The Best Horror Movies: Exploring Scariest, Iconic, Highest Grossing & Influential Films

Introduction

Horror movies are an incredibly popular genre of cinema that evoke intense emotions within viewers. The purpose of this article is to explore some of the best horror movies ever made, including the scariest, most iconic, highest grossing, and most influential films.

Top 10 Scariest Horror Movies of All Time

When it comes to horror movies, everyone has a different opinion on what they consider to be the scariest. Here is a list of the top 10 scariest horror movies of all time, along with a brief explanation of why each movie is so scary.

• The Exorcist (1973): This classic horror film has become a cultural phenomenon, as it tells the story of a young girl who becomes possessed by a demon. The special effects and psychological themes make it a truly terrifying experience.
• The Shining (1980): Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel about a family living in a haunted hotel is one of the most iconic horror films ever made. It is filled with creepy imagery and suspenseful scenes that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
• Alien (1979): Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror masterpiece follows the crew of a spaceship as they encounter a terrifying alien creature. The film features some of the most iconic scenes in horror history, as well as groundbreaking special effects.
• Jaws (1975): Steven Spielberg’s classic film about a great white shark terrorizing a small beach town still stands as one of the most successful and iconic films of all time. The suspense and tension build throughout the movie, making it an intense viewing experience.
• The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974): This low budget classic follows a group of teenagers as they are terrorized by a family of cannibals. The film is filled with shocking violence and gore, making it one of the most disturbing horror films ever made.
• Psycho (1960): Alfred Hitchcock’s classic follows a woman who checks into a motel run by a disturbed man. The film contains some of the most iconic scenes in horror history, as well as a terrifying score by Bernard Herrmann.
• Halloween (1978): John Carpenter’s classic slasher flick follows a group of teenagers as they are stalked by a masked killer. The film features some of the most iconic scenes in horror history, as well as a chilling soundtrack.
• The Blair Witch Project (1999): This found footage classic follows a group of students as they investigate a local legend. The film relies heavily on atmosphere and suspense to create a truly terrifying experience.
• The Silence of the Lambs (1991): Jonathan Demme’s Oscar winning thriller follows an FBI agent as she enlists the help of a notorious serial killer in order to catch another murderer. The film features an iconic performance by Anthony Hopkins, as well as an unforgettable climax.
• A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984): Wes Craven’s classic follows a group of teenagers as they are terrorized by a supernatural killer. The film features some of the most iconic scenes in horror history, as well as a memorable soundtrack.

Ranking the Most Iconic Horror Movie Villains

No horror movie would be complete without a villain that audiences love to hate. Here is a list of the most iconic horror movie villains, along with a brief explanation of why each villain is so memorable.

• Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street): Robert Englund’s portrayal of the evil dream demon is one of the most iconic performances in horror history. His wise-cracking dialogue and sadistic nature make him one of the most beloved villains of all time.
• Michael Myers (Halloween): Donald Pleasance’s portrayal of the masked killer is one of the most iconic performances in horror history. His relentless pursuit of his victims and mysterious past make him a truly terrifying villain.
• Leatherface (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre): Gunnar Hansen’s portrayal of the chainsaw-wielding cannibal is one of the most iconic performances in horror history. His grotesque appearance and violent tendencies make him a truly terrifying villain.
• Norman Bates (Psycho): Anthony Perkins’ portrayal of the disturbed motel owner is one of the most iconic performances in horror history. His unsettling behavior and dark past make him a truly terrifying villain.
• Regan MacNeil (The Exorcist): Linda Blair’s portrayal of the possessed girl is one of the most iconic performances in horror history. Her frightening transformation and demonic behavior make her a truly terrifying villain.

Review of the Top 5 Highest Grossing Horror Films

Horror movies have been some of the most successful films at the box office, with many topping the charts year after year. Here is a list of the top 5 highest grossing horror films of all time, along with an analysis of why each film was so successful.

