Top 20 Hollywood Horror Movies List
Are you looking for the
best and scariest horror movies to stream on Amazon Prime? Look no
further. Amazon Prime offers a vast selection of horror films to choose
from, including some of the most popular and critically acclaimed in the genre.
From classic slasher films to modern psychological thrillers, there's something
for everyone. Some of the best horror movies on Amazon Prime include:
"The Silence of the Lambs", "Halloween", "A Nightmare
on Elm Street" and "Psycho".
If you're looking for something more specific, you can check out possession movies, such as "The Exorcist" or "The Omen" or 1950s horror movies like "House of Wax". And if you're looking for new releases, you can check out new horror movies on Amazon Prime such as "The Empty Man" or "The Forever Purge" and also check out horror movies coming out soon. You can also check out the horror movies available on Disney+ and other streaming services. And if you're looking for something more current, you can check out the scary movies in theaters or the new scary movies out.
Amazon Prime offers a wide variety of horror movies to choose from and whether you're in the mood for a classic or a new release, you'll find something to keep you on the edge of your seat. The list of top Hollywood horror movies of all time is subjective and can vary depending on personal opinion. However, some of the most critically acclaimed and popular horror films in Hollywood history include:
1. Psycho (1960)
directed by Alfred Hitchcock 
"Psycho" is a 1960 psychological horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, and Vera Miles.The film is based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Robert Bloch. The story centers around a young woman named Marion Crane (Leigh) who embezzles money from her employer and goes on the run, eventually ending up at the Bates Motel, where she meets the eccentric owner, Norman Bates (Perkins). The film is known for its iconic shower scene and its use of suspense and tension to build atmosphere and keep the audience on the edge of their seats. "Psycho" was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and is considered a classic of the horror genre. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Director for Hitchcock. It's a must see movie for every movie lover and considered as one of the greatest films of all time.
2. The Exorcist (1973) directed by William Friedkin
3. The Texas
Chain Saw Massacre (1974) directed by Tobe Hooper
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" is a 1974 independent horror film directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Company. The film stars Marilyn Burns, Paul A. Partain, Edwin Neal, Jim Siedow and Gunnar Hansen. The story is set in rural Texas and follows a group of friends who fall victim to a family of cannibals, including the iconic villain Leatherface, who wears a mask made of human skin and wields a chainsaw. The film is known for its graphic violence and its use of suspense and tension to build atmosphere and keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Although the film was not a commercial success upon its release, it has since gained a cult following and is considered a classic of the horror genre. It was a major inspiration for the slasher film subgenre and is credited with popularizing the use of power tools as murder weapons in horror films. It's considered a very raw, intense and terrifying movie which set a new standard for the genre.
4. Halloween (1978) directed by John Carpenter
.webp "Top 20 Hollywood Horror Movies Forever Talks")
If you're in the mood for something more recent, check out "The Conjuring", "The Babadook" and "Get Out". If you're looking for a good horror movie to watch with your teenager, you can check out Hereditary", "The Witch" and "The Lighthouse".
If you're looking for something more specific, you can check out possession movies, such as "The Exorcist" or "The Omen" or 1950s horror movies like "House of Wax". And if you're looking for new releases, you can check out new horror movies on Amazon Prime such as "The Empty Man" or "The Forever Purge" and also check out horror movies coming out soon. You can also check out the horror movies available on Disney+ and other streaming services. And if you're looking for something more current, you can check out the scary movies in theaters or the new scary movies out.
Amazon Prime offers a wide variety of horror movies to choose from and whether you're in the mood for a classic or a new release, you'll find something to keep you on the edge of your seat. The list of top Hollywood horror movies of all time is subjective and can vary depending on personal opinion. However, some of the most critically acclaimed and popular horror films in Hollywood history include:
"Psycho" is a 1960 psychological horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, and Vera Miles.The film is based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Robert Bloch. The story centers around a young woman named Marion Crane (Leigh) who embezzles money from her employer and goes on the run, eventually ending up at the Bates Motel, where she meets the eccentric owner, Norman Bates (Perkins). The film is known for its iconic shower scene and its use of suspense and tension to build atmosphere and keep the audience on the edge of their seats. "Psycho" was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and is considered a classic of the horror genre. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Director for Hitchcock. It's a must see movie for every movie lover and considered as one of the greatest films of all time.
