The 21 Highest-Rated Horror Films, Ranked In keeping with IMDb

With over 38,000 horror titles on IMDb, it may be tough to decide on which horror motion pictures to observe. Nonetheless, IMDb has made it simpler by compiling the highest-rated horror movies by person ranking. These motion pictures all have at the very least 25,000 person votes on the platform, making them amongst among the hottest horror movies ever made, in keeping with IMDb customers. From nice psychological thrillers to slasher classics, listed below are the highest 21 highest-rated horror motion pictures by customers on IMDb.

Up to date on October 29, 2024: This text has been up to date with further content material to maintain the dialogue contemporary and related with much more info and new horror movies.

21 Discuss to Me (2022)

IMDb Ranking: 7.1

One of many newer entries on this record, Discuss to Me is an Australian horror movie that turned a field workplace hit in 2023, because of its authentic premise, sensible results, and terrifying sound design. A gaggle of teenagers discovers they will talk with the lifeless utilizing an embalmed hand, however certainly one of them breaks the principles, permitting a malevolent power to torment them.

Discuss to Me Dominates the Awards Season

This creepy film at present has a 7.2 ranking on IMBd’s record of high horror motion pictures and holds a 95% ranking on Rotten Tomatoes, and was the recipient of quite a few accolades just like the Saturn Award for Greatest Horror Movie and eight AACTA Awards Greatest Course and Greatest Movie. Plus, the film already has each a prequel and a sequel within the works, with sibling duo Danny and Michael Philippou set to return as co-directors. Stream on Paramount+

20 I Am Legend (2007)

IMDb Ranking: 7.2

Let’s all agree on one factor — I Am Legend comprises one of the vital heart-wrenching and traumatizing scenes in cinema for those who love animals. Whether or not that is the explanation it ranks excessive on IMDb’s horror motion pictures record is unclear, however regardless, this Will Smith-led post-apocalyptic thriller is about to get a sequel almost 20 years after its preliminary launch, with the Oscar-winner becoming a member of power with Black Panther star Michael B. Jordan.

A Highly effective & Thrilling Literary Adaptation

Following a virus outbreak that turned most survivors into cannibalistic mutants, Smith performed a loner looking for a treatment for the illness whereas he additionally looked for different survivors within the desolate New York Metropolis panorama. I Am Legend blends genres, together with science fiction and motion, however IMDb customers give it excessive marks for its horror parts. It holds a 7.2 ranking from greater than 830,000 votes on the location. Lease/Purchase on Prime Video

19 It (2017)

IMDb Ranking: 7.3

The second adaptation of the chilling Stephen King basic novel, It options the chameleon-like Invoice Skarsgård because the scary killer clown Pennywise, who terrorizes a gaggle of outcast adolescents within the late ’80s within the fictional city of Derry, Maine. The form-shifting historic evil resurfaces each 27 years to feed on kids earlier than hibernating as soon as once more, prompting the members of The Losers’ Membership to combat again towards the menacing creature.

Skarsgård’s Unparalleled Efficiency

Each a field workplace knockout and demanding hit, It grossed over $704 million and was lauded for Skarsgård nightmare-worthy portrayal of the demented demon clown, with many declaring it Oscar-worthy and one of many best page-to-screen interpretations of all time. 636,000 folks voted an awarded It and spectacular 7.3 IMDb ranking, with followers feeling the difference was each haunting and relentless in its depiction of horror and trauma. Stream on Max

18 A Nightmare on Elm Avenue (1984)

IMDb Ranking: 7.4

Robert Englund delivered a really iconic efficiency when he appeared because the grotesquely disfigured, metal-clawed baby killer Freddy Krueger in Wes Craven’s ’80s horror masterpiece A Nightmare on Elm Avenue, wreaking havoc on each unsuspecting youngsters and audiences all internationally because the malevolent spirit brutally stalked and murdered his targets by invading their goals.

Englund Turns into a Horror Legend

A Nightmare on Elm Avenue helped set up a profitable and enduring slasher franchise and launched moviegoers to certainly one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable villains, and has been celebrated as one of many best horror movies of all time. Forty years later, the Craven basic stays a touchstone for the hair-raising style and followers on IMDb proceed to acknowledge its huge impression on the business and its timeless terror, awarding it a 7.4 ranking. Stream on Max

17 Scream (1996)

IMDb Ranking: 7.4

Wes Craven continued establishing himself as certainly one of Hollywood’s most gifted horror maestros when he helmed the ’90s staple Scream, which follows highschool pupil Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) as she and her shut associates are relentlessly terrorized by a masked serial killer referred to as Ghostface. Haunted by the demise of her mom, Sidney is compelled to face her fears and battle towards the homicidal maniac plaguing her small city.

