Fear has always attracted the attention of the world of cinema. Other films transcend jump scares to examine psychological tension, creepy atmosphere, and a storyline full of suspense that lives on well after the credits have stopped. Horror films are not about monsters and ghosts but about human fear, ethical issues and the unknown. Since ancient supernatural stories, the genre has always pushed the limits in order to perturb the audience in modern psychological thrillers. It is the claustrophobia of solitude, the horror of the unknown or the fear of the inevitable, these movies have proven their worth as being among the most terrifying ever made in cinematic history.
The Exorcist
This is a supernatural thriller of a young girl who is taken over by something that she does not understand, and the desperate measures taken to save her. It has shocking images and very dramatic performances that have left it as a classic evergreen film that shocks spectators even to date.
Halloween
The systematic hunting down of his victims in one of the small towns by Michael Myers has laid the groundwork for the modern slasher formula. The tension, the creepy music and the unexpected scares give the chilling effect that redefined horror cinema.
The Shining
The film by Stanley Kubrick as an adaptation of a novel by Stephen King, illustrates the psychological degradation of a lonely man. The lifeless, great hotel, dark hallways with a supernatural whisper combine as a spooky, creepy atmosphere.
A Nightmare on Elm Street
The idea that Freddy Krueger can get into dreams introduced a terrifying notion of how you could die in your sleep. This horror icon is remembered by increasing dream sequences and suspense, and dark humour.
The Silence of the Lambs
It’s a psychological thriller which aims to get inside the head of a driven agent and manipulative criminal – bringing perhaps some suspense and horror in the process. The cordial and chilling conversation makes the audience jolt throughout the film.
The Ring
It was based on a Japanese horror film, which introduced the cursed videotape to the West. It’s a slow burn, its eerie visuals and its unnerving soundtrack conspire to create an overall sense of impending doom.
Paranormal Activity
This film takes the mundane home and makes it scary with the help of a found-footage technique. Limited plot lines and subtle supernatural clues can prompt the imagination of the viewer to enhance fear, and it can also be considered one of the most terrifying horror movies of the recent past.
Hereditary
The psychological horror explores both family trauma and supernatural terror at once. Combine that with the heaviness of inevitability, and you’ve got an extreme, thought-provoking and emotionally haunting film.
It Follows
A horror masterpiece of modern times that makes a mere premise last but not fade away. It is also accompanied by a fierce tracking of an unknown object and atmospheric cinematography, which guarantees audiences a feeling of discomfort at all times.
Get Out
It’s a twisty horror blend of social commentary by Jordan Peele. The ongoing build-up of the suspense, along with jaw-dropping revelations, helps to keep viewers invested and terrified: proof that intelligent yet scary horror is still possible today.
Insidious
It is a supernatural horror film which focuses on the astral plane and where spirits are after a young boy. It is a masterpiece of jump scares, disturbing sound design, and creepy images, which makes it a better part of modern horror movie production.
