According to a 2021 CBS News poll, approximately half of Americans say that they enjoy horror movies. Research done by Johns Hopkins in 2023 found that people enjoy horror due to its ability to go to extremes and satisfy a darker curiosity.
This clear-cut list includes some classics, nostalgics and an assortment of newer releases.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Taking place in Halloweentown, the movie features multiple monsters and creepy creatures which is why it remains a childhood classic. It is almost always played on cable as Halloween approaches. However, due to its cartoon-like characters and child audience, it is not exactly scary like a horror movie. 8/10
The Shining
The Shining is a mix of eerie and creepy. The isolated, cold hotel setting adds to the story, and is a great example of supernatural elements not being overdone or being completely unrealistic. 9/10
Smile
Switching to a more recent movie, “Smile” is captivating by its storyline. “Smile’s” plotline, as well as cinematography was captivating. Although the movie still contains some off-putting cliches of a supernatural force controlling people. 7.5/10
Carrie
“Carrie” is overhyped for what the movie has to offer. The movie begins slowly, going through the life of a teenage girl named Carrie. Out of nowhere, it is revealed that Carrie has telekinesis powers that she uses to get back at the student body after she is bullied and belittled at a school dance. Overall, the movie was boring and the plot twist was not very interesting or captivating. 3/10
Terrifier
Besides the opening few minutes, the movie is not scary, just disgusting. There was no scare factor besides the fact that the movie went into a gruesome portrayal of psychopathic murders. 1/10
Long Legs
“Long Legs” was less of a thriller and more of a mystery. The cinematography was well-done and the plot line built anticipation, with watchers being unsure if the main character was a reliable narrator. Moreover, the lack of speech built upon the feeling of mystery. However, the ending was cheesy and anti-climatic with satanic dolls causing fathers to kill their families. 6/10
According to Psi Chi, despite the fear felt while watching horror movies, they instill a feeling of accomplishment due to the “fight or flight” instinct. When people watched horror movies, they felt as though they were in danger, which made their bodies produce adrenaline. This adrenaline then turned into a feeling of accomplishment as their bodies felt as though they had survived the threat. (Photo/envato)
