Horror movies have been entertaining and scaring audiences for decades, and this list of the top 10 disturbingly creepy horror movies is sure to keep viewers up at night. From The Shining’s slow descent into madness to The Exorcist’s shocking visuals, these classics have stood the test of time and remain some of the most iconic horror movies. More recent films like Hereditary and The Babadook explore themes of grief and mental illness in a way that elevates the horror genre. And Suspiria remains one of the most visually stunning horror movies ever made. Whether you’re a horror fanatic or just looking for a good scare, these movies are a must-see.
10 Disturbingly Creepy Horror Movies That Will Keep You up at Night
1. The Shining
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining tells the story of writer Jack Torrance, who takes his family to the secluded and haunted Overlook Hotel to work as a caretaker. As the winter sets in, the hotel’s evil spirits start to take over, leading to a terrifying descent into madness for the family. The movie is full of haunting visuals and an eerie score, making it a must-see horror classic.
2. The Exorcist
William Friedkin’s The Exorcist follows the story of a young girl who becomes possessed by a demon, forcing her family to turn to two priests for help in exorcising the evil. This cult classic is remembered for its shocking visuals and scary soundtrack, and it remains one of the most iconic horror movies of all time.
3. Rosemary’s Baby
Directed by Roman Polanski, Rosemary’s Baby tells the story of a pregnant woman who suspects that her husband and their neighbors plan to sacrifice her unborn child to the devil. The psychological horror movie is full of tension and disturbing imagery, making it a cult classic that still terrifies audiences 50 years after its release.
4. A Nightmare on Elm Street
Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street introduced audiences to the terrifying Freddy Krueger, a dream demon who preys on teenagers in their dreams. The movie is famous for its memorable kills and Freddy’s creepy one-liners, making it a must-watch for any horror fan.
5. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre follows a group of friends who run afoul of a family of cannibals in rural Texas. The movie relies on tension and gore to create a truly terrifying atmosphere, and it has influenced countless horror movies in the decades since its release.
6. Don’t Look Now
Directed by Nicolas Roeg, Don’t Look Now tells the story of a grieving couple who travel to Venice after the death of their daughter. The movie is full of unsettling imagery and a haunting score, and it builds to a shocking finale that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
7. The Babadook
Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook tells the story of a single mother and her young son who are plagued by a supernatural monster from a children’s book. The movie is full of tension and psychological scares, and it explores themes of grief and mental illness in a way that elevates it above most horror movies.
8. Hereditary
Ari Aster’s Hereditary follows the story of a family who experiences a series of terrifying events after the death of their matriarch. The movie is full of shocking twists and disturbing visuals, and it has earned praise as one of the best horror movies of the last decade.
9. The Witch
Robert Eggers’ The Witch tells the story of a Puritan family in 17th-century New England who are terrorized by a witch living in the nearby woods. The movie is full of tension and atmosphere, and it features standout performances from its cast.
10. Suspiria
Dario Argento’s Suspiria follows a young woman who enrolls at a ballet school in Germany, only to discover that it is run by a coven of witches. The movie is a feast for the senses, with vibrant colors and a haunting score, and it remains one of the most visually stunning horror movies ever made.
Closing Thoughts
These 10 horror movies represent the cream of the crop when it comes to scary cinema. Whether you’re a fan of psychological scares, supernatural monsters, or gore-soaked slashers, there’s something on this list that will get your heart pounding and your palms sweating. So grab some popcorn, turn out the lights, and get ready to be terrified by some of the greatest horror movies ever made.