Horror movies are your go-to when you can’t decide what to watch, but it’s always hard to find the right horror movie, with the right amount of jump scares. If you are looking for horror movies that will get your heart racing and keep you on the edge of your seat for the whole time, look no further as we have compiled a list of the top 10 scariest movies in the world that will keep you awake at night

Top 10 Scariest Movies in the World with the Highest Ratings Ever:

• The Witch (2015)
• Don’t Look Now (1973)
• The Conjuring (2013)
• Halloween (1978)
• Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
• The Exorcist (1973)
• The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
• The Shining (1980)
• Psycho (1960)
• Alien (1979)

10) The Witch (2015):

IMDb: 7.0/10 284k | Popularity: 498 | Metascore: 84

“The Witch” is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Set in 17th-century New England, it immerses you in a world of Puritanical superstition and paranoia, where the line between reality and the supernatural will keep you guessing throughout the movie.

The film’s greatest strength lies in its atmosphere. The haunting, desolate landscape of the American wilderness is as much a character as any of the human actors. The careful attention to historical accuracy in language and costume adds to the film’s authenticity and makes the viewer feel transported to that grim period in history. The Witch is a must-see as it is one of those horror movies that will grab your attention without the usual jump scares.

9) Don’t Look Now (1973)

IMDb: 7.1/10 60k | Popularity: 204 | Metascore: 95

“Don’t Look Now” from 1973 is a masterclass in psychological horror. Directed by Nicolas Roeg, this film is a haunting and visually stunning experience that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.

Set against the backdrop of Venice, the movie explores grief and the thin line between the mundane and the supernatural. Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie gave such performances as a grieving couple that became a huge part of their career. Despite being a movie of the 1970’s a key feature was the use of editing and cinematography. It adds an unsettling quality to the story. The eerie and foreboding atmosphere creates a unique and unforgettable mood.

It’s a slow burn, patiently building tension and suspense throughout. This horror movie doesn’t depend on jump scares but rather on the underlying sense of dread that keeps you on the edge.

8) The Conjuring (2013)

IMDb: 7.5/10 535k | Popularity: 164 | Metascore: 68

The Conjuring (2013) is a thrilling rollercoaster of a horror movie. It is one of the scariest movies on Netflix that’s bound to make you jump out of your seat. Directed by James Wan, it’s a masterful blend of supernatural scares and a compelling story based on real-life paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren.

Set in a secluded, old farmhouse, the tension is tangible as the Perron family experiences progressively frightening events. Among the modern horror, “The Conjuring” stands as a standout, this horror movie relies on practical effects and it’s a testament to Wan’s skill as a director and the dedication of its cast and crew. Just be prepared to sleep with the lights on afterward.

7) Halloween (1978)

IMDb: 7.7/10 293k | Popularity: 517| Metascore: 87

One of the most underrated horror movies, it’s a timeless classic in the horror genre. This movie defined the slasher subgenre and continues to scare and captivate the audience even decades after its release. The movie went on to become such a success that certain games came out with a DLC of Michael Myers.

In this story, Michael Myers, an escaped killer from a mental institution returns to his hometown to wreak havoc on a Halloween night. Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, delivers an absolutely beautiful performance as the resourceful and quintessential ‘final girl’. The music choice and storytelling are out of the world, the film’s restrained use of violence and gore, opting for suspense and suggestion is a testament to its enduring power.

6) Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

IMDb: 8.0/10 227k | Popularity: 1020| Metascore: 96

Rosemary’s Baby is one of the best horror movies of Hollywood, it’s a chilling and psychological masterpiece that stands the test of time. This film is a slow-burning descent into paranoia and horror. The story revolves around a young couple who move into an old New York City apartment building with a mysterious history. Mia Farrow’s performance as Rosemary still gets applauded whenever mentioned.

What sets Rosemary’s Baby apart from other horror movies is its reliance on psychological terror over simple violence. The film creates an atmosphere of unease where every interaction has such an unpleasant presence. This atmosphere of dread along with the director’s camerawork heightens the sense of terror. The movie’s slow pacing creates tension culminating in a truly disturbing and unforgettable climax.

