Science Just Named This “Too Dark for Mainstream Audiences” Horror Movie One of the Scariest Films Ever Made

Every year, the Science of Scare Project gathers together a fresh crop of unsuspecting viewers to help gauge which horror movies are the scariest of them all. For the past few years, Sinister and Host have been battling it out for the top spot, and 2025 is no exception. The study found that, once again, Sinister is the most terrifying horror movie ever made. However, this year, a new film has emerged to crack the Top 25 that was only released a few months ago. For those that have yet to see it, the good news is that it hits streaming on October 3.

Released on May 30 in the United States, Bring Her Back has officially become one of the scariest movies ever made according to the Science of Scare Project. The film came in at #24 in this year’s study. Directed by Danny and Michael Philippou, the Talk to Me follow-up is an unrelenting study in grief that’s as bleak as it is intense. It’s no wonder viewers involved in the project were so affected by it. Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with an 89% rating from critics who called it “too dark for mainstream audiences,” horror fans found it to be equally chilling, as its audience score sits at a healthy 79%.

Starring Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, Jonah Wren Phillips, and Sally Hawkins, Bring Her Back managed to take in $39.1 million at the worldwide box office against a budget of $15 million. It wasn’t a runaway hit by any means, but those that did see it in theaters called it “disturbing,” “deranged” and “visceral.” Check out the official synopsis below:

“After the sudden death of their father, siblings Andy and Piper are placed in the care of a new foster mother, Laura. As they settle into her secluded home, they uncover a terrifying ritual that threatens their lives and sanity.”

What Other 2025 Movies Made the Science of Scare Project Top 50?

Warner Bros. Pictures 

In addition to Bring Her Back, a few other notable horror movies from 2025 also managed to make the Top 50 when it comes to the scariest horror movies ever made. The Conjuring: Last Rites came in at #49, while Weapons just squeezed its way onto the list to take the #50 spot. Unfortunately, other movies like Sinners, 28 Years Later, Until Dawn, Together, and Companion failed to resonate with participants. As such, they didn’t earn a ranking this year. Check out this year’s list of the Top 25 scariest horror movies ever made below:

1. Sinister
2. Host
3. Skinamarink
4. Insidious
5. The Conjuring
6. Hereditary
7. Smile 2
8. Smile
9. The Exorcism of Emily Rose
10. Talk to Me
11. Hell House LLC
12. The Conjuring 2
13. It Follows
14. The Dark and the Wicked
15. The Descent
16. Paranormal Activity
17. The Babadook
18. A Quiet Place Part 2
19. The Autopsy of Jane Doe
20. Insidious 2
21. Oddity
22. The Ring
23. Terrifier 2
24. Bring Her Back
25. Terrifier 3

We’re sure it’ll once more prove to be divisive, as taste is subjective. What one person likes, another might not find even remotely interesting. Still, it’s pretty fun to debate. To learn more about the Science of Scare Project and to see how the study is conducted, you can visit the website. Look for Bring Her Back to stream on HBO Max beginning Friday, October 3, 2025.

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Release Date

May 30, 2025

Runtime

99 minutes

Director

Michael Philippou, Danny Philippou

Writers

Bill Hinzman, Danny Philippou

Producers

Kristina Ceyton