10 Horror Movies That Genuinely Terrified Me, And I Usually Don't Get Scared

Summary Hereditary and The Descent dive deep into psychological and emotional trauma, reshaping perceptions of horror beyond jump scares.

The Witch and Martyrs tackle complex themes of grief and existential horror, demonstrating the power of horror as a medium for deep examination.

Midsommar and The Wailing showcase unique horror narratives, bringing cultural contexts and folklore into the genre for a rich and immersive experience.

As a lifelong horror movie enthusiast, I’ve always sought films that challenge, terrify, and ultimately leave a lasting impact. Over the years, a handful of modern horror films have not only delivered on scares but have also reshaped my understanding of the genre. These movies go beyond typical jump scares, diving deep into psychological terror, societal fears, and emotional trauma. They stay with you long after the credits roll, provoking thought and discussion.

Hereditary pokes and prods around in the wretched depths of Toni Collette's family issues and sub-natural dread in a psychological fashion that makes the horror almost tangible. From the beginning to the multiple endings of The Descent, a cavernous adventure gone south reiterates the primal fears of its characters in a relentless survival narrative of claustrophobic cave walls. Both of these movies move beyond clichéd jump scares to focus on emotional trauma and mental breakdown. They expanded my perception of horror, proving that some complex human feelings and experiences can be approached in a startlingly interesting way.

Related 10 Best Horror Movies Of 2024 The best horror movies of 2024 offer a variety of sub and mixed genres among mainstream and indie hits, providing an experience for all audiences.

10 Hereditary (2018)

My First Encounter With True Psychological Horror

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US The feature film debut of writer-director Ari Aster, Hereditary tells the story of the unwittingly cursed Graham family. Annie Graham (Toni Collette) lives with her husband Steve (Gabriel Byrne) and their children Peter (Alex Wolff) and Charlie (Milly Shapiro). After the death of Annie's mother, the family is beset by disaster and stalked by a supernatural entity that dredges up a past that Annie had spent her life trying to overlook. Director Ari Aster Release Date June 8, 2018 Cast Toni Collette , Milly Shapiro , Zachary Arthur , Gabriel Byrne , Mallory Bechtel , Alex Wolff , Ann Dowd Runtime 2h 7m Studio(s) A24

The first time I watched Hereditary, I had not been prepared for the depth of psychology and relentless dread that awaited. Directed by Ari Aster, this film does not bank on conventional horror tropes, but weaves a complex narrative between familial grief and supernatural terror. Raw, harrowing performances, especially by Toni Collette, find a way to unnerve the viewer. The way that this film slowly builds up the tension, coupled with shocking twists, changed what horror would mean for me.

Toni Collette was not looking to act in another horror movie. It was the script that won her over to this film. She responded very strongly to the emotional depth and messiness within it.

The real horror in this film is in the psychological unraveling of characters, where the supernatural serves almost as background noise against the human experiences of pain and loss, as shown in the Hereditary dollhouse. The deep emotional trauma probed here, along with its consequences for the family dynamic, hit a vein and lingered long after the credits rolled. Heredity is a must-watch and a game-changer for the genre.

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9 The Witch (2015)

A Masterclass In Atmospheric Horror

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Distributed by A24, The Witch marks the feature directorial debut of Robert Eggers and the first film appearance of Anya Taylor-Joy. Written by Eggers, The Witch follows a puritanical family in New England in the 1630s who are forced to leave their community after a religious dispute. Attempting to set up a farm in the New England countryside, the family soon find themselves beset by malevolent and supernatural forces beyond their comprehension. Director Robert Eggers Release Date February 19, 2016 Runtime 92minutes Studio(s) A24 Distributor(s) A24 , Universal Pictures Writers Robert Eggers Cast Kate Dickie , Wahab Chaudhry , Ellie Grainger , Ralph Ineson , Sarah Stephens , Lucas Dawson , Anya Taylor-Joy , Bathsheba Garnett , Harvey Scrimshaw , Julian Richings Expand

It is in the horror masterpiece of Robert Eggers, The Witch, that one gets submerged deep into the wilderness of New England in the 1630s. Only then does the obsessive attention to historical accuracy truly succeed, from period dialogue to its genuinely set atmosphere, and really drive home a sense of isolation and dread. This results in famous quotes such as "Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?" While watching it, I completely felt I was transported to a time by the grace of religion where paranoia and superstition ruled.

The historical dialogues of the 17th century were directly constructed from historical texts to ensure authenticity. The actors spoke in a very well-researched dialect so that they clearly reflected the time period they represented.