2. The Exorcist (1973) directed by William Friedkin
"William Friedkin
directed "The Exorcist", which was based on the 1971 novel of the
same name. The film stars Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, and Linda Blair. The
story centers around a young girl named Regan (Blair) who becomes possessed by
a demonic entity and her mother's (Burstyn) desperate attempts to save her with
the help of two Catholic priests (von Sydow and Jason Miller). The movie is
known for its intense and disturbing subject matter and its use of special
effects to create a sense of horror and unease. The film was a
commercial and critical success, grossing over $441 million worldwide
and receiving ten Academy Award nominations, winning two for Best Sound and
Best Adapted Screenplay. It's considered one of the greatest horror films ever
made and has a strong impact on the genre.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" is a 1974 independent horror film directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Company. The film stars Marilyn Burns, Paul A. Partain, Edwin Neal, Jim Siedow and Gunnar Hansen. The story is set in rural Texas and follows a group of friends who fall victim to a family of cannibals, including the iconic villain Leatherface, who wears a mask made of human skin and wields a chainsaw. The film is known for its graphic violence and its use of suspense and tension to build atmosphere and keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Although the film was not a commercial success upon its release, it has since gained a cult following and is considered a classic of the horror genre. It was a major inspiration for the slasher film subgenre and is credited with popularizing the use of power tools as murder weapons in horror films. It's considered a very raw, intense and terrifying movie which set a new standard for the genre.
4. Halloween (1978) directed by John Carpenter
"Halloween" is
a 1978 American independent slasher film directed and scored by John Carpenter,
co-written with producer Debra Hill, and starring Donald Pleasence and Jamie
Lee Curtis in her film debut. The story centers around a young girl named
Laurie Strode (Curtis) and her friends who are stalked and murdered by a masked
killer named Michael Myers (Nick Castle) on Halloween night. The film is known
for its use of suspense and tension, its iconic musical score, and its
influence on the slasher genre.
Halloween was a low-budget production but it was a commercial success and grossed over $47 million at the box office, making it one of the most profitable independent films. The film received mostly positive reviews from critics and has since become a cult classic, and is considered one of the greatest slasher films ever made. It's credited with popularizing the "slasher film" subgenre and inspiring a large number of imitators, sequels, and a 2018 reboot.
5. Alien (1979)
directed by Ridley Scott
"Alien" is a 1979 science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott, and starring Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm, and Yaphet Kotto. The story is set in the future and follows the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo, who encounter a deadly alien creature that begins to stalk and kill them one by one. The film is known for its intense and suspenseful atmosphere, its groundbreaking special effects, and its strong performances, particularly Weaver's portrayal of the character Ripley.
6. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) directed by Wes Craven
.webp "Top 20 Hollywood Horror Movies Forever Talks")
"A Nightmare on Elm Street" is a 1984 American horror film directed and written by Wes Craven and starring Heather Langenkamp, Johnny Depp, and Robert Englund. The story centers around a group of teenagers who are stalked and killed in their dreams by a disfigured serial killer named Freddy Krueger (Englund). The film is known for its inventive use of dreams and nightmares as a setting for horror, its dark and twisted sense of humor, and its iconic villain Freddy Krueger.
A Nightmare on Elm Street was a commercial success and grossed over $25 million at the box office. The film was well-received by critics and audiences and has since become a cult classic. It's considered one of the most successful independent films of all time and it's credited with popularizing the "slasher film" subgenre. The film has spawned multiple sequels, a television series, and a 2010 reboot.
The Silence of the Lambs is a 1991 American psychological horror-thriller film directed by Jonathan Demme. The 1988 novel of the same name is the basis for the film. The story centers around an FBI agent named Clarice Starling (Foster) who is tasked with tracking down a serial killer known as "Buffalo Bill" (Ted Levine), with the assistance of the imprisoned cannibalistic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Hopkins).
The film is known for its intense and suspenseful atmosphere, its strong performances, particularly Hopkins' portrayal of Lecter, and its exploration of themes such as power, gender, and the nature of evil. The film was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $272 million worldwide and winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Hopkins. The Silence of the Lambs is considered one of the greatest films ever made and it set a new standard for the genre. It's a must-see for movie lovers and considered a classic in the thriller genre.