Craven Resuscitates the Slasher

Scream is extensively credited with inflicting a resurgence in recognition throughout the horror style, which was waning throughout the decade however got here again with a vengeance on account of Craven’s epic serial killer villain and meta commentary. IMDb customers all agree that Scream is intelligent, refreshing, and downright freaky, and counseled Craven for reinventing the horror style and serving up loads of blood and gore (and an epic villain in addition) alongside the best way. Stream on Max

16 The Conjuring (2013)

IMDb Ranking: 7.5

The Conjuring universe has spawned a number of top-rated horror movies, and it is all because of the 2013 film that kick-started the franchise. Starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, this terrifying horror movie from director James Wan drew inspiration from the supposed real-life haunting of a household terrorized by an unknown presence of their farmhouse.

A Hair-Elevating Franchise Is Born

Utilizing old-school scares and visceral storytelling, Wan managed to create an entertaining and creepy film within the vein of classics reminiscent of The Amityville Horror. IMDb customers have additionally deemed The Conjuring to be top-of-the-line horror motion pictures on the location, rating it throughout the high 15 horror motion pictures. With much more entries within the franchise deliberate it will be fascinating to see if any future franchise entries can high the unique. Stream on Max

15 The Substance (2024)

IMDb Ranking: 7.6

The latest addition to the record and the satirical physique horror hit taking the world by storm, Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance facilities on fading film star Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) who in a determined try to remain related in Hollywood decides to take an experimental drug that creates a youthful, extra good model of the actress (Margaret Qualley). Naturally, tensions mount and the 2 combat for dominance as their our bodies start to revolt towards the experimental serum.

A Future Physique Horror Cult Basic

Although it was simply launched in September 2024, The Substance has already captivated audiences with its scathing social commentary, disturbing visuals, and powerhouse efficiency by Moore, turning into each a vital and industrial success. It at present holds a 91% Rotten Tomatoes rating and seven.6 IMDb ranking primarily based on 83,000 votes, with viewers in settlement that The Substance will probably be a future horror cult basic and brilliantly pays homage to the works of the nice David Cronenberg. Out there on Mubi on October 31

14 Halloween (1978)

IMDb Ranking: 7.7

An undisputed horror basic and endlessly influential piece of cinema, John Carpenter’s masterpiece Halloween featured the primary Hollywood look of the silent killing machine Michael Myers (Nick Citadel), who escapes from an insane asylum after viciously murdering his sister 15 years prior and returns to his city of Haddonfield to terrorize teenage babysitter Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and wreak havoc.

Carpenter’s Masterclass in Horror

Shot on a funds of simply $300,000, Halloween turned one of the vital worthwhile impartial movies of all time, grossing $70 million and being celebrated for Carpenter’s knowledgeable route, electrifying rating, and chillingly unstoppable antagonist. Its phenomenal efficiency led to numerous sequels and reboots and Myers turning into one of the vital distinct faces of horror, with IMDb customers deeming it the best slasher film ever made and a masterclass within the thrilling style. Stream on Shudder

13 Get Out (2017)

IMDb Ranking: 7.8

A contemporary entry for this record, the critically acclaimed horror hit Get Out proved that social points might be terrifying when introduced beneath the guise of leisure. When a Black man accompanies his white girlfriend to satisfy her household, he discovers a conspiracy wherein middle-class white liberals transplant folks’s brains into others’ our bodies. Whereas some contemplate this film to be extra thought-provoking than scary, many critics felt its layered themes of racism created an unsettling ambiance.

A Trendy-Day Horror Masterpiece

Get Out wasn’t solely a field workplace success in 2017, however stays one of many best-rated horror motion pictures of the final decade. It earned 4 Academy Award nominations and has a 98% ranking on Rotten Tomatoes, with quite a few opinions calling it humorous, scary, and thought-provoking. With an IMDb ranking of seven.8 from roughly 731,000 customers, this one proves that authentic horror can nonetheless have a deep impression on viewers. Stream on Peacock

12 The Blue Elephant (2014)

IMDb Ranking: 8.0

The Blue Elephant was first launched in 2014 and hit audiences with its distinctive strategy to the horror style. It’s an Egyptian movie that follows a psychiatrist who’s making an attempt to transition again to work after a private tragedy. Coping with his personal inside demons, discovering out certainly one of his associates is a affected person within the prison psychological establishment the place he works units off a collection of occasions that viewers want to observe to get the complete expertise of The Blue Elephant.

