The Greatest Horror Movies of All Time

Ladies and Gentlemen, IT IS HALLOWEEN. Well, it’s October, which to some people doesn’t mean much but in actuality, it’s officially the best holiday. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, a time of seasonal candy (the official position of this blog is pro-candy corn, by the way), scary movies, and the onset of flu and allergy season. That’s a bit of a bummer to end on, but the scary movies part is cool. Let’s talk about that.

What follows is a ranked list of the greatest horror movies ever. The most important thing to remember here is that this is in order of quality of horror movie, not quality of movie. Confused? Of course you are. Basically, the things that make a horror movie good (atmosphere, scariness, etc) are not the same things that make a regular movie good. So, movies like Psycho and Rosemary’s Baby are better overall movies than some of the stuff that they’re behind on this list, but not better horror movies. Also, as I have not seen every horror movie in existence, this is an incomplete list. So if your favorite horror movie isn’t on here, it could be for one of three reasons: I haven’t seen it (sorry, Night of the Living Dead, both Evil Dead and Evil Dead II, and The Fly, I swear I’ll watch you one of these days), I don’t consider it a horror movie (sorry, Shaun of the Dead, What we do In the Shadows, and A Quiet Place) or it isn’t good enough (sorry, Blair Witch Project and original Friday the 13th, you should’ve been better movies). With all that cleared up, let’s go.

Dishonorable mention: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Sorry. I know that this probably undermines my credibility on the subject, but I HATED this movie. I’ve been meaning to revisit it for some time now, because maybe it’s far better than I remembered and maybe it is the terrifying classic that everyone says it is. I wanted to like it so bad, but I just couldn’t get into it. The characters aren’t developed at all, the nothing production values don’t work, and it just feels accidental. The one thing I will say on its behalf is the blood: many people have pointed out that, despite the film being famously gory, there is almost no actual blood shown. It just feels like there is, which is pretty impressive. Anyway, I felt like the absence of this film from the list deserved an explanation, as it’s usually a staple of lists like these. I will try it again, I promise.

30- 28 Days Later (2002)

Danny Boyle’s zombie movie (come on people. It’s a zombie movie. Don’t overcomplicate things.) reminded me a lot of Texas Chainsaw when I first saw it, largely due to the fact that they both feel like they were made for about three dollars and change. 28 Days Later, however, had the somewhat crucial distinction of actually scaring me. I liked this less than I felt like I should, but it still has some completely terrifying moments and a totally unique atmosphere. Cilian Murphy is brilliant.

29- It (2017)

There are two things that make this one special: Bill Skarsgard’s terrifying, unhinged tour de force performance as Pennywise the clown, and the opening scene (which is largely made special by said terrifying unhinged tour de force). The opening scene is among the likes of Halloween, Scream, and Jaws for the greatest horror beginnings, and it miraculously maintains all of its tension and horror on repeat viewings. I seriously watched it upside down, with no sound, on someone’s phone, having already seen it and it still terrified me. A total masterclass. Oh, and the rest of this thing is scary as hell too. Surprisingly strong performances from the child actors across the board, and Skarsgard is just incredible. I have yet to see the sequel, in large part due to the negative reviews and lack of a desire to lessen the impact of this film.

28- Don’t Look Now (1973)

This is maybe the least accessible film on this list, and the least conventionally scary. For most of its runtime, Don’t Look Now unfolds as a melodrama about a family dealing with loss. But slowly but surely, it transforms in to something very, very different. By the time it reaches its unforgettable conclusion, it’s straight-up terrifying, and you’re not even sure why. The use of the setting of Venice to make it creepy just works so well throughout the whole thing. Colored raincoat double feature with It would be cool.

27- Nosferatu (1922)

This movie spawned THIS and is therefore a masterpiece:

But also it’s unbelievably influential, super creepy, and holds up shockingly well. It’s also by far the oldest movie on this list, which I feel is impressive.

26- House (1977)

This is the weirdest movie I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen Jodorowsky’s The Holy Mountain. And I love it so much. It’s an experience like no other, and I think it’s technically a horror movie, so it makes the list. I can’t properly contextualize just how weird it is, so the only thing I can recommend is watching it. Thank me later.

25- The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

The reason why this is so low is because it’s not totally a horror movie. You could make the argument that it’s more of a thriller, and you’d be correct. But it is at least partially horror, and that part provides the film with some of its best moments. Anthony Hopkins creates one of the greatest, if not the greatest, cinematic villains. Jodie Foster turns in a career-defining performance. It’s surprisingly quotable (even if one of its most famous lines never actually appears in it). It’s a masterpiece, and one of the best films on this list, even if it doesn’t reach the rank of masterful horror film.