8. The Sixth Sense (1999) directed by M. Night Shyamalan
.webp "Top 20 Hollywood Horror Movies Forever Talks")
"The Sixth Sense" is a 1999 American supernatural psychological horror film written and directed by M. The movie features Bruce, Haley, Osment, and Collette.. The story centers around a child psychologist named Malcolm Crowe (Willis) who begins working with a young boy named Cole Sear (Osment) who claims to be able to see and communicate with the dead.
The film is known for its twist ending and its use of suspense and atmosphere to build tension and keep the audience guessing. The Sixth Sense was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $672 million worldwide and receiving six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director for Shyamalan. It's considered a classic of the supernatural horror genre and it's known for its powerful performances and its emotionally resonant story.
9. The Blair Witch Project (1999) directed by Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez
Halloween was a low-budget production but it was a commercial success and grossed over $47 million at the box office, making it one of the most profitable independent films. The film received mostly positive reviews from critics and has since become a cult classic, and is considered one of the greatest slasher films ever made. It's credited with popularizing the "slasher film" subgenre and inspiring a large number of imitators, sequels, and a 2018 reboot.
"Alien" is a 1979 science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott, and starring Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm, and Yaphet Kotto. The story is set in the future and follows the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo, who encounter a deadly alien creature that begins to stalk and kill them one by one. The film is known for its intense and suspenseful atmosphere, its groundbreaking special effects, and its strong performances, particularly Weaver's portrayal of the character Ripley.
The film was a commercial and critical success and grossed over $104 million worldwide. It was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Art Direction and Best Visual Effects, and won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. "Alien" is widely considered a classic of the science fiction and horror genres, and has since spawned multiple sequels, prequels, and spin-offs. It's considered a masterful blend of science fiction and horror and is considered as one of the greatest films ever made.
6. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) directed by Wes Craven
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"A Nightmare on Elm Street" is a 1984 American horror film directed and written by Wes Craven and starring Heather Langenkamp, Johnny Depp, and Robert Englund. The story centers around a group of teenagers who are stalked and killed in their dreams by a disfigured serial killer named Freddy Krueger (Englund). The film is known for its inventive use of dreams and nightmares as a setting for horror, its dark and twisted sense of humor, and its iconic villain Freddy Krueger.
A Nightmare on Elm Street was a commercial success and grossed over $25 million at the box office. The film was well-received by critics and audiences and has since become a cult classic. It's considered one of the most successful independent films of all time and it's credited with popularizing the "slasher film" subgenre. The film has spawned multiple sequels, a television series, and a 2010 reboot.
The Silence of the Lambs is a 1991 American psychological horror-thriller film directed by Jonathan Demme. The 1988 novel of the same name is the basis for the film. The story centers around an FBI agent named Clarice Starling (Foster) who is tasked with tracking down a serial killer known as "Buffalo Bill" (Ted Levine), with the assistance of the imprisoned cannibalistic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Hopkins).
The film is known for its intense and suspenseful atmosphere, its strong performances, particularly Hopkins' portrayal of Lecter, and its exploration of themes such as power, gender, and the nature of evil. The film was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $272 million worldwide and winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Hopkins. The Silence of the Lambs is considered one of the greatest films ever made and it set a new standard for the genre. It's a must-see for movie lovers and considered a classic in the thriller genre.
8. The Sixth Sense (1999) directed by M. Night Shyamalan
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"The Sixth Sense" is a 1999 American supernatural psychological horror film written and directed by M. The movie features Bruce, Haley, Osment, and Collette.. The story centers around a child psychologist named Malcolm Crowe (Willis) who begins working with a young boy named Cole Sear (Osment) who claims to be able to see and communicate with the dead.
The film is known for its twist ending and its use of suspense and atmosphere to build tension and keep the audience guessing. The Sixth Sense was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $672 million worldwide and receiving six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director for Shyamalan. It's considered a classic of the supernatural horror genre and it's known for its powerful performances and its emotionally resonant story.
9. The Blair Witch Project (1999) directed by Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez
.webp "Top 20 Hollywood Horror Movies Forever Talks")
"The Blair Witch Project" is a 1999 American found footage supernatural horror film directed, written, and edited by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez. The film stars Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams and Joshua Leonard as a trio of documentary filmmakers who hike into the Black Hills near Burkittsville, Maryland to uncover the legends surrounding the Blair Witch. The film is notable for its use of the found footage format, and its effective use of suspense and atmosphere to build tension.
