For horror movie fans, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a good scare. Over the years, Hollywood has given us plenty of bone-chilling horror films that have kept audiences on the edge of their seat. To celebrate the genre, we’ve put together a list of the top horror movies of all time.
1) The Shining (1980)
Based on the Stephen King novel, The Shining is a horror classic that has stood the test of time. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the film follows Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) as he moves with his family to an isolated hotel for the winter. But the hotel’s eerie past soon starts to cause Jack to lose his sanity, leading to some of the most iconic scenes in horror history.
2) Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter’s Halloween is a slasher movie that sparked a chain of imitators in the horror genre. Michael Myers, a masked killer who escapes from a mental hospital, goes on a rampage on Halloween night. The movie’s haunting theme and menacing villain have made it a cult favorite that is still scary to this day.
3) The Exorcist (1973)
When a young girl named Regan (Linda Blair) begins exhibiting strange behavior, her mother (Ellen Burstyn) turns to a priest for help. What follows is a terrifying journey as the priest, Father Karras (Jason Miller), attempts to exorcise the demon from Regan’s body. The Exorcist is a movie that has become synonymous with horror, thanks to its shocking scenes and standout performances.
4) Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is a psychological horror movie that has become a classic of the genre. The film follows Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) as she steals money from her employer and seeks refuge at the Bates Motel, run by the mysterious Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). Psycho’s twist ending has become one of the most famous in cinema history.
5) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a horror film that has polarized audiences since its release. The movie follows a group of friends who stumble upon a family of cannibals, including the infamous Leatherface (Gunnar Hansen). The movie’s raw, unrelenting violence has made it a classic that still delivers a visceral punch.
6) Night of the Living Dead (1968)
George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead is a zombie movie that changed the horror genre forever. The film follows a group of survivors as they try to fend off an army of the undead. Night of the Living Dead’s social commentary and grisly gore have made it a must-see for horror fans.
7) Jaws (1975)
While not traditionally considered a horror movie, Jaws is a thriller that has instilled a fear of the ocean in countless viewers. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie follows a small coastal town as it comes under attack from a great white shark. Jaws’ score, featuring the iconic “duh-nuh, duh-nuh” theme, has become as famous as the film itself.
Horror movies have been scaring audiences for decades, and these films are just a few examples of the genre’s best. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, slasher movies, or zombies, there’s a horror movie out there waiting to give you a good scare.