24- Midsommar (2019)

I’ve written at length about Ari Aster’s latest masterwork, and despite its recency, I feel comfortable placing it on this list. Far more comfortable than I did at any point during this film, which can only be described as an ordeal. It’s a brutal and shocking viewing experience, and yet a singular and perversely beautiful work of art. It suffers from a similar problem to Silence of the Lambs, however. It’s a better film than many of the films that follow (including Aster’s own Hereditary), but not as good of a horror film. In relation to Hereditary in particular, I consider it a better film, but not as scary, and that’s a factor here. Still, mandatory viewing for those with strong stomachs.

23- Get Out (2017)

Yet another masterpiece that finds itself kind of low on this list for not being as great of a horror movie as it is a regular movie. Jordan Peele’s race relations horror film was a huge deal when it came out in early 2017, earning an Oscar win for best original screenplay (which horror movies don’t really win) and establishing Peele as an auteur to watch. The drama elements (and, to some level, comedy elements) may outweigh the horror ones, but this still feels like it’ll go down as a classic, and one of the most important films in the history of the genre.

22- Paranormal Activity (2007)

Found footage horror can be hit or miss. Ok, it’s almost entirely misses, but that’s what makes this film so special. It actually works, and it actually uses the format to its full potential. It’s so effortlessly creepy, and truly terrifying at times. You’ll find yourself doing double takes at stuff you may not have even seen. This film commands you to somehow pay attention to the whole screen, like a twisted version of Tati’s Playtime (nope, bad comparison, I take it back). The ending (I’m talking about the one where BIG TIME SPOILER ALERT she lunges at the camera) is one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever experienced, and it makes up in some way for the parts of the film that drag.

21- The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

Drew Goddard is one of the most unique and underrated directors working today, as evidenced by both last year’s criminally underseen neo-noir masterwork Bad Times at the El Royale and this uproarious horror-comedy. This film is basically a horror movie fan’s dream, subverting and gloriously blowing out of proportion every single genre trope. This is similar to Scream in that it’s best enjoyed after you’ve seen a bunch of horror movies, and in that it’s self aware but in a way that actually works. Oh, and it’s also scary.

20- The Omen (1976)

Perhaps the all time creepy kid movie, The Omen is probably to blame for any time you’ve looked at a small child and gotten creeped out. The legendary “all for you” scene is one of the eeriest ever created, Gregory Peck is here, and there’s a scene where a character gets decapitated by a sheet of glass falling off the back of a truck. There’s nothing not to like about The Omen, which is undeniably one of the creepiest films ever made.

19- Carrie (1976)

The very first Stephen King adaptation, Carrie is also notable for bringing widespread recognition to director Brian de Palma and star Sissy Spacek. Piper Laurie also gives one of the scariest performances of all time, and John Travolta appears in a role one year prior to Saturday Night Fever. Carrie also features one of the only valid uses of the split screen, and the final jump scare is one of the best ever. It has since (unfortunately) been remade twice, but nothing can take away from the iconic, classic original.

18- Eraserhead (1977)

Every time I hear or see the word “Eraserhead”, a part of my brain does the noise Sideshow Bob makes when he steps on a rake. David Lynch’s primal debut feature is one of the freakiest and most upsetting films ever made. It’s composed almost entirely of things you wish you weren’t looking at. This is rare among horror films because of the visceral level at which it upsets you. Lynch creates images that you never would’ve thought of and would’ve liked to have never imagined. Eraserhead is a horrifying, brilliant film unlike no other.

17- A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Yes, it may be super 80s and cheesy and yes, the impact may be ruined due to eternal sequels, but this holds up stunningly well. Krueger, although made cartoony by years of pop culture ubiquity, is still terrifying. The general premise is unbeatable. And the failure of every adult to function as human beings is an all time group of dumb horror movie characters and decisions. What’s especially clear from this film is that Wes Craven knows his way around a horror movie. This is far scarier still than it has any right to be, and somehow earned its place as a classic.

16- Phantasm (1979)

Phantasm! This movie is notable for being absolutely freaking bonkers and also ruling. The fact that it even got made illustrates how awesome hollywood was in the 70s. This gonzo psychedelic cult classic boasts one of horror’s greatest ever villains, and also manages to be truly frightening among all the entertainment. The less you know about this one going in, the better, so I’ll leave it at this: Phantasm is mandatory viewing for any horror enthusiast, and you should probably watch it even if you don’t like horror movies. Everyone should see it. Elect me president of the world and I will force everyone to watch Phantasm Clockwork Orange-style.

