Ranking The Best Horror Movies Of All Time
Ranking the best horror movies of all time is no easy task, as the genre is filled with countless films that have left audiences terrified and enthralled over the years. From classic black-and-white thrillers to modern-day horror blockbusters, there’s a horror movie out there to scare just about anyone.
Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just looking for a good scare, exploring the top horror films of all time can be an exciting and hair-raising journey. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most iconic horror movies ever made and examine what makes them so memorable and terrifying. So buckle up and get ready to scream as we dive into the world of horror cinema.
10. Hereditary (2018)
“Hereditary” is a 2018 horror film directed by Ari Aster. The movie revolves around the Graham family, who are mourning the death of their reclusive grandmother. After her passing, strange and terrifying occurrences begin to haunt the family. As the family’s unraveling deepens, they discover a horrific secret about their ancestry that they may not be able to escape.
The film features an outstanding cast led by Toni Collette, who plays Annie Graham, a mother struggling with grief and trauma while trying to keep her family together. Alex Wolff plays Peter Graham, her teenage son, while Milly Shapiro portrays Charlie Graham, her eccentric daughter. The movie also features Gabriel Byrne as Steve Graham, Annie’s husband, who is trying to keep the family’s sanity intact.
The movie is known for its slow-burn horror, tense atmosphere, and disturbing imagery. It explores themes such as grief, family secrets, mental illness, and the occult. “Hereditary” received critical acclaim for its unconventional storytelling and exceptional performances. It was praised for its ability to disturb and terrify its audience while also being a poignant family drama.
9. Alien (1979)
“Alien” is a 1979 science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott. The movie follows the crew of the commercial spacecraft Nostromo, who are awakened from cryosleep to investigate a distress signal from a nearby planet. After landing on the planet, they discover a crashed alien spacecraft and an alien life form that attaches itself to one of the crew members and begins to wreak havoc on the ship.
The film features an iconic cast, including Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor and hero of the film, and Tom Skerritt as Captain Dallas, the leader of the Nostromo crew. The movie also features John Hurt, Ian Holm, Yaphet Kotto, Harry Dean Stanton, and Veronica Cartwright as other members of the crew.
“Alien” is known for its tense and suspenseful atmosphere, stunning visuals, and groundbreaking creature design. The movie’s themes of claustrophobia, isolation, and the fear of the unknown have become hallmarks of the horror genre. The film has spawned multiple sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, cementing its place as one of the most influential and beloved science fiction horror movies of all time.
8. Halloween (1978)
“Halloween” is a 1978 horror film directed by John Carpenter. The movie tells the story of Michael Myers, who, as a child, murders his older sister and is subsequently institutionalized. Fifteen years later, he escapes from the asylum and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, where he stalks and kills a group of teenagers on Halloween night.
The film features an iconic performance by Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, a high school student who becomes the target of Michael Myers’ killing spree. The movie also features Donald Pleasence as Dr. Samuel Loomis, Michael Myers’ psychiatrist, who is in pursuit of his patient to stop him from committing further atrocities.
“Halloween” is known for its minimalist score, composed by John Carpenter himself, which creates a sense of dread and tension throughout the movie. The film’s themes of the “final girl” trope, the fear of the unknown, and the dangers of suburban complacency have made it a classic of the horror genre. The movie has spawned multiple sequels and reboots, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic horror movies of all time.
7. The Ring (2002)
“The Ring” is a 2002 horror film directed by Gore Verbinski. The movie follows journalist Rachel Keller, who investigates the mysterious death of her niece, Katie. She discovers that Katie had watched a cursed videotape that causes the viewer to die seven days after watching it.
Rachel decides to watch the tape to try and uncover the truth behind its deadly power, setting into motion a race against time to solve the mystery before her own time runs out.
The film features an outstanding performance by Naomi Watts as Rachel Keller, who is determined to unravel the secrets of the cursed videotape. The movie also stars Martin Henderson as Noah, Rachel’s ex-boyfriend, who helps her in her investigation, and Daveigh Chase as Samara, the ghostly figure responsible for the deadly tape.
“The Ring” is known for its eerie and suspenseful atmosphere, clever plot twists, and haunting imagery. The film’s themes of the dangers of technology and the fear of the unknown have made it a classic of the horror genre. The movie was a critical and commercial success, spawning multiple sequels and a remake of the original Japanese film, “Ringu.”
6. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is a classic horror film released in 1974, directed by Tobe Hooper. The movie follows a group of five friends who are on a road trip through Texas and end up falling prey to a family of cannibals.
The film opens with a group of young people, including Sally Hardesty (Marilyn Burns) and her brother Franklin (Paul A. Partain), heading to their grandfather’s grave in rural Texas. Along the way, they encounter a hitchhiker who seems to be mentally unstable and soon they find themselves at a gas station where they receive a warning about the dangers of the area they are traveling through.
As they continue their journey, they stumble upon a farmhouse inhabited by a family of cannibals, including the iconic character of Leatherface (Gunnar Hansen), who wears a mask made of human skin and wields a chainsaw. What follows is a terrifying struggle for survival as the group is hunted down one by one by the deranged family.
The movie is known for its intense, unrelenting atmosphere and shocking violence, and is considered one of the most influential horror films of all time. It has spawned numerous sequels, remakes, and imitations, but the original remains a masterpiece of horror cinema.
5. Dawn Of The Dead (1978)
“Dawn of the Dead” is a classic horror film released in 1978, directed by George A. Romero. It is the second film in Romero’s “Living Dead” series, following the iconic “Night of the Living Dead.”