The Blair Witch
Project was a low-budget production, but it was a commercial and critical
success, grossing over $248 million worldwide. The film was
well-received by critics, who praised its unique storytelling and its ability
to create a sense of dread and unease. The Blair Witch Project is considered a
classic of the found footage genre and it's credited for popularizing the
format. The film has since spawned a sequel and a 2016 reboot.
10. The Shining (1980) directed by Stanley Kubrick
.webp "Top 20 Hollywood Horror Movies Forever Talks")
"The Shining" is a 1980 psychological horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on the 1977 novel of the same name by Stephen King. The film stars Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, and Danny Lloyd. The story centers around Jack Torrance (Nicholson), a struggling writer who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel in the Rocky Mountains. He brings his wife and young son, Danny, with him to the isolated hotel. As the harsh winter weather sets in and isolation takes hold, Jack's sanity begins to unravel as he becomes plagued by visions of ghosts and terrifying events that occurred in the hotel's past.
The Shining is considered a classic of the horror genre and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. It's known for its striking cinematography, its use of symbolism, and its iconic performances, particularly Nicholson's portrayal of Jack Torrance. The film was a box office success, grossing $44 million against a $19 million budget, and received generally positive reviews from critics. The film has become a cultural touchstone and has been analyzed and interpreted by scholars, filmmakers, and audiences alike.
These movies were popular, critically acclaimed and considered as classic horror films and have stood the test of time. However, this list is not exhaustive and there are many other horror films that are considered as great.
The 1974 novel of the same name by Peter Benchley was the basis for Steven Spielberg's 1975 American thriller film "Jaws".. The film stars Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss. The story is set in the fictional seaside resort of Amity Island, and follows a police chief (Scheider), a shark hunter (Shaw), and a marine biologist (Dreyfuss) as they try to hunt down and kill a great white shark that is attacking and killing swimmers.
The film is known for its suspenseful score composed by John Williams, its intense and thrilling action scenes, and its iconic villain, the great white shark. Jaws was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $470 million worldwide and receiving three Academy Award nominations. It's considered one of the greatest films ever made and it's credited with popularizing the summer blockbuster film and launching the career of Steven Spielberg. It's considered a classic in the thriller and adventure genres and has been praised for its ability to create suspense and atmosphere.
2. Rosemary's Baby (1968) directed by Roman Polanski
"Rosemary's Baby" is a 1968 psychological horror film directed by Roman Polanski and based on the 1967 novel of the same name by Ira Levin. The film stars Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, and Ruth Gordon. The story centers around a young couple, Rosemary (Farrow) and Guy Woodhouse (Cassavetes) who move into a new apartment in New York City, where Rosemary becomes pregnant and begins to suspect that her neighbors, who are a coven of witches, may be planning to use her unborn child for satanic purposes. .webp "Top 20 Hollywood Horror Movies Forever Talks")
3. The Omen (1976) directed by Richard Donner
.webp "Top 20 Hollywood Horror Movies Forever Talks")
"The Omen" is a 1976 supernatural horror film. The film stars Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, David Warner, and Harvey Stephens. The story centers around a successful diplomat Robert Thorn (Peck) who learns that his adopted son, Damien (Stephens), is the Antichrist, and must protect his family from Satan's minions.
The film is known for its suspenseful atmosphere, its use of religious iconography, and its strong performances, particularly Peck's portrayal of Robert Thorn. The Omen was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $60 million worldwide, and receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score by Jerry Goldsmith. It's considered a classic of the horror genre and has since been considered as one of the greatest supernatural horror films ever made. The film's commercial success led to a franchise, with multiple sequels and a 2006 remake.
4Child's Play (1988) directed by Tom Holland
"Child's Play" is a 1988 American horror film directed by Tom Holland and written by Don Mancini. The film stars Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon, Alex Vincent, and Brad Dourif. The story follows a single mother who gives her son a popular toy doll for his birthday, not realizing its sinister nature. The film was a box office success and spawned a franchise, including several sequels and a reboot.
"Get Out" is a 2017 American horror-thriller film written and directed by Jordan Peele. The film stars Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landry Jones, and Stephen Root. The story centers around a young African-American man named Chris Washington (Kaluuya) who visits the family of his white girlfriend Rose (Williams) and discovers a sinister secret involving mind control and transplants of the brains of white people into the bodies of black people.
