top 10 horror movies of all time - Leaselab

Understanding the Context

1. The Exorcist (1973)

Undoubtedly one of the scariest horror films ever made, The Exorcist bring neu psychological terror combined with supernatural horror. Based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, it follows two young girls tormented by a malevolent demon, resulting in one of cinema’s most iconic scenes — the infamous!”“ “ (Get out of your child’s body.” The film’s masterful direction and unvervasitive horror still send chills down spines today.

2. Psycho (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock redefined psychological horror with Psycho. Best known for its shocking murder in the shower, the film shattered norms with its narrative twists and intense suspense. Janet Leigh’sptide role and Bernard Herrmann’s dissonant score elevate it beyond mere fright — it’s a study of identity, guilt, and madness.

3. Halloween (1978)

John Carpenter’s minimalist yet deeply effective Halloween introduced Jason Voorhees, the slow-moving but unstoppable slasher. Shot on a shoestring budget, the film’s tension builds through relentless pacing, eerie silence, and John Carpenter’s iconic synth score. It launched a cultural phenomenon that remains a cornerstone of horror.

4. The Shining (1980)

Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining blends supernatural horror with psychological unraveling. Based on Stephen King’s novel, its haunting visuals, Kubrick’s meticulous direction, and Jack Nicholson’s chilling performance make it a haunting study of isolation and madness. The Overlook Hotel feels alive — and terrifying.

5. The Babadook (2014)

Though released more recently, David Michôd and Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook stands out as a modern masterpiece of psychological horror. It uses a supernatural monster to explore grief and depression, delivering emotional depth with unforgettable scares. The film’s symbolism and atmosphere have earned it acclaim for decades.

6. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

Roman Polanski’s adaptations of Itschaft’ horror novel delivers slow-burning paranoia and body horror. Starring Mia Farrow as a woman driven mad by suspicions of satanic ritual and their neighbor’s control, Rosemary’s Baby merges intimate terror with profound unease about trust and autonomy.

7. It Follows (2014)

Newsstand director David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows revitalized body horror with a fresh, dynamic approach. A cursed glitch infects adolescents with inevitable nightmares, blending folk horror and psychological dread. Its minimalist yet creepy tone and score by Adam top dwell among the standout recent entries.

8. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Wes Craven brought nightmares to life in this landmark film, turning Washington High into a playground of terror. Johnny Lakesi’s killer dreams brought existential horror to mainstream audiences, proving that any safe place could harbor nightmares. It laid the foundation for the Slumber Party Panic subgenre.