Top 10 Most Popular Horror Movies of All Time

Lauded for singlehandedly reviving the slasher genre, this franchise is truly unforgettable. The continuous output of films starring famous faces keeps it fresh in the collective consciousness, but not always for the same reason. It was once popular for its satirical elements and hilarious self-awareness. Now, its central villain, Ghostface, is the subject of fan fiction. Somewhere in between, the TikTok generation started romanticizing the mysterious, cloaked maniac and now we’re in the era of “Scream” themed thirst traps. One way or another, it continues to be relevant and that alone deserves some kudos.

In this film, a masked murderer traps hapless victims in his twisted death games. It is probably not the scariest one out there. Nor is it particularly commendable in its originality. However, do we still see the Jigsaw Killer pop up among Halloween costumes year after year without fail? Yep! We’re still reenacting John Kramer[a][b]’s iconic dialogs and parodying his games. Even the film industry has repeatedly used it as a template for success. Why? Because “Saw” had the X factor to blaze a new trail in horror. Sure, critics denounced its gratuitous gore and overuse of the torture trope, but the shock of it all has permanently lodged it in our brains.

Not the first of its kind but the first to make a mark, this found footage film was a cultural reset. With advertising that convinced moviegoers there was some truth to the story, it went viral before that was even a thing. Tapping into primal human fears, like that of the dark unknown, “Blair Witch” was as visceral as it got. Its cult classic status birthed several remakes in the form of books, video games, and more. The mockumentary format has been consistently reused in film and TV since then and still shows the influence of the OG.

When he started making this movie, Sam Raimi[c][d] had a cabin in the woods, Bruce Campbell, and a dream. Little did he know, it would go on to be one of the most talked about, controversial, yet groundbreaking horror movies in the genre’s history. When a cursed text is unearthed, it beckons monstrous spirits from down under. With a bunch of ill-fated humans to possess, brutality ensues. The budget may have been terribly low but the vibes were definitely high, and the same goes for its multiple sequels. Its irreverent style is referenced to this day, and yet cannot be outdone.

John Carpenter's seminal horror picture was not only ahead of its time but also created an undeniable precedent for scary movies to come. Starring everyone’s favorite psycho killer Michael Myers, “Halloween” makes no pretense about deeper messages. It is pure, unadulterated fright, striking the perfect balance between carnage and nail-biting suspense. Rather than flashy frills, you get a smouldering mystery with a fantastic payoff. The soundtrack is timelessly horrifying and never fails to give us the chills. Of course, it hit the box office jackpot and quickly became the highest-grossing independent film of the year it was released.

A space expedition goes horribly wrong when a crew of astronauts find an abandoned alien spaceship and decide to investigate. We all know what happens when you tamper with something that should be left alone, right? “Alien” takes that warning and amplifies it a thousand fold. Director Ridley Scott wasn’t playing when he set out to revolutionize the horror genre with this one. Fusing science fiction with screams gave us nightmare fuel of the highest order. Not to mention that Sigourney Weaver as Ripley is a female protagonist who’s the embodiment of badassery. It’s no surprise that it took home a bunch of accolades, including an Oscar for VFX. Not even its own sequels could beat the original.

The signature score of this Alfred Hitchcock classic has become somewhat of a meme in today’s day and age. However, that doesn’t make it any less unnerving in its original context. Boasting the most delicious plot twist, this Freudian thriller about an eerie motel in the middle of nowhere is exceedingly paranoia-inducing. Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates has a way of crawling under our skin and sending us into a tailspin. After all, who can forget the shower scene that, for its time, was so shocking, it kickstarted the slasher genre? “Psycho” may go down as Hitchcock’s greatest, though we can’t say the same about the franchise it produced.

A little girl possessed by a demon and two priests enlisted to save her – how scary could it be? Apparently enough to paralyze viewers with fear. William Friedkin [e][f]doled out equal parts supernatural terror and deeply human pathos in this masterpiece, which terrifies to this day. Despite an initially mixed reception, there’s no doubt about its global impact today. The vein of good versus evil and the eventual triumph of the former continues to find a place in contemporary horror. And nothing could top young Linda Blair’s depiction of Regan[g][h], not even the heroines who came in later remakes.

In this stylish psychological horror set in the dreary Overlook Hotel, an unassuming family is plagued by sinister forces, pushing them to insanity … or unleashing the demons within. It’s based on a Stephen King novel, directed by Stanley Kubrick[i][j], and stars Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall[k][l]. Talk about a talent powerhouse! With as many interpretations as it has fans, “The Shining” has etched itself into the fabric of Hollywood and beyond. Today, you’ll see traces of it in the unlikeliest of places. Be it a parody in a random episode of “The Simpsons” or a reference in “Finding Nemo,” allusions to this classic are rampant. We’re pretty sure that’s not going to stop anytime soon.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Because the Name Itself Is Now a Genre

Freddy Krueger Is an Integral Part of Hollywood Horror

This Cult Movie Has a Cult Following

The Bloodiest Blend of Social Commentary and Survival

Being Based on True Events Makes It Infinitely More Haunting

You can escape a serial killer or exorcize an evil spirit, but there’s really no predicting what a crazed shark is capable of. That’s where master filmmaker Steven Spielberg came in. Today, we know the deep sea is home to bizarre, alien-like species. In 1975, however, the sensational horrors of the ocean hadn’t yet received the cinema treatment. So, when “Jaws” emerged like a great white from calm waters, it made a splash, to say the least. Plus, a shark’s POV is novel even by today’s standards. Fun fact: the elevator pitch for “Alien” was actually “Jaws in space”! That tells you all you need to know about the cultural footprint of this fearfest.

Do you think these horror movies are overrated or iconic? Sound off in the comments!

[b]https://youtu.be/gChVIxcGVNo?si=EuhBBOJaIFSUJmnC&t=3
[c]Sam Ray-mee
[d]https://youtu.be/EwDfx4J5aJk?t=3
[e]Will-yum Freed-kin
[f]https://youtu.be/DHuiuxmyTLQ?si=MjBe2imy1opHvgoM&t=7
[g]Ray-gan
[h]https://www.yarn.co/yarn-clip/c36a5aed-4ba9-4dcd-8e1e-b829697ebbed
[i]Stan-lee Koo-brick
[j]I can't prove if it's koo-brick or cue-brick, so either is fine!
[k]Shel-ee Doo-vahl
[l]https://youtu.be/QrVoJgQ7u8w?si=m81k5MH7jFfYZgvy