If you were exploring RT about ten days ago, you might have encountered a poll to determine the Scariest Movie Ever based on votes from the site's readers. Simultaneously, a British broadband service comparison website conducted a similar experiment. The results were unexpected. Here are the top 10 Scariest Horror Movies Ever, that will give you the chills.
- The Exorcist (1973)
With 19% of all votes, this William Friedkin adaptation of a demon-possessed child's story became the highest-grossing R-rated horror film, nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars.
2. Hereditary (2018)
Ari Aster's dark family drama, blended with supernatural horror, earned acclaim for Toni Collette's performance and secured the second spot on the list.
3. The Conjuring (2013)
Directed by James Wan, this chilling tale based on real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren captured audience attention with effective jump scares and a believable portrayal of the Warrens.
4. The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel is hailed as a cinematic masterpiece, known for its iconic imagery and Jack Nicholson's performance, securing the fourth position in the poll.
5. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Tobe Hooper's low-budget slasher, loosely inspired by Ed Gein's crimes, brought authenticity and terror, earning it a spot among the top 5 scariest movies.
6. The Ring (2002)
Gore Verbinski's remake of a Japanese thriller about a cursed videotape maintained the original's visual horror, introducing many to East Asian horror cinema.
7. Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter's classic, credited with popularizing the slasher genre, featured Jamie Lee Curtis and Michael Myers, leaving an indelible mark on horror history. The film’s legacy is also fairly untouchable: Michael Myers’ mask has become the stuff of legend, and the giant, unstoppable killer and the “final girl” have become ingrained in the horror lexicon. There’s a reason the franchise is still going after more than 40 years.
8. Sinister (2012)
Director Scott Derrickson's small-scale haunted house/possession story, starring Ethan Hawke, was crowned the scariest in a "scientific study" and earned a place in the top 10.
9. Insidious (2010)
Another James Wan film on the list, this supernatural thriller about a young boy channeling a malevolent spirit stood out for its compelling mythology and effective jump scares. Wan also stated that Insidious was meant to be something of a corrective to the outright violence of Saw, which compelled him to craft something on a more spiritual level, and the end result is an effective chiller featuring what is frequently regarded as one of the best jump scares ever put on screen.
10. IT (2017)
Based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, which went on to beat The Exorcist’s 44-year record as the highest-grossing horror film ever,. became the highest-grossing horror film, capitalizing on the fear of clowns and delivering a mix of nostalgia, scares, and impressive CGI.
These movies represent a captivating blend of classic and contemporary horror that continues to enthrall audiences worldwide. The list showcases the enduring impact of these films on the horror genre, solidifying their place in cinematic history.
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