The Best Horror Movies Ever Made Ranked

Few genres attract audiences to the theatre like horror. Since the 1960’s, the horror genre has produced frightening movies. Whether it’s psychotic serial killers, shining hotels or jaw-dropping sharks, the horror genre has produced several characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best horror movies ever made that deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Shining

Isolation has impacted my identity. Several years ago, isolation affected my abilities to write my movie reviews causing sorrow. When I was diagnosed with COVID during the pandemic, I was forced to isolate myself in small rooms by taking drastic measures which were catastrophic. Unable to step outside for a walk in fresh air, I struggled to write the film reviews on my website about which I had grown to care. Few films I have seen have captured how frightening isolation can cause people to go insane as powerfully as “The Shining”. Ever since its release in 1980, Stanley Kubrick’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest horror movie ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Kubrick used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an alcoholic writer that faces insanity causing despair. Kubrick has always had an aptitude for making great movies about insane characters, and “The Shining” showcased his strengths as an icon of Cinema. Kubrick effectively used foreshadowing to capture a child that faces abusive fathers in a hotel that’s frightening. For instance, the iconic “Here’s Johnny!” sequence in which Jack attacks his wife and child with an axe causing a dilemma remains one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jack Nicholson, who embodies a self-destructive author that’s impacted by insanity. Ultimately, what makes “The Shining” my favourite horror movie of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most horror movies that are targeted to a specific audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 40 years after the release of a classic horror film about shining writers experiencing isolated hotels that are terrifying, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured dark movies about totally insane characters that are worth celebrating.

2. The Silence of the Lambs

Hannibal Lecter is a frightening serial killer that has always fascinated my mother. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a mother that was afraid of a serial killer causing damage. She would often recount terrifying stories about a serial killer that shaped her identity. As someone treasuring memories of a mother scared of a serial killer with silence, I adored “The Silence of the Lambs”. Released in 1991, Jonathan Demme’s Oscar-winning movie captured serial killers. Demme has always thrived at building suspense in movies through silence, and “The Silence of the Lambs” showcased his strengths. For instance, the scene in which Clarice Starling interrogates Hannibal Lecter remains one of the greatest moments of the horror genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Anthony Hopkins, who created one of the scariest serial killers in pop culture. Ultimately, what makes “The Silence of the Lambs” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about trauma that would resonate with everyone. As unforgettable as murders that Hannibal Lecter has committed, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated genre filled with memorable movies that audiences have always commonly undeniably appreciated.

3. Psycho

Alfred Hitchcock is a legendary filmmaker that always impressed my father. I remember forming a strong bond with a father that adored the world-famous filmmaker. He would speak fondly about a director whose timeless movies shaped his identity. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a father that adored Alfred Hitchcock years ago, I loved “Psycho”. Released in 1960, Alfred Hitchcock’s movie captured a psychotic serial killer. Hitchcock always had an aptitude for capturing serial killers in his movies, and “Psycho” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the iconic scene in which Marion is stabbed to death in the shower causing her town to face trauma is one of the greatest moments of the serial killer genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Anthony Perkins, who created one of the scariest serial killers in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Psycho” a commemorated serial killer classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with themes that remain relevant today. As strong as Norman Bates’ desire to commit murders that are psychotic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that has produced timeless movies which captivated the movie-going public.

4. Jaws

Sharks are scary creatures that have always terrified me. Ever since I was a child, I have been scared of creatures that are wild. At an early age, I became terrified of stepping foot into waters that posed damage. My lifelong fear of sharks with sharp jaws first began when I watched “Jaws”. Ever since its release in 1975, Steven Spielberg’s movie has stood the test of time as a jaw-dropping horror classic. With the most frightening film of his career, Spielberg used techniques to capture a shark evoking fear. One of the techniques Spielberg uses is close-ups of characters’ faces. Known as the ‘Spielberg Face’, this technique is an effective way in which the filmmaker builds tension in movies. In “Jaws”, Spielberg used close-ups to capture reactions of individuals witnessing sharks. For instance, the scene in which the camera zooms on Chief Brody’s face witnessing sharks on the beach with terror is one of the greatest moments of the horror genre. Ultimately, what makes “Jaws” a horror classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most horror movies, it’s one of those rare movies everyone will be able to enjoy. As memorable as sharks with sharp jaws, it’s a sensational reminder of a genre that has deserves a huge round of applause producing movies without considerable flaws.

