Top 50 Most Rewatched Horror Movie Scenes of All Time

#50: Mirror Scare

Candyman (1992)

This 90s supernatural horror revolves around Candyman, a vengeful spirit said to haunt the Cabrini-Green Homes. Say his name five times and youre done for. That simple dare fuels one of the films most memorable sequences. Clara and her lover, Billy, are about to get intimate, but instead of keeping things romantic, they tempt fate. Billy chants the Candymans name four times, and Clara boldly utters the fifth. What follows is a haunting glimpse of the hook-handed spirit before blood splatters on the ceiling and the scene cuts abruptly. Its so disorienting and quick that it leaves you rattled. That suddenness is probably why you keep coming back, hunting for more details and chasing that instant surge of fear.

#49: Call from Inside the House

When a Stranger Calls (1979)

Within minutes, Fred Walton sets the tone for a scene that would become one of horrors most defining moments. Jill Johnson is babysitting when a stranger calls, asking the same chilling questions. At first, its unsettling. Then it becomes relentless. When Jill contacts the police, she learns that the caller has been inside the house all along. That line alone floored horror fans and continues to blow minds even today. It was so impactful that Wes Craven paid homage to it in the opening of Scream. Decades later, its still one of the most intriguing starts, with fans revisiting for nostalgia, respect for the craft, or just to feel that gut-punch of a twist again.

#48: The Flashes of Hell

Event Horizon (1997)

In the year 2047, a starship that vanished without a trace suddenly resurfaces, prompting a rescue crew to investigate. A cryptic distress message, an abandoned ship, and some spooky occurrences suggest something is seriously wrong. Absolutely nothing prepares Captain Millers crew or us for what they find. When a recovered video from the original crew is finally played, were hit with one of the most disturbing montages in sci-fi horror. Were talking crew members ripping each other apart, eyes being torn out, and other hellish torments. Being such a nightmarish and shockingly pivotal moment, fans probably had to rewatch to dissect every chaotic frame. Still, no matter how many times you see it, it never gets easier.

#47: Zelda Returns

Pet Sematary (1989)

This is undoubtedly one of Stephen Kings most blood-curdling tales. A local physician and his family move into a house near a dangerous highway - bad idea. When their cat dies, they learn about a nearby cemetery that can bring things back to life. While the setup is already creepy with an undead pet and Gage returning from the dead, its not these that torment us the most. Its Rachels flashback of her sick sister, Zelda, that truly haunts our nightmares. With her gaunt face, contorted movements, and raspy voice, Zelda remains one of horrors most terrifying figures. No wonder people often revisit just to hear her bone-chilling lines and marvel at Andrew Hubatseks nerve-wracking portrayal. It honestly never gets old.

#46: Tall Man Enters Bedroom

It Follows (2014)

David Robert Mitchells fear-inducing movie might as well be about the worlds worst STD. Well, instead of a physical symptom, you get a shape-shifting creeper that never stops until it kills you. After a casual hookup, Jay inherits this curse, and her torment begins. In one mind-scarring scene, while Jays with her friends, a grotesquely tall man with sunken eyes strolls into the room. Theres no warning of any kind - just silent dread as this strange man suddenly fills the door frame, staring right at us. Its the kind of terror that stays with you. Thanks to its flawless execution and innovative take on fear, horror fans have probably seen this more than a few times.

#45: Lilys Transformation

V/H/S (2012)

This found footage horror is a wild mix of eerie stories, but none hit as hard as Amateur Night, with Lilys transformation being its scariest point. It starts innocently enough, with a group of friends inviting some ladies for a casual hookup. Things take a gruesome turn when Patrick rushes into the bathroom with a bloody hand, claiming Lily bit him. When shes confronted, Lily reveals herself to be a succubus with fangs and a high-pitched scream, killing Shane. The rawness of the handheld camera makes her transformation even more visceral. While some viewers might find it overwhelming, others may be drawn back to rewatch due to how gripping and realistic it looks.

#44: Meeting the Tethered

Us (2019)

Theres something deeply unsettling about being replaced by someone who looks exactly like you. Us explores that fear using the Tethered. The buildup to their confrontation with the Wilson family is downright nerve-wracking, from their silhouette figures in the driveway to their forced entry into the home. Its Reds twisted monologue that shifts the scene from tense to strangely fascinating. Suddenly, you realize this isn't just a home invasion. Its a tale about a girl determined to take back her life. Its so layered and thought-provoking, youll want to rewatch to better understand the little details, especially the dynamic between Red and Adelaide. With each rewatch, more pieces fall into place.

