Few forms of cinema can capture the imagination and instill fear quite like horror movies, which tap into primal fears and societal anxieties. From the early silent era to the latest thrilling releases, horror films have evolved while maintaining the ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Our ranked list of the Top 100 Horror Movies spans nearly a century of spine-chilling storytelling. Here are the films that have made their mark, from the terrifying classics to the contemporary horrors that push boundaries.

1. Psycho (1960)

The ultimate psychological thriller that forever changed the genre. Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is a masterclass in suspense and shock, with its iconic shower scene and the eerie, enigmatic character of Norman Bates.

2. The Exorcist (1973)

One of the most terrifying films of all time, The Exorcist explores possession, exorcism, and the battle between good and evil, setting a high bar for supernatural horror.

3. Halloween (1978)

John Carpenter’s classic slasher introduced Michael Myers, a masked killer who became one of horror’s most enduring villains. Halloween defined the slasher genre and remains a Halloween staple.

4. The Shining (1980)

Stanley Kubrick’s psychological horror masterpiece, based on Stephen King’s novel, brings Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance as the increasingly unhinged Jack Torrance, trapped in a haunted hotel.

5. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Wes Craven’s tale of Freddy Krueger, a dream killer, forever changed the slasher genre. Its unique blend of reality and nightmare created a terrifying new horror villain.

6. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

A psychological horror thriller that introduced Hannibal Lecter, the charming yet terrifying cannibalistic psychiatrist. The Silence of the Lambs is a masterpiece of tension and character study.

7. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

A groundbreaking found footage film that brought new realism to horror. The story of three filmmakers lost in the woods became a cultural phenomenon and made the Blair Witch legend terrifyingly real.

8. The Ring (2002)

A chilling supernatural horror film that popularized the J-horror remake wave. The concept of a cursed videotape that predicts death has since become iconic in the genre.

9. Get Out (2017)

Jordan Peele’s directorial debut blends social commentary with supernatural horror, creating a thought-provoking yet spine-chilling narrative that resonates deeply with modern audiences.

10. Hereditary (2018)

A haunting family drama that escalates into a deeply disturbing horror experience. Ari Aster’s film leaves viewers feeling uneasy, with stunning performances and an unforgettable sense of dread.

11. Alien (1979)

Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror masterpiece Alien blends sci-fi with terror as the crew of the Nostromo faces off against an unstoppable extraterrestrial force.

12. Jaws (1975)

Steven Spielberg’s thriller about a killer shark terrorizing a beach town is both an adventure and a horror story, its tension and suspense still unrivaled to this day.

13. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

Roman Polanski’s psychological horror film about a young woman who becomes pregnant with the Antichrist is a chilling exploration of paranoia, manipulation, and the supernatural.

14. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

A terrifyingly gritty and raw film by Tobe Hooper that introduced Leatherface and a family of cannibals. It set a new standard for horror with its intensity and unrelenting violence.

15. It (2017)

Based on Stephen King’s novel, this adaptation of It brings the terror of Pennywise the Clown to life with a mix of jump scares, emotional depth, and a nostalgic 80s backdrop.

16. The Babadook (2014)

A modern psychological horror that deals with grief, motherhood, and the supernatural. Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook is a chilling exploration of mental illness and the monsters that lurk in the mind.

17. Paranormal Activity (2007)

A found footage film that revived the ghost story genre, Paranormal Activity is a slow-burn horror that builds its tension through minimalist scares and supernatural dread.

18. The Conjuring (2013)

Based on the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring introduces a terrifying supernatural entity in one of the most successful modern horror franchises.

19. The Thing (1982)

John Carpenter’s sci-fi horror masterpiece is a tense, paranoid thriller where a group of researchers must survive an alien creature that can mimic human form. The special effects still hold up as some of the best in horror history.

20. Scream (1996)

Wes Craven’s self-aware slasher film that deconstructs horror tropes while still delivering genuine scares. Scream revitalized the slasher genre in the 90s with witty dialogue and clever twists.

21. Poltergeist (1982)

Tobe Hooper’s supernatural classic about a family whose home is haunted by spirits. Poltergeist combines suburban normalcy with supernatural terror in a way that left audiences spooked.

22. Dawn of the Dead (1978)

George A. Romero’s zombie classic explores consumerism and survival in a mall overrun by the undead. Its social commentary, along with the intense zombie horror, makes it a standout in the genre.

23. Carrie (1976)

Based on Stephen King’s novel, Brian De Palma’s Carrie combines teen angst with supernatural horror, resulting in one of the most iconic moments in horror cinema—Carrie’s prom night.

24. Suspiria (1977)

Dario Argento’s visually stunning horror film about a dance academy hiding dark, supernatural secrets. Known for its vibrant color palette and haunting soundtrack, Suspiria is a one-of-a-kind experience.

25. Nosferatu (1922)

The first film adaptation of Dracula, F.W. Murnau’s silent film Nosferatu introduced the iconic image of the vampire Count Orlok, a disturbing, eerie figure that remains one of horror’s most terrifying creations.

The list continues with further classics like Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931), An American Werewolf in London (1981), and The Others (2001), as well as modern favorites like Get Out (2017), Midsommar (2019), and A Quiet Place (2018).

These films span decades and global boundaries, proving that horror is a genre with endless potential for creativity and fear. From global blockbusters to foreign films, the list includes a variety of experiences, from classic slashers to psychological thrillers and supernatural horrors. Each of these films has shaped the genre in its own unique way, delivering scares, insights, and unforgettable moments.

Whether you’re a fan of jump scares, deep psychological horror, or gory body horror, this list offers something for every horror enthusiast. The terrifying allure of these films proves that fear will always have a place in the cinematic world, continuously evolving and keeping us on edge every day.