If you enjoy exciting and chilling entertainment, it is essential to watch a horror movie. There are many horror movies that have stood the test of time and remain classics to this day, providing terrifying scares, engaging tales, and more. Check out our list for the top 11 horror movies you don’t want to miss if you are horror junkie. Read more to discover some truly unforgettable films that have stood the test of time.
Why People Love Horror Movies
Horror movies are an exciting breed apart. They elicit powerful emotions, from terror to intrigue. Many adore the rush of adrenaline and the wild narrative that horror films offer. The best horror movies are often an examination of profound human fears and therefore are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
1. The Exorcist (1973)
Commonly referred to as the scariest movie ever produced, The Exorcist is the tale of a possessed young girl. It’s a true classic with realistic performances and shocking scenes. It was the touchstone for a number of supernatural films that came afterward.
2. Psycho (1960)
Psycho, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, gave the world the iconic character Norman Bates. Its jaw-dropping plot twists and sense of suspense helped redefine a genre.
3. The Shining (1980)
An adaptation of the Stephen King novel, The Shining is a psychological horror masterpiece. Jack Nicholson’s acting and Stanley Kubrick’s directing provide a creepy and memorable hit that is still referenced and parodied to this day.
4. Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter’s Halloween was the film that brought Michael Myers into the world. This movie featuring creepy music and a heart-pounding yet straightforward plot, also laid the foundation for the slasher movie genre.
5. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street brought Freddy Krueger to life. This film stands out with its unique idea of a killer who attacks people in their dreams, making it one of the most original horror movies ever made.
6. Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary is a contemporary horror masterpiece about a family haunted by trauma and the supernatural. Its disturbing images and strong acting have steadily gained it the admiration of incoming horror fans.
7. Get Out (2017)
Get Out combines horror with social commentary. Jordan Peele directed this film that deals with real-world matters but isn’t lacking in scares either. It has been applauded for its unique approach to genre and different storyline.
8. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Tobe Hooper’s low-budget film horrified viewers with its sheer madness. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is one of the most powerful horror films to come out; the realistic feel and Leatherface’s eye-like type villain that you cannot forget.
9. The Conjuring (2013)
Inspired by true events, The Conjuring tells the story of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Its spooky vibe, stellar performances and thoughtful direction turned it into a massive hit that launched an entire cinematic universe.
10. It (2017)
Based on Stephen King’s novel, this coming-of-age tale of seven outcast friends who band together to fight an evil, shape-shifting entity features Pennywise the Dancing Clown, who terrorizes in horrifying fashion. It treads a line between horror and heart among its small child characters, and is a welcome addition to contemporary horror.
11. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby is all about paranoia and trust in a slow-burning psychological horror. While it’s not for the faint of heart, its terrifying mood and gripping narrative make it an essential classic.
Final Thoughts on Horror Movies
There is something special about horror movies an ingredient other genres simply don’t have. From supernatural occurrences to the machinations of the mind to the horrors of everyday life, these works still delight and inspire moviegoers of all ages. Whether you’re a newbie or have made it your life’s mission to see every one, these 11 films are a must. Not only do they each pack a memorable fright, they also illustrate the cream of the crop in cinematic horror.