The eerie atmosphere and jarring score stuck with me well after the credits, really driving home just how much ambiance can do to really amp up a horror film. Here, evoking such a viscerally acute sense of dread from its setting and historical context showed it did not hinge on overt scares. Instead, it operates under deep immersion, tapping into the anxieties of its time and place to leave a lasting impression on the audience.

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8 Midsommar (2019)

A Hauntingly Beautiful Daylight Nightmare

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Ari Aster's Midsommar follows a group of American college students who travel to a friend's isolated rural hometown in Sweden to experience their renowned midsummer festival. What starts out as idyllic quickly becomes a disconcertingly violent pagan ritual, with the friends engaged in a ruthless competition that will test more than just their friendship. Florence Pugh stars alongside Jack Reynor, Will Poulter, and William Jackson Harper. Director Ari Aster Release Date July 3, 2019 Runtime 147 minutes Writers Ari Aster Cast Julia Ragnarsson , Rebecka Johnston , Henrik Norlén , William Jackson Harper , Gunnel Fred , Anna Åström , Will Poulter , Archie Madekwe , Louise Peterhoff , Björn Andrésen , Isabelle Grill , Jack Reynor , Florence Pugh , Liv Mjönes Expand

Ari Aster's Midsommar did the genre a service: he took it in a brave new direction by placing its chilling story in broad daylight. This unsettling tale of a Swedish pagan cult offsets the vivid, pastoral beauty of the film against its very disturbing rituals, based on the traditions of the real Swedish festival. I was struck by how explorations of grief, codependency, and cultural isolation in this movie resonated deeply within me. In an increasingly nightmarish setting, Florence Pugh makes Dani -- a woman facing profound personal loss -- at once poignant and terrifying.

Director Ari Aster wanted to challenge the idea that horror needs to be black and dark and shadowy, setting up its unsettling atmosphere in opposition by placing vibrantly on film with daylight scenes against their disturbing content.

Midsommar gave me practical proof that horror does well in broad daylight. This film, capable of scaring from its serene and sunlit surroundings, showed me a genre not only designated for the dark and shadowy. Focusing on emotional trauma and cultural estrangement, Midsommar demonstrated how horror could make use of its setting to emphasize psychic and emotional terrors.

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7 The Babadook (2014)

Exploring Grief And Mental Illness Through Horror

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Jennifer Kent's directorial debut follows Amelia, a widowed Australian mother still grieving the violent death of her husband. When Amelia's son Samuel begins insisting that a monster has taken up residence in their home, she must attempt to keep Sam safe despite the looming seemingly supernatural presence that threatens to take both of their lives. Essie Davis and Noah Wiseman star as Amelia and Samuel. Director Jennifer Kent Release Date November 28, 2014 Cast Noah Wiseman , Essie Davis Runtime 94 minutes Studio(s) Umbrella Entertainmen Writers Jennifer Kent Expand

Jennifer Kent's The Babadook is an in-depth portrayal of grief and madness, masquerading as merely a monster movie. Maybe what hit close to home was the story of this single mother and her troubled son haunted by an evil presence. In that respect, the Babadook becomes symbolic of unresolved trauma and depression, making the experience of horror very personal and relatable up until the ending of The Babadook.

Essie Davis powerfully performed the role, catching desperation and vulnerability on the edge, bringing emotional depth into the story.

The Babadook was another case of how horror can effectively approach real-life issues, with supernatural elements adding to and reflecting the human struggle. Here I saw how this film could really merge its psychological depth within a monster narrative to prove to me that horror is actually an incredibly strong medium for exploring deeper emotional and mental difficulties. The personal and supernatural were intertwined in The Babadook to prove that it can plunge into very deep human experiences and reveal light upon them.

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6 It Follows (2014)

An Allegory Of Relentless Fear

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US It Follows is a horror-thriller film released in 2014 and follows a college student named Jay who is terrorized by a specter of a woman that follows her everywhere she goes. When Jay has sex with her new boyfriend, he ties her up and reveals that this mysterious woman will now haunt her until she passes it on to another or is killed by her. Now haunted by a woman that only she and those once afflicted by her can see, Jay will attempt to survive and find away to break the curse. Director David Robert Mitchell Release Date March 27, 2015 Cast Olivia Luccardi , Jake Weary , Keir Gilchrist , Daniel Zovatto , Maika Monroe , Lili Sepe Runtime 100minutes Distributor(s) The Weinstein Company Writers David Robert Mitchell Expand

It Follows, by David Robert Mitchell, finally made me experience how a horror narrative may be chilling and innovative at the same time. A being that persistently moves behind, taking different forms, to create an atmosphere with uncommon foreboding. Something that made an impression on me was how allegorical this horror is, depicting those fears or anxieties from which life cannot escape. The retro setting and a super-creepy score add to the general unease of the movie.

