1. The Exorcist (1973)
A Chilling Tale of Demonic Possession
“The Exorcist” is a landmark horror film that tells the story of a young girl possessed by a demonic entity and the efforts of two priests to save her. Directed by William Friedkin, this film remains one of the scariest movies ever made.
Available On: Max
Rental/Purchase: Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies
Keywords: best horror movies, The Exorcist, classic horror, demonic possession
2. Halloween (1978)
The Night He Came Home
Directed by John Carpenter, “Halloween” follows the escape of Michael Myers from a mental institution and his subsequent killing spree in his hometown. This film is a quintessential slasher that defined the genre.
Available On: AMC+, Shudder
Rental/Purchase: Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies
Keywords: best horror movies, Halloween, slasher films, John Carpenter
3. The Shining (1980)
A Terrifying Descent into Madness
Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” based on Stephen King’s novel, stars Jack Nicholson as a writer who becomes unhinged while staying in a haunted hotel. The film’s eerie atmosphere and iconic performances make it a must-watch.
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Keywords: best horror movies, The Shining, Stephen King, haunted hotels
4. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Where Nightmares Become Reality
Wes Craven’s “A Nightmare on Elm Street” introduces Freddy Krueger, a vengeful spirit who kills teenagers in their dreams. This film is a staple of 80s horror and has left a lasting legacy in the genre.
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Keywords: best horror movies, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Freddy Krueger, 80s horror
5. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
A Harrowing Journey into the Heart of Horror
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” directed by Tobe Hooper, follows a group of friends who fall victim to a family of cannibals. Known for its raw intensity, the film is a cornerstone of horror cinema.
Available On: Peacock, Tubi
Rental/Purchase: Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies
Keywords: best horror movies, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Tobe Hooper, cannibal films
6. Psycho (1960)
The Original Slasher Film
Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” is a suspenseful masterpiece that follows the story of Marion Crane, who encounters the mysterious Norman Bates while on the run. The film’s shocking twists and iconic scenes have cemented its place in horror history.
Available On: Peacock
Rental/Purchase: Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies
Keywords: best horror movies, Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock, classic horror
7. Hereditary (2018)
A Modern Masterpiece of Horror
Directed by Ari Aster, “Hereditary” is a disturbing family drama that slowly unfolds into supernatural horror. The film’s unsettling atmosphere and powerful performances, especially by Toni Collette, make it a standout in contemporary horror.
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Keywords: best horror movies, Hereditary, Ari Aster, modern horror
8. The Conjuring (2013)
Based on True Events
“The Conjuring,” directed by James Wan, follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. The film’s effective scares and strong performances make it a modern horror favorite.
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Keywords: best horror movies, The Conjuring, James Wan, paranormal horror
9. It (2017)
Evil Resurfaces in Derry
Based on Stephen King’s novel, “It” follows a group of children who face off against the shape-shifting entity Pennywise the Clown. Directed by Andy Muschietti, this film combines horror and heartfelt moments to great effect.
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Keywords: best horror movies, It, Stephen King, Pennywise
10. The Babadook (2014)
Fear and Grief Intertwined
“The Babadook,” directed by Jennifer Kent, is a psychological horror film about a single mother and her troubled son who are tormented by a sinister presence from a mysterious book. The film explores themes of grief and mental illness.
Available On: AMC+, Shudder
Rental/Purchase: Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies
Keywords: best horror movies, The Babadook, psychological horror, Jennifer Kent
11. Get Out (2017)
A Socially Charged Horror Thriller
Directed by Jordan Peele, “Get Out” is a horror thriller that tackles racial issues through the story of a young Black man who uncovers disturbing secrets while visiting his white girlfriend’s family. The film’s unique blend of social commentary and horror earned it widespread acclaim.
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Keywords: best horror movies, Get Out, Jordan Peele, social horror
12. The Ring (2002)
A Cursed Video Tape
Gore Verbinski’s “The Ring,” a remake of the Japanese film “Ringu,” follows a journalist investigating a mysterious videotape that causes viewers to die seven days after watching it. The film’s atmospheric tension and haunting visuals make it a standout.
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Keywords: best horror movies, The Ring, cursed videotape, supernatural horror
13. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
A Terrifying Journey into Motherhood
Roman Polanski’s “Rosemary’s Baby” tells the story of a young woman who becomes suspicious that her pregnancy is part of a sinister conspiracy. The film’s slow-building dread and Mia Farrow’s performance make it a horror classic.
Available On: Paramount+
Rental/Purchase: Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies
Keywords: best horror movies, Rosemary’s Baby, Roman Polanski, psychological horror
14. Insidious (2010)
A Haunting Journey into the Further
Directed by James Wan, “Insidious” follows a family whose son falls into a coma and becomes a vessel for spirits from another dimension. The film’s unique take on the haunted house genre and its spine-chilling scares have made it a modern horror favorite.
Available On: Max, Hulu
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Keywords: best horror movies, Insidious, James Wan, haunted house films
15. The Witch (2015)
A Chilling Tale of Religious Paranoia
Robert Eggers’ “The Witch” is a period horror film set in 1630s New England. It follows a family torn apart by suspicion and fear after their baby goes missing, believed to be taken by a witch. The film’s authentic atmosphere and unsettling tension make it a standout.
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Keywords: best horror movies, The Witch, Robert Eggers, period horror
16. Paranormal Activity (2007)
Found Footage Horror at Its Best
“Paranormal Activity,” directed by Oren Peli, is a found footage horror film that follows a couple haunted by a supernatural presence in their home. The film’s realistic style and escalating tension make it a highly effective horror experience.
Available On: Paramount+
Rental/Purchase: Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies
Keywords: best horror movies, Paranormal Activity, found footage, supernatural horror
17. Sinister (2012)
Uncovering a Dark Past
“Sinister,” directed by Scott Derrickson, stars Ethan Hawke as a true-crime writer who discovers a box of home movies that put his family in danger. The film’s disturbing imagery and intense atmosphere have made it a modern horror favorite.
Available On: Peacock
Rental/Purchase: Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies
Keywords: best horror movies, Sinister, Scott Derrickson, disturbing films
18. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
A Pioneering Found Footage Horror
“The Blair Witch Project,” directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, is a found footage horror film that follows three filmmakers investigating the legend of the Blair Witch. Its realistic style and ambiguous ending have made it a genre-defining film.
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Keywords: best horror movies, The Blair Witch Project, found footage, supernatural horror
19. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
A Psychological Thriller with Horror Elements
Jonathan Demme’s “The Silence of the Lambs” follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of imprisoned cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter to catch another serial killer. The film’s suspenseful narrative and chilling performances have made it a classic.
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Keywords: best horror movies, The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal Lecter, psychological horror
20. Train to Busan (2016)
A Thrilling Zombie Apocalypse
“Train to Busan,” directed by Yeon Sang-ho, is a South Korean horror film set on a train during a zombie outbreak. The film’s fast-paced action, emotional depth, and innovative take on the zombie genre make it a must-watch.
Available On: Amazon Prime Video, Peacock
Rental/Purchase: Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies
Keywords: best horror movies, Train to Busan, zombie films, Korean horror
These films represent some of the finest in the horror genre, offering a mix of classic scares, psychological thrills, and modern innovations. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or new to the genre, these movies are sure to provide plenty of chills and thrills.