6. The Conjuring (2013) directed by James Wan
.webp "Top 20 Hollywood Horror Movies Forever Talks")
James Wan directed and wrote the American supernatural horror film "The Conjuring". Hayes. The film features Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Lili Taylor, and Ron Livingston. The story is based on the true events of the Perron family and the Warrens, a couple who were paranormal investigators and authors, as they become involved in the family's haunting by a powerful, malicious spirit.
The film is known for its intense and suspenseful atmosphere, its use of religious iconography, and its strong performances, particularly Farmiga's portrayal of Lorraine Warren. The Conjuring was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $319 million worldwide and receiving positive reviews from critics. It's considered a classic of the horror genre and has since been considered one of the greatest supernatural horror films ever made. The film's success led to multiple sequels, prequels, spin-offs, and even an entire cinematic universe known as "The Conjuring Universe"
7. The Grudge (2004) directed by Takashi Shimizu
.webp "Top 20 Hollywood Horror Movies Forever Talks")
The Grudge is a 2004 American supernatural horror film written and directed by Stephen Susco. The film stars several people. The story is based on the Japanese horror film, "Ju-on: The Grudge" and centers around a young woman, Karen (Gellar) who becomes embroiled in a series of supernatural events linked to a vengeful ghost known as the Grudge.
The film is known for its suspenseful atmosphere, its use of Japanese horror elements and its strong performances, particularly Gellar's portrayal of Karen. The Grudge was a commercial success, grossing over $187 million worldwide and received mixed reviews from critics. The film's success led to a series of sequels, a reboot and a U.S. adaptation of the original Japanese film series. It's considered a classic of the horror genre and has since been considered as one of the most iconic horror films of the 21st century.
8. Scream (1996) directed by Wes Craven
.webp "Top 20 Hollywood Horror Movies Forever Talks")
"Scream" is a 1996 American slasher movie.. The film stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and Drew Barrymore. The story centers around a group of high school students who are stalked and killed by a mysterious figure known as "Ghostface" who seems to be obsessed with horror movies.
The film is known for its self-referential and meta-textual elements, its use of suspense and black humor and its strong performances, particularly Campbell's portrayal of the protagonist Sidney Prescott. Scream was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $173 million worldwide and receiving positive reviews from critics. The film's success led to a series of sequels and a TV show, and it is considered a classic of the horror genre and has since been considered as one of the most iconic horror films of the 90s. It's credited with revitalizing the slasher genre and for its clever subversion of the genre's conventions.
9. The Babadook (2014) directed by Jennifer Kent
"The Babadook" is a 2014 Australian psychological horror film directed by Jennifer Kent and written by Jennifer Kent. The film stars Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, and Daniel Henshall. The story centers around a widow named Amelia (Davis) who is struggling to raise her six-year-old son, Samuel (Wiseman), who is convinced that a monster from a pop-up storybook, The Babadook, is real and is coming to get them.
The film is known for its intense and suspenseful atmosphere, its use of a psychological horror and its strong performances, particularly Davis's portrayal of Amelia. The Babadook was a critical success and received positive reviews from critics. The film was a commercial success in Australia and has since gained a cult following and is considered a classic of the horror genre. The film has been praised for its ability to create a sense of unease and for its exploration of themes of grief and mental health.
10. The Ring (2002) directed by Gore Verbinski
"The Ring" is a 2002 American supernatural horror film directed by Gore Verbinski and written by Ehren Kruger. The film stars Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, and Brian Cox. The story is based on the 1998 Japanese horror film "Ringu" and centers around a journalist, Rachel Keller (Watts), who investigates a mysterious, cursed videotape that causes whoever watches it to die seven days later.
The film is
known for its suspenseful atmosphere, its use of technology and
its strong performances, particularly Watts's portrayal of Rachel
Keller. The Ring was a commercial and critical success, grossing over
$249 million worldwide and receiving positive reviews from
critics. The film was the first American adaptation of a Japanese horror
film that was successful and it's credited with popularizing the
J-horror genre in the west. It's considered a classic of the horror
genre and has since been considered as one of the most iconic horror films of
the 21st century. The film's success led to a sequel and a 2017 prequel.
