If you think horror movies are nothing more than slashers slashing, supernatural creatures wreaking havoc, and gallons of the red stuff, think again; intelligent horror movies demonstrate that smart horror exists - and is really good to boot. The best intelligent horror films operate at multiple levels, weaving social commentary into plot lines that are equal parts thought-provoking and terrifying.
From Jordan Peele's Get Out to John Krasinski's A Quiet Place, there's no shortage of films that prove horror is actually smart. But what are the smartest entries in the intelligent horror genre?
1Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn- Released: 1991
- Directed by: Jonathan Demme
A chilling tale that delves into the dark depths of the human psyche, this classic combines suspense and horror with a highly intelligent twist. As an FBI rookie hunts for a serial killer, she must pick the brain of cannibalistic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter who ultimately becomes her twisted confidant.
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2Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette- Released: 1999
- Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Gripping from start to finish, this supernatural thriller follows a young boy who can communicate with spirits in search of closure. A brilliantly crafted plot twist leaves audiences reeling as they come to grips with how deeply their perceptions have been manipulated.
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3Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd- Released: 1980
- Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
A masterpiece of psychological horror, this film showcases a writer's descent into madness while serving as the off-season caretaker at an isolated hotel. Brilliantly paced and crafted, it explores the thin line between sanity and insanity with unparalleled depth and emotion.
4Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Max von Sydow- Released: 1973
- Directed by: William Friedkin
A classic story about demonic possession, it weaves together elements of religion and psychology in its exploration of a young girl's terrifying ordeal. With groundbreaking special effects and storytelling that crescendos to a heart-stopping climax, it remains one of the most spine-chilling experiences in cinema history.
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5Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, William Katt- Released: 1976
- Directed by: Brian De Palma
An intelligent examination of high school life through the lens of horror, this story focuses on an outcast student who discovers her telekinetic powers just as she faces ultimate humiliation at her prom. It's a haunting reflection on teenage cruelty taken to unimaginable extremes.
More Carrie- #13 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
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6Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Lili Taylor- Released: 2013
- Directed by: James Wan
Based on the true accounts of renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, it offers a bone-chilling look into supernatural occurrences plaguing a rural family's home. Masterfully combining suspense and terror while never sacrificing character development or narrative focus, it evokes fear without relying solely on gore or jump scares.
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7Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Nancy Kyes- Released: 1978
- Directed by: John Carpenter
A groundbreaking slasher film that transcends simple scares as it delves into the psychology of its masked killer, Michael Myers. Unrelenting tension and chilling visuals combine to create a truly terrifying experience that explores the nature of evil.
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8Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Barbara Hershey- Released: 2010
- Directed by: James Wan
A nerve-wracking portrayal of astral projection gone awry, this horror tale charts a family's desperate battle to save their comatose son from sinister forces lurking within the spirit world. The clever concept and unexpected twists make for a refreshing take on the supernatural genre.
More Insidious- #43 of 251 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #19 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #5 of 20 onThe Scariest Movies Ever Made, According To Science
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9Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, Monica Potter- Released: 2004
- Directed by: James Wan
A bloody game of cat-and-mouse ensues as two men awake in a bathroom chained at the ankle by an unknown captor. The intricate, intelligent plot unravels their connections and motivations while forcing them to navigate insidious traps and puzzles, forever altering the course of their lives - if they can survive.
More Saw- #33 of 251 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #25 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
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10It
Jaeden Martell, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillis- Released: 2017
- Directed by: Andy Muschietti
Drawing upon childhood fears and trauma, this adaptation brings together an ensemble cast who must confront their deepest terrors personified by an ancient shapeshifting creature. Their emotional journey is as heart-rending as it is frightening, lending depth to this horrifying tale.
More It- Dig Deeper...The Best Characters In The It Movie
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- #16 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
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- 11Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, John Hurt
- Released: 1979
- Directed by: Ridley Scott
This sci-fi juggernaut pairs tight storytelling with palpable tension as it tells a terrifying tale of isolation and survival aboard a spaceship infiltrated by a deadly extraterrestrial life form. The claustrophobic atmosphere adds another layer of dread to this visually arresting masterpiece.
