This list unveils the most spine-chilling supernatural and paranormal horror movies, ranked from absolute best to not-so-great. Brace yourself for a thrilling journey into the unknown! Prepare to encounter a variety of supernatural entities, from mischievous ghosts to malevolent demons. Beware, for some of these movies have bred sequels and spin-offs that will haunt your dreams.
Imagine, if you will, the bone-chilling terror of The Exorcist. In this hair-raising masterpiece directed by William Friedkin, two brave priests join forces to free a young girl from a horrifying possession. Even after all these years, this 1973 gem remains one of the most fear-inducing films ever created. Another fascinating addition to this list is Carrie, a supernatural horror movie that will captivate your senses.
Be warned! A Nightmare on Elm Street, which premiered in 1984, is guaranteed to cause sleepless nights and provoke terrifying nightmares. Prepare to be petrified as you delve into a world of ghostly horrors. Other hair-raising specters featured on this list include Poltergeist, Paranormal Activity, Thirteen Ghosts, and The Conjuring.
Now, dear reader, we turn to you. Which supernatural horror movie sends shivers down your spine? Share your favorite and embark on a spine-tingling discussion!
1. The Conjuring
The Conjuring is often hailed as the biggest, scariest, and best supernatural horror movie of the past three decades. It has truly revolutionized the horror genre by delivering a profoundly terrifying narrative that intertwines ghosts and demons with a genuine emotional depth. The Warrens, as the central characters, have undeniably established themselves as an iconic horror duo for this generation. Their relentless pursuit of demonic spirits throughout The Conjuring franchise never fails to leave a lasting impression. However, it can be argued that their most remarkable achievement was in their inaugural film.
The Conjuring captivates viewers with a simple yet incredibly compelling tale of possession. What sets it apart is its ability to thrive beyond the jump scares, eerie ambiance, and mind-bending demons. At its core, the film explores themes of love, family, and resilience in the face of pure evil. It reminds us that even in the presence of darkness, we can find the strength to stand tall and protect what matters most.
Released: 2013
Directed by: James Wan
Actors: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Lili Taylor
2. The Exorcist
The Exorcist is widely considered as the scariest supernatural film ever made. It is also hailed as the best paranormal film of all time and is regarded as one of the greatest achievements in the history of cinema. This movie goes beyond expectations and continues to be a truly breathtaking and terrifying experience.
What sets The Exorcist apart is its combination of various elements that make it stand out. The film features outstanding special effects and skillful use of lighting that enhance the spine-chilling atmosphere. The direction of the movie is also highly praised, with many considering it among the best in the industry. Furthermore, the performances in The Exorcist are so powerful that they have the ability to deeply affect viewers.
The Exorcist is not just a typical horror film; it is a masterpiece of storytelling. It manages to captivate audiences from beginning to end, leaving a lasting impression. The character of Regan, who is possessed by a demonic entity, is especially unforgettable. Once you see her, you will never be able to forget her terrifying presence.
Released: 1973
Directed by: William Friedkin
Actors: Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Max von Sydow
3. Sinister
According to science, Sinister is considered the scariest horror film ever made. It played a significant role in the supernatural horror movie renaissance of the 2010s. This movie dared to push boundaries and shocked audiences with its horrifying content. The story revolves around a writer who moves into a new home, only to discover that it has a dark and terrifying history. The presence of a demonic entity adds to the haunting atmosphere.
If you’re someone who gets easily scared by loud noises, it’s best to avoid this paranormal movie. Sinister is relentless when it comes to jump scares, with terrifying moments occurring every 5 minutes. The film doesn’t give you a chance to catch your breath. And just when you think it can’t get any scarier, Buhguul, the main antagonist, appears, and the real scares begin.
Released: 2012
Directed by: Scott Derrickson
Actors: Ethan Hawke, Vincent D’Onofrio, James Ransone
4. Insidious
James Wan revitalized the supernatural horror genre in the early 2010s with the mind-blowing and incredibly creepy film, Insidious. This movie brought a fresh and exciting twist to the typical ghost story, thanks to Wan’s incredible talent as a renowned horror director. At a time when horror movies were losing their edge, Insidious injected new life with its unique blend of fear and entertainment.
Gone were the days of gory and mean-spirited horror films that dominated the turn of the century. Instead, Insidious presented audiences with a quiet, heart-wrenching, and suspenseful ghost story that has stood the test of time. Even over a decade after its release, it continues to be hailed as a remarkable achievement in spooky storytelling.