• The Sixth Sense (1999): M. Night Shyamalan’s psychological thriller about a boy able to see the dead was a massive hit when it was released. The combination of a compelling storyline and twist ending made it one of the most successful horror films of all time.
• Jaws (1975): Steven Spielberg’s classic about a great white shark terrorizing a small beach town was a hit when it was released. The combination of thrilling action sequences and suspenseful scenes made it one of the most successful horror films of all time.
• The Exorcist (1973): William Friedkin’s classic about a young girl possessed by a demon was a massive hit when it was released. The combination of shocking visuals and religious themes made it one of the most successful horror films of all time.
• The Conjuring (2013): James Wan’s supernatural thriller about a family being terrorized by a malevolent entity was a hit when it was released. The combination of jump scares and atmospheric tension made it one of the most successful horror films of all time.
• It (2017): Andy Muschietti’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel about a group of kids fighting an evil clown was a massive hit when it was released. The combination of a compelling storyline and likable characters made it one of the most successful horror films of all time.

Exploring the Psychology Behind the Best Horror Films

Horror movies can be incredibly effective at manipulating our emotions and creating fear. Here is an overview of how horror films use certain elements to create fear, as well as examples of how these elements can be used.

One of the most effective elements of horror movies is the use of suspense. Suspense is created by withholding information or revealing something gradually, which builds tension and anticipation. Examples of this can be seen in films like The Shining, where the audience is kept in the dark about what Jack is planning until the very end.

Another element used in horror films is the use of jump scares. Jump scares are sudden loud noises or images that startle the audience, often accompanied by music or sound effects. Examples of this can be seen in films like The Conjuring, where the sudden loud noises are used to shock the audience.

Finally, horror films often rely on atmosphere and setting to create a sense of dread. Atmosphere and setting are created through the use of lighting, music, and camera angles to create an unsettling atmosphere. Examples of this can be seen in films like Alien, where the dark and claustrophobic setting creates a sense of dread.

A List of the Most Influential Horror Movies of the Decade

Horror movies have had a huge influence on the film industry in recent years, with many filmmakers citing them as an inspiration for their own work. Here is a list of the most influential horror movies of the decade, along with an explanation of why each film is so influential.

• Get Out (2017): Jordan Peele’s directorial debut is a powerful exploration of racism and oppression. The film’s mix of horror and comedy has been hugely influential, inspiring other filmmakers to take risks with genre blending.
• It Follows (2014): David Robert Mitchell’s supernatural thriller is a unique exploration of fear and anxiety. The film’s inventive use of camera angles and soundtrack has been hugely influential, inspiring other filmmakers to experiment with visual storytelling.
• The Babadook (2014): Jennifer Kent’s psychological thriller is a powerful exploration of grief and depression. The film’s mix of horror and drama has been hugely influential, inspiring other filmmakers to explore more serious themes.
• A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014): Ana Lily Amirpour’s vampire western is a unique exploration of loneliness and alienation. The film’s stylish visuals and soundtrack have been hugely influential, inspiring other filmmakers to explore unique genres.
• The Witch (2015): Robert Eggers’ period horror is a masterful exploration of fear and superstition. The film’s mix of historical accuracy and horror has been hugely influential, inspiring other filmmakers to explore the past.

Analyzing Why Classic Horror Movies Remain Popular

Classic horror movies have remained popular for decades, with many fans revisiting them again and again. Here is an overview of why classic horror movies remain popular, as well as examples of how certain elements create nostalgia and familiarity.

One of the main reasons classic horror movies remain popular is because of their iconic status. Many classic horror films are considered to be classics, and are seen as important works of art. Examples of this can be seen in films like The Exorcist, which is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

Another reason classic horror movies remain popular is because of their nostalgia factor. Many classic horror films evoke strong feelings of nostalgia and familiarity, as they remind viewers of their childhoods. Examples of this can be seen in films like Halloween, which many viewers remember fondly from their childhoods.

Finally, classic horror movies remain popular because of their timelessness. Many classic horror films contain timeless themes and messages that still resonate with viewers today. Examples of this can be seen in films like Psycho, which still has a powerful message about mental illness.

Conclusion

This article explored some of the best horror movies ever made, including the scariest, most iconic, highest grossing, and most influential films. We also examined the psychology behind horror films and why classic horror movies remain popular. Ultimately, horror films are an incredibly popular genre of cinema that can evoke intense emotions within viewers, and this article has hopefully given readers a better understanding of why.