A Profitable Mix of Thriller & Horror

Additionally holding an 8.0 person ranking on IMDb, this film is a visually gorgeous adaptation of the 2012 novel of the identical title. It is an ideal stability of suspense and intrigue and a very good addition to the highest-rated horror motion pictures. Its huge success and recognition led to a 2019 sequel, which introduced in a whopping E£100 million on the field workplace and turning into the highest-grossing Egyptian movie of all time. At the moment unavailable for streaming

11 What Ever Occurred to Child Jane? (1962)

IMDb Ranking: 8.0

This 1962 basic starring Joan Crawford and Bette Davis tells the story of two getting old sisters who stay collectively. “Child” Jane Hudson (Davis) is a former baby star slowly spiraling into insanity whereas her sister Blanche (Crawford) is confined to a wheelchair after an accident. The 2 are terrorized by one another in a gripping rivalry that touches on themes of jealousy, loneliness, and psychological sickness.

An Unforgettable Hollywood Rivalry

What Ever Occurred to Child Jane holds an 8.0 ranking on IMDb and was nominated for quite a few awards and even competed for the Palme d’Or on the prestigious Cannes Movie Pageant, with the cinema basic crossing over from the horror style and into the mainstream because of the movie’s main stars. General, the image has grow to be one of the vital iconic psychological thrillers in movie historical past. Stream on Tubi

10 The Cupboard of Dr. Caligari (1920)

IMDb Ranking: 8.0

Extensively considered the primary true horror movie in historical past, the 1920 German silent horror image The Cupboard of Dr. Caligari tells the chilling story of the titular unhinged hypnotist (Werner Krauss) who manipulates the somnambulist Cesare (Conrad Veidt) to hold out a collection of ugly murders. The groundbreaking film helped pave the best way for German cinema and likewise served as a stepping stone for arthouse movies, and was noteworthy for its dramatic and gothic aesthetic and revolutionary and chaotic cinematography.

A Trailblazing Horror Triumph

The extremely influential and then-controversial image at present has an 8.0 IMDb ranking and through its worldwide launch, girls within the viewers reportedly screamed and even fainted when Cesare made his spine-tingling reveal. The Cupboard of Dr. Caligari is taken into account a basic image and one of the vital lauded and well-known German photos of the silent period. Stream on Crackle

9 Rosemary’s Child (1968)

IMDb Ranking: 8.0

One other psychological horror movie on the record is the 1968 Roman Polanski basic Rosemary’s Child. The film follows a younger pregnant girl, Rosemary Woodhouse (Mia Farrow), who strikes right into a New York Metropolis residence constructing together with her husband, Man (John Cassavetes). It is clear that the opposite occupants of the constructing should not precisely regular, however that is only the start of the horror Rosemary will face.

Polanski’s Supernatural Staple

With an 8.0 person ranking and a number of other awards like each an Academy Award and Golden Globe, this thriller is a wonderful instance of how hazard can lurk in essentially the most surprising locations. Should you’re on the lookout for a refined, suspenseful horror film with an unnerving and escalating ambiance, that is the one to observe and is certain to ship loads of thrills and chills. Stream on Paramount+

8 Les Diaboliques (1955)

IMDb Ranking: 8.1

Henri-Georges Clouzot’s Les Diaboliques, additionally known as Diabolique, is a 1955 French horror movie that has influenced thrillers in numerous methods. The movie follows two girls, Christina Delasalle (Véra Clouzot) and Nicole Horner (Simone Signoret), who conspire to homicide their mutual lover, Michel Delasalle (Paul Meurisse).

An Influential French Hit

They attempt to plan the right crime, however they discover that issues should not as straightforward as that they had deliberate when Michel’s physique mysteriously disappears. This basic thriller has an 8.1 person ranking on IMDb and is one which viewers want to observe till the very finish. Should you’re on the lookout for a suspenseful, dramatic horror film with surprising twists and turns, it is a must-watch. Stream on Max

7 The Exorcist (1973)

IMDb Ranking: 8.1

The Exorcist is among the most well-known and highly-regarded horror movies of all time. The 1973 basic follows a younger woman, Regan (Linda Blair), who turns into possessed by the satan after taking part in with an Ouija board. Her mom (Ellen Burstyn) and two monks, Father Karras (Jason Miller) and Father Merrin (Max von Sydow), are decided to avoid wasting Regan from the evil forces which have taken over her physique.