The movie takes place in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse, as a small group of survivors take refuge in a shopping mall in order to escape the hordes of the undead. The group consists of two SWAT team members, Roger (Scott H. Reiniger) and Peter (Ken Foree), along with Stephen (David Emge) and his girlfriend Francine (Gaylen Ross), who are members of a TV news crew.
As they settle into the mall, the survivors must fend off not only the zombies outside, but also the threat of other survivors who are trying to take over the mall for themselves. They must also deal with their own fears and conflicts as they struggle to survive in a world overrun by the living dead.
The film is notable for its social commentary on consumerism and the excesses of modern society, as well as its groundbreaking use of gore and special effects. It has been praised for its tense atmosphere, memorable characters, and realistic portrayal of the apocalypse.
Overall, “Dawn of the Dead” is a groundbreaking and influential horror film that has left a lasting impact on the genre, and remains a classic to this day.
4. The Shining (1980)
“The Shining” is a classic horror film released in 1980, directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on the novel by Stephen King. The movie tells the story of a family who become the caretakers of an isolated hotel during the winter season, and the terrifying events that unfold as they become trapped inside.
The main character is Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson), an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic who takes on the job of caretaker at the Overlook Hotel, bringing along his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and young son Danny (Danny Lloyd). As the winter progresses and the hotel becomes snowed in, strange occurrences begin to happen, including visions of a haunted past and encounters with supernatural forces.
Jack’s sanity begins to unravel as he becomes increasingly obsessed with the hotel’s dark history and begins to exhibit violent and dangerous behavior. Meanwhile, Wendy and Danny try to survive and escape the terrifying events that are unfolding around them.
“The Shining” is known for its iconic performances, particularly Nicholson’s portrayal of the increasingly deranged Jack Torrance, and its stunning visual style, with Kubrick’s use of the hotel’s eerie interiors and haunting music creating an unsettling and unforgettable atmosphere.
Overall, “The Shining” is a masterful work of horror cinema, and remains one of the most influential and memorable horror films of all time.
3. Psycho (1960)
“Psycho” is a classic 1960 horror-thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film follows Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), a young woman who steals $40,000 from her employer and sets out on a road trip to start a new life. Exhausted and wary from driving, Marion stops at the isolated Bates Motel, run by the shy and awkward Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins).
As Marion settles into her room and prepares for a shower, she is suddenly attacked and brutally murdered by an unseen assailant. This shocking and iconic scene sets the stage for the film’s twisty and suspenseful plot.
As the investigation into Marion’s disappearance begins, her sister Lila (Vera Miles) and Marion’s boyfriend Sam (John Gavin) try to unravel the mystery of what happened to her. Meanwhile, the audience is drawn deeper into the twisted world of Norman Bates, as his own dark secrets and troubled past come to light.
With its chilling score, unforgettable performances, and shocking twists, “Psycho” is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, and a groundbreaking masterpiece in the horror genre.
2. The Exorcist (1973)
“The Exorcist” is a classic horror movie released in 1973, directed by William Friedkin and based on the novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty. The film follows the story of a young girl named Regan (played by Linda Blair) who becomes possessed by a demonic entity.
The movie begins with Regan’s mother, Chris (played by Ellen Burstyn), noticing strange behavior in her daughter. Regan starts acting strangely and experiencing violent fits, leading Chris to seek medical help. However, doctors are unable to explain Regan’s behavior and suggest she may be suffering from a mental illness.
As Regan’s condition worsens, Chris becomes convinced that her daughter is possessed by a demon. She turns to Father Damien Karras (played by Jason Miller), a young and inexperienced Catholic priest, for help.
Together with an experienced exorcist, Father Merrin (played by Max von Sydow), they attempt to perform an exorcism on Regan to rid her of the demon.
The movie is renowned for its realistic and terrifying depiction of possession and exorcism, as well as its iconic scenes such as Regan’s head spinning and her projectile vomiting. It was also controversial upon its release due to its graphic and disturbing content, including strong language and scenes of violence.
Overall, “The Exorcist” is a groundbreaking horror movie that has stood the test of time and remains a classic in the genre.
1. The Thing (1982)
Ok I’ll admit this one is a personal choice and opinion however, let me explain.
“The Thing” is a science-fiction horror movie released in 1982, directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell. The film is based on the novella “Who Goes There?” by John W. Campbell Jr. and follows a team of scientists in Antarctica who come into contact with an alien creature that can assimilate and imitate any living organism it encounters.
The story begins with a group of researchers in Antarctica who discover an alien spacecraft buried in the ice. They also find a frozen creature nearby that they bring back to their base for further study. As they begin to thaw out the creature, it awakens and begins to attack the researchers, revealing its ability to mimic and take on the appearance of any living organism.
As paranoia and distrust take hold of the team, they realize that anyone could be the alien creature in disguise. They must work together to uncover who among them is human and who is the alien, while also trying to prevent the creature from escaping and spreading to the outside world.
“The Thing” is known for its intense suspense, practical effects, and psychological horror. The film is a masterclass in tension-building and features some of the most iconic and gruesome scenes in horror history, including the famous “chest defibrillation” scene. It has since become a cult classic and is considered one of the greatest science-fiction horror movies of all time.
And there you have it, a list of the best horror movies of all time! From the classics to the contemporary, these films have terrified and captivated audiences for decades. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or just starting to explore the genre, these movies are sure to send shivers down your spine and leave you sleeping with the lights on.