More Alien- Dig Deeper...43 Surprising Facts You Didn't Know About 'Alien'
- And Deeper...Making 'Alien' Was Even More Horrific Than The Final Product
- #9 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
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- 12Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Playing upon our modern dependence on technology, this eerie Japanese-inspired film centers upon a cursed videotape that dooms anyone who watches it to die within seven days unless they can solve its dark mystery. The relentless sense of impending doom and striking visual imagery create a truly unsettling atmosphere.
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13Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison- Released: 2011
- Directed by: Drew Goddard
A satirical commentary on traditional horror tropes, this inventive film combines wit with intelligence as it follows five friends who unwittingly become pawns in a manipulative game orchestrated by sinister higher powers. A fresh take on cliches with an exhilarating twist that keeps viewers guessing until its jaw-dropping conclusion.
- Dig Deeper...12 Fan Theories About 'The Cabin in the Woods' That Could Anger The Ancient Ones
- #35 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #20 of 124 onThe Top 100+ Zombie Movies Of All Time
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14Cillian Murphy, Noah Huntley, Naomie Harris- Released: 2002
- Directed by: Danny Boyle
In a gripping tale of survival after a deadly virus decimates the human population, the film examines themes of morality and humanity as survivors band together against hordes of rage-infected individuals. The chilling narrative is matched by an equally unsettling score, amplifying the dread permeating throughout.
More 28 Days Later- #23 of 251 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #23 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #6 of 167 onThe 150+ Best Futuristic Dystopian Movies
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15Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, David Warner- Released: 1976
- Directed by: Richard Donner
A masterful blend of religious horror and psychological thriller, this classic follows an adoptive father who slowly becomes convinced his son is none other than the Antichrist. With expert pacing and tension building to an unforgettable climax, it delivers both scares and thought-provoking commentary on faith and identity.
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- 16Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles
- Released: 1960
- Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
Hitchcock's enduring masterpiece redefined horror cinema with its genre-defying exploration of mental illness through the lens of a disturbing mother-son relationship at the Bates Motel. Blurring lines between madness and reality while shocking viewers with one legendary twist after another, it's a testament to storytelling mastery that still endures today.
More Psycho- #9 of 251 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #7 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #9 of 82 onThe 75+ Best Whodunit Murder Mystery Movies
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17Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, James Ransone- Released: 2012
- Directed by: Scott Derrickson
When a true crime writer uncovers snuff films in his new home documenting gruesome murders, he unwittingly unleashes an ancient malevolent force that threatens his family's safety. As he delves deeper into the mystery behind these killings, paranoia grips him in this masterfully woven story filled with unnerving tension and dread.
More Sinister- #29 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #32 of 53 onThe Best Movies Where The Bad Guy Wins
- #33 of 77 onThe 75+ Best Horror Franchises, Ranked By Scary Movie Fans
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18Devon Sawa, Ali Larter, Kerr Smith- Released: 2000
- Directed by: James Wong
An inventive spin on the traditional slasher formula, this story features a group of friends who narrowly escape death only to find themselves relentlessly stalked by fate itself. A series of increasingly elaborate accidents force audiences to question their own mortality amid pulse-pounding terror.
More Final Destination- #33 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #321 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #4 of 80 onThe Best Teen Horror Movies Of All Time
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19Nicole Kidman, Christopher Eccleston, Alakina Mann- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Alejandro Amenábar
A chilling tale of psychological manipulation that keeps viewers guessing from start to finish, this atmospheric ghost story takes place in an old mansion shrouded in eerie fog. When a devout mother begins to question her faith in the face of inexplicable occurrences, assumptions about reality and perception are shattered.
More The Others- #44 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #62 of 125 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
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20James Caan, Kathy Bates, Frances Sternhagen- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Rob Reiner
An unsettling exploration of obsession and fandom taken to disturbing extremes, this psychological thriller showcases a famous author held captive by his "number one fan" who demands he write her perfect story. Brilliant acting and palpable tension make it a harrowing look into the darkest depths of human nature.
