Top 10: Scariest Movies of All Time
10. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Annoying camera-shake aside, the students who created “The Blair Witch Project” knew what they were doing when it came to creating a unique film experience. By playing it off with a documentary-like depiction, “The Blair Witch” adds a unique level of real-life fear that traditional narrative films struggle to acquire.
9. The Omen (1976)
Raising a kid is a scary task by itself. Raising the son of the devil is an entirely terrifying task altogether. By posing an innocent young boy as the catalyst for all things evil, “The Omen” questions whether or not the most innocent things in our world should be feared. Besides, no other actor has been able to deliver as piercingly disturbing a glare as little Damien did.
8. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
The opening of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” claims to be based on true events. While the story is entirely fictional, they failed to mention that it was loosely based on the killings of the infamous serial killer, Ed Gein. A fact like that will make you think twice about driving far into the country.
7. The Ring (2002)
Although this remake inspired the unnecessary onslaught of other Japanese horror remakes, “The Ring” was one of the first horror films to appropriately utilize modern day special effects. With a simple premise dressed up in visually unnerving precision, you’ll never look at a phone, a TV, or even an unmarked VHS tape the same way ever again.
6. Psycho (1960)
When “Psycho” first graced the silver screen, the idea of killing off the lead actress in the middle of the film was practically unheard of. The fact that the murder took place in the seclusion of a shower made it even more surprising and unforgettable. Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller not only shocked audiences, but it inspired filmmakers who have made their own mark on this list as well.
5. The Descent (2005)
Even though it’s the newest film on this list, “The Descent” solidifies itself as one of the most terrifying and immersive horror films to date. By fully utilizing its unique setting of a dank cave-diving environment, the unknown darkness behind every corner will make anyone cringe with claustrophobia.
4. Halloween (1978)
What was originally conceived to be a story about a man stalking babysitters, the story of Michael Myers was given a mask, a knife, and an all encompassing holiday to become one of the most inspirational horror movies of all time. “Halloween” set the stage for the slew of imitating slasher films, but it remains in top form as the ultimate bogyman film due to innovative camera work from director John Carpenter. By itself, the iconic piano score will forever instill the unnerving presence of evil.
3. The Shining (1980)
It was the only horror film that Stanley Kubrick directed, and unlike the long list of his other dignified films, “The Shining” is appropriately remembered for its revered lead performance by Jack Nicholson. With this remarkable combination of directing and acting talent, “The Shining” is as close as we can get to delusion without actually experiencing it for ourselves.
2. Jaws (1975)
It’s safe to say that in the late 70’s not many families were scheduling beach vacations; at least the families that saw Steven Spielberg’s first masterpiece, “Jaws.” While it may have made particular attacks at skinny dippers, “Jaws” featured the combination of a harrowing score and a lurking monster that still makes people tremble at the break of a wave.
1. The Exorcist (1973)
The textbook example of instilling long-term psychological fear rests predominantly in the hands of William Friedkin’s timelessly terrifying film, “The Exorcist.” Not only does the scariest movie of all time feature a chilling and controversial portrayal of a possessed girl, it’s also one of the only films that has reportedly needed its own exorcism due to strange unexplained happenings on-set. Let’s hope the same doesn’t go for its audience as well.
