20 Of The Best Horror Movies of All Time

20 Of The Best Horror Movies of All Time [Updated for 2026]

Being a long time horror enthusiast, I must admit, there’s something so thrilling about the adrenaline rush that a great horror movie gives.

From the eerie soundtracks to the unexpected jump scares and the haunting psychological thrills, horror movies have a way of captivating and terrify audiences.

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For years I’ve been obsessed with cinema and in particular, Horror.

So, I always find it fascinating diving into the topic to explore the movies that keep us on the edges of our seats.

In this post, I’m sharing my top picks for the 20 best horror movies of all time.

These movies are perfect for any horror aficionado looking to delve into the dark and mysterious world of cinema.

The Best Horror Movies of All Time

With a plethora of Horror movies available, it’s hard to choose the best and whittle them down to a list of 20.

I’m sure we all have our own tastes, opinions and ideas on what movies should make the cut.

So, let’s take a look and see if any of your favourites are on the list!

Please note that these are not in any specific order, just simply 20 of the best horror movies.

1. The Shining (1980)

One of the first Jack Nicholson movies I ever watched and I LOVED everything about his performance.

Directed by Stanley Kubrick, The Shining is a masterpiece of psychological horror!

It’s based on Stephen King’s novel and follows the story of Jack Torrance, who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel.

The isolation of the experience slowly drives him insane which leads to terrifying consequences.

The film’s haunting atmosphere and Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance make it a must watch and worthy of top 20.

2. Psycho (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is a groundbreaking film that set the standard for horror thrillers.

This classic follows the story of a secretary on the run.

After embezzling money, she finds herself at a remote motel.

There, she meets the enigmatic Norman Bates, leading to an unforgettable journey filled with suspense, twists, and psychological thrills!

Its innovative use of suspense and the shocking plot twist make it a timeless classic.

3. The Exorcist (1973)

Often referred to as the scariest movie of all time, The Exorcist tells the harrowing tale of a young girl possessed by a demonic entity.

The film’s unsettling imagery and intense performances left audiences terrified and intrigued by the supernatural.

Seeing this as a child for the first time I was HORRIFIED and I vividly remembering being terrified of getting possessed.

I really should not have snuck the video tape into my room to watch alone haha.

4. Halloween (1978)

A Horror movie list wouldn’t be complete without Halloween, would it?

John Carpenter’s Halloween introduced the world to Michael Myers, a relentless and faceless killer!

The movie’s minimalist approach and chilling sound score create an atmosphere of suspense that keeps viewers on edge from start to finish.

It’s an absolute classic that I’m sure most horror fans enjoy time and time again.

5. Hereditary (2018)

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure if I’d include Hereditary or not, not because it’s not a good movie, but because personally it wasn’t my favourite story wise.

Everything else about the movie however drew me in and kept me watching.

From the cinematography to the acting performances, Ari Aster’s Hereditary is a modern horror masterpiece.

With shocking scenes and an exploration of family grief and trauma, Hereditary has rightfully earned its place in the top horror movies of all time.

6. Get Out (2017)

Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, Get Out, is a brilliant social thriller that cleverly addresses race relations in America.

The film’s unique blend of horror and satire has earned it a place among the best horror movies of recent years.

It’s one of those Horrors you can watch again and again, and still pick up something new with each watch.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie as a whole but more so the messaging that was woven throughout.

7. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Another absolute classic that terrified movie goers who dared to watch it.

Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a gritty and raw depiction of a group of friends who fall victim to a family of cannibals.

The film’s style, cinematography, and relentless intensity make it a landmark in horror history.

8. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street introduced the world to Freddy Krueger!

The nightmare inducing villain with a penchant for hunting teenagers in their dreams.

With an innovative concept and iconic character, the movie solidified its place in horror lore.

Robert Englunds performance of Krueger will go down in history as one of the best horror villain performances in Cinema.

9. It (1986 & 2017)

Based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, “It” follows a group of children as they face off against Pennywise the Dancing Clown.

The film’s blend of childhood nostalgia and terrifying horror elements make it a compelling watch.

I remember seeing “It” for the first time like it was yesterday! Tim Curry’s performance as Pennywise was horrifying to 8 year old me.

Not only is the original amazing, the remake is just as good with Bill Skarsgårds performance as Pennywise rivaling Tim Curry’s.

This is a rare time where the remake is just as good as the original.

10. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

While often considered a thriller, The Silence of the Lambs features enough horror elements to earn its spot on this list.

The film’s standout performances, particularly by Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter, create a chilling experience that is both captivating and unnerving.

It’s a movie that shocked and wowed audiences when it first hit cinemas, and 30+ years later, it still holds up against the greats.

11 – 20 of The Best Horror Movies of All Time

11. Evil Dead (1981)

When it comes to the best horror movies of all time, Evil Dead holds a special place in my heart.

