Top 15 Horror Movies Every Horror Fanatic Needs To See

Abigail Bauman, Editor In Chief

Warning: Some of these movies are R-Rated so if you are under the age of 17 I cannot necessarily recommend these movies unless you are with a parent. I will admit that not all of these movies are amazing, but some of them are classics that inspired other must-see horror movies and that’s why they’re important to watch.


  1. Children of The Corn (1984) R

Isolated cities? Creepy. Cults? Scary. Children? Terrifying. This Stephen King short story based movie has aged well. If you’re interested in cults and creepy kids, this movie is perfect for you. This movie runs 93 minutes and is about a religious cult of children out for blood to please “he who walks behind the rows”, a demonic spirit. Although some of the gore might look a little corny, the acting still looks superb.

  1. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) R

This Wes Craven film introduces us to one of the most iconic horror figures, Freddy Krueger. I would also like to thank Wes Craven for putting Johnny Depp in a crop top. This movie has top tier actors and the gore is phenomenal. If you ever have trouble falling asleep, just remember that Freddy Krueger kills people in their dreams which in return kills them in real life, so sweet dreams, I guess.

  1. Child’s Play (1988) R

      Child’s Play was the first scary movie I ever watched. Although I was not actually allowed to watch it, I had behind the couch and watched it with my older brother anyway, sorry mom. This movie thoroughly freaked me out to my inner core. Now watching it, it isn’t that scary but it did set the wheels in motion for a sub-genre of creepy doll movies. So, if dolls freak you out, probably don’t watch this movie.

  1. Final Destination (2000) R

      Have a bunch of irrational fears? Want some more? This movie is perfect for you if you want a constant reminder that you could die at any moment in any possible way. You are never safe from death! Yay!

  1. The Grudge (2014) PG-13

   The Grudge follows a curse that is born when someone dies, passing from victim to victim. A curse you can never escape, pretty comforting right? In the end you’ll never win! This movie is the real reason why I run up the stairs when it’s dark. After watching this movie you might not ever want to bathe again, so good luck, stinky.

  1. The Blair Witch Project (1999) R

    The Blair Witch Project was one of the first found-footage horror movies ever made. This movie will remind you to be scared of the dark again. Always check your surroundings and always look behind you. The woods are deep and dark and scary and you’ll never know what is truly out there until it’s too late.

  1. Saw (2004) NC-17

     This movie is the reason why the bathroom at my work freaks me out. Waking up chained up in a bathroom is not the way I would like to start my morning.

  1. The Conjuring (2013) R

     This movie is based on a true story which makes it ten times creepier. If you live in an older house, this movie might make you pee yourself. The jump scares, acting, and special effects give this movie a 10/10.

  1. Scream (1996) R

    Although this movie isn’t super scary, this movie is referenced a lot. If you like twists you’ll definitely enjoy this series of movies.

  1. It (1990) TV-14

This movie is one of the main reasons most people are scared of clowns, that and John Wayne Gacy. Killer clowns that murder children are typically not the type of clowns that you would invite to your birthday parties, but it’s your life. This movie will scar you for life. If you are a horror fan and you don’t know who Tim Curry is, you’re a fool.

  1. The Ring (2002) PG-13

     Prepared to have a fear of wells even though most of you Arizonians have never even seen a well.

  1. The Green Inferno (2013) R

     This is one of my favorite movies of all time. This is the goriest movie in the world. I do not recommend eating during this movie. This movie made me queasy and uncomfortable. If you love gore, you will be thoroughly all gore-d out.

  1. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) R

     This movie is an important addition to the biggest names in horror villain history. Be prepared to be grossed out and terrified. Leatherface will scare your pants off and make you just the right amount of anxious.

  1. Halloween (1978) R

     This movie stars one of the most infamous villains of all time, Michael Myers. This movie is a must see if you are a horror movie fan or if Halloween is your favorite holiday. This movie will scare you and leave you wanting more. This series will not disappoint you.

  1. The Exorcist (1973) R
    The Exorcist is one of the most important horror films to ever be made. This movie set the wheels in motion for the horror genre. Although the special effects now might look outdated and cheesy, back in the day, these effects were terrifying. My mother in fact remembers The Exorcist as being the first horror movie she had ever seen. This movie is scary, disturbing, and just down right vulgar. This movie is so vulgar in fact that it was banned for many years. This movie follows a little girl who is thought to be possessed by the devil. Possession seems to be a large theme in horror and this movie is to thank for that. If this movie doesn’t freak you out enough, nine people actually died in association with this movie.