10. The Shining (1980) directed by Stanley Kubrick
.webp "Top 20 Hollywood Horror Movies Forever Talks")
"The Shining" is a 1980 psychological horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on the 1977 novel of the same name by Stephen King. The film stars Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, and Danny Lloyd. The story centers around Jack Torrance (Nicholson), a struggling writer who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel in the Rocky Mountains. He brings his wife and young son, Danny, with him to the isolated hotel. As the harsh winter weather sets in and isolation takes hold, Jack's sanity begins to unravel as he becomes plagued by visions of ghosts and terrifying events that occurred in the hotel's past.
The Shining is considered a classic of the horror genre and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. It's known for its striking cinematography, its use of symbolism, and its iconic performances, particularly Nicholson's portrayal of Jack Torrance. The film was a box office success, grossing $44 million against a $19 million budget, and received generally positive reviews from critics. The film has become a cultural touchstone and has been analyzed and interpreted by scholars, filmmakers, and audiences alike.
These movies were popular, critically acclaimed and considered as classic horror films and have stood the test of time. However, this list is not exhaustive and there are many other horror films that are considered as great.
MORE
Sure, here are some more popular and critically acclaimed Hollywood horror films that could be considered among the top of all time:
1. Jaws (1975) directed by Steven Spielberg
The 1974 novel of the same name by Peter Benchley was the basis for Steven Spielberg's 1975 American thriller film "Jaws".. The film stars Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss. The story is set in the fictional seaside resort of Amity Island, and follows a police chief (Scheider), a shark hunter (Shaw), and a marine biologist (Dreyfuss) as they try to hunt down and kill a great white shark that is attacking and killing swimmers.
The film is known for its suspenseful score composed by John Williams, its intense and thrilling action scenes, and its iconic villain, the great white shark. Jaws was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $470 million worldwide and receiving three Academy Award nominations. It's considered one of the greatest films ever made and it's credited with popularizing the summer blockbuster film and launching the career of Steven Spielberg. It's considered a classic in the thriller and adventure genres and has been praised for its ability to create suspense and atmosphere.
2. Rosemary's Baby (1968) directed by Roman Polanski
"Rosemary's Baby" is a 1968 psychological horror film directed by Roman Polanski and based on the 1967 novel of the same name by Ira Levin. The film stars Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, and Ruth Gordon. The story centers around a young couple, Rosemary (Farrow) and Guy Woodhouse (Cassavetes) who move into a new apartment in New York City, where Rosemary becomes pregnant and begins to suspect that her neighbors, who are a coven of witches, may be planning to use her unborn child for satanic purposes.
.webp "Top 20 Hollywood Horror Movies Forever Talks")
The film is
known for its suspenseful atmosphere, its use of psychological horror,
and its strong performances, particularly Gordon's portrayal of the eccentric
neighbor Minnie Castevet. Rosemary's Baby was a critical and commercial
success, grossing over $33 million worldwide, and receiving two Academy Award
nominations. It's considered a classic of the horror genre and has since been
considered one of the greatest films ever made. It's known for its ability
to create a sense of unease and to explore themes of paranoia, isolation, and
the fear of the unknown.
3. The Omen (1976) directed by Richard Donner
.webp "Top 20 Hollywood Horror Movies Forever Talks")
"The Omen" is a 1976 supernatural horror film. The film stars Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, David Warner, and Harvey Stephens. The story centers around a successful diplomat Robert Thorn (Peck) who learns that his adopted son, Damien (Stephens), is the Antichrist, and must protect his family from Satan's minions.
The film is known for its suspenseful atmosphere, its use of religious iconography, and its strong performances, particularly Peck's portrayal of Robert Thorn. The Omen was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $60 million worldwide, and receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score by Jerry Goldsmith. It's considered a classic of the horror genre and has since been considered as one of the greatest supernatural horror films ever made. The film's commercial success led to a franchise, with multiple sequels and a 2006 remake.
4Child's Play (1988) directed by Tom Holland
"Child's Play" is a 1988 American horror film directed by Tom Holland and written by Don Mancini. The film stars Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon, Alex Vincent, and Brad Dourif. The story follows a single mother who gives her son a popular toy doll for his birthday, not realizing its sinister nature. The film was a box office success and spawned a franchise, including several sequels and a reboot.