5) The Exorcist (1973)

IMDb: 8.1/10 431k | Popularity: 114| Metascore: 81

It wouldn’t be wrong to call The Exorcist one of the best movies of Hollywood, it’s a true cinematic masterpiece that left an unerasable mark on the horror genre. The movie follows the story of a young girl, Regan, who becomes possessed by a malevolent entity. Two priests, Father Karras and Father Merrin are entrusted to save her.

What sets “The Exorcist” apart is its unrelenting intensity and commitment to realism. The CGI, makeup, and sound design remain to be as effective as it was upon the movie’s release. The performances are top-notch and the terrifying portrayal of Regan by Linda Blair remains one of the best performances in Hollywood.

The iconic exorcism scene remains one of the cinematic landmarks that has become part of pop culture. It’s a truly terrifying experience that continues to scare and amaze audiences. It’s not just a horror film, rather it’s a cinematic achievement that transcends its genre.

4) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

IMDb: 7.4/10 175k | Popularity: 248| Metascore: 88

“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is a raw, remorseless, and truly terrifying horror classic that has a huge impact on the genre. Multiple games have been released based on the popular horror movie. It’s a relentless descent into madness and brutality. Unlike movies relying on suspense and thriller to scare audiences, ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ took a visceral and gritty approach. The story revolves around a group of friends, who, while on a road trip, encounter a family of cannibals, including the infamous Leatherface.

Leather face, portrayed by Gunnar Hansen, is a prominent and horrifying figure, his grotesque mask and chainsaw-wielding presence is more than enough to give you sleepless nights. This horror movie pushed boundaries and challenged conventions, setting a new standard altogether. It’s a must-see horror movie that continues to shock and terrify audiences to this day.

3) The Shining (1980)

IMDb: 8.4/10 1.1M | Popularity: 280| Metascore: 66

The Shining is a cinematic masterpiece that’s as chilling as it’s mesmerizing. It’s based on Stephen King’s novel and this film is a terrifying journey into madness and isolation. The story revolves around Jack Torrance who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the remote and haunted Overlook Hotel. Jack’s descent into madness is both gradual and utterly convincing.

The atmosphere is crafted meticulously and Kubrick’s attention to detail is nothing short of commendable, from the hotel interiors to the snow-covered hedge maze. The music adds to the tension and creates an environment for the audience where they just can’t look away. This horror movie is guaranteed to get under your skin, it’s a psychological horror film that leaves you with a lingering sense of unease. So, if you want to have multiple sleepless nights, then this is a must-see movie.

2) Psycho (1960)

IMDb: 8.5/10 1.1M | Popularity: 280| Metascore: 97

Psycho is an absolute classic in the world of suspense and horror. It’s a film that continues to captivate and scare audiences even decades after its release. The story revolves around Marion Crane, played by Janet Leigh, who checks into the Bates Motel on a rainy night. What follows is a series of terrifying events that builds such tension and suspense that keeps us on the edge of our seats from start to finish.

This horror movie’s iconic shower scene remains to be one of the best in Hollywood, the use of black-and-white cinematography and the haunting score add to the film’s timeless quality. It’s a true cinematic achievement that set new standards for the horror genre. Even in an era of modern horror, this movie remains a masterpiece in how to keep an audience captivated and unsettled.

1) Alien (1979)

IMDb: 8.5/10 918K | Popularity: 170| Metascore: 89

Alien is a groundbreaking sci-fi horror film that has stood the test of time. It is among one of the scariest movies according to science. Directed by Ridley Scott, this movie is a terrifying journey into the depths of space, where an extraterrestrial nightmare awaits. The story follows the journey of a crew in space, who are confronted by an otherworldly creature that’s the embodiment of sheer terror.

The atmosphere of claustrophobia and dread, the set design, the silence of space, and the slow build-up of tension contribute to an unforgettable cinematic experience. It’s truly one of the best horror movies. The titular alien is a creature of nightmare, its methodical and persistent pursuit of the crew is truly unsettling. In the world of sci-fi and horror, “Alien” is a timeless classic that continues to terrify new generations of moviegoers. It remains as captivating today as it was decades ago.

Final Thoughts:

All of these movies have stood the test of time and continue to remain at the top in the horror genre, if you haven’t seen these horror movies you can’t call yourself a horror fan. Perhaps if you are new to the genre, it’s time to go on a movie marathon. It’s always better to watch horror movies with friends, especially if you are someone who is easily scared. And lastly, only watch these movies if you are not planning on sleeping for days!