#43: Hobbling

Misery (1990)

In Rob Reiners classic thriller, things go from bad to bone-crushing real quick. After Paul Sheldon crashes his car during a snowstorm, hes rescued by Annie, his so-called number one fan. At first, she seems like a savior until her true colors show. Nothing quite captures her descent into madness like the hobbling scene. Enraged by Pauls attempt to escape, Annie shatters his ankles with a sledgehammer. Yep, its as brutal as it sounds - you can practically hear the bones snap. Though director Reiner toned down the books gorier version, this scene remains one of horrors most excruciating. Whether youre testing your endurance level or just soaking in the powerhouse performances here, this scene demands a rewatch.

#42: Clown Attack

Poltergeist (1982)

Horror has a way of making even the ordinary creepy. Poltergeist proves just that with the surreal torment the Freelings endure. That brings us to this scene thats both downright disquieting and unforgettable. Robbies already uneasy about his clown doll, and that unease manifests in the worst way. Alone in his room, he notices his doll is missing from its chair. The suspense is suffocating as he searches for it. Then in a flash, this inanimate object comes violently alive. Its not just the evil clown that makes this so famous - its that gut-churning buildup that keeps you bracing for impact. No matter how many times you watch it, youll still jump. Who knows, maybe this is why people keep dolls far, far away?

#41: Hide & Clap

The Conjuring (2013)

James Wans The Conjuring is widely regarded as one of the scariest modern horrors - and for good reason. Instead of fake jump scares, it builds fear slowly using masterful pacing, eerie cinematography, and that otherworldly score. One moment that perfectly captures this? The infamous clapping scene. While investigating strange noises at night, Carolyn is pushed into the basement by unseen forces. As if that isnt terrifying enough, the light goes out, leaving her plunged in darkness. With only a match as comfort, a childs voice whispers a grim question, then two ghostly claps echo in the darkness. Its pure nightmare fuel that requires more than one watch just to process everything, and it gets you every single time.

#40: Its Alive!

Frankenstein (1931)

Theres no disputing that this gothic classic helped shape the horror genre as we know it, setting the standard for monster flicks for decades to come. One moment that lives rent-free in our minds? The birth of Frankensteins creation. In this mad scientists storm-lit lab, the creature comes alive, prompting Colin Clive to deliver a frantic line that has been burned into pop culture. It encapsulates the awe and madness of playing God all in one electrifying moment. Whether youre a fan of horror or not, chances are youve heard it parodied or referenced countless times. Thats the true power of a timeless scene.

#39: Restaurant

The Invisible Man (2020)

This film cleverly turns the idea of invisibility into a metaphor for abuse and gaslighting. In it, Elisabeth Moss plays Cecilia, a woman unravelling under the weight of being haunted by an unseen ex. Its most jaw-dropping moment happens in a seemingly safe setting: a crowded restaurant. Cecilia meets with her sister to share her suspicions about being stalked by her ex. Within seconds, everything flips on its head as an unseen hand pops out, lifts a knife, and slashes her sisters throat. Its so shocking, so mind-blowing that you cant resist the urge to have a second or even third look. Its the ultimate did that just happen? that leaves both character and audience in stunned silence.

#38: Ending Scene

Dont Look Now (1973)

Ever seen a movie with a twist so unexpected that you had to rewatch the entire thing? DLN evokes that feeling. It might not start like your typical horror, but by the time the ending hits, everything takes on a much darker meaning. John and Laura have tragically lost their daughter. Throughout the film, John keeps seeing a girl in a red coat - the same one his daughter wore when she drowned. In a shocking turn, John catches up to this figure only to discover its a murderous little person. Turns out hed been seeing premonitions of his death all along. This twist rewrites everything you thought you knew, making you want to go back to pick up all the hidden clues you missed.

#37: Ashs Hand

Evil Dead II (1987)

Sam Raimis sequel-remake has that perfect blend of gore and slapstick comedy-managing to be scary, hilarious, and genius all at once. At the center of it all is Bruce Campbell as Ash, who is trapped in a cursed cabin, battling deadites. One completely insane scene thats become a fan-favorite, endlessly rewatched and discussed, is Ashs epic showdown with himself. After getting possessed, Ashs hand turns against him, flinging him around the cabin and punching him. Ultimately, it ends with him screaming maniacally as he saws it off. Its sheer insanity. For many, it marks the moment horror stopped taking itself too seriously and became wild, weird, and fun. Honestly, its always a blast to come back to.

