My Top 25 Favorite Horror Movies of All Time

***Disclaimer***

A quick update, as of July, 2026, I had to expand this list from my top 10 to my top 25 to accommodate other films I thought of and new films I have seen more recently. Let me know your thoughts and movie recommendations in the comments below!

#1 - Obsession, 2025 (9.5/10)

A modern masterpiece I would recommend to any horror movie enthusiast out there. I tip my hat to director Curry Barker, his debut feature film left me speechless and deeply disturbed.

#2 - The Autopsy of Jane Doe, 2016 (9/10)

A hidden gem directed by André Øvredal that is spectacularly unsettling. Stephen King himself praises this masterpiece, claiming it even rivals the 1979 film Alien in visceral horror.

Be forewarned, there is a lot of blood and gore in this film, but it is all worth it. In my opinion at least, none of the gore is uncalled for and everything serves a purpose to help deliver scares.

#3 - Invasion of the Body Snatchers, 1978 (9/10)

I knew I was forgetting a top-notch film on this list. After replying to a comment, I had to move things around to include the Invasion of the Body Snatchers from 1978.

Horror films from the 70s and 80s tend not to scare me, but the special effects work, acting, style and tone in this film make it incredibly off-putting. It's the kind of psychological and mind-bending sci-fi thriller that will keep you thinking about it for weeks after watching.

And I must say, Donald Sutherland is captivating in this role, I almost didn't recognize him. I usually think of President Snow when I hear his name, not Matthew Bennell!

#4 - Hereditary, 2018 (8.5/10)

Ari Aster's claim to fame, this is one of the most disturbing films I've ever seen. While there are supernatural forces at play in the story, many of the events that take place are realistic and all too possible in the real world.

As the main characters experience tragedy and work through their shared trauma, unforeseen walls continue to close in around them, sealing their fates most would consider worse than death.

#5 - Nope, 2022 (8.5/10)

When I saw this in theaters, I had to stay in my seat for a few minutes to process what I just witnessed. While I love all of Jordan Peele's films, this one is my absolute favorite. The sci-fi tropes, the campiness, the sarcastic humor, the western feel and the incredible suspense will keep you glued to your seat till the very end.

#6 - The Conjuring, 2013 (8/10)

A classic horror story with a lot of heart. There are plenty of scares and creepy scenes, but this film is also very touching. Even if you are not a horror fan, you will still find things you enjoy or relate to about The Conjuring. Well-written, well-executed and well-liked for good reason.

#7 - The Descent, 2005 (8/10)

I need to help get the word out about this film. Like my favorite movie of all time The Abyss, I feel that The Descent is criminally underrated and unknown.

From the beginning, this film promises to surprise you. The story follows a group of close female friends on a trip together who decide to explore a cave system, and things go horribly wrong.

I don't know about you, but anything remotely related to cave-diving or tight spaces fills me with anxiety, and The Descent captures the characters' fear and anxiety perfectly.

#8 - It, 2017 (8/10)

I often compare this film to the 1986 film Stand By Me, which isn't really all that surprising if you think about it. Both stories were written by Stephen King and follow very similar themes when it comes to friendship, bravery and overcoming life's unique challenges.

I will always have a special place in my heart for the original It movie from 1990, but the 2017 version executes the story in a crisper way. The cast is awesome, the closeness and dynamic of the main characters is relatable and entertaining to watch, and the scares are far more effective.

Tim Curry is iconic, but I'd be remiss not to mention how terrifying Bill Skarsgård's Pennywise truly is.

#9 - Poltergeist, 1982 (8/10)

Don't bother with the 2015 remake, the original Poltergeist from 1982 will always be the best version. If you're looking for a great story about paranormal investigation with a smörgåsbord of incredible practical effects work and a cursed cast (literally), I highly recommend this classic!

#10 - The Fly, 1986 (8.5/10)

I didn't think I could ever take Jeff Goldblum seriously, but I was wrong. Goldblum did a phenomenal job starring as ambitious scientist Seth Brundle in The Fly. If you do decide to check out this stellar remake of the 1958 original, I suggest avoiding food while watching and keeping a box of tissues nearby. The Fly is a tragic tale filled with moral dilemmas and intense body horror.

#11 - Us, 2019 (8.5/10)

Another film by Jordan Peele many would consider his best, and while I disagree, I don't blame them. I love this film and really appreciate how it takes its time bringing everything full circle by the conclusion of the story. And when I say "circle," I mean that figuratively and literally. If you know, you know.

#12 - The Thing, 1982 (8/10)

My personal favorite from director John Carpenter. If you haven't already seen The Thing, I highly recommend it, especially if you're a fan of Kurt Russell, aliens and tasteful body horror.

#13 - Midsommar, 2019 (8/10)

Florence Pugh's incredible range as an actress is showcased throughout the duration of this film. You might look at the picture above, see the pretty flowers and wide smile on Pugh's face, and think to yourself: How scary can it be? Don't judge a book by its cover.

