1. The Nun 2018，IMDB Rating: 5.3, IMDB Votes: 173445, ID: 5814060 Photo by gwigwi.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Nun dives into the dark origins of the demonic entity Valak, set against the eerie backdrop of a Romanian abbey. While the film excels in creating a Gothic atmosphere and delivering jump scares, it falls short in narrative coherence and depth. The performances, particularly by Taissa Farmiga, are commendable, but the over-reliance on horror clichés makes it less impactful.
2. Run Rabbit Run 2023，IMDB Rating: 5.0, IMDB Votes: 11501, ID: 12547822 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Run Rabbit Run is a chilling exploration of motherhood and the supernatural, with Sarah Snook delivering a standout performance as a mother grappling with her daughter’s eerie behavior. The film’s atmosphere is haunting, but its reliance on familiar horror tropes and a thin plot can be frustrating. Despite its flaws, the movie’s unsettling premise and strong performances make it a worthwhile watch for horror enthusiasts.
3. Verónica 2017，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 48331, ID: 5862312 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Verónica is a gripping Spanish horror film that masterfully blends supernatural elements with the real-life horror of the Vallecas case. Directed by Paco Plaza, the film’s tension and atmosphere are palpable, and Sandra Escacena’s performance as the titular character is both haunting and compelling. The movie’s ability to evoke genuine fear without relying on excessive gore is commendable.
4. Zhou 2022，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 21859, ID: 18968540 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Zhou, also known as Incantation, is a Taiwanese found footage horror film that delves into the terrifying consequences of breaking a religious taboo. The film’s non-linear narrative and chilling atmosphere keep viewers on edge, but its convoluted plot and uneven pacing can be distracting. Despite these issues, the movie’s unique approach to horror and cultural elements make it a standout in the genre.
5. The Conjuring 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 562256, ID: 1457767 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Conjuring is a masterclass in horror, drawing from the real-life investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Directed by James Wan, the film’s use of tension, atmosphere, and old-school scares is highly effective. The performances by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson add depth to the chilling narrative, making it a must-watch for horror fans.
6. The Amityville Horror 1979，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 45043, ID: 0078767 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Amityville Horror (1979) is a quintessential haunted house film that draws on the real experiences of the Lutz family, who claimed to be terrorized by supernatural forces in their Long Island home. Despite critics dismissing the story as a hoax, the film’s atmospheric tension and committed performances by James Brolin and Margot Kidder make it a chilling classic. The notion that some or all of this might have actually happened adds an extra layer of terror, making it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.
7. Zodiac 2007，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 606017, ID: 0443706 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 David Fincher’s Zodiac (2007) is a gripping true-crime thriller that delves into the unsolved mystery of the Zodiac Killer, who terrorized San Francisco in the 1960s. The film’s meticulous attention to detail and strong performances by Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo make it an engrossing watch. The real-life horror of the still-unsolved case adds a chilling layer to the narrative, making it a standout in the genre.
8. The Strangers 2008，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 147254, ID: 0482606 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Strangers (2008) is a home invasion horror film inspired by real-life crimes, including the Manson Family murders. The film’s eerie simplicity and relentless tension make it a terrifying watch. Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman deliver compelling performances as a couple terrorized by masked intruders, adding to the film’s unsettling atmosphere. The fact that such random acts of violence can happen in real life makes the movie even more chilling.
9. The Exorcism of Emily Rose 2005，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 141193, ID: 0404032 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) blends courtroom drama with supernatural horror, based on the true story of a priest accused of negligent homicide after an exorcism gone wrong. Jennifer Carpenter’s haunting performance as Emily Rose and the film’s exploration of faith versus science make it a thought-provoking watch. The real-life inspiration behind the story adds a layer of authenticity and terror.
10. Annabelle 2014，IMDB Rating: 5.4, IMDB Votes: 177262, ID: 3322940 Photo by WordPress.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Annabelle (2014) is a spine-chilling horror film based on the real-life case of a possessed doll investigated by paranormal experts Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film’s unsettling atmosphere and terrifying supernatural occurrences make it a standout in the genre. The fact that the story is rooted in reality adds an extra layer of fear, making Annabelle a must-watch for horror fans.
11. The Haunting in Connecticut 2009，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 65523, ID: 0492044 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Haunting in Connecticut is a chilling tale based on the true story of the Snedeker family, who experienced terrifying paranormal activities after moving into a former funeral home. Despite its reliance on ghost movie clichés, the film manages to deliver some genuine scares and creepy imagery. The actors’ performances and the eerie atmosphere make it a reasonably effective horror movie, even if it doesn’t break new ground in the genre.
12. The Possession 2012，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 63570, ID: 0431021 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Possession, inspired by the true story of a cursed Dybbuk box, follows a young girl who becomes possessed by a malevolent spirit. While the film boasts a capable cast and some genuinely creepy moments, it ultimately falls short due to its predictable plot and lack of character development. Nevertheless, it remains a moderately entertaining horror movie with a few memorable scares.
13. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 1974，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 186451, ID: 0072271 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, loosely based on the crimes of serial killer Ed Gein, is a nightmarish assault on the senses that has become a horror classic. Its raw, gritty atmosphere and relentless tension make it one of the most influential horror films of all time. The film’s portrayal of a cannibalistic family and the iconic character Leatherface continue to haunt audiences to this day.
14. The Silence of the Lambs 1991，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 1566670, ID: 0102926 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Silence of the Lambs, inspired by real-life serial killers, is a masterful psychological thriller that delves into the minds of both the hunter and the hunted. Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Hannibal Lecter is chillingly brilliant, and Jodie Foster’s performance as Clarice Starling adds depth to the film. The movie’s intense atmosphere and gripping narrative make it a timeless classic.
15. The Exorcist 1973，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 460172, ID: 0070047 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Exorcist is a chilling masterpiece that still holds up after nearly five decades. Based on the true story of Roland Doe, a boy who underwent a harrowing exorcism in 1949, the film’s disturbing visuals and intense performances make it a timeless horror classic. The blend of William Friedkin’s meticulous direction, detailed makeup, and Jack Nitzsche’s eerie score creates an atmosphere of pure terror. The Exorcist is not just a horror film; it’s an exploration of faith, fear, and the unknown.
15 True Stories of Terror: Netflix Horror Films That Will Keep You Up