#36: Spider Walk

The Exorcist (1973)

There are many horrific and iconic scenes in The Exorcist. This one certainly ranks amongst them. It was absent from the original film, reportedly because it gave away the demonic possession too soon. But the 2000 re-release cranks up the horror by including this sequence of Regans spider walk. In this bizarre scene, Chris watches in shock as Regan crawls down the stairs-mouth dripping blood, body contorting in a way that defies nature. Its brief and jarring, but wow, does it leave a mark! Youll find yourself rewinding just to take in the wild effects and marvel at the brilliance behind such a nightmarish performance. Its proof that even a few seconds can haunt you forever.

#35: First Meeting

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Theres a reason Hannibal still ranks amongst the greatest villains of all time. He doesnt need jump scares or physical brutality to terrify. You feel it in that piercing gaze and calculated calm. Nowhere is that more intense or more unforgettable than in his first meeting with Clarice Starling. Until this moment, everything we know about Hannibal is hearsay. But as the camera glides to his cell, something changes. You realize this isnt your average villain. What follows is a masterclass in tension, character dynamics, and restrained menace. Fans probably keep coming back not just for the chill, but to study every pause, every word, and every glance. Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster make every second memorable.

#34: Georgies Death

It (2017)

When Stephen Kings miniseries hit screens in the 90s, Tim Currys Pennywise became the stuff of childhood nightmares. Decades later, Bill Skarsgård gave the entity a terrifying new edge, proving that some horrors only grow stronger with time. At the heart of this revival stands one scene that grips fans every time they hit replay: Georgies death. Its the moment that sets everything in motion. What begins innocently - just a kid going to retrieve his paper boat - turns into a gruesome tragedy and the spine-tingling reveal of a monstrous threat. As troubling as it is, you might find yourself revisiting to analyze how Pennywise goes from playful clown to predator, or simply to gasp at the shock of it all.

#33: Malcolms Realization

The Sixth Sense (1999)

M. Night Shyamalans track record may be a mixed bag, but The Sixth Sense undeniably stands as one of his best. Nothing quite captures the signature of his storytelling like that twisty, mesmerizing ending. Throughout the movie, Malcolm believes hes alive, growing concerned about his distant wife while helping young Cole, who sees dead people. Then comes the jaw-drop that completely changes everything weve seen. Malcolm was a ghost all along. Its the kind of twist that sends you straight into rewind mode, scanning every scene for cleverly hidden clues. Then you come back again, this time to appreciate the ingenuity of this scene.

#32: Prom Night

Carrie (1976)

How could anyone forget one of the scariest and bloodiest prom scenes ever put on screen? From the start, Carrie makes us feel sorry for its shy, awkward lead whos constantly mocked at school and tormented at home. But when Carrie transforms into something supernatural and vengeful? Thats one iconic scene we couldnt stop replaying and revisiting. From Carries crowning moment to the cruel drop of the bucket and the image of hell breaking loose - its horror gold. Its simply too riveting for just one viewing. Horror fans return to it for the thrill of the buildup, the intensity of the kills, and the haunting sight of Carrie walking away from all that carnage.

#31: A Bigger Boat

Jaws (1975)

With its character-driven story, slow-burn suspense, and a monster you barely see, Jaws set a new benchmark for creature features. One moment fans have quoted and rewatched for decades? The scene where Quint, Brody, and Hooper go hunting for the shark. As Brody casually tosses chum into the water, the creature suddenly emerges behind him, with no warning at all. Brodys stunned reaction, followed by that deadpan line, cemented the scenes place in pop culture history. Its the perfect mix of horror, suspense, and humor. Even if youve never seen Jaws, you mustve heard the line used whenever something goes terribly wrong. Thats how legendary the moment is.