15- Us (2019)

Jordan Peele’s sophomore feature is (hot take alert) superior to its predecessor in almost every way. First and foremost, it’s scarier. It kind of has to be, as it goes full-on horror in ways Get Out doesn’t. Lupita Nyong’o gives one of the greatest performances (two of them, actually) of anyone in any movie ever. It’s unbelievable. Catching this the day it came out was one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made- Us is an astounding piece of cinema, one of the greatest films ever made, and a masterwork of the horror genre. I refuse to say a single word against this movie. It’s flawless. It’s not higher because then I’d be subject to accusations of recency bias, which is a subject I will address later when I commit a pretty appalling act of recency bias.

14- Carnival of Souls (1962)

Herk Harvey’s 1962 cult classic is something of an oddity in terms of how it reached that status. It was conceived as part of a drive-in double feature, which bombed due to how weird it is. It drifted around in obscurity for decades, before people finally woke up and realized the truth: that Carnival of Souls is an eerie, atmospheric masterpiece. It’s everything every horror movie should strive to be- fresh, original, SO CREEPY, and bizarre. I saw this for the first time on a total whim, knowing very little about it, and not really knowing why. It was almost as if something drew me to it. It’s one of my favorite films ever, and if you saw it for the first time without knowing what you were about to see, you’ll understand why.

13- Psycho (1960)

You were warned that Psycho would be below some stuff it’s better than. Probably the greatest film on this list (its competition is basically Rosemary’s Baby, The Shining, and The Silence of the Lambs), Psycho falls here because it doesn’t hold up as a horror movie particularly well. Sure, it’s honestly really scary at points (RIP Arbogast), and it’s creepy throughout, but it works better as a mystery at this point. But Psycho is undeniable on this list, both for its influence and the fact that it’s just so damn great. There’s really nothing to say about it that hasn’t been said already, so I’ll leave it there.

12- The Conjuring (2013)

James Wan’s 2013 film is unabashedly scares over substance, but oh my god is it scary. Quite possibly the most terrifying film ever made, The Conjuring feels dangerous to watch. It can get you any time, from anywhere. Some of the jump scares are telegraphed, but it doesn’t matter. Two in particular (the hands in the basement and the demon on the wardrobe) rank among the absolute greatest of all time. Another thing it does well is invoke the season of fall. It uses the distinct setting to its advantage, and plays on the inherent creepiness of the time. It never misses an opportunity to try to scare you, and it never fails.

11- Scream (1996)

Craven’s crowning achievement, Scream is blessed with something many horror movies of its time were short on: creativity. The first horror movie to really be self-aware, it played on this then-untapped angle and converted it to the perfect experience for genre fans. It’s a loving tribute to horror that also succeeds at being scary in its own right- the legendary opening scene is one of the best ever, and the van jump scare is brilliant. It also features possibly the greatest screenplay in horror history courtesy of Kevin Williamson. The performances are all perfect. The rules are all spot on. Wes Craven himself plays the janitor dressed like Freddy Krueger.

10- Jaws (1975)

The movie that has made generation after generation afraid to go swimming is a mortal lock for the top 10 on a list of the greatest horror movies ever. The brilliance here is twofold- the use of music and the fact that the shark remains hidden. The musical element of the film wasn’t the first time music had been used in such a way (Psycho and M did it first, although only Psycho is a horror movie of those two), but it was certainly crucial in establishing it as a trope. The lack of use of the shark apparently wasn’t Spielberg’s first choice and was caused by mechanical issues, but it works well and has been used by many movies since (see Friday the 13th). While there may not be many moments that are actually, legitimately scary, anyone who’s ever been in the ocean can definitely say it’s terrifying.

9- Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

The controversy of director Roman Polanski can’t really take away from what an achievement this film is. It’s shocking, disturbing, and masterful. This is a film that haunts the viewer long after it finishes, and it contains brilliant imagery that sears itself into the brain of the viewer. It’s perfect in the way it portrays paranoia, betrayal, and bad neighbors. The film features a gloomy, sorrowful mood that persists throughout its runtime, and it’s a very different viewing experience than most other horror films. Mia Farrow is excellent, as are Ruth Gordon (who deservedly won an Oscar for her portrayal of villain Minnie Castevet) and legendary independent filmmaker John Cassavetes. The moral of the story is clear- never live in an apartment, never talk to your neighbors, and don’t mess with mysterious blocked off doors in your new residence.

8- It Follows (2014)

David Robert Mitchell’s 2014 stunner is an example of someone taking a genius premise and not only living up to it, but exceeding its potential. It Follows is a perfect movie, a brilliant and concentrated creation of pure terror and intensity. There’s no safety anywhere, there’s nothing you can do to truly escape. All you can do is run and hope. At some point I should write more about this film and how much I love it, because I really can’t fit it all in one paragraph. But It Follows is a modern classic, and I stand by its placement on this list.

