Looking for some scream-worthy scary movies to make your heart pound and send chills down your spine? If you love the adrenaline rush of being frightened by the creepy unknown, the supernatural, and pure evil, you are in for a treat. This article compiles a list of the top 20 scary movies of all time guaranteed to terrify anyone who dares to watch them. These spine-tingling movies are highly rated by both critics and audiences over the years becoming undisputed classics in the genre. Whether you like ghostly ghouls, bloodthirsty zombies, fanged vampires, masked slashers and psychological terrors, there is something here to frighten even the most hardened horror buff. So grab some courage, turn off all the lights and prepare for a scream as you watch some of the most bone-chilling scary films ever made. Just try not to look behind you!

List of Top 20 Scary Movies of All Time

Below is a table which includes top 20 scary movies to watch with your friends, family, gf and bf.

1 - The Exorcist (1973)

• Lead actors: Linda Blair (Regan MacNeil), Ellen Burstyn (Chris MacNeil)
• Supporting artists: Max von Sydow (Father Lankester Merrin), Jason Miller (Father Damien Karras)
• Director: William Friedkin
• Release date: December 26, 1973
• Run time: 122 minutes
• IMDB rating: 8.0
• Revenue: $441 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

The Exorcist is regarded as one of the most terrifying and influential horror films ever. It was based on a novel. It follows a young girl's shocking demonic possession and the priests trying to save her soul through exorcism. Her profane language and violent physical contortions horrified audiences. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, it won for Best Sound and Adapted Screenplay. Its disturbing images caused controversy but also demonstrated groundbreaking visual effects.

2 - The Shining (1980)

• Lead actors: Jack Nicholson (Jack Torrance), Shelley Duvall (Wendy Torrance)
• Supporting artists: Danny Lloyd (Danny Torrance), Scatman Crothers (Dick Hallorann)
• Director: Stanley Kubrick
• Release date: May 23, 1980
• Run time: 146 minutes
• IMDB rating: 8.4
• Revenue: $46 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

Stanley Kubrick's eerie psychological horror masterpiece follows a family's isolation and descent into madness at the haunted Overlook Hotel. Jack Nicholson gives an iconic, unhinged performance as the father who becomes ax-wielding and murderously insane. Famous for surreal and haunting imagery like the ghostly twins, bloody elevator, and haunting hallway. Regarded as one of Kubrick's greatest films and a landmark of psychological supernatural horror.

3 - Psycho (1960)

• Lead actors: Anthony Perkins (Norman Bates), Janet Leigh (Marion Crane)
• Supporting artists: Vera Miles (Lila Crane), John Gavin (Sam Loomis)
• Director: Alfred Hitchcock
• Release date: June 16, 1960
• Run time: 109 minutes
• IMDB rating: 8.5
• Revenue: $50 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

Alfred Hitchcock's groundbreaking thriller which was based on a novel introduced the slasher genre and changed horror cinema. It follows a secretary who steals money from work and hides out at an isolated motel run by Norman Bates, a shy and deeply disturbed young man with a dark secret. It features the infamous shower murder scene with screeching violins that terrified audiences. It was nominated for 4 Academy Awards and demonstrated Hitchcock mastery of suspense. This movie is still considered one of the most influential and greatest horror films ever made.

4 - The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

• Lead actors: Jodie Foster (Clarice Starling), Anthony Hopkins (Hannibal Lecter)
• Supporting artists: Scott Glenn (Jack Crawford), Ted Levine (Jame Gumb/Buffalo Bill)
• Director: Jonathan Demme
• Release date: February 14, 1991
• Run time: 118 minutes
• IMDB rating: 8.6
• Revenue: $273 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

This brilliant psychological crime thriller combines elements of horror and drama. Jodie Foster plays an FBI trainee who seeks help catching a serial killer from Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant but cannibalistic imprisoned murderer played chillingly by Anthony Hopkins. Both of them won Oscars for their iconic roles. It was only the third film to win Oscars for Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress and Adapted Screenplay. It was considered one of the greatest films of all time.