#30: Casey Is Targeted

Scream (1996)

Wes Cravens masterpiece revitalized the dying slasher genre, and audiences were completely sold within the first ten minutes. All they needed was Drew Barrymore and some creepy voice acting! Well, ok, theres a bit more to it than that. This scene plays on many universal fears that we all share, like unseen threats hiding in the shadows. Its a brilliantly written sequence that ups the ante as it goes, and Craven directs it with his typical mastery. Whether you like the tense phone calls or the graphic visuals, theres something here for everyone, and we guarantee that some VHS tapes were worn out from the constant rewinding.

#29: The Bear

Annihilation (2018)

Movie history is filled with terrifying animals, but none quite like the Annihilation bear. This film from Alex Garland concerns a team of scientists that venture into The Shimmer, a mysterious area that emerged in Florida following a meteor strike. The Shimmer is known to mutate plants and animals, and thats where the bear comes in. The animal attacks a scientist named Cassie and the two become merged, with the bear displaying a human skull and Cassies voice. Its an unbelievable achievement in visual effects and sound design, and millions have rewatched the scene to enjoy its many terrifying details.

#28: Daughters Face

The Others (2001)

This period film from Alejandro Amenábar is Gothic horror done right. While it takes place in the 1940s, The Others takes major inspiration from classic ghost stories of the Victorian era, and its setting is highly reminiscent of the most iconic Gothic works. In one of its most famous scenes, Grace stumbles across a small figure clad entirely in white. When she gets closer, she sees the face of an older woman in place of her young daughter. Its a haunting image, and one that has helped define this classic ghost movie. Sometimes the simplest scares are the most effective.

#27: The Party Video

Signs (2002)

Say what you will about M. Night Shyamalans storytelling, but he sure can craft an effective horror scene. Signs is one of the directors best, about an ex-priest who finds crop circles on his Pennsylvania farm. He lives with his younger brother Merrill, who in one scene watches a news report about a potential alien sighting. The station plays home video footage from a birthday party in Brazil, which shows a large green figure emerging from some bushes. The alien is only on screen for a fraction of a second, which lends a sense of confusion and unease to the scene, perfect for obsessive rewatching.

#26: 3D TV

The Ring (2002)

The early 2000s was a great time for horror, with The Ring being one of its many classics. Many of its scenes have become ingrained in the public consciousness, including the iconic sequence in which Samara emerges from the TV to attack Noah. This scene was everywhere at the time, and has been endlessly referenced and parodied throughout pop culture. Even if you havent seen The Ring, you still know about this scene and how it plays out. And if you have seen The Ring, youve undoubtedly watched this scene again and again to soak up its brilliance.

#25: Thats Not Norris

The Thing (1982)

John Carpenters chilly masterpiece is often heralded for its visual effects, and those are on full display in this iconic sequence. Norris seemingly has a heart attack, prompting Dr. Copper to intervene. But when he attempts to use the defibrillator, Norriss stomach turns into a giant mouth and all hell breaks loose. Theres a ton of great stuff packed into this scene, all of which is goopy and disgusting. For the squeamish, watching this scene is a one and done deal. But for many horror fans, savoring every gooey morsel of Rob Bottins beautiful effects work is a recurring pleasure - though well spare you it in its entirety in case youre one of the former!

#24: Cracking the Whip

Ghost Ship (2002)

For the most part, Ghost Ship is a forgettable affair. But it contains a killer opening that some consider one of the best in horror. It takes place aboard an ocean liner in the early 1960s, with a large group of well-dressed people dancing on a stage. An unseen killer then manipulates a wire cord, causing it to whip through the group at an incredible speed. What results is absolute carnage, and lets just say, its definitely not for the faint of heart. Its an inventive sequence that starts the film off right, and its probably the only scene from the film that people have sought out or remembered.

#23: Monstrous Dream

Rosemarys Baby (1968)

A brilliantly disturbing horror film, Rosemarys Baby is an exercise in paranoia, preying on fears of abandonment and powerlessness. It concerns poor Rosemary Woodhouse, who is manipulated by her occult neighbors into birthing the Antichrist. In one of the movies many iconic scenes, a sedated Rosemary is overpowered by the Devil while she experiences bizarre hallucinations. Its a masterfully directed and edited sequence, and is one of those unsettling scenes that deeply rewards rewatching, as it contains many important details, symbols and hidden meanings that are easy to miss on initial viewing.