This enables timelessness, which Director David Robert Mitchell achieved in the sense that it is impossible to exactly notice the year of the story. This has created a unique atmosphere in which the horror was nostalgic and disorienting, tending to enhance the unsettling effect of the film.

Similarly, It Follows makes me appreciate how horror uses unique concepts for the treatment of universal fears that something leaves an imprint of paranoia. The way this movie has possessed a fresh premise and adapted it to a hauntingly atmospheric presentation is how tangy ideas keep pumping new life into the genre. Its approach to fear as a persistent, unavoidable force resonated with me, showcasing the power of horror by delving deeper into psychological and emotional themes.

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Related It Follows 2 Gets Major Filming Update From Original Horror Movie Star The It Follows sequel, titled They Follow, gets a filming update from Maika Monroe, who starred in the original horror film from 2014.

5 The Descent (2005)

Claustrophobic Terror And Survival

The Descent The Descent is a horror film that follows a group of thrill-seeking friends who find themselves fractured after one of them loses their husband and daughter in a car accident. Attempting to rejuvenate her friend Sarah and bring her back to the group, Juno convinces her to follow her and their friends to a mysterious cave system they find in the mountains. However, when they find themselves traped with no way out, she reveals she took them to an uncharted region with no chance of rescue, hoping to give them the adventure of the life time. Angry, fearful, and low on supplies, the group travels further into the caves only to discover they're not alone. Director Neil Marshall Release Date August 4, 2006 Cast Shauna Macdonald , Saskia Mulder , Alex Reid , Natalie Mendoza , MyAnna Buring , Nora-Jane Noone Runtime 99 minutes Studio(s) Lionsgate Writers Neil Marshall Expand

Neil Marshall's The Descent was a harrowing journey into the depths of human fear and survival. As the tension rises in this claustrophobic setting, a labyrinthine cave system, the stakes increase as characters struggle to survive against primal creatures. I am connected with the concept of this investigation into human nature under extreme duress and the psychological toll of isolation and fear.

The Descent is a refreshing take on the survival horror genre through strong performances from an all-female cast.

The Descent is one of the best movies of the 2000s. It showed me that horror is both a physical and psychic exercise in the exhaustion of the viewer by putting one inside the visceral experience of dread. The efficient marriage of physical jeopardy with emotional and mental stress gave rise to an extremely strong and multilayered plot. What makes The Descent so powerful is the combination of effective storytelling with heavy character development. It's a terrifying journey into the darkness that will stay with you long after the screen goes black.

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4 Martyrs (2008)

A Brutal Examination Of Suffering and Transcendence

Martyrs (2008) Martyrs is a French-Canadian horror film directed by Pascal Laugier. The film follows the harrowing journey of two young women, Lucie and Anna, as they seek vengeance on those who subjected Lucie to extreme abuse and torment during her childhood. Their quest for retribution leads to shocking revelations and a descent into unimaginable suffering and existential horror. Director Pascal Laugier Release Date September 3, 2008 Cast Morjana Alaoui , Mylène Jampanoï , Catherine Bégin , Robert Toupin , Patricia Tulasne , Juliette Gosselin Runtime 99 Minutes Studio(s) Eskwad , Wild Bunch , TCB Film Distributor(s) Wild Bunch Writers Pascal Laugier Main Genre Horror Expand

For the faint of heart, Pascal Laugier's Martyrs is not the movie to view, but it proved powerful for me. It is horrifying, thought-provoking, and unabashedly realist in suffering, laying a philosophical basis for it on the nature of pain and transcendence. The film does not relent in its brutality, and the path its protagonists embark on makes one very uncomfortable, considering the limits of human endurance and looking for meaning in suffering.

Initial financing was hard to obtain for the film due to its extreme content, according to director Pascal Laugier. However, it developed a cult following once it was finished and is regarded as one of the major works in a New French Extremity movement that typified intense and provocative horror.

Martyrs changed my idea of horror as an entertainment medium alone and turned it into a potential tool for deep existential examination, albeit taken to an extreme and disturbing level that some can only watch once. The intense narrative and the raw emotional depth that the film presented pushed me to begin reconsidering the potential for horror to delve into deep, unsettling themes.

