Top Ranked Horror Movies To Watch: Community Ranks its Favorites

Welcome, horror enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the spine-tingling world of fear and suspense? Here, we bring you the most comprehensive platform for ranking the top horror movies in the world. Our unique system allows you, the fans, to voice your opinions and vote for the films that sent shivers down your spine, made your heart race, and haunted your dreams.

Criteria for Ranking

1. Storyline and Originality

• How unique and captivating is the plot?
• Does the film introduce new concepts in horror cinema?

2. Atmosphere and Setting

• How effectively does the movie create a sense of dread?
• Is the setting integral to the horror experience?

3. Direction and Cinematography

• How skillfully does the director convey the story?
• Are the visual elements (lighting, angles, etc.) used to enhance the horror?

4. Acting and Character Development

• Do the performances add to the overall terror?
• Are the characters well-developed and relatable?

5. Special Effects and Makeup

• How well are special effects and makeup used to create horror scenes?
• Do these elements feel realistic and contribute to the scare factor?

6. Soundtrack and Audio Effects

• How does the audio contribute to the atmosphere?
• Are the sounds and music memorable and chilling?

7. Cultural Impact and Legacy

• Did the movie leave a lasting impact on horror cinema?
• Has it influenced other films and media?

8. Viewer Reviews and Ratings

• What is the general public opinion about the film?
• How has the movie been rated across various platforms?

Here are some of the list of top horror movies to watch when you are free;

1. The Exorcist (1973)

“The Exorcist,” directed by William Friedkin and based on the 1971 novel by William Peter Blatty, is often hailed as the most terrifying horror movie ever made. Its story revolves around a young girl possessed by a malevolent entity and the subsequent exorcism performed by two priests. The film was groundbreaking for its time, blending psychological horror with visceral imagery. It garnered critical acclaim and public controversy, especially for its intense subject matter and graphic special effects.

Marmolejo1489, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know that:

• During filming, the set of the MacNeil residence caught fire, mysteriously leaving Regan’s bedroom untouched. This incident added to the film’s eerie lore.
• The movie’s release saw reports of audience members fainting and even a few instances of heart attacks, showcasing its profound impact on viewers.
• The sound of the demon’s voice was created by the voice actress consuming raw eggs and chain-smoking to achieve the raspy, unsettling tone.

2. The Shining (1980)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Stephen King’s novel, “The Shining” is a psychological horror film that delves into themes of madness, isolation, and the supernatural. The story follows Jack Torrance, who becomes the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel, where he slowly descends into madness, influenced by the hotel’s malevolent forces. The film is lauded for its atmospheric tension, unsettling imagery, and Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance.

Did you know that:

• The haunting line “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” was typed out in different languages for international releases of the film, requiring Kubrick to retype it each time.
• The infamous hedge maze in the film did not exist in the book. Kubrick added it to create a more visually compelling and claustrophobic element.
• Despite its now-classic status, “The Shining” initially received mixed reviews and even garnered Razzie Award nominations, a stark contrast to its later critical reevaluation.

3. Psycho (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” is a masterpiece that redefined the horror genre. Known for its infamous shower scene, the film tells the story of Marion Crane, a secretary who ends up at the Bates Motel after embezzling money. The motel’s owner, Norman Bates, has become one of the most iconic characters in horror history. “Psycho” was notable for its narrative twists and exploration of complex psychological themes, making it a precursor to many modern psychological thrillers.

English: Designed by Macario Gómez Quibus. “© Shamley Productions, Inc.”, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know that:

• Hitchcock funded the film himself after studios refused to back it, believing it was too risky. He shot it with a television crew to keep costs low.
• The shower scene, one of the most iconic scenes in film history, took seven days to shoot and featured 70 camera angles, but lasts only about three minutes on screen.
• Chocolate syrup was used to simulate blood in the famous shower scene, as it appeared more realistic in the black-and-white film.

4. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

“The Blair Witch Project,” directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, is a found-footage horror film that tells the story of three student filmmakers who disappear while hiking in the Black Hills near Burkittsville, Maryland, to film a documentary about a local legend known as the Blair Witch. The viewers are told that the three were never found, but their footage was. The film is notable for its innovative use of found footage to create realism, its viral marketing campaign, and its significant influence on later horror films.

Did you know that:

• The film’s marketing campaign suggested that the footage was real, leading to some people believing the events of the film actually happened.
• “The Blair Witch Project” was made on a shoestring budget of around $60,000 and grossed over $248 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful independent films of all time.
• The actors were given little more than a rough outline of the plot and improvised most of their lines, adding to the film’s authentic feel.

5. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Tobe Hooper’s “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” is a landmark horror film known for its raw and unsettling portrayal of violence and madness. The story follows a group of friends who fall victim to a family of cannibals, including the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface. The film’s visceral realism and grainy documentary style create an atmosphere of dread and horror, influencing many subsequent horror films.

Did you know that:

• The film was marketed as being based on true events to attract a wider audience, although it was only loosely inspired by the crimes of Ed Gein.
• The dinner scene towards the end of the film was particularly grueling to shoot, with the cast and crew enduring high temperatures, foul odors, and long hours, contributing to the scene’s intense sense of discomfort.
• Despite its reputation for gore, the film has very little on-screen blood and relies more on its disturbing atmosphere and implied violence to terrify audiences.

6. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Wes Craven’s “A Nightmare on Elm Street” introduced the world to Freddy Krueger, a disfigured serial killer who attacks his victims in their dreams, causing their deaths in the real world. The film blends the line between the imaginary and the real, creating a unique and terrifying narrative. It’s known for its creative and surreal dream sequences, as well as Robert Englund’s iconic performance as Freddy.