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- 21Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Madison Wolfe
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: James Wan
Ed and Lorraine Warren return for another terrifying investigation based on true events, as they travel to England to assist a family overwhelmed by malicious supernatural forces. This sequel ups the ante with compelling character development and unforgettable moments of shock, solidifying its place as a horror masterpiece.
- #38 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #13 of 120 onThe Best Horror Movie Sequels
- #6 of 20 onThe Scariest Movies Ever Made, According To Science
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22Vincent Price, Carol Ohmart, Richard Long- Released: 1959
- Directed by: William Castle
This cult classic cleverly combines horror tropes with dark humor for an endlessly enjoyable experience full of ghoulish surprises. As eccentric millionaire Frederick Loren invites guests to survive one night at his haunted mansion, mysteries unravel revealing that not everyone is what they seem.
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23David Emge, Ken Foree, Gaylen Ross- Released: 1978
- Directed by: George A. Romero
A timely reflection on consumer culture set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse, survivors find refuge in an abandoned shopping mall only to face risks both undead and human in nature. With striking social commentary woven seamlessly throughout blood-soaked mayhem, it remains a relevant examination of society's disintegration.
More Dawn of the Dead- #57 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #4 of 124 onThe Top 100+ Zombie Movies Of All Time
- #3 of 120 onThe Best Horror Movie Sequels
24Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Laurie Holden- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Frank Darabont
When mysterious creatures emerge from otherworldly mist suddenly enveloping their small town, residents take refuge inside a supermarket while battling fear-induced paranoia and desperation within their own ranks. Powerful themes of religion, belief systems, and morality underscore this nightmarish tale where humans prove just as dangerous as supernatural threats.
More The Mist- #39 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
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- 25Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman
- Released: 1968
- Directed by: George A. Romero
Arguably the definitive zombie film, George A. Romero's groundbreaking exploration of racism during a crisis pits disparate survivors holed up together against ravenous hordes outside their doors while examining themes like paranoia and mob mentality. Equal parts gore and social commentary, it's a prime example of horror with intellectual depth.
- #159 of 278 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
- #27 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #3 of 124 onThe Top 100+ Zombie Movies Of All Time
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26James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley- Released: 2016
- Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
With a terrifyingly credible performance by James McAvoy as a man with 24 distinct personalities, this psychological thriller explores the complexities of dissociative identity disorder as three teenage girls are held captive by his most dangerous persona. Intense suspense builds to an unforgettable climax that leaves audiences questioning their notions of reality.
More Split- #17 of 251 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #9 of 120 onThe Best Horror Movie Sequels
- #3 of 32 onThe Scariest Superhero Movies, Ranked
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27Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener- Released: 2017
- Directed by: Jordan Peele
In this genre-defying exploration of racism and cultural appropriation, a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend's family only to uncover a chilling conspiracy lying at the heart of their welcoming facades. A unique blend of social commentary and dread-inducing horror make for an explosive cocktail that provokes thought while raising hairs.
More Get Out- #31 of 251 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #50 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #8 of 63 onThe Greatest Directorial Debuts Of All Time
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28Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds- Released: 2018
- Directed by: John Krasinski
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where blind creatures hunt humans using sound alone, one family struggles to survive by communicating through sign language, barely making a noise. This refreshing concept keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, amplifying tension and fear through expert use of silence.
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29Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat, Amber Armstrong- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Oren Peli
Blurring the lines between fiction and reality, this found-footage flick follows a couple documenting sinister supernatural occurrences within their home after moving in together. The surprisingly restrained approach to scares buoys the film's tension, culminating in an ending that leaves viewers thoroughly unnerved.