5 - The Conjuring (2013)

• Lead actors: Patrick Wilson (Ed Warren), Vera Farmiga (Lorraine Warren)
• Supporting artists: Ron Livingston (Roger Perron), Lili Taylor (Carolyn Perron)
• Director: James Wan
• Release date: July 19, 2013
• Run time: 112 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.5
• Revenue: $319 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

This modern supernatural horror pays homage to classic haunted house films. It was based on a true story. It follows paranormal investigators who help a family terrorized by evil spirits in their remote farmhouse. This movie effectively blends old-fashioned atmospheric scares and suspense with strong performances. The Conjuring became a huge hit and launched a franchise. It was praised for recapturing the look and feel of vintage supernatural horror films.

6 - The Sixth Sense (1999)

• Lead actors: Bruce Willis (Malcolm Crowe), Haley Joel Osment (Cole Sear)
• Supporting artists: Toni Collette (Lynn Sear), Olivia Williams (Anna Crowe)
• Director: M. Night Shyamalan
• Release date: August 6, 1999
• Run time: 107 minutes
• IMDB rating: 8.1
• Revenue: $672 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

This psychological thriller features one of cinema's most famous plot twists. Bruce Willis plays a child psychologist who tries to help a boy who can communicate with ghosts. Its excellent suspense, emotion and storytelling earned it 6 Oscar nominations including Best Picture and Best Director. The ending reveal is considered one of the most shocking in movie history.

7 - The Ring (2002)

• Lead actors: Naomi Watts (Rachel Keller), Martin Henderson (Noah Clay)
• Supporting artists: David Dorfman (Aidan Keller), Brian Cox (Richard Morgan)
• Director: Gore Verbinski
• Release date: October 18, 2002
• Run time: 115 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.1
• Revenue: $249 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

This American remake of a Japanese horror film launched a successful franchise. A journalist investigates a cursed videotape that kills anyone who watches it in 7 days. It terrifyingly blends mystery, drama and horror while featuring a memorable vengeful ghost villain. It was one of the most influential 21st century horror films spawning sequels, a prequel and numerous imitations.

8 - The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

• Lead actors: Marilyn Burns (Sally Hardesty), Gunnar Hansen (Leatherface)
• Supporting artists: Edwin Neal (Hitchhiker), Jim Siedow (Old Man)
• Director: Tobe Hooper
• Release date: October 11, 1974
• Run time: 83 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.5
• Revenue: $30 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

This ultra-low-budget slasher classic is one of the most controversial and influential horror films ever made. A group encounters a family of cannibal killers in rural Texas including the iconic masked villain Leatherface. It was notorious for its graphic violence and gritty realism. It inspired countless sequels and launched the slasher genre. It was a landmark in independent horror cinema.

9 - A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

• Lead actors: Heather Langenkamp (Nancy Thompson), Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger)
• Supporting artists: Johnny Depp (Glen Lantz), John Saxon (Lt. Donald Thompson)
• Director: Wes Craven
• Release date: November 9, 1984
• Run time: 91 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.5
• Revenue: $57 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

This classic supernatural slasher introduced horror icon Freddy Krueger - a disfigured killer who stalks teens in their dreams. It spawned a hugely successful franchise mixing scares with a creative dream premise. Krueger's burned visage, red and green sweater and bladed glove have become icons of horror cinema.It was regarded as a genre-defining 1980s classic.

10 - The Babadook (2014)

• Lead actors: Essie Davis (Amelia Vanek), Noah Wiseman (Samuel Vanek)
• Supporting artists: Daniel Henshall (Robbie), Hayley McElhinney (Claire)
• Director: Jennifer Kent
• Release date: May 22, 2014
• Run time: 94 minutes
• IMDB rating: 6.8
• Revenue: $10 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

This psychological horror explores grief, trauma and motherhood. Essie Davis plays a widowed mother plagued by her son's behavior problems. Things get worse when a sinister pop-up book unleashes a shadowy entity. More atmospheric than gory, it relies on tension, sound and acting over jump scares. It was critically praised and won Best First Film from the New York Film Critics Circle.

11 - Get Out (2017)

• Lead actors: Daniel Kaluuya (Chris Washington), Allison Williams (Rose Armitage)
• Supporting artists: Bradley Whitford (Dean Armitage), Catherine Keener (Missy Armitage)
• Director: Jordan Peele
• Release date: February 24, 2017
• Run time: 104 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.7
• Revenue: $255 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

This groundbreaking horror satire tackles racism and privilege. Daniel Kaluuya plays a black man meeting his white girlfriend's family only to discover their disturbing agenda for black guests. It became a hit mixing humor, thrills and social commentary and won Jordan Peele an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. It was praised for its originality and themes.