5. Get Out (2017) directed by Jordan Peele
"Get Out" is a 2017 American horror-thriller film written and directed by Jordan Peele. The film stars Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landry Jones, and Stephen Root. The story centers around a young African-American man named Chris Washington (Kaluuya) who visits the family of his white girlfriend Rose (Williams) and discovers a sinister secret involving mind control and transplants of the brains of white people into the bodies of black people.
The film is known for its satirical and socially conscious themes, its use of horror to comment on issues of race and class, and its strong performances, particularly Kaluuya's portrayal of Chris. Get Out was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $255 million worldwide and receiving four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and winning for Best Original Screenplay for Peele. The film has been widely praised for its ability to blend horror, comedy, and social commentary in a way that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. It has become a cultural touchstone and is considered one of the best horror movies of recent years.
6. The Conjuring (2013) directed by James Wan
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James Wan directed and wrote the American supernatural horror film "The Conjuring". Hayes. The film features Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Lili Taylor, and Ron Livingston. The story is based on the true events of the Perron family and the Warrens, a couple who were paranormal investigators and authors, as they become involved in the family's haunting by a powerful, malicious spirit.
The film is known for its intense and suspenseful atmosphere, its use of religious iconography, and its strong performances, particularly Farmiga's portrayal of Lorraine Warren. The Conjuring was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $319 million worldwide and receiving positive reviews from critics. It's considered a classic of the horror genre and has since been considered one of the greatest supernatural horror films ever made. The film's success led to multiple sequels, prequels, spin-offs, and even an entire cinematic universe known as "The Conjuring Universe"
7. The Grudge (2004) directed by Takashi Shimizu
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The Grudge is a 2004 American supernatural horror film written and directed by Stephen Susco. The film stars several people. The story is based on the Japanese horror film, "Ju-on: The Grudge" and centers around a young woman, Karen (Gellar) who becomes embroiled in a series of supernatural events linked to a vengeful ghost known as the Grudge.
The film is known for its suspenseful atmosphere, its use of Japanese horror elements and its strong performances, particularly Gellar's portrayal of Karen. The Grudge was a commercial success, grossing over $187 million worldwide and received mixed reviews from critics. The film's success led to a series of sequels, a reboot and a U.S. adaptation of the original Japanese film series. It's considered a classic of the horror genre and has since been considered as one of the most iconic horror films of the 21st century.
8. Scream (1996) directed by Wes Craven
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"Scream" is a 1996 American slasher movie.. The film stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and Drew Barrymore. The story centers around a group of high school students who are stalked and killed by a mysterious figure known as "Ghostface" who seems to be obsessed with horror movies.
The film is known for its self-referential and meta-textual elements, its use of suspense and black humor and its strong performances, particularly Campbell's portrayal of the protagonist Sidney Prescott. Scream was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $173 million worldwide and receiving positive reviews from critics. The film's success led to a series of sequels and a TV show, and it is considered a classic of the horror genre and has since been considered as one of the most iconic horror films of the 90s. It's credited with revitalizing the slasher genre and for its clever subversion of the genre's conventions.
9. The Babadook (2014) directed by Jennifer Kent
"The Babadook" is a 2014 Australian psychological horror film directed by Jennifer Kent and written by Jennifer Kent. The film stars Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, and Daniel Henshall. The story centers around a widow named Amelia (Davis) who is struggling to raise her six-year-old son, Samuel (Wiseman), who is convinced that a monster from a pop-up storybook, The Babadook, is real and is coming to get them.
The film is known for its intense and suspenseful atmosphere, its use of a psychological horror and its strong performances, particularly Davis's portrayal of Amelia. The Babadook was a critical success and received positive reviews from critics. The film was a commercial success in Australia and has since gained a cult following and is considered a classic of the horror genre. The film has been praised for its ability to create a sense of unease and for its exploration of themes of grief and mental health.
10. The Ring (2002) directed by Gore Verbinski
"The Ring" is a 2002 American supernatural horror film directed by Gore Verbinski and written by Ehren Kruger. The film stars Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, and Brian Cox. The story is based on the 1998 Japanese horror film "Ringu" and centers around a journalist, Rachel Keller (Watts), who investigates a mysterious, cursed videotape that causes whoever watches it to die seven days later.
These films have been popular and critically acclaimed, and have had a significant impact on the horror genre. They have also been considered as classic horror films and have stood the test of time. However, this list is not exhaustive and there are many other horror films that are considered as great.
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Horror