#22: Normans Skull Face

Psycho (1960)

Norman Bates is an iconic villain, and he ends Psycho with what could be the most famous ending in movie history. Its certainly up there! Sitting in a jail cell, Normans face shifts from innocence to malice as he smiles knowingly at the camera. And for a very brief moment, the image of a skull is superimposed over his face. There are many reasons why people have rewatched this scene. It could be to appreciate the beautiful writing of Normas monologue. Or the fantastic acting of Anthony Perkins. And, of course, to catch a glimpse of the skull if they missed it the first time. What else is there to say - Hitchcock was a master.

#21: The Jigsaw Reveal

Saw (2004)

Its hard to craft a great twist, but Saw creators Leigh Whannell and James Wan pulled off essentially a three-in-one. One of the most famous twists of the 2000s, Saw ends with Jigsaw rising from the floor and revealing himself to Adam, all to the now-iconic sounds of Charlie Clousers Hello Zepp. There are multiple twists packed into these final minutes, like, oh, the reveal that Jigsaw is John Kramer and that he was in the room the entire time. Its enough to warrant multiple rewatches - its an amazingly cool and well-directed scene.

#20: Sinking into the Floor

"Get Out" (2017)

Jordan Peele's horror hit "Get Out" has a lot going for it - a unique premise, strong performances, and a great visual style. An example of the latter was this fan favorite scene which occurs late in the film's first act, when Missy Armitage puts our hero Chris Washington under hypnosis - deep under hypnosis. So deep in fact, that the film's cinematography gets positively psychedelic as it explores Chris' journey into "The Sunken Place." It's one of our first clues that all isn't quite right with the Armitage Family, since Chris' terrifying fall into darkness seems more than a bit extreme for something as comparatively minor as cigarette use. You might never feel comfortable around a cup of tea again.

#19: Demon Comes Outta Nowhere

"Insidious" (2010)

Why do we love being scared? We suspect that it has a whole lot to do with the adrenaline rush. Fans of the "Insidious" franchise just can't get enough of this scene from the first film, in which Joseph Bishara's Red Faced Demon appears behind Patrick Wilson. Sure, it's a cheap scare, and we can't decide whether Bishara looks truly scary, or more like some sort of demonic Muppet, but we certainly can't deny its effectiveness. Its strength lies in the way it plays on our expectations. We expect to see something scary at the end of a dark corridor at night, but not in a brightly lit dining room! And thats what gives this jump scare enduring appeal.

#18: Subway Tunnel Miscarriage

"Possession" (1981)

The twisted 1981 film "Possession" may not be a household name, but cult horror fans are likely quite familiar with this notably disturbing scene. Isabelle Adjani delivers an incredibly physical performance during what can only be described as a descent into madness for her character during a horrifying miscarriage. The scene of Adjani whirling about and pushing herself to the absolute physical limits may at first seem over the top - perhaps even humorous in execution. That is, until the character starts to leak and exude fluids from her body. As she slumps in the corner of a filthy subway, its clear that the mentally and physically exhausted Anna has forever been changed by the experience. It's difficult viewing, but nonetheless mesmerizing.

#17: Satellite Drop

"Cloverfield" (2008)

Blink and you'll miss it. Even diehard fans of the "Cloverfield" franchise can be forgiven for missing this Easter egg, which occurs near the end of the film. We can see some sort of object fall from the sky during Rob's flashback footage from Coney Island, something that lands into the ocean below. Fans who followed the film's viral marketing and back story learned that the object was actually a satellite that's somehow connected to the destructive events that occur in the film. Given how difficult the satellite is to make out, however, it's necessary to re-watch the scene carefully in order to catch this tantalizing extra.

#16: Jason Jump Scare

"Friday the 13th" (1980)

It's a delicate tightrope walk when it comes to delivering a good jump scare. On one hand, it's a cheap way of delivering a fright, but it can also be an effective storytelling tool. This scene most definitely meets the latter definition, thanks mainly to how well it was executed by director/producer Sean S. Cunningham and crew. It's the mellow music from Harry Manfredini that elevates the scene. Alice is drifting in a boat, mentally exhausted from her fight with Pamela Voorhees. Then, with a truly unpredictable lead-in, the deformed body of Jason lurches up from the water, pulling her under. It may be just a nightmare, but its a scene that gets us each and every time.