More Paranormal Activity- #75 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #14 of 73 onThe 65+ Best Found Footage Movies
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30Ethan Hawke, Lena Headey, Adelaide Kane- Released: 2013
- Directed by: James DeMonaco
Thought-provoking dystopian terror unfolds when society adopts an annual 12-hour event allowing all crime - including murder - to go unpunished, forcing citizens to confront their darkest instincts without restraint. As one family navigates such treachery from within their home, they grapple with twisted moral ambiguities lurking beneath the surface.
More The Purge- #80 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #7 of 54 onThe Most Horrifying Home Invasion Movies
- #11 of 13 on13 Great Movies You Didn't Realize Almost Went Straight To Video
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- 31James Brolin, Margot Kidder, Rod Steiger
- Released: 1979
- Directed by: Stuart Rosenberg
Based on alleged true events surrounding a haunted house purchased by newlyweds, this gripping tale delves into themes like possession and faith shaken as malevolent forces infiltrate every corner of their lives. Expert pacing combined with bone-chilling phenomena make for an intelligent take on territorial evil with lasting impact.
- #24 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #6 of 57 onThe Best Horror Movies Based On True Stories, Ranked
- #6 of 12 onThe Best Final Pets That Make It Through Horror Movies
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- 32Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox
- Released: 1996
- Directed by: Wes Craven
Both homage to and deconstruction of the slasher genre, this self-aware horror film follows a group of teenagers targeted by a mysterious killer donning an iconic white mask. With sharp wit and unexpected twists, it serves as a thrilling commentary on the tropes and conventions that have shaped horror cinema for decades.
More Scream- Dig Deeper...Whatever Happened To The Cast Of 'Scream'?
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- #48 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- 33Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins, Ashley Laurence
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Clive Barker
A disturbing exploration of pleasure, pain, and the boundary between them, this visually stunning film introduces audiences to the gruesome world of the Cenobites - otherworldly beings that thrive on torment. Its unique premise and striking imagery elevate it above standard gore-fests, delving into dark themes with intelligence and finesse.
More Hellraiser- Dig Deeper...Behind-The-Scenes Stories From The Making Of 'Hellraiser'
- #204 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #31 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
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- 34Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, Cherry Jones
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Blending family drama with terrifying extraterrestrial encounters, this gripping tale unfolds as a former priest grapples with his faith in the face of inexplicable phenomena hinting at an imminent invasion. The slow-burn tension culminates in an emotionally charged climax that deftly balances fear with hope.
More Signs- #22 of 178 onThe Best Alien Movies Of All Time, Ranked
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35Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams, Joshua Leonard- Released: 1999
- Directed by: Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez
Pioneering the found-footage style of filmmaking, this chilling pseudo-documentary chronicles three filmmakers' attempts to uncover the truth behind the legend of the titular witch, only to succumb to their paranoia and desperation as night falls in eerie woods. The minimalist approach lends itself perfectly to a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after viewing.
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36Harvey Keitel, George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino- Released: 1996
- Directed by: Robert Rodriguez
A blend of crime thriller and vampire horror set within an isolated Mexican strip club where chaos ensues once its patrons reveal themselves to be bloodthirsty creatures of the night. The seamless merging of genres offers viewers an exhilarating ride filled with surprises and dark humor.
More From Dusk till Dawn- #93 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #81 of 125 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- #86 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
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37Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon- Released: 1968
- Directed by: Roman Polanski
A landmark of paranoia-infused horror, this slow-burning tale centers around an expectant mother who becomes increasingly concerned about her neighbors' intentions toward her unborn child. As suspicion turns to terror, viewers are left questioning the nature of reality in this expertly crafted psychological nightmare.
More Rosemary's Baby- #46 of 251 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #37 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
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38Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, Daniel Zovatto- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Fede Alvarez
A tense home invasion thriller with a twist, it follows a trio of burglars attempting to rob a blind man's house only to discover he's far more dangerous - and cunning - than they ever anticipated. The film delivers heart-stopping thrills while exploring themes of determination, exploitation, and the lengths one will go to protect their secrets.
