The definition of "horror movies" can vary from person to person, but here are five movies that are generally considered to be among the scariest and most disturbing:
1. The Exorcist (1973) - A classic horror film about a young girl who becomes possessed by a demonic entity, and the efforts of a priest to save her soul. It features intense scenes of violence and gore, as well as disturbing imagery and themes.
2. The Shining (1980) - A psychological horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on the novel by Stephen King. It tells the story of a man who becomes the winter caretaker of a haunted hotel and slowly descends into madness. It features iconic scenes of terror and suspense, as well as memorable performances by Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall.
3. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) - A low-budget horror film that revolutionized the genre with its raw, visceral intensity. It tells the story of a group of friends who encounter a family of cannibals in rural Texas, and features graphic scenes of violence and brutality.
4. The Babadook (2014) - A critically acclaimed horror film about a single mother who is haunted by a mysterious creature from a children's book. It explores themes of grief, trauma, and mental illness, and features a standout performance by Essie Davis as the troubled protagonist.
5. Hereditary (2018) - A supernatural horror film that delves into the dark secrets of a family after the death of their matriarch. It features disturbing imagery and themes, as well as a standout performance by Toni Collette as the grieving mother who discovers her family's horrifying legacy.
The Exorcist (1973)
"The Exorcist" is a classic horror movie directed by William Friedkin and released in 1973. It is based on the novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty, and tells the story of a young girl named Regan who becomes possessed by a demonic entity. The film follows the efforts of a priest, Father Karras, and an older, experienced priest, Father Merrin, to exorcise the demon and save the girl's soul.
The movie is widely regarded as one of the most terrifying films ever made, due in large part to its use of graphic violence, disturbing imagery, and intense sound design. It has also been praised for its performances, particularly by Linda Blair as Regan and Max von Sydow as Father Merrin. "The Exorcist" was a huge critical and commercial success, and has since become a cultural icon and a cornerstone of the horror genre.
The Shining (1980)
"The Shining" is a classic psychological horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1980. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King and stars Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance, a writer who becomes the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel with his wife and son. As the family spends the winter in the hotel, Jack's sanity gradually unravels, and the supernatural forces that haunt the Overlook Hotel begin to take control.
The movie is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror films ever made, and is noted for its stunning visual style, haunting score, and standout performances by the cast, including Nicholson, Shelley Duvall as Wendy Torrance, and Danny Lloyd as Danny Torrance. "The Shining" has been analyzed and debated extensively over the years, with many interpretations of its themes and symbolism. Despite mixed initial critical reviews, the movie has become a classic of the horror genre and a beloved work of cinema.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
"The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" is a horror movie directed by Tobe Hooper and released in 1974. The film follows a group of friends who, while traveling through rural Texas, become the victims of a family of cannibals led by the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface. The movie is known for its graphic violence and disturbing imagery, and is widely regarded as a seminal work of the horror genre.
The movie's gritty, low-budget aesthetic and intense, visceral approach to horror have made it a cult classic and an influence on numerous horror movies that have followed. The performances of its cast, particularly Gunnar Hansen as Leatherface and Marilyn Burns as the traumatized survivor Sally Hardesty, have also been praised. Although controversial and banned in some countries upon its initial release, "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" has since been recognized as a landmark horror film and a cultural icon.
The Babadook (2014)
"The Babadook" is a psychological horror film directed by Jennifer Kent and released in 2014. The movie tells the story of a single mother, Amelia, and her troubled son, Samuel, who discover a mysterious pop-up book about a monster called the Babadook. As Amelia reads the book to Samuel, she begins to experience disturbing visions and discovers that the Babadook might be more than just a fictional creation.
The movie is noted for its intelligent storytelling, striking visuals, and powerful performances, particularly by Essie Davis as Amelia and Noah Wiseman as Samuel. "The Babadook" has been praised for its exploration of themes such as grief, mental illness, and the challenges of motherhood, as well as its inventive approach to horror. The film was a critical and commercial success, and has since become a beloved work of the horror genre.
Hereditary (2018)
"Hereditary" is a supernatural horror film written and directed by Ari Aster and released in 2018. The movie follows the Graham family, who are haunted by tragic and disturbing events after the death of their matriarch. As the family members try to cope with their grief and unravel the mysteries of their past, they discover that they are caught in a dark and terrifying legacy.
The movie is noted for its stunning cinematography, powerful performances, and eerie score, as well as its effective use of slow-burning tension and disturbing imagery. Toni Collette's portrayal of the grieving mother Annie has been particularly acclaimed, as has Alex Wolff's performance as her troubled son Peter. "Hereditary" has been praised for its exploration of themes such as family, trauma, and fate, as well as its masterful execution of horror elements. The film was a critical and commercial success, and has been regarded as one of the best horror movies of the 21st century.