#15: The Chucky Reveal

"Child's Play" (1988)

It's easy to forget, given how far this franchise has run, that the original "Child's Play" is actually quite restrained at first with its Chucky effects. The doll containing the spirit of serial killer Charles Lee Ray is seen moving primarily in shadow and in first person, utilizing the old "Jaws" adage of "less is more." That said, when Chucky finally does come alive in Karen Barclay's hands, it's not only an effective shock, but also a pay-off for all the tension thats been built up beforehand. Plus, Chucky voice actor Brad Dourif is just so good at being menacing and threatening - even in tiny doll form!

#14: Stair Crawl

"Ju-On" (2002) & "The Grudge"(2004)

The world of Japanese horror is known for many things, not the least of which is their propensity for truly terrifying visuals. Case in point? This supernatural scene from the influential 2002 film, "Ju-On: The Grudge," which is something of a J-horror classic. Here, a mixture of tension-building, first person camera work, squishy sound design and dedicated, physical acting all come together in a perfect storm. In fact, the versions found in both the original "Ju-On: The Grudge" and its 2004 American remake are superbly effective, even today, serving as a perfect jumping off point for those seeking to explore a new world of fright.

#13: Man in the Mirror

"Repulsion" (1965)

"Repulsion" may not be your typical hack-and-slash horror fare, but this journey into the mind of a disturbed young woman takes a startling turn with this otherwise subtle jump scare sequence. Catherine Deneuve's Carol is all alone in the flat she shares with her sister. Or, at least she thinks she's alone. It's brief, but we can see a mysterious man in the reflection of a mirror, who appears when Carol opens her sister's closet. The question is, is he really there, or is he a product of Carol's increasingly unhinged imagination?

#12: Angelas Reveal

"Sleepaway Camp" (1983)

It's one of those unpredictable "no WAY anyone was expecting that" kind of moments that can only happen in the world of horror. The shocking ending of the 1983 slasher classic "Sleepaway Camp" revealed that it was the shy and troubled Angela Baker who went on a rampage at Camp Arawak. The image of actress Felissa Rose, growling with a horrifying expression on her face, superimposed upon some very graphic imagery was also something absolutely NO ONE was anticipating back in 1982, and truthfully won't see coming today. That is...if you don't spoil it for them.

#11: Mind the Door

"The Exorcist III" (1990)

This jump scare can also be counted among the all time greats. This is due to the timing of the shot, and how it's never quite telegraphed to the audience exactly when it's going to occur. This underrated sequel to "The Exorcist" is an occult crime procedural, following a string of murders that appear to be committed by the long dead Gemini Killer. One of these attacks occurs in a hospital, as a nurse is checking doors on her floor. The scene is shot quietly, and at a distance, ramping up the tension to a delirious degree. Then, without ANY warning, the camera zooms in to the Gemini attacking the nurse, simultaneously giving viewers a heart attack.

#10: Freddy Cuts In

"A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984)

There's no arguing that Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger is one of THE all time horror icons. It's easy to forget, given the character's eventual propensity for wisecracks, that Freddy was initially a very menacing and merciless killer, as evidenced by this first appearance. Tina's death in the film is played completely straight, and the sight of her being tossed around the bedroom by Krueger's hand is only made all the more shocking for the gratuitous gore. Additionally, fans also re-watched this scene just to see how writer/director Wes Craven and co. managed to get the effect of Tina's final moments on the ceiling, back in the glory days of practical effects movie magic.

#9: Mind: Blown

"Scanners" (1981)

Speaking of practical effects, is there any other horror head explosion that's as satisfying or insanely over-the-top as this one from David Cronenberg's "Scanners?" Horror fans just loved rewinding this scene when a scanner, Cronenberg's word for someone with intense mental abilities, is put to the ultimate test by one of his own, Daryl Revok. The psychokinetic abilities of Michael Ironside's Revok are so strong, that they cause the other scanner's head to explode . . . in a gratuitously awesome way that we cant show you here. The effect was achieved by blasting a shotgun through a dummy's head filled with (among other things) old hamburgers, resulting in a messy yet surprisingly realistic sequence thats just as much fun to watch today.

#8: Werewolf-a-Go-Go

"An American Werewolf in London" (1981)

There have been many effective werewolf transformation scenes over the years, from Joe Dante's "The Howling" to "Dog Soldiers" and "The Company of Wolves." There's one that nonetheless trumps them all, however, and it's from John Landis' immortal "An American Werewolf in London." Fans not only recoiled at just how visceral and painful turning into a werewolf seemed to be for poor David Kessler, they also studied the scene, frame by frame, to see how it was filmed. Rick Baker's game-changing effects were the star of the show, inspiring the next generation of makeup and visual effects artists.