12 - The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

• Lead actors: Kristen Connolly (Dana Polk), Chris Hemsworth (Curt Vaughan)
• Supporting artists: Anna Hutchison (Jules Louden), Fran Kranz (Marty Mikalski)
• Director: Drew Goddard
• Release date: April 13, 2012
• Run time: 95 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.0
• Revenue: $66 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

This meta horror comedy playfully twists genre cliches. Five friends vacationing at a cabin unwittingly become part of an elaborate ritual sacrifice orchestrated by a mysterious group. It is filled with clever references to countless horror films and monsters and has an unpredictable twist ending. It was a fun tongue-in-cheek take on horror tropes that was a hit with critics and fans.

13 - The Evil Dead (1981)

• Lead actors: Bruce Campbell (Ash Williams), Ellen Sandweiss (Cheryl Williams)
• Supporting artists: Richard DeManincor (Scotty), Betsy Baker (Linda)
• Director: Sam Raimi
• Release date: October 15, 1981
• Run time: 85 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.5
• Revenue: $2.4 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

This ultra-low-budget cult classic launched Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell's careers. Five friends are gruesomely attacked after unwittingly unleashing demons at a cabin. It was known for Raimi's inventive direction, Campbell's charismatic performance and some of the goriest scenes ever. It spawned sequels, a remake, a TV series and merchandise cementing its status as a hugely influential

horror landmark.

14 - Paranormal Activity (2007)

• Lead actors: Katie Featherston (Katie), Micah Sloat (Micah)
• Supporting artists: Mark Fredrichs (Dr. Fredrichs), Amber Armstrong (Amber)
• Director: Oren Peli
• Release date: October 14, 2007
• Run time: 86 minutes
• IMDB rating: 6.3
• Revenue: $193 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

This found footage horror became a phenomenon on a micro-budget. A couple sets up a camera to capture paranormal events in their new home. It relies on subtle scares over effects or gore. This movie was made for just $15K but grossed over $193 million globally making it one of the most profitable films ever. It launched a franchise with numerous sequels and a spin-off.
15 - Saw (2004)

15 -  Saw (2004) 

• Lead actors: Cary Elwes (Dr. Lawrence Gordon), Leigh Whannell (Adam Stanheight)
• Supporting artists: Danny Glover (Detective David Tapp), Tobin Bell (John Kramer/Jigsaw)
• Director: James Wan
• Release date: October 29, 2004
• Run time: 103 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.6
• Revenue: $103 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

This gory film launched the "torture porn" subgenre and a lucrative franchise. Two men wake up chained in a bathroom forced by a serial killer to play twisted games to survive. A gruesome puzzle that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. Spawned seven sequels and became synonymous with twisted graphic horror violence and complex storytelling.

16 - The Blair Witch Project (1999)

• Lead actors: Heather Donahue (Heather Donahue), Michael C. Williams (Michael Williams)
• Supporting artists: Joshua Leonard (Joshua Leonard), Bob Griffith (Interviewee)
• Director: Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez
• Release date: July 30, 1999
• Run time: 81 minutes
• IMDB rating: 6.5
• Revenue: $248 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

This found footage pioneer was a viral phenomenon. Three students vanish in the woods while making a documentary about a local legend. Their recovered footage reveals their harrowing ordeal. Its realistic and improvised style made it a landmark in immersive horror and proved the power of the internet for marketing.

17 - It (2017)

• Lead actors: Jaeden Martell (Bill Denbrough), Bill Skarsgård (Pennywise), Sophia Lillis (Beverly Marsh), Finn Wolfhard (Richie Tozier), Jeremy Ray Taylor (Ben Hanscom), Jack Dylan Grazer (Eddie Kaspbrak), Chosen Jacobs (Mike Hanlon), Wyatt Oleff (Stanley Uris)
• Supporting artists: Nicholas Hamilton (Henry Bowers), Jackson Robert Scott (Georgie Denbrough)
• Director: Andy Muschietti
• Release date: September 8, 2017
• Run time: 135 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.3
• Revenue: $701 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

This adaptation of Stephen King's novel spawned a two-part franchise. A group of children are terrorized by an evil shape shifting entity that takes the form of their worst fears. Mixes horror, drama and comedy with a talented young cast and Bill Skarsgård's terrifying performance as Pennywise the evil clown. It became the highest grossing horror film ever at the time.