#14 - Get Out, 2017 (8/10)

My least favorite Jordan Peele film, but still one of my favorite horror movies of all time. This film took everyone by surprise, especially coming from a director who up until that point, was primarily known for comedy sketches. Get Out was an instant hit, launching Peele headfirst into the realm of horror, and given the success of his later films Us and Nope, I don't think he is going anywhere anytime soon. I think there are plenty more horror films from the mind of Jordan Peele in store for us, hopefully in the near future.

#15 - Ready or Not, 2019 (8/10)

I saw Samara Weaving on screen for the first time when she starred as Bee, the malevolent nanny in the 2017 comedy/horror film The Babysitter. So I was very excited to see her pop up again in 2019, this time starring as the main protagonist in another comedy/horror film Ready or Not. She does an exceptional job as both the villain and the hero. If you're up for some good laughs and some fun scares, check this one out!

#16 - Annabelle: Creation, 2017 (8/10)

I'm not a huge fan of the other Annabelle films, but this one is definitely worth seeing. I was not expecting to feel genuine chills running down my spine during certain scenes, it is surprisingly terrifying.

#17 - Evil Dead Rise, 2023 (8/10)

I have seen some of the other films in the Evil Dead franchise, but for me, none of them were as memorable as this one. Alyssa Sutherland stars as a loving, yet financially struggling mother of three who gets possessed by a demon, terrorizing her own family. I am rarely impressed by performances that are supposed to depict a human being who is possessed. I never really find them convincing. But Sutherland convinced me, she was horrifying.

#18 - The Mist, 2007 (8/10)

One of the most disturbing and well-executed film adaptations of a Stephen King novella. While the CGI is a bit dated, the cast does an excellent job pulling us into the bizarre, twisted events unfolding around them. This one is an eerie, emotional roller coaster.

#19 - Hell House LLC, 2015 (7.5/10)

There are a lot of found footage films I love: Paranormal Activity, The Blair Witch Project, The Visit and plenty more. But something about Hell House LLC keeps me coming back for more.

The beginning reads like a documentary, almost convincing the audience the events of the film actually happened. And then, we dive head first into the horrific but entirely fictional tragedy that befell a group of friends just trying to open a successful haunted house for Halloween. It's a great story, lots of fun and perfect to watch on a rainy fall day.

The other films in the franchise are decent, especially Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor, but the first one in my opinion is the best. If you give it a watch, let me know what you think!

Also, just FYI: If you're afraid of clowns, Godspeed.

#20 - The Conjuring 2, 2016 (7.5/10)

Not nearly as good as the first film in my opinion, but it has its merits. This sequel explores another sinister case of demon possession that Ed and Lorraine Warren investigated. And during their investigation, we are introduced to a truly terrifying demon who enjoys donning nun's robes and hiding in shadows. I don't recommend watching this alone.

#21 - Smile 2, 2024 (8/10)

The first one was okay, but this sequel was brilliant. Naomi Scott does an excellent job and the story confuses the audience almost as much as her character. I love films that successfuly mislead the audience when it comes to real and imagined experiences the character navigates throughout the story. Great flick.

#22 - Arcadian, 2024 (7.5/10)

A hidden gem I am so glad I discovered. Nicholas Cage does a great job and the monster designs in this film are very unique. I am excited to see more from director Benjamin Brewer!

#23 - Iron Lung, 2026 (7.5/10)

A film written and directed by my favorite YouTuber, Mark Fischbach, otherwise known as "Markiplier," Iron Lung is a fantastically gory horror/sci-fi flick I highly recommend. Markiplier also stars in his film, which was undeniably a passion project he was excited to share with fans and audiences worldwide. Show him some love and be sure to check out his awesome debut feature film!

#24 - The Tunnel, 2011 (7.5/10)

A suspenseful found footage film I wish more people knew about. It is grainy and chaotic, but that's partially what makes it so believable and thrilling. Similar to Hell House LLC, it's a mockumentary, and this one will make you afraid of the subway, water, tunnels, sewers, basements, the list the goes on. Make sure you watch in the dark or it is very difficult to see everything happening on-screen.

#25 - The Blair Witch Project, 1999 (7.5/10)

The found footage horror film that started it all. Such a throwback.

***Honorable Mentions***

Creep, 2014 (7.5/10)

This film will have you constantly looking over your shoulder and make you paranoid about every new person you meet. Filled with accurate and disturbing scenes of stalking, unstable behavior, deception and cunning from the antagonist, this film is absolutely terrifying if you live alone, and it will make you think twice about meeting an online stranger. A solid cautionary tale that stays with you.

Misery, 1990 (7.5/10)

I love Kathy Bates, even when she stars in a film as a terrifying, murderous lunatic. Her performance truly sells it. Another very well-executed movie based on one of Stephen King's stories.

The Taking of Deborah Logan, 2014 (7.5/10)

As if there wasn't already enough to be afraid of when it comes to Alzheimer's disease. This film is deeply unsettling.

Final Destination 3, 2006 (6.5/10)

Yes, I know...this series many would not consider great, maybe not even good. But Final Destination 3 is one of those films I always keep on the back burner when I can't find anything else to watch. It is a lot of fun, does a great job for what it is, and honestly, I'm a sucker for Mary Elizabeth Winstead.