7- Alien (1979)

Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic is one of the greatest horror films ever and one of the greatest sci-fi films ever, which is a winning combination. It starts off slow, and about halfway through kicks it up a notch and devolves into a pure hellscape, never to relent. The scares are truly excellent (the vent scene got me on my second watch, too), the acting is word-perfect (Sigourney Weaver is flawless), and the titular creature is one of horror’s greatest villains. It’s scientifically impossible to watch Alien and not love it. Trust me, I know science, I’ve seen Alien a bunch of times.

6- The Thing (1982)

John Carpenter’s classic film is brutal, intense, and terrifying from the very start up until the brilliantly ambiguous conclusion. Similar to Alien, it’s a masterclass in isolation. Yet for every scare built out of brilliant tension (holy hell the blood test scene), there’s one that’s just plain gross (defibrillator). This variety is what makes The Thing unique- it covers every possible base. The gross-out gory stuff is balanced out with steadily mounting tension. Brilliant acting and plotting create something unforgettable, it’s everything a horror movie can be and then some. It’s also one of two films in the top 10 to receive a razzie nomination.

5- Hereditary (2018)

Ari Aster’s films remind me a lot of Stephen King’s novels. They’re gruesome, upsetting, and hard to get through. They’re terrifying, abrasive, and yet totally brilliant. Hereditary is a perfect example of this. It’s terrifying in a way that so few films are: it’s atmospheric and the characters have an uncanny ability to scare you just by being themselves. It feels wrong throughout. It feels like you shouldn’t be watching it. Comparisons to Rosemary’s Baby and The Exorcist don’t feel out of place. This is a painful watch, one that’s regrettable and rewarding at once. Toni Collette delivers one of horror’s greatest performances. This is the film that, more than any other, feels like the harbinger of a new kind of horror movie. Something raw and unpleasant, but phenomenal nonetheless.

4- The Shining (1980)

The Shining is a horror film a la Kubrick, which means it’s meticulous and somewhat overwhelming. It’s the basis for my theory that every movie ever should have been directed by him- look at the set design, the camera angles, the performances (Nicholson’s career best). The hotel itself couldn’t exist as it’s depicted in the movie, it’s intentionally constructed impossibly to communicate a feeling of uneasiness and confusion. The scenes in the snow are the absolute best movies ever get. It’s an experience that never gets old, and it’s one that no movie, let alone horror film, has ever replicated or matched. It’s also a dark horse candidate for the best edited film ever, too. This is a particular brand of excellence, and a scary one to boot.

3- Halloween (1978)

John Carpenter’s seminal slasher classic is unique among horror movies in how little time it takes to get to the chase. It opens with a brilliant unbroken POV shot that depicts the first murder of the killer at the center of the film, then pans back to reveal a small child. It then goes to a mental facility in the middle of the night where said killer steals a car and escapes. The killing resumes again shortly, but not without abundant creepiness in between. Halloween unfolds exactly as all slashers should. It’s a perfect film, entertaining and scary in equal measure. It features both an all time great villain and an all time great heroine. It’s a rare movie that you feel you couldn’t add or remove a frame to or from. Every movement of the camera or one of the characters is essential, every line is perfect, every blank, emotionless Michael Myers stare is flawless. It doesn’t have the flash or elaborateness of some of the films that followed it, but it has more quality than any of them.

2- The Babadook (2014)

Remember the appalling act of recency bias I talked about earlier? Well, here we are. I firmly believe that The Babadook deserves this spot. It creates some of the greatest scares ever without any actual danger (the scenes with the book are unbelievably terrifying) and both central performances are crafted perfectly to achieve the desired results. Possibly the scariest film ever made, it’s also a cutting depiction of loss and parenthood. On the recency bias- the reason that films like this don’t make lists like this is due to reverse recency bias, the inability to admit that modern films are superior to some (admittedly great) classic films. This is honestly where I think this film should be. Watching it for the first time felt like what it must have been like to watch The Shining or The Exorcist in the years after their releases. This film will go down in history as one of the greatest examples of the genre and one of its defining works.

1- The Exorcist (1973)

Nothing can be said about The Exorcist that hasn’t been said already. I’ve even written extensively about it. But one universal truth that I feel can’t be overstated is this: The Exorcist is the greatest horror movie ever created. It’s terrifying, disturbing, unsettling, brutal, and masterful. If it feels too easy to call it these things, that’s because it deserves them to such a degree that saying it feels repetitive. This is a stunning epic of faith, terror, and pea soup that has managed to persist for four and a half decades on a legacy of horrifying excellence, a legacy that it deserves. This is the only answer. Horror cinema’s greatest masterpiece.