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- 39Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, Roddy McDowall
- Released: 1985
- Directed by: Tom Holland
Part homage and part satire, this clever blend of comedy and terror follows a teenager who becomes convinced his new neighbor is actually a ruthless vampire preying on his community. With equal parts humor and suspense fueling its blood-soaked thrills, it provides a fresh perspective on classic horror tropes.
More Fright Night- #163 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
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- #78 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
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40Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, John Getz- Released: 1986
- Directed by: David Cronenberg
A gut-wrenching sci-fi body horror that chronicles the tragic transformation of an ambitious scientist after his teleportation experiment goes disastrously wrong; merging him with the DNA of a common housefly. The harrowing effects of his metamorphosis are matched only by the film's exploration of loss, obsession, and the human condition.
More The Fly- #129 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #89 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
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41David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne- Released: 1981
- Directed by: John Landis
A darkly comedic take on lycanthropy packed with groundbreaking special effects, it follows an American tourist who becomes cursed after surviving a werewolf attack during a trip to England. With witty banter and memorable characters set against a backdrop of horrifying transformation, it remains an enduring classic within the horror comedy genre.
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42Kodi Smit-McPhee, Chloë Grace Moretz, Richard Jenkins- Released: 2010
- Directed by: Matt Reeves
This atmospheric coming-of-age horror tells the haunting story of a lonely young boy who befriends an enigmatic girl with a dark secret: she's a vampire desperately trying to survive in the modern world. The film crafts an entrancing fusion of romance and dread that explores loneliness and the cost of survival.
More Let Me In- #123 of 251 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #202 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #22 of 64 onThe Best Horror Movie Remakes Of All Time
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43Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, Charlize Theron- Released: 1997
- Directed by: Taylor Hackford
An engrossing supernatural legal thriller that sees a hotshot lawyer accepting a job offer from a mysterious New York law firm, only to slowly discover his enigmatic boss might actually be Satan himself. Featuring stellar performances and intriguing explorations of morality, ambition, and the nature of evil, it keeps viewers riveted throughout its intricate plot twists.
More The Devil's Advocate- #15 of 251 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #111 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #15 of 53 onThe Best Movies Where The Bad Guy Wins
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- 44Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson
- Released: 1963
- Directed by: Robert Wise
This eerie psychological horror delves into the minds of its characters as they're driven to madness inside Hill House - an isolated mansion with malevolent forces lurking beneath its surface. Masterful cinematic techniques enhance tension and create unnerving atmosphere without reliance on gratuitous gore or violence.
More The Haunting- #121 of 251 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #164 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #92 of 167 onThe Greatest '60s Movies, Ranked
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- 45
Annabelle: Creation
Stephanie Sigman, Talitha Eliana Bateman, Lulu Wilson- Released: 2017
- Directed by: David F. Sandberg
This chilling prequel unravels the sinister origin story of one of horror's most infamous dolls as viewers are drawn deep into its twisted web of possession and deception surrounding a loving couple turned unwitting vessels for malevolence. With expert pacing bolstered by spine-tingling visuals, it proves even more hair-raising than its predecessor.
More Annabelle: Creation- #210 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
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- #7 of 16 onAre These Horror Movies Really "Based On A True Story"?
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46Essie Davis, Daniel Henshall, Noah Wiseman- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Jennifer Kent
A chilling examination of grief and trauma manifested as an omnipresent entity that torments both mother and son after they discover its existence within the pages of a sinister children's book. Its astonishing visuals and deeply emotional narrative create an atmosphere thick with unease while tackling heavy themes with finesse.
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47Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Ivana Baquero- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Blending dark fantasy with historical drama, Guillermo del Toro's visually stunning masterpiece transports viewers into the vivid imagination of a young girl caught between two worlds - one dominated by fascist rule in post-Civil War Spain and another teeming with intricate creatures spawned from her wildest dreams.
More Pan's Labyrinth- #47 of 251 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #85 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #45 of 125 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
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48Elizabeth Reaser, Annalise Basso, Lulu Wilson- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Mike Flanagan
By delving into the backstory behind its titular board game turned vessel for malevolence, this prequel far surpasses its predecessor with taut storytelling centered around family bonds tested amidst mounting terror. As secrets unravel and dread mounts steadily to reveal chilling revelations about each character's fate, viewers remain spellbound until the very end.