5. Hereditary

It’s often challenging to face the loss of a loved one. At an early age, my family faced loss of a housekeeper causing damage. Several years ago, my housekeeper passed away causing my family to face sorrow. No matter how hard we tried, my family couldn’t recover from the death of a housekeeper that tragically died. As someone haunted by memories of a family tragedy, I adored “Hereditary”. Released in 2018, Ari Aster’s frightening movie capturing a family torn apart by a terrifying tragedy. With the most frightening film of his career, Aster captured the impact of loss causing a family to face despair. Aster is a filmmaker that has always excelled at making humane horror movies tackling realistic themes, and his strengths are evident in “Hereditary”. For instance, the sequence in which Annie chases Peter around the house in a possessed state is one of the best scenes of the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Hereditary” a great horror movie is its message. Through its focus on hardships an ordinary family goes through, it’s one of those horror movies everyone can relate to. A commemorated portrait of trauma causing a family to face a grim dilemma, it’s a profound reminder of a genre that has always attracted audiences towards modern-day theatrical Cinema.

6. Alien

Aliens are creepy creatures that have often been seen in horror movies. With their frightening eyes, painful claws and creepy bodies, aliens often make compelling antagonists in horror movies. The trend of aliens being seen in horror movies first began with “Alien”. Released in 1979, Ridley Scott’s movie forever changed the horror genre through its depictions of aliens causing trauma. Scott showcased his strengths as a filmmaker by using groundbreaking practical effects to capture aliens causing danger. Assisted by Sigourney Weaver who is excellent in the leading role, Scott used stunning practical effects to create unforgettable aliens causing danger. As powerful as aliens causing disaster in a spaceship, it’s a sensational reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced memorable movies which audiences commonly worship.

7. Get Out

Racism is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often struggled to tell stories of racism in a country where it has become a problem. In an industry where issues of racism are rarely talked about, it’s worth praising “Get Out”. Released in 2017, Jordan Peele’s movie depicted the racism faced by a black man from his white girlfriend’s family. With his dazzling directorial debut, Peele proved the horror genre could be used to depict hardships individuals facing racism go through. Aided by Daniel Kaluuya who is superb in the lead role, Peele used the horror genre to discuss race in the modern era. As strong as Chris’ desire to get out of his white girlfriend’s house, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has achieved success without a doubt by discussing provocative topics that deserve to be talked absolutely about.

8. Misery

Obsession is a dangerous emotion that affects the creative process. Writers that are obsessive often struggle to write stories which are effective. The misery faced by writers struggling to publish stories is beautifully depicted in the movie “Misery”. Released in 1991, Rob Reiner’s movie captured obsessive writers struggling to publish stories. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Misery” stand out is its depiction of obsession. Reiner uses captivating voice-over narration capturing struggles that an obsessive fan stalking a famous author is facing. Assisted by Kathy Bates who is amazing in the lead role, Reiner created a compelling writing drama. A powerful portrayal of authors that are miserable, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies that audiences consider special.

9. The Sixth Sense

Psychologists have shaped my personality. When I was diagnosed with Autism, I began seeing a therapist that helped me cope with adversity. His strong guidance gave me strength to cope with a painful life experience. As someone treasuring fond memories of a psychologist that had sense, I adored “The Sixth Sense”. Released in 1999, M. Night Shyamalan’s movie captured psychologists assisting children facing adversities. Shayamalan has always excelled at making compelling mysteries through sounds, and “The Sixth Sense” showcased his strength as a filmmaker. Assisted by Haley Joel Osment who is superb in the lead role, Shyamalan created a compelling mystery. As powerful as Cole’s visions of dead people, it’s a remarkable reminder of a great genre that made memorable movies which audiences consider to be extremely special.

10. A Quiet Place

Silence is a tricky technique to use in horror movies. The horror genre has always been driven by sounds used to build tension. Without sounds, horror movies often run the risk of becoming boring. However, in 2018 John Krasinski pulled off the tricky feat of making an entertaining movie about hardships quiet families face with “A Quiet Place”. With his directorial debut, Krasinski used silence to capture hardships quiet families go through. Krasinski showcased his strengths for using silence to build tension. Assisted by Emily Blunt who is excellent, Krasinski used silence to create a terrifying horror movie. As strong as the Abbott family’s desire to survive in a world that’s silent, it’s a sensational reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost ability to leave audiences in astonishment that I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of frightening entertainment.