10 scariest horror movies ever made
List activity
106 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
10 titles
- DirectorTobe HooperStarsMarilyn BurnsEdwin NealAllen DanzigerFive friends head out to rural Texas to visit the grave of a grandfather. On the way they stumble across what appears to be a deserted house, only to discover something sinister within. Something armed with a chainsaw.While an extremely low budget that shows some amateurish flaws, this movie has the grittiest film stock and vintage cinematography that adds the "charm," which amplifies the horror.
Some implied acts of torture and violence, in conjunction with intolerable level of tension in foreboding terror, amplifies an enormously traumatizing effect to sear in the viewer's indelible memory.
This movie can feel like a student film, which it actually is. But the miracle is how well-staged horror elements are that truly frighten the audience with palpable tension, making it a chase movie.
Absolutely not okay for children and sensitive women, as it could scar them for life. The highlight is the dinner scene under the most lurid film settings. - DirectorHideo NakataStarsNanako MatsushimaMiki NakataniYûko TakeuchiA reporter and her ex-husband investigate a cursed video tape that is rumored to kill the viewer seven days after watching it.Slow-burn and understated horror mystery movie from Japan.
But what sets this movie apart from other (often pointlessly gory and offensively lurid) horror films is that it doesn't go for the cheap scares, only atmospheric for the palpably creepy effect, in the style of an investigative mystery thriller.
Once the viewer thinks there is a resolution, that expectation is completely subverted with one of the most efficiently and indelibly frightening scenes in the history of film.
Absolutely not recommended for the squeamish as being easily scared. Equally not recommended is viewing the vastly inferior and sensationalistic American remake "The Ring." - DirectorRidley ScottStarsSigourney WeaverTom SkerrittJohn HurtThe crew of a commercial spacecraft encounters a deadly lifeform after investigating a mysterious transmission of unknown origin.While a science-fiction movie influenced by Star Wars as admitted by newcomer British director Ridley Scott, it adds the horror element that lend to the unease and effectively frightening experience unlike any film that preceded the movie or thereafter, except the aforementioned number one entry and the adequate first sequel as the action-focused thriller.
Excellent movie, being so well-made with superb script, effects, production design, cinematography, acting and direction put together, with themes of sci-fi intrigue, mystery and evil conspiracy.
Infamous Swiss gothic illustrator and sculptor the late H.R. Giger's contribution is valued for the atmospherically gloomy look and creepy feel of the movie, especially the iconic creature design. - DirectorWilliam FriedkinStarsEllen BurstynMax von SydowLinda BlairWhen a young girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.No word can be said about this movie, except it might be overrated and a bit vulgar for shock value.
However, some imagery, implied and overt, is indelibly traumatizing, even from the slow-burn beginning set in Iraq. - DirectorPeter MedakStarsGeorge C. ScottTrish Van DevereMelvyn DouglasAfter experiencing tragic personal losses, a music professor rents a Seattle mansion, haunted by a slain boy.Another slow-burn movie that is so frightening with implications and suggestive images in mystery horror it may be traumatizing for some viewers.
Not for children as it could scar them (in particular the bouncing ball), either. - DirectorJohn CarpenterStarsDonald PleasenceJamie Lee CurtisTony MoranFifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois to kill again.Ties with THE THING (1982). John Carpenter's career-launching low-budget movie that is all about the chase for superlative fright effect. No further word need to be said.
- DirectorStanley KubrickStarsJack NicholsonShelley DuvallDanny LloydA family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where a sinister presence influences the father into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from both past and future.Stanley Kubrick's (his only genre) horror masterpiece, shrouded in mystery with symbolism throughout. Suggestive and haunting imagery for slow-burn creepy and fright effects.
- DirectorKarl FreundStarsBoris KarloffZita JohannDavid MannersA resurrected Egyptian mummy searches Cairo for the girl he believes to be his long-lost princess.However old and perhaps quaint, this movie is more effective in creepy horror feel compared to Frankenstein, Nosferatu and Dracula.
- DirectorTobe HooperStarsJoBeth WilliamsHeather O'RourkeCraig T. NelsonA family's home is haunted by a host of demonic ghosts.Ties with Jaws, since both films were directed by Steven Spielberg. This movie was rumored to have been co-directed by Spielberg, and it shows. Never forget the wall drag, the tree, the grave of skeletons, the brightly illuminated white door creature and the clown doll.
- DirectorJames WanStarsPatrick WilsonVera FarmigaRon LivingstonParanormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse.One of the best horror movies in many years, without having to rely on profane language and minimal gory effects. Partly based on a true story that also involve the evil doll possessed by the demonic spirit.