Released: 2010
Directed by: James Wan
Actors: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Barbara Hershey
5. The Conjuring 2
The second installment of The Conjuring franchise may not have reached the same level of storytelling excellence as the original, but it still managed to deliver a thrilling paranormal tale filled with supernatural elements and an action-packed adventure. Rather than aiming to redefine the genre, the film focused on expanding and strengthening The Conjuring universe, introducing us to new beloved characters such as the terrifying The Nun. The Conjuring 2 successfully catered to fans’ desires for scares, emotional depth, excitement, and non-stop intensity. As a result, it firmly established itself as a leading contender among modern horror franchises.
Released: 2016
Directed by: James Wan
Actors: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Madison Wolfe
6. Poltergeist
Tobe Hooper created the mesmerizing and surprisingly family-friendly supernatural horror film, “Poltergeist,” in 1982. This movie, with its Spielberg-like tone, takes us on a heartfelt and intense journey of redemption and salvation. It revolves around a family’s unwavering determination to rescue their daughter, who has been snatched into the spirit realm. Throughout this nightmarish tale, we encounter an array of ghosts, goblins, and demons, creating a surreal and chilling experience.
While “Poltergeist” may not be hailed as the scariest supernatural horror film ever made, it holds a special place in the hearts of many as their introduction to the genre. Its blend of fun, fright, and freakiness makes it a captivating and mesmerizing adventure into another world.
Released: 1982
Directed by: Tobe Hooper
Actors: Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams, Beatrice Straight
7. The Ring
In the 2000s, The Ring was considered by many as the scariest supernatural horror flick around. It was adored and treasured by fans, who couldn’t get enough of its nightmare-inducing storyline. The movie successfully blended the traditional Japanese horror style with American sensibilities, making it a hit with a wider audience.
The Ring is a chilling tale of imminent doom and bone-chilling terror. From the very beginning, viewers are plunged into a world filled with grief, turmoil, pain, and existential dread. This creates an unsettling feeling that lasts throughout the film. And when Samara, the haunting central character, finally makes her presence known, audiences are in for a terrifying experience like no other.
Considered one of the greatest paranormal horror films ever made, The Ring also excels as a ghost story. It has all the elements that make for a captivating and spine-tingling supernatural thriller. It’s a movie that comes once in a generation, and it’s a must-watch for any fan of the genre.
Released: 2002
Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Actors: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman
8. The Shining
The Shining is not just one of the best horror films ever made, but also one of the scariest and most significant movies of all time. It’s a haunting and chilling supernatural film that cleverly combines Stephen King’s classic story with Stanley Kubrick’s fresh ideas. The result is a hybrid that some argue surpasses the original source material. Within the halls of The Overlook Hotel, ghosts lurk, and when the Torrance family arrives, chaos ensues. This film is considered one of the greatest and most terrifying paranormal movies ever made, delivering unimaginable horrors that will both haunt and inspire audiences for a lifetime.
Released: 1980
Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
Actors: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd
9. Insidious: Chapter 2
Insidious Chapter 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the massively popular Insidious. It picks up where the first movie left off, as the Lamberts realize that their first journey into the further didn’t go as smoothly as they had hoped. This installment of the franchise solidifies Insidious as one of the best and most beloved modern horror series.
The film successfully combines traditional supernatural horror elements with the presence of paranormal demons, creating an atmosphere of both fear and adventure. It quickly became the benchmark for all mainstream horror movies today.
Although Chapter 2 may not fully live up to the high ambitions set by its predecessor, it still delivers a thrilling and eerie experience for those seeking some spooky entertainment. It offers a rip-roaring and spine-tingling good time for fans of the genre.
Released: 2013
Directed by: James Wan
Actors: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Barbara Hershey
10. The Exorcism of Emily Rose
The Exorcism of Emily Rose” stands out among the generic films that have flooded the supernatural horror subgenre for years. While many may consider these films a plague onto the genre, this particular movie shines as a diamond in the rough. In this film, when an exorcism goes horribly wrong, it deviates from the typical happy ending seen in the best ghost movies. Instead, the audience is taken on a hellish and devastating journey filled with loss, pain, and fear.
“The Exorcism of Emily Rose” breaks away from stereotypes and traditions commonly found in horror films. It defies expectations and can be considered a subversive masterpiece. The film’s intensity is so gripping that it feels as though the demon itself is in control, driving the story straight into the gates of hell
Released: 2005
Directed by: Scott Derrickson
Actors: Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Campbell Scott
11. The Autopsy of Jane Doe
The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a truly underrated gem and a modern horror classic. It can easily get under your skin with its gripping supernatural storyline. The movie follows two forensic pathologists as they try to unravel the mystery surrounding Jane Doe, but what they uncover is beyond haunting and terrifying. It’s a film that horror enthusiasts should experience without knowing too much beforehand. Brace yourself for a shocking and captivating supernatural horror flick that stands out among the best in decades.
Released: 2016
Directed by: André Øvredal
Actors: Emile Hirsch, Brian Cox, Ophelia Lovibond