The 10 Best Horror Movies That Will Keep You Up At Night

If you enjoy being awake all night, feeling your heart race, and indulging in the kind of suspense that lasts well after the final credits, you are in for a spine-chilling treat. In this blog post, we have compiled the best horror movies that are bound to stick in your mind and maybe in your dreams for days after watching them. From supernatural frights to psychological mind-benders, these films have perfected the art of making you fear for your life.

This list is especially for those who are serious about the horror genre. It consists of a blend of contemporary horror and a selection of films that are considered by many to be the best in the genre throughout its history. No matter which era a horror film comes from, the fear it incites will always be relevant. In fact, a case could be made that horror has never been more popular than it is right now.

So, if you think you can handle it, keep the lights on and click through this list of the best horror movies.

Hereditary (2018)

A contemporary classic, Hereditary does not depend on inexpensive leap scares; rather, it constructs a profoundly disquieting ambiance that gradually undoes your nerves. With an unforgettable portrayal by Toni Collette and a narrative that is anchored in familial torment and the occult, this film ranks as one of the best horror movies to undergo for a truly unsettling evening.

The Conjuring (2013)

Helmed by James Wan, The Conjuring carved out the realms of supernatural horror for a new generation. Citing the real-life instances of paranormal sleuths Ed and Lorraine Warren as its basis, the film provides top-notch pacing, heart-stopping visuals, and an unrelenting sense of impending doom that somehow keeps getting more intense.

The Babadook (2014)

The Babadook is more than just a monster movie; it examines maternal grief and mental illness through the lens of psychological horror. Its titular creature is indeed terrifying, yet it is the film’s emotional resonance that disturbs viewers on a much deeper level.

Sinister (2012)

Several studies rank Sinister as the scariest film of all time (based on heart rate). It follows a true-crime writer who discovers a series of horrifying home videos in his attic. Chilling atmosphere, eerie home movies, and that unforgettable soundtrack make it a standout.

The Exorcist (1973)

Every list of the Best Horror Movies has to include this legendary classic. No other film has been so unflinching in its portrayal of demonic possession and the kind of religious horror that gets into your head and turns your stomach. And if you think it’s been supplanted by newer, more sophisticated kinds of scares, think again. The Exorcist, from 1973, remains the touchstone for mainstream movie horror.

Get Out (2017)

Jordan Peele‘s directorial debut shines as a blend of social commentary and psychological horror. Get Out probes the racism and identity issues in America with a lens that is part suspense, part mind-bender, and 100 percent scary and reflective.

It Follows (2014)

It Follows is a masterclass in slow-burn horror, with a premise that is anything but typical. Loosely set in an alternate reality where backward fashion trends are always in style, the film follows a cursed group of 20-something friends who pass an irresistible death sentence among themselves via sexual intercourse. The film’s pure-to-the-point, basic plot structure makes it non-genre-specific and timeless.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

This film is the slasher horror blueprint. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre feels like a fever dream and a derangement turned nightmare. It has an uncompromising and unrelenting intensity that shocks viewers even today.

A Quiet Place (2018)

A Quiet Place, the kind of film that really makes you appreciate and pay attention to the sounds around you (or lack thereof), takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where almost any noise means certain death.

Directed by and starring John Krasinski (and his wife, actress Emily Blunt), the film features very few speaking parts, instead relying on a mostly sign language dialogue, sound cues, and performances that excel in expressing fear and dread.

The Witch (2015)

The Witch (stylized as The VVitch), set in 17th-century New England, derives its terror from being alone, from being religiously paranoid, and from what might be called old-fashioned storytelling—folklore, in this case. It is a slow, meticulous film, and the only thing that crawls under your skin more than the film’s images is the film’s sound.

No matter if you’re planning to confront your worst fears or just want to relax on the couch with a few great scares, these are the Best Horror Movies out there today.

Horror Movies are about more than just things that go bump in the night or serial killers stalking our shadows. They’re about the darkness lurking in the deepest corners of our minds, the illicit stuff we know we’re not supposed to do but do anyway, and the fake stuff we absolutely must pretend is real.

Most importantly, good Horror Movies are about much more than just one element: They’re about atmosphere, tension, and good old-fashioned storytelling. Whether you’re looking to face your deepest fears or just enjoy a hair-raising night on the couch, these are the Horror Movies that deliver both. Thus, grab some popcorn, turn off the lights (if you dare), and prepare yourself—these films aren’t just films. They’re experiences.

Desiring even more hair-raising suggestions? Still not enough chills and thrills?

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