- #166 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #31 of 120 onThe Best Horror Movie Sequels
- #6 of 13 onUnderrated Horror Sequels That Are Way Better Than You've Heard
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49Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel- Released: 2010
- Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Fusing psychological terror with the competitive world of ballet, this visually arresting thriller delves into the fractured psyche of a ballerina consumed by her ambition to achieve perfection at any cost. As she becomes increasingly unhinged, viewers bear witness to her descent into madness - a journey as gripping as it is haunting.
More Black Swan- #58 of 251 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #263 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
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50Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, David James- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Neill Blomkamp
A unique blend of science fiction and body horror, this inventive film paints a bleak portrait of a world where extraterrestrial refugees are treated as outcasts and forced to live in squalor. By utilizing gruesome transformation scenes as an allegory for experiences of loss and dehumanization, it achieves both thrills and thought-provoking commentary.
More District 9- #17 of 167 onThe 150+ Best Futuristic Dystopian Movies
- #11 of 178 onThe Best Alien Movies Of All Time, Ranked
- #70 of 125 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
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51Karen Gillan, Brenton Thwaites, Katee Sackhoff- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Mike Flanagan
Haunted by the violent demise of their parents 10 years earlier, adult siblings Kaylie (Karen Gillan) and Tim (Brenton Thwaites) are now struggling to rebuild their relationship. Kaylie suspects that their antique mirror, known as the Lasser Glass, is behind the tragedy. The seemingly harmless reflections contain a malevolent, supernatural force that infects the mind of anyone who gazes into it. As Kaylie gets closer to the truth, the siblings become caught in the mirror's evil spell.More Oculus- #228 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #15 of 16 onThe Most Utterly Depressing Horror Movies Of All Time
- #12 of 15 onHorror Movie Endings People Only Pretend To Understand
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- 52Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Daniel Zovatto
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: David Robert Mitchell
In It Follows, a chilling horror film, Jay (Maika Monroe) finds herself plagued by a terrifying entity after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter. This relentless force, visible only to her, stalks her at all times. The rules are simple yet horrifying: it follows, it can take any human form, and it won't stop until she's dead unless she passes the curse to someone else. With the help of her friends, including Paul (Keir Gilchrist), Jay must find a way to escape the nightmare that has become her reality. Imbued with dread and suspense, this movie offers a fresh take on the horror genre.More It FollowsAvailable On:
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53Olivia DeJonge, Ed Oxenbould, Deanna Dunagan- Released: 2015
- Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Becca (Olivia DeJonge) and younger brother Tyler (Ed Oxenbould) say goodbye to their mother as they board a train and head deep into Pennsylvania farm country to meet their maternal grandparents for the first time. Welcomed by Nana (Deanna Dunagan) and Pop Pop (Peter McRobbie), all seems well until the siblings start to notice increasingly strange behavior from the seemingly charming couple. Once the children discover a shocking secret, they begin to wonder if they'll ever make it home.More The Visit- #200 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #13 of 73 onThe 65+ Best Found Footage Movies
- #16 of 20 onThe Scariest Movies Ever Made, According To Science
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54Emile Hirsch, Brian Cox, Ophelia Lovibond- Released: 2016
- Directed by: André Øvredal
When father and son coroners investigate the death of a beautiful "Jane Doe," they find increasingly bizarre clues.- #101 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #55 of 80 onThe Best Teen Horror Movies Of All Time
- #6 of 27 on27 Films Stephen King Has Awarded His Personal Stamp Of Approval
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- 55Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Ari Aster