As a horror film enthusiast, I’ve always been drawn to the films unique blend of terrifying thrills and dark humor.

What truly sets the movie apart though is its masterful use of practical effects.

These practical effects create a visceral and immersive experience that modern CGI often fails to replicate.

The movie’s relentless pace keeps you on the edge of your seat, and Bruce Campbell’s iconic portrayal of Ash Williams adds a charismatic charm that you can’t help but root for.

It’s a film that has not only stood the test of time, but also influenced countless others in the genre.

12. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

Rosemary’s Baby is hands down one of my all time favourite horror films.

The chilling tale of a young woman unknowingly carrying the Antichrist grabs you from the start.

Its genius lies in the psychological terror, building suspense with eerie subtlety.

The masterful storytelling and haunting performances left me both mesmerized and unnerved as a young girl, making it a true classic in horror cinema.

13. The Conjuring (2013)

James Wan’s The Conjuring is a supernatural horror film based on the real life experiences of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.

The film’s chilling scares and strong performances have made it a modern horror favourite of many and it’s no secret why.

The whole Conjuring franchise is one of my ultimate favourites in horror because of how well the actors play their parts and the beautiful cinematography.

I love the scares this brought, especially as someone who loves a good jump scare movie!

14. The Babadook (2014)

With The Babadook being the only horror to thoroughly scare me in the past decade, I had to include it on the list.

The Babadook is a psychological horror film that explores themes of grief and motherhood, and it packs a punch.

The film’s haunting imagery and emotional depth make it a standout in recent horror cinema.

It earns it’s place on this list thanks to it’s visuals, sound score and overall eerie feel.

15. Alien (1979)

Ridley Scott’s Alien is a sci-fi horror film that combines elements of suspense and terror, and does it oh so well.

The film’s claustrophobic setting and terrifying creature design have made it a classic in both the horror and science fiction genres.

With the use of practical effects, stand out performances from the likes of Sigourney Weaver, and amazing camera work, Alien has cemented its place in cinema history.

A movie that not only has an amazing leading lady, but also conveys the sheer terror a situation like Ripleys would bring.

16. Scream (1996)

Scream has to be one of the best horror movies of all time in my opinion!

I was hooked from the start by its clever mix of slasher thrills and self aware humor.

When it hit the big screens it was clear that it brought something new and fresh to the horror genre.

The movie keeps you on the edge of your seat with its iconic villian, Ghostface and unexpected twists, making it a must watch.

No best horror movies of all time list would be complete without it.

17. Insidious (2010)

James Wan’s Insidious is a fantastic supernatural horror film that follows a family as they confront malevolent spirits in their home.

The film’s inventive scares and atmospheric tension have made it a favourite among horror fans, and for good reason.

Filled with jump scares, a good plot and terrific performances, its a movie worthy of this list.

18. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

The Blair Witch Project was the first ever horror movie I watched behind my mums back.

I remember a friend of mine took her mums video tape of it and brought it to my house.

We said we were going to play in my room and we barricaded ourselves in. From there we watched the movie and about 20 minutes in we were screaming and my gran caught us.

Its a fond memory of what started my curiosity with horror.

Anyway, this is a found-footage horror film that follows three filmmakers as they investigate the legend of the Blair Witch.

The film’s innovative approach and realistic portrayal of fear have made it a cult classic!

It was definitely a refreshing movie at the time as it was so different and new.

19. Midsommar (2019)

I cannot praise this movie enough nor express just how much I loved it.

Ari Aster’s Midsommar is a folk horror film that explores themes of grief and community.

The movie’s unsettling imagery and unique setting create a horror experience that is both visually stunning and deeply disturbing.

Florence Pugh’s performance is wonderful to watch as the emotions she evokes keeps you hooked and very much in the thick of the story.

20. Carrie (1976)

No horror movie list would be complete with the fantastic Carrie.

Based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, Carrie tells the story of a bullied high school girl who discovers her telekinetic powers.

The film’s climactic prom scene and powerful themes of revenge have made it a staple in the horror genre.

I’m sure there are many of us who saw ourselves in the character and wished we could have our own moment of finally letting go.

Final Thoughts on The Best Horror Movies of All Time

Reflecting on these 20 best horror movies of all time, it’s clear that each movie brings something truly unique to the table!

From psychological thrills to supernatural scares, these movies have not only shaped the horror genre, but have also left an indelible mark on popular culture in general.

Whether you’re a seasoned horror buff or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, these films offer a chilling journey into the world of horror that is sure to leave you both terrified and enthralled.

So, why not grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare yourself for a haunting cinematic experience that you won’t forget!

Looking for somewhere to watch The Best Horror Movies?

Are you looking for somewhere to watch the likes of Scream, Carrie, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Silence of The Lambs, The Babadook etc?

Then check out Amazon Prime Video! They have a ton of great horror movies to stream.

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