The Exorcist has an 8.1 person ranking on IMDb and received two Academy Awards, in addition to 4 Golden Globes. It has been praised for its iconic ’70s soundtrack, phenomenal appearing, and particular results, serving to to make it one of the vital iconic horror movies ever made whereas additionally establishing an everlasting and downright hair-raising horror franchise that continues to terrify audiences over fifty years later. Stream on Max

6 Tumbbad (2018)

IMDb Ranking: 8.2

One other pretty latest horror film, Tumbbad is an Indian horror-fantasy movie launched in 2018. It follows Vinayak (Sohum Shah), a person who’s obsessive about discovering the supply of wealth mentioned to be hidden in an ancestral house. He finally ends up touring to the house along with his son, Pandurang, and collectively they grow to be entangled in an online of deceit, greed, and hazard as they attempt to uncover the mythological secrets and techniques of the property.

A Hindu Horror Cult Basic

The cinematography and ambiance of Tumbbad make it actually distinctive. It has an 8.2 person ranking on IMDb, holding 17 awards and over 22 nominations. It is a incredible film for anybody who loves worldwide horror and fantasy, and its disturbing and creepy ambiance and visuals will depart audiences breathless. Tumbbad has developed a passionate cult following and is now thought-about one of many best Hindi horror movies of all time. At the moment unavailable for streaming

5 The Factor (1982)

IMDb Ranking: 8.2

Horror icon John Carpenter directed the 1982 basic The Factor, a free remake that follows a gaggle of scientists in Antarctica who uncover an alien life type that may take the form and type of its victims. The alien is ready to unfold quickly, and the group should determine how you can combat it earlier than it is too late.

A Taut & Terrifying ’80s Knockout

The stress and suspense on this film will preserve you on the sting of your seat, and the grotesque particular results are nothing in need of superb for the 80s. The Factor has an 8.2 person ranking and has unbelievable performances from Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, and Keith David. It is a fantastic instance of how horror remakes might be carried out proper, and is taken into account to be a masterpiece by followers of science fiction and horror. Stream on Prime Video

4 The Shining (1980)

IMDb Ranking: 8.4

The Shining, directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1980, is a horror film that follows Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) and his household as they transfer into an remoted resort within the Colorado Rockies. Jack is answerable for the Overlook Lodge because the winter caretaker, however his sanity begins to slide away the longer he’s there. On the floor, The Shining appears like a normal thriller, however the deeper themes of evil and household tragedy (to not point out the various conspiracy theories concerning the movie) make it a basic.

Kubrick Tackles a Stephen King Basic

The Shining has an impressive 8.4 person ranking (primarily based on 1.1 million votes) on IMDb and has earned awards and nominations from each the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes, with Nicholson’s splendidly unhinged efficiency garnering rave opinions from audiences. It is one other horror film that’s assured to linger at the back of your thoughts lengthy after you have completed watching it and one which has caught within the cultural lexicon for almost half a century. Stream on Max

3 Psycho (1960)

IMDb Ranking: 8.5

Certainly one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most iconic movies, Psycho is a 1960 basic that follows Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) as she steals cash and flees city, ultimately ending up on the Bates Motel. She is greeted by the creepy proprietor of the motel (Anthony Perkins), who’s hiding a darkish secret. It does not take lengthy for issues to take a darkish flip for each Marion and her sister (Vera Miles), who additionally finds herself at risk.

Hitchcock’s Legendary Horror Hit

Psycho is an exciting horror film that may nonetheless maintain up in the present day, because of how revolutionary and forward of its time the filmmaking was. It has an 8.5 person ranking on IMDb and likewise received the Greatest Movement Image award on the 1961 Edgar Allan Poe Awards. It is stuffed with suspense and nice performances, making it clear why it is also known as the blueprint for contemporary horror. Stream on Netflix

2 Alien (1979)

IMDb Ranking: 8.5

Ridley Scott’s 1979 basic, Alien, lands near the highest of IMDb’s record of horror motion pictures by person ranking with an 8.5. It follows the crew of a spaceship who’re despatched to discover an unknown planet, solely to be attacked by a terrifying alien creature. Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) is among the few survivors and should battle towards a creature that’s relentless in its pursuit.

An Iconic Silver Display Heroine

Alien has since grow to be a basic sci-fi horror film, and it is no shock as to why. The mix of suspense and particular results creates a incredible atmosphere, and the performances of Weaver and her fellow crew members preserve you invested all through. Ripley has grow to be an iconic feminine character, making this a film that any fan of horror and feminism alike ought to watch at the very least as soon as. Stream on Hulu