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3 The Wailing (2016)

A Haunting Blend Of Folklore And Mystery

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US The arrival of a mysterious stranger in a quiet village coincides with a wave of vicious murders, causing panic and distrust among the residents. While investigating the suspect, a policeman realizes that his daughter may have been a victim of the attack. Director Na Hong-jin Release Date June 3, 2016 Cast Jun Kunimura , Hwang Jung-min , Kwak Do-won Runtime 2h 36m

Na Hong-jin's The Wailing is a masterly weaving of horror, mystery, and folklore that keeps one guessing until the end. Set in a rural Korean village beset by a mysterious illness, the film weaves a complex narrative full of cultural superstitions and religious symbolism. What riveted my interest in this film was its ability to balance a slow-burning mystery with sudden bursts of terrifying violence.

Set in the idyllic yet unnerving countryside of South Korea, the actual village where they filmed was so remote that part of the crew had to build the roads to get there; it lent a great deal of authenticity to the film and created a sense of unsettling isolation throughout.

The Wailing taught me that the horror experience can be intricate and multi-layered, drawing off cultural contexts to create a rich, immersive story. I mean, consider the movie itself: a complex plot, deep cultural references, and the addition of folklore with modern elements of horror in a way that shows how it can break the boundaries typical of the horror genre and gives a profound and engaging narration, leaving long after the movie ends.

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2 Sinister (2012)

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Sinister is a supernatural horror movie that centers around a washed-up true-crime writer named Ellison Oswalt, who finds a box of Super 8 home movies that suggest the murder he is currently researching is the work of a serial killer whose macabre work dates back to the 1960s. As he begins to write a biography about the case, terrifying images start to seep into his consciousness, making him question reality as the horrors of old are made new again. Director Scott Derrickson Release Date October 12, 2012 Cast Juliet Rylance , Ethan Hawke , Fred Dalton Thompson , Vincent D'Onofrio , James Ransone Runtime 110 minutes Studio(s) Lionsgate Writers Scott Derrickson , C. Robert Cargill Expand

Scott Derrickson's Sinister really got under my skin with its new use of found footage. The film's idea focuses on a true-crime writer who stumbles upon a series of gruesome home movies, which really sustains an atmosphere of relentless tension and dread. It was also how Ethan Hawke's very mundane life was set against the horrific discoveries that he came across.

Those eerily shot home movies -- actual Super 8 films, shot by members of the production team -- introduced an authentic, disconcerting quality to the found footage.

Most importantly, Sinister showed how to enhance the horror using found footage and make any person watching a film feel like an unwilling participant in this unfolding terror. The film takes inspiration from the David Lynch classic Lost Highway. Merging some supernatural elements with heavy psychological tension, Sinister manages to show that found footage can be used to build an immersive and deeply frightening viewing experience.

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Related "Better Than I Was Expecting": Sinister Director Revisits First Breakout Horror Movie 19 Years Later Sinister and Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson discusses his first horror film nearly two decades after the film's premiere in 2005.

1 Lake Mungo (2008)

A Chilling Mockumentary That Feels All Too Real

Lake Mungo Lake Mungo is a psychological horror film directed by Joel Anderson. The story centers around the Palmer family, who experience a series of unexplained and unsettling events following the tragic drowning of their daughter, Alice. Utilizing a mockumentary style, the film delves into themes of grief, loss, and the supernatural as the family's investigation into Alice's death uncovers disturbing secrets and mysteries. Director Joel Anderson Release Date January 29, 2010 Cast Rosie Traynor , David Pledger , Martin Sharpe , Talia Zucker , Tania Lentini , Cameron Strachan , Judith Roberts , Robin Cuming Writers Joel Anderson Main Genre Horror

Lake Mungo is one of horror's best reviewed films: a mockumentary blurred between fiction and reality, directed by Joel Anderson. The way the film was approached as being documentary-like, combined with the expression of grief and secrets following a tragedy within the family, really gives the feeling of realism. With all the gradual revelations of its family secrets, and most especially the really chilling final moments, it will leave a lasting impression.

The director, Joel Anderson, was trying to attain a naturalistic look and feel similar to that of a documentary, and to do so, much of the dialogue was improvised by the actors.

Lake Mungo taught me that what's best and most moving about horror is when it's deeply emotional and feelingly realistic; then the supernatural becomes all the more jarring. In tending to and focusing on the emotional whirlwind of characters, Lake Mungo exposes how the most horrifying elements of horror often spring from some very human experiences and vulnerabilities.