Horror movies have evolved through the years. It is unfortunate that a majority of modern horror flicks tend to concentrate more on high-end special effects and gore than on the plot, script and mood of the movie, consequently failing to deliver a quality scare. That said, “scary” is a relative term. What is only mildly disturbing to one may leave another cringing or shaking uncontrollably. The following list of top horror movies is based on overall quality.
Horror movies the likes of The Omen, Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the Thirteen and The Others may not be on this list but owing to much popularity and acclaim, deserve special mentions.
The Exorcist (1973)
The Exorcist is a pioneer in its sub-genre and perhaps the scariest of the lot. The movie has inspired several other flicks that revolve around the demonic possession theme. The classic is known to bring some to tears and even today is deemed a heart-stopper. IMDB rating: 8.1
Halloween (1978)
Halloween’s psychotic killer is somewhat of a slasher movie icon. Michael Myers and his intimidating white mask have inspired several other psychotic mask-donning characters the likes of Jason Vorhees from “Friday the 13th”. Rob Zombie’s 2007 remake of the classic wasn’t the worst, but failed to do justice to John Carpenter’s original. IMDB rating: 8.0
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Night of the Living Dead gave new life and meaning to the horror genre. It had what most modern horror flicks don’t – an engaging plot coupled with fair acting and an imparted feeling of gloom. The classic stands as proof of the fact that it’s not a high budget or special effects that make a horror movie scary. IMDB rating: 8.0
Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Silence of the Lambs isn’t your typical horror movie. It’s a highly engaging thriller that incorporates a few elements of the horror genre. The plot is one that will keep you on the edge of your seat and considerably freaked out and the acting is just marvelous. The movie grabbed 5 Oscars along with several other awards and needless to say, deserves each and every one of them. IMDB rating: 8.7
Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is one of the most popular horror-thriller movies to date. The 1998 remake didn’t quite match the original in its extraordinary direction. After all, you can’t really compete with Hitchcock, can you? Psycho is revered for its unpredictable and engaging plot. IMDB rating: 8.7
The Shining (1980)
Based on a novel by none other than Stephen King, Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining has been received with much applause and for good reason. The eerie mood of the movie tends to crawl under the viewer’s skin and the great acting serves as icing on the cake. IMDB rating: 8.5
Alien (1979)
“In space, no one can hear you scream”. Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror flick brought a new and unique concept to the horror genre – the Xenomorph, a frightening, covert and deadly extraterrestrial hunter that has grown to become a huge franchise with a wide fanbase. IMDB rating: 8.5
The Sixth Sense (1999)
“I see dead people.” M Night Shyamalan really nailed it with this one. The Sixth Sense is a psychological horror film with a fantastic plot that leaves one’s mind dwelling in the movie way after it has ended. The movie has received much acclaim from critics and viewers alike and still ranks among the top box-office money earners in the United States. IMDB rating: 8.2
Paranormal Activity (2010)
I’m sure you’re wondering how this movie managed to find a place alongside critically acclaimed classics. What makes most of the classics in this list so fantastic is their originality. They were there first. The Paranormal Activity movies have that in common with them. The “surveillance” style of filming is unique and has proved to be extremely effective when it comes to scaring viewers out of their skins.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Roman Polanski’s classic box-office hit is the based on the bestselling 1967 novel by Ira Levin. Its deviation from conventions of the horror genre makes it a one-of-a-kind film and an exciting watch. If it’s a deep engaging plot you’re looking for, look no further than Rosemary’s Baby. IMDB rating: 8.1
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