I would like to say that I’ve seen a good number of horror movies. I love movies in general but no matter what, horror movies will always be my favorite. I started to like horror movies when I was in middle school and the obsession has only grown since then.
I don’t think a horror movie necessarily has to be super scary or suspenseful, to be a good horror movie. I don’t get scared easily when it comes to horror movies, but I love them whether or not they scare me. What can truly make or break a movie is the plot and everything else that adds to the film which evokes fear out of you.
I’m not super picky and I will like quite literally most horror films but there are a few that I always go back to. A lot of the movies that are on this list are classics and maybe even basics, but these are the ones that to me are amazing.
- The Shining
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Easily one of the greatest horror films of all time. Based off the novel by Stephen King, this movie follows a man’s descent into cabin fever at a hotel with his wife and child. The sounds and shots of this moving are very intense and sudden, making you feel uneasy the entire movie. Everything about the characters, plot, and dialogue are so well done in this film. Redrum? Are you kidding me? That’s genius.
- The Conjuring 1 and 2
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I know everyone has seen these, but these specific ones are classics for two reasons. The first Conjuring is just so good on its own and it really set up the franchise to make good scary movies. The second one is scary in my opinion. Maybe not super scary, but definitely good enough to make me spooked here and there.
- Sinister
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No joke, this movie actually scared me. Some creepy being makes little children create snuff films of their families. Definitely hard to watch but such good horror. I personally can’t watch this one alone, and I’ve only seen it a few times because it makes me so uncomfortable.
- It and It Chapter Two
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More Stephen King but just like the Conjuring, I picked them for two different reasons. The story follows these “losers” who are trying to take down this sadistic clown creature that murders children. The first film is a perfect horror movie and just a perfect movie in general. The second one ties everything up, but also makes me ugly cry. I watch both of these films multiple times a week.
- Get Out
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One of Jordan Peele’s best works that left me mildly scarred leaving the theater. A psychological thriller that follows a Black man’s escape from a sadistic white community. Not only is the movie terrifying, but the social commentary also makes the movie even more real and unsettling. One of my favorite movies!
I always recommend these movies first when asked to suggest good horror films, but there are so many other ones missing from this list. These are just a few of all the horror movies that I love to watch but they are my go-to. For returning and new horror fans, I hope these movies make you love horror as much as I do. Happy spooky season and get to watching, friends!