18 - Scream (1996)

• Lead actors: Neve Campbell (Sidney Prescott), David Arquette (Dewey Riley)
• Supporting artists: Courteney Cox (Gale Weathers), Matthew Lillard (Stu Macher)
• Director: Wes Craven
• Release date: December 20, 1996
• Run time: 111 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.3
• Revenue: $173 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

This self-aware slasher revitalized the genre and launched a successful franchise. A high schooler becomes the target of a horror movie obsessed killer in a Ghostface mask. A clever satire that mocks clichés while delivering scares and suspense. This movie drew praise for its meta elements, humor and wink to horror conventions.

19 - Halloween (1978)

• Lead actors: Jamie Lee Curtis (Laurie Strode), Donald Pleasence (Dr. Sam Loomis)
• Supporting artists: Nancy Kyes (Annie Brackett), P.J. Soles (Lynda van der Klok)
• Director: John Carpenter
• Release date: October 25, 1978
• Run time: 91 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.8
• Revenue: $70 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

John Carpenter seminal film defined the slasher genre and spawned a prolific franchise. Escaped mental patient Michael Myers stalks teenagers on Halloween night. It features Carpenter's iconic score, Jamie Lee Curtis' breakthrough role and the first appearance of a landmark horror villain. Its success cemented the slasher formula and Myers as a horror icon.

20 - The Omen (1976)

• Lead actors: Gregory Peck (Robert Thorn), Lee Remick (Katherine Thorn)
• Supporting artists: David Warner (Keith Jennings), Billie Whitelaw (Mrs. Baylock)
• Director: Richard Donner
• Release date: June 25, 1976
• Run time: 111 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.5
• Revenue: $60.9 million
• Language: English
• Release platform: Theatrical release

This supernatural horror thriller tackles the Antichrist legend. Gregory Peck plays an ambassador who adopts the mysterious Damien who is unaware he is the son of Satan. Ominous deaths and signs reveal Damien's demonic nature as he grows up. It builds chilling suspense through an award-winning score by Jerry Goldsmith. It was nominated for numerous awards and became a definitive occult horror film.

Final Verdict

These 20 bone-chilling horror films demonstrate the evolution of the genre from early masterpieces like Psycho and The Exorcist to recent thought-provoking thrillers like Get Out. They have entertained generations by playing on our deepest fears of demons, slashers, ghosts and the unknown. Their iconic scenes, characters and scores have become embedded in pop culture history. So turn off the lights, settle in and prepare to be scared by the greatest horror movies ever made. Just try to sleep well afterwards!

FAQs

Q: What are some of the scariest horror movies ever made? 
A: Some of the scariest are The Exorcist, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The Ring, Paranormal Activity, Sinister, The Conjuring, Hereditary, It Follows, The Babadook and The Blair Witch Project.

Q: What are some of the best horror movies on Netflix?
A: Some of the best horror movies on Netflix include The Platform, The Ritual, Gerald's Game, The Invitation, Hush, Apostle, Veronica, His House, Cargo and Cam.

Q: What are some of the best horror movies on Amazon Prime? 
A: Top horror movies on Amazon Prime include Hereditary, Midsommar, The Lighthouse, Suspiria, Tumbbad, A Quiet Place, Train to Busan, The Cabin in the Woods, The Evil Dead and Vicious Fun.

Q: What are some of the best horror movies on Hulu? 
A: Great horror options on Hulu include Hellraiser, Possessor, 28 Weeks Later, Malignant, Bad Hair, The Lodge, The Clovehitch Killer, The Omen, The Hunger and The Babysitter.

Q: What are some of the best horror movies on Disney+? 
A: Disney+ offers mild horror options like Hocus Pocus, Frankenweenie, The Watcher in the Woods, The Haunted Mansion, Mr. Boogedy, Return to Oz, Something Wicked This Way Comes and Escape to Witch Mountain.