10 Horror Movies Everyone Should See

Horror movies are a unique genre—capable of thrilling, terrifying, and captivating audiences like no other. From psychological nightmares to supernatural haunts, these films explore the darkest corners of human imagination. If you’re looking to dive into horror or expand your existing love of the genre, here’s our list of 10 must-see horror movies that offer a perfect blend of dread, suspense, and outright fear.

The Exorcist (1973)
Director: William Friedkin
Why Watch: The Exorcist is a landmark film in horror history, often hailed as one of the scariest movies ever made. The film revolves around the demonic possession of a young girl and the harrowing attempts to save her through an exorcism. It combines unnerving visuals with psychological tension, giving viewers an unshakable sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. The now-iconic scenes—head-spinning, levitation, and pea soup vomit—cemented its status as an unforgettable classic.
Pro Tip: Watch this one with the lights off (if you dare).

Psycho (1960)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Why Watch: Psycho is more than just a horror movie; it’s a masterclass in suspense and psychological terror. Hitchcock redefined horror with the infamous shower scene, Bernard Herrmann’s screeching score, and a chilling twist that shattered audience expectations. Anthony Perkins’ portrayal of Norman Bates is hauntingly perfect, setting the stage for the modern slasher genre while exploring themes of voyeurism and mental illness. This black-and-white gem proves that true horror doesn’t always need gore—it’s all in the mind.
Iconic Moment: That shower scene. Enough said.

Hereditary (2018)
Director: Ari Aster
Why Watch: Hereditary took modern horror to a new level with its raw emotional depth and disturbing supernatural elements. The film follows a family unraveling after the death of their matriarch, only to uncover dark, sinister forces lurking within. Aster expertly blends family drama with bone-chilling horror, making you feel uneasy even during its quieter moments. Toni Collette’s performance is heartbreaking and horrifying, capturing the intense emotional weight of grief and guilt.
For Fans Of: Slow-burn horror with deeply unsettling imagery.

The Shining (1980)
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Why Watch: Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel is a nightmarish descent into madness, with Jack Nicholson’s unforgettable portrayal of Jack Torrance. Set in the remote Overlook Hotel, the film explores isolation, mental illness, and the supernatural. The Shining is filled with iconic imagery: the eerie twin girls, rivers of blood flowing through the hotel hallways, and Nicholson’s “Here’s Johnny!” moment. With Kubrick’s meticulous direction, every frame of this film feels intentionally crafted to crawl under your skin.
Trivia: The film’s ambiguous ending is still a topic of debate among fans and critics.

Get Out (2017)
Director: Jordan Peele
Why Watch: Get Out is a game-changer, blending sharp social commentary with classic horror thrills. The film follows Chris, a Black man visiting his white girlfriend’s family, only to discover that something far more sinister is at play. Peele tackles racism in a way that’s both subtle and overt, making it terrifying not only because of its narrative but also for its real-world implications. The suspenseful tension, combined with dark humor, makes this one of the most original horror movies of the 21st century.
Oscar-Winning: Peele won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, a rarity for horror films.

Halloween (1978)
Director: John Carpenter
Why Watch: No list of horror films is complete without Halloween. The film introduced audiences to Michael Myers, one of the most iconic masked killers in cinema. John Carpenter’s minimalistic direction and eerie score create an atmosphere of relentless tension as Myers stalks babysitter Laurie Strode (played by Jamie Lee Curtis). The film essentially birthed the slasher genre, inspiring countless imitators, but none have quite matched the original’s sheer simplicity and effectiveness.
Best Watched On: Halloween night, of course.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Director: Tobe Hooper
Why Watch: Brutal, raw, and unsettling, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a grim tale of survival. Leatherface, the hulking villain, has become a cultural icon, but the film’s genius lies in its gritty realism and relentless tension. Despite its grisly title, the movie actually relies more on psychological terror than gore, using disturbing imagery and sound design to shock viewers. It’s a film that pulls no punches and leaves audiences feeling genuinely disturbed.
Fun Fact: The film was banned in several countries upon release.

The Babadook (2014)
Director: Jennifer Kent
Why Watch: The Babadook blends supernatural horror with a deep exploration of grief and trauma. The story follows a single mother and her troubled son as they are haunted by a sinister, shadowy figure from a mysterious pop-up book. More than just jump scares, this movie examines mental health and parental guilt in a way that’s both thought-provoking and terrifying. The Babadook itself has become a modern horror icon, representing the uncontrollable and often unspoken fears that plague us.
For Those Who Love: Psychological horror that also tugs at your heartstrings.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Director: Wes Craven
Why Watch: Freddy Krueger—burnt, wise-cracking, and wearing his iconic bladed glove—is one of the most recognizable villains in horror. A Nightmare on Elm Street takes the slasher formula and injects it with surreal, dreamlike terror. The idea that you can be hunted in your sleep adds an extra layer of horror, as Krueger’s power comes from a place where you’re supposed to feel safe—your dreams. It’s creative, terrifying, and a must-watch for fans of supernatural horror.
Nightmare Fuel: Try watching this before bed. I dare you.

The Witch (2015)
Director: Robert Eggers
Why Watch: Set in 1630s New England, The Witch is a deeply unsettling slow-burn horror film that immerses viewers in the fear and paranoia of a puritanical family isolated from society. When strange occurrences begin to plague the family, the possibility of witchcraft looms, creating an atmosphere thick with dread. With its historical accuracy, meticulous attention to detail, and unsettling tension, The Witch offers a haunting look at religious fear and family disintegration.
Creepiest Quote: “Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?”

Whether you’re a seasoned horror fanatic or just getting into the genre, these 10 films offer a perfect balance of frights, psychological tension, and unforgettable moments. Each one has shaped the world of horror in its own way, pushing the boundaries of fear and giving us nightmares we’re not likely to forget.

Happy watching—just make sure to keep the lights on!