Halloween is the perfect time to indulge in a spooky film. Even if you don’t normally watch scary films, you can get into the holiday spirit. Find a truly horrifying film that will stay with you, one that will leave you looking over your shoulder or behind the door or under the bed.
If you can’t of a film, we listed the spookiest films ever released. These films give you what you want in a horror movie. If you’re brave, you’ll watch them with the lights off. Be prepared to be scared out of your wits.
Ju-on (2002)
While Ju-on may not be the most well-known on this list, it’s definitely the most nerve-jangling. The story line and the acting aren’t great, but the ghost in the film makes the creepiest sound that will have your ears ringing. The movie also has one of the scariest scenes in horror film history—the staircase scene. This will give you nightmares and flashbacks of horror for days afterward.
Paranormal Activity (2007)
This film is made even scarier by the camerawork. It’s quite realistic, and some of the scenes look like they were taken on home video or from CCTV footage. It’s enough to make you believe that this could actually happen in your own home.
Poltergeist (1982)
This film is over 30 years old, but it is just as scary today as it was when it first came out in the ’80s. The most normal family goes through the most horrible experiences in this film. This is one film you will enjoy watching over and over again.
You’ll feel bad for the children in the movie because they go through some pretty awful things.
Psycho (1960)
This film is an Alfred Hitchcock classic. It’s very influential in the horror genre, and most people already have some idea of the plot of this movie. This will continue securing a spot in the lists of creepy movies because it is just so good.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
This film is very subtle in its scariness. It starts off as a nice story of a married couple, then turns into something sinister. Your imagination will be working overtime when you watch this thriller.
The subject matter is already scary enough—a woman impregnated by satanic force. This movie will make you want to spend all your time praying in a church to keep the bad forces away.
Suspiria (1977)
The color and lighting of this film add a striking element. It makes it really intense to watch. The story involves an American dancer who joins a German dance school. A double murder takes place, and things become more and more sinister. You will find yourself being spooked throughout the movie.
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is a silent film. It was filmed in 1920, and it relies on acting, lighting, and other effects to build suspense because there is no speech or screams. It is considered to be the first real horror film ever, which makes it a must-watch.
For those who love horror films, this is a classic you should all watch; and for those who are just starting to explore the horror genre, this is a brilliant introduction.
The Exorcist (1973)
Nothing is more terrifying than the thought of being possessed by an evil spirit. It’s something you can imagine happening in real life. In this movie, a little girl is possessed, and you will never be able to erase the victim’s from your mind after you watch this.
This movie has been popular for forty years, and it sure will stick around for decades more. It’s truly one of the scariest films ever made.
The Shining (1980)
The film is based on a book of the same name. It was written by Stephen King, who is the king of scary literary thrillers. However, Stephen King was unimpressed with the film because he felt that many of the thrilling parts from the book were left out.
Movie buffs did not feel the same, though, and this was a hit. Jack Nicholson also played the lead role and was actually quite frightening to watch.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
For gruesome horror scenes, you should watch Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The title says it all. There’s a chainsaw, killing, . . . and lots of blood.
Imagine a psycho coming after you with a chainsaw? That would have even the bravest person shaking with fear. This was such a popular film that there was a remake 30 years after the original.
Nothing compares to the original film, though, it is still the best.