#7: Monster Free For All

"The Cabin in the Woods" (2012)

Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard's "The Cabin in the Woods" was simultaneously a great send-up and love letter to classic horror movie tropes. As such, the film was chock full of Easter eggs and homagès to other characters and franchises. One particularly great scene sets up a whole bunch of movie monsters for the ultimate, murderous mash of carnage. Beasts of all shapes and sizes terrorize the underground compound which sits below the titular cabin, from a merman to a certain, shall we say "Pinhead-esque" tribute to the "Hellraiser" series. Youve really gotta watch this scene again and again to catch them all.

#6: It's Time for My Close-Up

"The Blair Witch Project" (1999)

Sure, this scene may have been parodied to death in the immediate aftermath of its release, but there's no denying the impact Heather Donahue's close-up monologue scene had on late nineties horror. Let's face it: not much happens on screen during "The Blair Witch Project," so when the camera cuts to an uncomfortable and unflattering angle of Heather's face, we're caught off guard. Donahue's fear is palpable as she delivers her lines in a trembling and tearful voice, and it's here where "The Blair Witch Project" truly grabbed hold of its audience and their imaginations.

#5: Hammers & Hooks

"The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (1974)

This scene has sparked decades of debate and review. Tobe Hooper's "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" isn't really bloody by modern standards, but achieves its scares via atmosphere and unbelievable tension. And so its easy to misremember the level of gore present. Still, this didn't stop fans from swearing they saw poor Pam impaled by Leatherface. This was how powerful Hooper's subliminal terror was upon moviegoers, as we never see the hooks emerge through Pam's chest, just like we don't actually see what Leatherface does to Kirk after he assaults him with a hammer. It's all in our minds, which was probably exactly what Hooper wanted in the first place.

#4: Morbid Symbolism

"Hereditary" (2018)

There's no denying that the death of Charlie early on in "Hereditary" comes at a complete shock to the audience. However, the reasoning behind our next entry isn't necessarily due to the scene's troubling violence, but rather a small, minute detail that you can only see upon further viewings. The occult symbol of King Paimon is actually emblazoned upon the telephone pole that decapitates Charlie, leading the viewer to believe that all of the film's events have been preordained, leading up to Peter's demonic coronation. It's quick, and only really noticeable if you pause the frame, but it adds yet another layer of depth to one of 2018's most frightening films.

#3: Heeeeere's Johnny!

"The Shining" (1980)

Ok, sure, Stephen King himself may have disliked what cinema maverick Stanley Kubrick did with his big screen adaptation of "The Shining," but there's no denying this scene's place in the pantheon of horror cinema. Jack Nicholson is in full unhinged mode at this point in the film, with his character, Jack Torrance, having seemingly lost all grip on reality. The image of Nicholson, bursting through a bathroom door as he stalks his wife Wendy, became the stuff of which nightmares were made,, re-watched and quoted endlessly by legions of horror fans around the world.

#2: Chestburster

"Alien" (1979)

Never have practical movie effects been so effective . . . or so gross. The infamous "chestburster" scene from Ridley Scott's "Alien" caught everyone by surprise when it first hit screens back in 1979. One might think that time would have lessened the scene's impact by now, but horror fans to this day are inspired by the level of skill and artistry it took to bring the Xenomorphs to life in Scott's film. The effect of this embryonic alien as it bursts through Kane's chest cavity is as savage as it is strangely satisfying; like the memory of our first time being scared at the movies. It's a scene that never gets old, even decades since its debut.

#1: Michael Unmasked

"Halloween" franchise (1978-)

There were few ways to uncover a horror movie mystery in the pre-internet age. Diehard fans looking for answers turned to magazines like "Fangoria" for the latest scoop from the set, but what if you wanted to know what was really behind the mask of someone like Michael Myers? Well, you paused, watched and rewatched those scenes which offered a tantalizing glimpse behind those devil's eyes. The first film has probably the most satisfying of these "unmasking" scenes, specifically during the final confrontation in the Doyle house. Tony Moran's face is fleeting, but for fans of a certain age, revisiting these few seconds was the only way to get a personal glimpse at "pure evil."

Do you agree with this list? Which horror movie scene is the most iconic? Let us know in the comments.