Certain nights simply demand to be frightened. It’s the flicker of candlelight, the groan of floorboards, or the thrill of a perfectly timed jump scare that horror movies appeal to something basic—and weirdly enjoyable. If you’re the kind of person who likes to switch off the lights and plunge headlong into raw, cinematic fear, then this list is for you. From creepy slow-burns to all-out nightmares, these are 10 of the finest horror films that will keep you awake well past bedtime.
10. The Wailing (2016)
This South Korean horror gem slowly treads a path of dread that you can’t shake off. What starts as a mysterious disease in a rural village soon escalates to something much worse. Combining supernatural folklore, emotional tension, and pockets of real terror, The Wailing leaves you with more questions than answers—and with chills that linger.
9. Train to Busan (2016)
Zombies on a train? Easy enough, right? Wrong. Train to Busan is anything but. This South Korean blockbuster is full of non-stop action, heart-stopping character drama, and raw emotion. It’s a horror movie that can scare you, thrill you, and even move you to tears—sometimes all at once.
8. Ju-On: The Grudge (2002)
If you’ve ever had the creepiest feeling of being in a silent room, Ju-On may be the reason why. This classic Japanese horror film toys with nonlinear narrative, ominous visuals, and a curse as unforgiving as it is horrifying. The ghostly apparitions and unsettling sound design add up to an experience you’ll never forget.
7. Ringu (1998)
Before viral videos existed, Ringu brought us the concept of a cursed videotape that curses whoever views it. It’s slow-burning and atmospheric, allowing the tension to seep in until you’re squirming in your seat. Even after the credits are finished, you’ll probably be a bit anxious to turn on your TV.
6. Audition (1999)
Don’t be fooled by the peaceful start. The Japanese psychological horror film starts out nearly as if it were some kind of romance, but in the second half, it flips into some of the most disturbing cinema ever made. It is not for the faint of heart, but it’s unforgettable to those who can stomach the ride.
5. The Shining (1980)
Few horror movies are quite as legendary as The Shining. Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s book brings creeping psychological horror within the haunted halls of the Overlook Hotel. From Jack Nicholson’s unraveling mind to the creepy twins down the hallway, it’s a masterwork in unnerving narrative.
4. Possession (1981)
This one’s a difficult watch—but in the best possible way. Part emotional breakdown and part horror fodder, Possession excavates the decay of a failed marriage, with images that run uncomfortably close to the edge of madness and horror. Isabelle Adjani delivers a performance that still shocks today.
3. The Exorcist (1973)
No list of horrors is ever complete without The Exorcist. It’s the first possession movie that got the template right. With its unflinching visuals and profoundly uncomfortable vibe, it’s been keeping people up nights for decades—and it still stands as one of the strongest entries in the genre.
2. The Conjuring (2013)
When it comes to contemporary haunted house films, The Conjuring is most likely to be the first one you think of. From the true-life cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren, this movie brings vintage scares with new life. It’s scary, stylish, and just flat-out frightening.
1. Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary is not only terrifying—it’s profoundly unsettling. Ari Aster’s first film takes grief, family secrets, and demonic horror and sinks its claws under your skin and refuses to let go. Toni Collette’s performance is brutal and haunting, and the third act is straight-up nightmare fuel.
Whether you’re an old horror buff or a newcomer to the genre, these movies each offer something distinct. They’re frightening in different ways—some will jump out at you, while others will make you think—but they all linger. So turn out the lights, grab a blanket, and settle in for a night at the movies you won’t soon forget.