In the chilling film Hereditary, the Graham family, helmed by Annie (Toni Collette), finds their lives spiraling into an abyss of horror following the death of their secretive matriarch. Peter (Alex Wolff), the son, grapples with his increasingly eerie and inexplicable experiences, while Steve (Gabriel Byrne), the father, attempts to hold the fraying family threads together. The movie, a psychological thriller sprinkled with supernatural elements, reveals a haunting exploration of heritage and fate. Directed by Ari Aster, Hereditary was nominated for multiple awards due to its darkly gripping narrative and powerful performances, notably Collette's critically acclaimed portrayal of a mother on the edge.More HereditaryAvailable On:
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56Jennifer Lopez, Vince Vaughn, Vincent D'Onofrio- Released: 2000
- Directed by: Tarsem
In The Cell, Jennifer Lopez delivers a chilling performance as Catherine Deane, a child therapist. This is no ordinary therapy, however. Employing an experimental technique, Deane dives deep into the minds of her patients - literally. When serial killer Carl Stargher (Vincent D'Onofrio) falls into a coma, FBI agent Peter Novak (Vince Vaughn) recruits Deane to enter his mind and discover the location of his latest victim, trapped in a custom-built cell. The line between reality and nightmare blurs as Deane navigates Stargher's twisted psyche in this psychological thriller.More The CellAvailable On:
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- 57John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, Mary McCormack
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Mikael Håfström
In the suspenseful thriller 1408, renowned author Mike Enslin (John Cusack) is a skeptic of supernatural phenomena. His cynicism leads him to room 1408 of the Dolphin Hotel, despite warnings from hotel manager Gerald Olin (Samuel L. Jackson). This room, notorious for its sinister history, becomes an arena for a chilling confrontation with the paranormal. As the plot unfurls, Enslin's skepticism is challenged by inexplicable events that defy his rational mind. The movie masterfully blends psychological terror with suspense, making 1408 a haunting exploration of disbelief meeting incontrovertible reality.More 1408- #44 of 251 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #86 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #30 of 139 onThe Best Movies Of 2007
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- 58Virginia Madsen, Tony Todd, Xander Berkeley
- Released: 1992
- Directed by: Bernard Rose
Skeptical graduate student Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) befriends Anne-Marie McCoy (Vanessa Williams) while researching superstitions in a housing project on Chicago's Near North Side. From Anne-Marie, Helen learns about the Candyman (Tony Todd), a knife-wielding figure of urban legend that some of her neighbors believe to be responsible for a recent murder. After a mysterious man matching the Candyman's description begins stalking her, Helen comes to fear that the legend may be all too real.More CandymanAvailable On:
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- 59Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, Carolyn Jones
- Released: 1956
- Directed by: Don Siegel
In the chilling classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Dr. Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy) encounters an eerie epidemic of townsfolk replaced by emotionless duplicates. In this unsettling science fiction horror, directed by Don Siegel, the town's inhabitants are systematically supplanted by alien doppelgängers, grown from plant-like pods - a metaphorical commentary on social conformity. Aided by Becky Driscoll (Dana Wynter), Bennell endeavors to thwart this silent invasion. Tension mounts as they struggle to stay awake, for sleep means assimilation. The film's enduring popularity led to several remakes, each echoing its timeless terror and iconic imagery.- #327 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #59 of 178 onThe Best Alien Movies Of All Time, Ranked
- #51 of 139 onThe Best Disaster Movies Of All Time
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- 60John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Gallagher
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Dan Trachtenberg
In the gripping thriller 10 Cloverfield Lane, Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) awakens in a bunker after a car crash, held captive by Howard (John Goodman). Howard insists that he's saved her from an apocalyptic event unfolding above ground, rendering the outside world uninhabitable. Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.), another bunker inhabitant, confirms this eerie claim. As tension mounts and truths blur, Michelle must navigate deception and danger to survive. This film is a suspenseful exploration of confinement, trust, and survival under extraordinary circumstances. It masterfully blends elements of mystery, drama, and science fiction to create an intense cinematic experience.More 10 Cloverfield Lane- Dig Deeper...All The 'Cloverfield' Easter Eggs That You Definitely Missed
- #125 of 406 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #79 of 178 onThe Best Alien Movies Of All Time, Ranked
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