Who doesn’t love a good scary movie now and then, right? Watching horror movies is like getting an adrenaline rush without having to experience a real near-death scenario. You get to feel fear and excitement while sitting comfortably on your couch with popcorn and dim lighting. I love spooky flicks even though I’m the kind of wimp who can only watch them during the day and has to follow them up with a rom-com to shake off the fear.
I remember when I first watched The Shining with Jack Nicholson, I was so creeped out by the weird imagery and the murderous Dad that I swore off scary movies for a little while…until I couldn’t hold off anymore and had to watch another with my friends.
There’s something fascinating about how easily we can still be scared. Writers, directors, and actors keep finding new ways to make us jump. Feeling brave today? If so, here’s a list of some truly terrifying movies, according to a recent message board, that will leave you feeling on edge for hours afterward.
Speak No Evil (2022)
Speak No Evil was pure nihilism, relentlessly unsettling, and downright shocking. Just when you think there has to be some relief, the events keep getting worse. The 2022 Danish original blows the James McAvoy version out of the water, especially in those last 30 minutes when it shifts from a psychological thriller to full-blown twisted horror. The violence is horrific, but in a way, you can’t look away from it.
The title, subtle hints, and that bone-chilling “Because you let me” scene really hits hard. Who knew befriending a Dutch family you met on a holiday could be this traumatizing?
The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
This movie made me feel like I needed a shower afterward—seriously, I felt grimy just watching it. It delivered exactly what it set out to do and more, but I’m not eager to see it again anytime soon.
The Hills Have Eyes throws an innocent American family against a terrifying gang of desert-dwelling cannibals. Sure, some of the costumes and wigs are laughable, but the violence is shockingly realistic. That unsettling edge sticks with you long after it’s over. Definitely not for the faint of heart!
Kids (1995)
This movie is probably more disturbing than anything, but it’s one that sticks with you. I know I watched this one too young, around age 14 (tip for parents: don’t let your kids watch this until at least 18). This film is still brutal, even as an adult.
At first, you’re like, “Okay, it’s just another messed-up day for some NYC teens,” but then it starts to haunt you. You start realizing this could actually be real, and you get sick to your stomach.
Director Harmony Korine dove into the lives of runaway youth, showing how they behave when adults aren’t watching. Sure, there’s shock value, but it’s also a warning—a wake-up call for parents who don’t take responsibility. It’s like a raw glimpse into an America we don’t always want to see.
The Exorcist (1973)
When The Exorcist premiered in 1973, it shattered the boundaries of horror, and 50 years later, it still haunts us just as much.
What made this story so terrifying wasn’t just the demonic possession but the camera angles, lighting, and perfectly timed scares. Using a young girl, Regan, as the victim of possession was groundbreaking. Her only “crime”? Messing with an Ouija board out of loneliness. It’s a story about good vs. evil, and its hauntingly human ending will leave you thinking.
Fire in the Sky (1993)
Believe it or not, this movie is based on true events. Fire in the Sky is about an Arizona logger who mysteriously vanishes for five days after an encounter with a flying saucer in 1975. But just when you think you know what to expect, the last twenty minutes flip the script—suddenly, we see Travis being captured and tormented by sadistic aliens.
If you’re into alien abduction stories, you’ve got to check this one out. It has some gripping scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Do aliens exist? Watch it and decide for yourself.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
The Exorcism of Emily Rose gave me nightmares for days even though I saw it in my 20s (I told you I was a wimp). I bet this isn’t just a “me” problem, though. The scratching at the walls and those creepy spider-eating moments really get under your skin.
This unique film blends horror with courtroom drama, making it stand out from typical exorcism flicks. It’s not a full-on horror movie, but it’s definitely unsettling and thought-provoking. It really makes you ponder what could happen after a failed exorcism.
Suspiria (1977)
Many viewers found Suspiria so terrifying that they were left uneasy for hours afterward, imagining witches lurking outside their windows.
It tells the story of Susie Bannion, a young American dancer who lands in 1970s Berlin to join a prestigious dance company and is later told the directors are witches. It’s a horror art with one of the most shocking double-murder scenes in history. I recommend turning off the lights and making the volume just right because the eerie music will send chills down your spine.
Drag Me To Hell (2009)
Drag Me to Hell is one of those movies that would be fun if it weren’t so creepy! The main character finds herself in a nightmare just because she’s trying to get ahead at work. After offending a witch, she gets tormented by a demon.
If you’re not into dark comedy, you might find it confusing or a bit cheesy, but that’s classic Sam Raimi for you. People are simultaneously creeped out and tickled by the idea that an old lady could curse you to hell for a tiny mistake.
The Kill List (2011)
This movie dives deep into human psychology, making you feel tense without relying on jumps or scare tactics. It’s brutal and unforgiving—I was so freaked out that I couldn’t walk alone for a couple of days after watching it!
The Kill List follows Jay, an ex-soldier turned contract killer who’s haunted by a botched job. When he takes on a new assignment, he realizes the “kills” are part of a twisted ritual leading to a mind-bending nightmare. Trust me, that final twist will leave you utterly shaken!
The Grudge (2004)
In The Grudge, there’s this eerie Japanese belief that when a person dies consumed by rage, a curse lingers, haunting the place and dooming everything it touches. It’s like a stain you can’t escape, no matter where you go. Creepy, right?
If you’re after some Halloween thrills, The Grudge delivers solid jump scares and plenty of unsettling imagery. The film really knows how to build tension. It will leave you thinking, “Once that grudge gets you, there’s no escaping!”
Source: Reddit
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