10 Must-Watch Horror Movies, Ranked

It's time for all you horror lovers to experience some true terror. Horror cinema has graced us with some of the greatest, most terrifying movies imaginable today, which are truly spectacular and fill us with so much fright. Indeed, there are so many iconic horror movies to watch out there, but which ones are a definite must-watch?

Let's look at the horror movies throughout cinema history that everyone who calls themselves a horror buff must see. The ten below are some of the most essential horror movies ever created, ones that are still thrilling and monumentally scary. They're the ones that haven't dwindled in popularity over the years and became staples of pop culture. Some are the scariest films ever made; others are trailblazers that redefined the genre. From slashers and animal attacks to the supernatural and creatures from another world, here are ten must-watch horror movies.

10 'Scream' (1996)

Directed by Wes Craven

Where would horror be today without the late Wes Craven? He was a true master of the genre, responsible for some of the beloved classics, like The Hills Have Eyes, The Last House on the Left, and one of his most iconic efforts, A Nightmare on Elm Street. But, for this list, it's his game-changing 1996 slasher masterpiece Scream, which has become wildly beloved by fans and one that has cemented his legacy.

Scream redefined horror during a stagnant period for the slasher subgenre. It blew audiences away with a decent mystery, an iconic and terrifying opening scene, and some of the best meta-humor ever. It's funny and scary, making it a delightful watch to come back to constantly. For horror fans, this classic is significant to the genre and continues to be loved, watched, and appreciated year-round.

9 'Predator' (1987)

Directed by John McTiernan

This next one might seem a bit odd to appear here, considering it's often labeled more as a fun action movie, but 1987's Predator still counts and deserves to be watched by all horror fans. It's one of the most thrilling horrors of all time, a wildly entertaining film that starts out as an adrenaline-filled action flick and then pulls the rug right from under us as it switches to a gory slasher thriller.

Predator is too much fun not to be watched. While, admittedly, it's not the most perfectly made, it can still satisfy even those unfamiliar or not the biggest fans of horror movies, making it easily rewatchable. It stars what has to be one of the greatest, most likable casts in movie history, including kick-ass icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, and the late Carl Weathers. Though this iconic monster's frequent xenomorph rivals from the Alien franchise would also have been a great contender for this list, there is no denying this one is the more fun to watch.

8 'The Shining' (1980)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick

The great Stephen King is one of the most fascinating and iconic horror authors of our time. While the quality of his book-to-screen adaptations has fluctuated over the years, it's widely considered that director Stanley Kubrick's take on his popular novel The Shining is his all-time greatest film adaption, despite not being too faithful to the source material.

While it wasn't a commercial success, The Shining has become one of the most highly influential and memorable horror flicks of the 20th century. It's a true masterpiece: perfectly directed, intensely acted, and incredibly thought-provoking. There are scenes and performances here still studied and praised today. Of course, it's a must-watch for horror fans because it's so engaging. It'll continue to be recognized throughout history as a horror classic that will never be forgotten.

7 'Halloween' (1978)

Directed by John Carpenter

The slasher subgenre was defined by a 1978 holiday-horror classic that continues to terrify audiences today. John Carpenter's Halloween is one of the most significant slashers in history. This monumental game-changer not only popularized the idea but gave the subgenre some of its most beloved and recognizable tropes.

Carpenter's talents at creating suspense and an unsettling atmosphere, combined with the iconic sets and characters, make Halloween an enduring classic that's still frightening. Not to mention, this one introduced the world to perhaps the most iconic slasher villain of them all, Michael Myers (Nick Castle), whose simple yet undeniably creepy appearance and haunting mask have become the stuff of nightmares for audiences for decades. This flick deserves to be watched by horror fans, as it never loses its scare factor.

6 'Psycho' (1960)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

The original 1960 Psycho is a slasher that deserves to be called a masterpiece. Created by the master of suspense himself, Sir Alfred Hitchcock, this one is a truly timeless icon of the horror genre, one that continues to influence filmmakers today. Starring Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh, its suspense and shocking twists are still incredible, making rewatches all the more enjoyable.

It's a horror film with moments and scares that can never be replicated again, which is why the 1998 shot-for-shot remake directed by Gus Van Sant failed spectacularly. It's undoubtedly a must-watch for horror lovers, and honestly, for non-horror fans in general, because it's that good and that important to cinema.

5 'The Silence of the Lambs' (1991)

Directed by Jonathan Demme

The Academy Awards haven't often given horror movies the recognition they deserve. Though there have been some significant Oscar winners over the years, they haven't received that many awards, except for one. Released in 1990 and directed by Jonathan Demme, The Silence of the Lambs is the most acclaimed horror movie of all time. It was nominated for seven awards and won five, including the coveted Best Picture.

An intense psychological crime thriller, The Silence of the Lambs is an absolute masterpiece of the horror genre. It features incredible acting and tight suspense. The performances are iconic, and the scary moments can still leave a shiver down one's spine. It's a brilliant film that can impress anyone who sees it, even if they are not frequent horror watchers. This one gets better every time for fans and will continue to do so.

4 'Jaws' (1975)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Not only is Jaws one of the greatest blockbuster horror movies, but it's also one of the greatest movies, period. This Steven Spielberg-directed trailblazer has become an integral part of our pop culture, a fascinating classic with memorable characters, terrifying suspense, and featuring one of the most iconic villains ever.

Like Predator, Jaws is a crowd-pleaser that thrills from start to finish. There's not one scene that feels dull or unnecessary. Spielberg's ability to entertain the audience and truly give them a fun, adventurous experience with a little bit of horror and suspense makes this one a definite watch for everyone. It can be watched over and over and still scare and even leave a smile or make viewers cheer.

3 'The Exorcist' (1973)

Directed by William Friedkin

It's no surprise that The Exorcist would appear here. Indeed, this William Friedkin-directed Oscar-winning chiller is an incredibly striking and terrifying masterpiece that can still scare people today. Few other films in history can do what this one does. It's an unsettling and monumentally eerie supernatural thriller with some of the most defining moments in the genre's history.

It features the talented Linda Blair, who turned in one of the most riveting performances in any horror movie, as Regan MacNeil. In her possessed form, her appearance and physical acting created a sense of absolute fear and dread. Her role and every moment from this one has become essential to horror history, and it offers a one-of-a-kind experience that can still give viewers goosebumps.

2 'Night of the Living Dead' (1968)

Directed by George A. Romero

Experience the film that changed horror forever. Released in 1968 and directed by the legendary late George A. Romero, Night of the Living Dead is one of the greatest, most inspiring horror movies ever made. It's a true classic that redefined zombie horror and brought the subgenre to the modern age.

It makes one wonder what horror would have been like today had it not been for Night of the Living Dead to get to the next level. It pushed the envelope in terms of on-screen violence and challenged viewers' thoughts on race, politics, and society as a whole. It's a thought-provoking masterpiece with scares and themes that keep audiences coming back for multiple viewings. It's another definite must-watch that every horror lover can always find appreciation for.

1 'The Thing' (1982)

Directed by John Carpenter

While Night of the Living Dead was a massive game-changer, there is one film a bit more deserving of being a must-watch for all horror buffs: John Carpenter's 1982 masterpiece The Thing. Indeed, this is an all-time great horror film that fires on all cylinders, creating a truly incredible experience.

This has some of the best acting, directing, writing, and special effects in movie history. The Thing's popularity has increased tremendously in the years since it originally flopped both critically and financially at the box office. Today, it's hailed for its intense suspense and epic performances, making it an unforgettable horror classic that needs to be seen.

NEXT: 10 Popular Horror Movies That Aren't As Good as You Remember