The enjoyment of scary movies is a curious phenomenon. Why do we willingly subject ourselves to fear and terror? Author Neil Gaiman suggests that fear can be good in small doses, much like visiting a haunted house. With Halloween approaching, fans of horror movies and shows can indulge in their love for the genre by curling up on their couch or bed with friends and family to watch some scary stuff. Here are the top 10 horror movies of all time to get you in the mood for something spooky.
1. Hellbender
Hellbender is a 2022 horror movie that tells the story of Izzy and her mother, who live a simple life in the woods. However, Izzy’s life is put in danger when she meets another girl her age and discovers her family’s connection to witchcraft, causing trouble between her and her mother. The movie was praised by critics for its complex storyline and lack of jump scares, making it a standout film in the horror genre.
2. The Shining
Directed by Stanley Kubrick, The Shining is a 1980 horror film that follows Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) and his family as they move into a remote hotel in the Colorado Rockies. Jack is the winter caretaker for the Overlook Hotel, but the longer he stays there, the more he begins to lose his mind. The Shining is a classic horror movie that explores themes of evil and family tragedy, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
3. The Innocents
The Innocents is a supernatural thriller that follows a group of children spending their summer in the Nordic region. The children quickly discover that they possess dark and mysterious powers, leading to questions about how they would use their abilities for good or personal gain. The movie relies heavily on its young actors, who do an excellent job of bringing the story to life.
4. Sissy
Sissy is a horror-comedy that tells the story of two old high school friends who reunite, leading to Cecelia (Aisha Dee) inviting Emma (Hannah Barlow) to her hen weekend. However, when Cecelia discovers her high school bully is also attending, she seeks revenge. Sissy does an excellent job of combining horror and comedy, with Dee delivering an outstanding performance as the main character.
5. Tumbbad
Tumbbad is an Indian horror-fantasy film that came out in 2018. It follows Vinayak (Sohum Shah), who becomes obsessed with finding the source of wealth hidden in his family’s home. As he and his son Pandurang explore the house, they become entangled in a web of lies, greed, and danger as they uncover the mythological secrets of the place. Tumbbad is a unique horror movie that blends fantasy elements with horror, making it a must-watch for fans of both genres.
6. Saloum
Saloum is a crime drama with supernatural elements that follows a group of mercenaries who must hide out at a vacation camp after getting a drug lord out of Guinea-Bissau. They come up with a daring plan to get back to Dakar, Senegal, but must navigate supernatural threats along the way. Saloum is an interesting movie that blends different moods and genres, making it an enjoyable watch.
7. A Wounded Fawn
A Wounded Fawn follows Meredith (Sarah Lind), who discovers that a serial killer (Josh Ruben) is after her. As they go on a romantic trip together, they play a tense game of cat and mouse as his madness threatens to come out. The movie is unpredictable and features strong performances from its two main actors.
8. Prey
Prey is the fifth movie in the popular Predator series and follows Naru (Amber Midthunder), a Comanche warrior who protects her tribe from an alien predator that has become so advanced that it wouldn’t think twice about eating a human. Prey received good reviews from critics for its strong character development and action scenes.
9. Barbarian
Barbarian follows Tess (Georgina Campbell), who arrives at her rented house to find a man already there. However, this is the least of her worries as she discovers that the stranger living there has a secret that poses a much bigger threat. Barbarian is a darkly funny movie with great acting performances from its cast.
10. You Won’t Be Alone
You Won’t Be Alone tells the story of Nevena, who is turned into a shapeshifter by a witch. As she tries to figure out who she is again, her captor’s jealousy threatens to turn her life upside down once more. You Won’t Be Alone turns traditional witch tropes on their heads and features excellent performances from its cast.
In conclusion, these top 10 horror movies of all time offer something for everyone who loves the genre. From classic films like The Shining to newer releases like Hellbender and Tumbbad, these movies are sure to give you chills and thrills this Halloween season.