The Ring (2002)
The Ring, released in 2002, is a horror film that has haunted audiences for nearly two decades. It tells the story of a journalist investigating the mysterious deaths of several teenagers who all watched a cursed videotape. The movie is not only terrifying, but also a masterclass in suspense and storytelling. From the eerie atmosphere to the haunting score, every element of The Ring works together to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Even today, the iconic imagery of the movie’s antagonist, Samara, continues to chill audiences to the bone. The Ring stands as a testament to the power of horror movies to frighten and captivate us long after the credits roll.
CONCLUSION
With this list of best horror movies of all time, you are sure to have trouble having a good sleep for a few days at most. The fear of certain characters and moments will feel omnipresent. But that is what watching horror movies are all about. And all good in conquering the fears after watching one and moving to the next.
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