Horror movies have always possessed the power to send chills down our spines, but these 18 films went a step further. Their effect left indelible marks on the genre, terrifying and captivating audiences with their unique approaches to fear and suspense. Here are 18 of horror cinema’s most notorious shockers:
The Exorcist (1973)
William Friedkin’s The Exorcist (1973) became infamous for its spine-tingling depiction of demonic possession. Audience members reportedly fainted and even fled theaters during its initial run as people were unprepared for the graphic imagery. This film’s impact was so intense that it even led to claims of a curse.
Psycho (1960)
The shocking death of the protagonist early in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 film Psycho changed the game. Viewers also became terrified of taking showers due to Psycho’s infamous shower scene in which creepy motel owner Norman Bates commits his first murder of the movie.
Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975) transformed the ocean movie genre and ignited fear of the ocean. The summer blockbuster even influenced a misguided shark-hunting frenzy. Shark populations have dropped by 71% worldwide since the 1975 release of Jaws, and an estimated 100 million sharks are killed annually.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) by Tobe Hooper introduced Leatherface, a fictional character based on Ed Gein, a real-life murderer. Because of its extreme violence, audiences were appalled, and it went on to become a staple of the slasher genre.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
The Blair Witch Project (1999) blurred the line between reality and fiction, leading many to believe the events were genuine. The film is also credited for reviving and popularizing the found-footage genre.
Paranormal Activity (2007)
Speaking of found-footage films, Paranormal Activity was a sensation in 2007, with audiences reporting intense fear and discomfort. Despite only costing $15,000 to produce, the 2007 original film went on to earn nearly $200 million.
The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 adaptation of Stephen King’s novel The Shining terrified audiences for years to come, with scenes like “Here’s Johnny!” and the menacing twins. The film’s strongest selling point, in my opinion, is Jack Nicholson’s depiction of Jack Torrance’s gradual spiral into madness.
The Conjuring (2013)
The Conjuring (2013), another James Wan special, also makes the list. The film is based on Ed and Lorraine Warren’s actual paranormal investigations. It also led to a shared universe (The Conjuring Universe), with its success inspiring the release of two further films.
Get Out (2017)
Get Out (2017), directed by Jordan Peele, is one of the best movies a debut filmmaker has made in a long time. This movie exposed racial tensions by fusing horror with social commentary. It was well-received by critics and provoked conversations about privilege and race.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Freddy Krueger, a supernatural killer that haunts dreams, was first introduced in Wes Craven’s 1984 film A Nightmare on Elm Street. After its debut, the character swiftly rose to fame in pop culture, one of the most famous villains in the history of horror cinema.
The Ring (2002)
The Ring (2002) by Gore Verbinski introduced J-horror to audiences in the West. It is a reimagining of the 1998 movie Ring by Hideo Nakata. Many parts of the film are unsettling, from the cursed videotape to the terrifying Samara.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
For zombie movies, George A. Romero’s 1968 Night of the Living Dead essentially set the bar. The horror movie debuted the flesh-eating monsters that would later be associated with the word “zombie.” Night of the Living Dead quickly attained the status of a cult classic.
Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary (2018) by Ari Aster stunned viewers with its terrifying supernatural horror and gripping family drama. A grieving family who is being tormented by a demonic entity after the death of their secretive grandmother is the focus of the film. It is well-known for the terrifying decapitation scenes that stick in the minds of onlookers.
Don’t Breathe (2016)
In Fede Álvarez’s 2016 film Don’t Breathe, a blind veteran is transformed into a powerful enemy, reversing the traditional home invasion trope. Audiences were shocked by its suspenseful plot, which centers around three friends who break into a blind man’s house and become stuck inside.
The Babadook (2014)
The Babadook (2014) by Jennifer Kent explores psychological horror following a mother’s spiral into insanity. It was praised for the way it depicted grief and the dark atmosphere it created. The Babadook, a shadowy figure that lurks in the shadows, is frequently considered the most cunning threat in modern horror.
A Quiet Place (2018)
In his 2018 film A Quiet Place, John Krasinski imagines a post-apocalyptic world overrun by creatures that are sensitive to sound. It intrigued viewers with its unique approach to silence as a survival tool.
The Witch (2015)
In 2015, Robert Eggers’s film The Witch took viewers to a supernaturally troubled 17th-century New England. It is renowned for both historical accuracy and unsettling folklore. In order to create a historically accurate set, Eggers brought in a thatcher and a carpenter from Virginia and Massachusetts, respectively, who had period-style experience.
It (2017)
And lastly, without a Stephen King special, this list would be incomplete. Andrés Muschietti’s 2017 American supernatural horror film It Chapter One is an adaptation of Stephen King’s 1986 novel of the same name. The movie was so popular with audiences that it became the highest-grossing horror movie of all time (unadjusted for inflation) upon its release.
