Welcome horror movie lovers! Speaking of horror movies, have you ever noticed how so many of them rely on jump scares to elicit fear from their audiences? It seems like every horror movie these days has at least a few scenes where the music suddenly gets loud and a scary monster jumps out of nowhere, causing the viewer to jump out of their seat in terror. But is that all there is to the horror genre? Absolutely not.
While jump scares can be effective in creating tension and fear, they are by no means the only way to scare an audience. In fact, some of the most terrifying horror movies out there have basically no jump scares at all. These movies will leave you feeling uneasy, uncomfortable, and downright scared without relying on cheap thrills and sound effects. They create an atmosphere of dread and suspense that lingers long after the credits have rolled.
Horror as a genre is all about exploring the things that scare us the most. From ghosts and demons to serial killers and monsters, horror movies tap into our deepest fears and anxieties, using them to create stories that keep us on the edge of our seats. But while jump scares may be the most obvious way to scare an audience, they are not the only way. In fact, some of the most effective horror movies are the ones that don't rely on them at all.
Instead, these movies use a combination of visual storytelling, sound design, and psychological terror to create an atmosphere that is both creepy and unnerving. They play on our primal fears of the dark, the unknown, and the supernatural, and leave us feeling unsettled and disturbed long after we've left the theater.
So, if you're tired of horror movies that rely too heavily on jump scares, fear not. There are plenty of great horror movies out there that will leave you terrified without making you jump out of your skin. From slow-burn psychological thrillers to atmospheric ghost stories, these movies prove that there's more to the horror genre than just cheap thrills and jump scares.
20 Coherence (2013)
Imagine a dinner party with old friends turning into a reality-bending nightmare. Coherence takes the phrase “things are not what they seem” to a whole new level. The storyline follows eight friends who gather for a dinner party on the night of a rare comet passing overhead. As the night progresses, strange things begin to happen, and the group finds themselves questioning reality, themselves, and each other. The characters are relatable and intriguing, and the horror comes from the fear of the unknown and the uncertainty of what's real and what's not. What sets Coherence apart is its mind-bending storyline, excellent performances, and unexpected twists that keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
19 Get Out (2017)
Get Out is a satirical horror movie that's equal parts hilarious and terrifying. The storyline follows a young black man named Chris, who goes to visit his white girlfriend's family in the suburbs. As the weekend progresses, Chris begins to realize that things are not what they seem, and he becomes trapped in a nightmare he never could have imagined. The characters are well-written and expertly acted, and the horror comes from the subtle and insidious racism that permeates the story. What sets Get Out apart is its commentary on race and the way it uses horror to highlight the insidiousness of racism in modern society.
18 It Follows (2014)
It Follows is a slow-burn horror movie that relies on atmosphere and tension to scare the living daylights out of you. The storyline follows a teenage girl named Jay, who becomes the target of a supernatural entity that follows her wherever she goes. The only way to get rid of it is to pass it on to someone else through sexual intercourse. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the horror comes from the constant sense of dread and unease that pervades the story. What sets It Follows apart is its unique concept and the way it uses horror to explore themes of sexuality, adolescence, and growing up. It's a thought-provoking and deeply unsettling movie that will leave you thinking about it long after it's over.
17 Bone Tomahawk (2015)
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Have you ever wanted to see a horror movie set in the Wild West? Well, Bone Tomahawk is the movie for you! When a group of settlers in a small town are kidnapped by a mysterious tribe of cannibals, a ragtag group of cowboys set out on a dangerous mission to rescue them. But as they journey deeper into the wilderness, they quickly realize that the cannibals are not the only thing they need to fear. With a cast that includes Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, and Matthew Fox, Bone Tomahawk is a brutal and uncompromising horror movie that is not for the faint of heart. But if you can stomach the gore, you'll be treated to a unique and thrilling ride that you won't soon forget.
16 Perfect Blue (1997)
Anime isn't a genre that's often associated with horror, but Perfect Blue is here to change that. This psychological thriller tells the story of a pop star who decides to leave the music industry to pursue a career in acting. But as she begins to make a name for herself in her new field, she starts to experience terrifying hallucinations that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. With stunning animation and a gripping storyline, Perfect Blue is a haunting and unforgettable horror movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
15 Memories Of Murder (2003)
Based on the true story of South Korea's first serial killer, Memories of Murder is a chilling and suspenseful crime thriller that will leave you feeling uneasy long after the credits have rolled. Set in the 1980s, the movie follows a team of detectives as they try to catch a killer who is targeting young women in a small town. But as the investigation drags on, the detectives begin to realize that the killer may be closer than they ever imagined. With stunning performances from its cast and a gripping storyline that keeps you guessing until the very end, Memories of Murder is a must-see horror movie for anyone who loves a good mystery.
14 The Killing Of A Sacred Deer (2017)
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If you're looking for a horror movie that's both unsettling and unique, then look no further than The Killing Of A Sacred Deer. This movie follows a surgeon named Steven Murphy, whose life takes a dark and twisted turn when he befriends a troubled teenager named Martin. As the story unfolds, we're taken on a journey that's both creepy and unpredictable, as Steven and his family become the targets of Martin's sinister plan. What sets this movie apart from other horror movies is its slow burn approach to building tension. There are no jump scares here, just an overwhelming sense of dread and unease that builds slowly but steadily until the film's shocking climax. The acting is also top-notch, with Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman delivering standout performances as the film's leads. All in all, The Killing Of A Sacred Deer is a haunting and unforgettable horror movie that's not to be missed.
13 Us (2019)
Us is a horror movie that's both terrifying and thought-provoking. The story follows a family on vacation, who are terrorized by their doppelgangers - exact copies of themselves that are hell-bent on killing them. As the family fights for their survival, we're taken on a journey that's both suspenseful and deeply unsettling. Us truly stand out is its social commentary. The movie explores themes of identity, class, and privilege, and uses the horror genre as a vehicle to comment on real-world issues. But don't worry - the social commentary doesn't detract from the horror. In fact, it only adds to the terror, making Us one of the most memorable and impactful horror movies in recent years.
12 Carrie (1976)
Carrie is a classic horror movie that's stood the test of time. Based on the novel by Stephen King, the movie tells the story of a shy and introverted high school student named Carrie White, who discovers she has telekinetic powers. As the story unfolds, we see Carrie become the victim of bullying and cruelty, until she finally unleashes her powers in a climactic and bloody finale. Carrie does wonders in focusing on character development. The movie spends a lot of time establishing Carrie's character, and we're given a deep understanding of her motivations and struggles. This makes the horror all the more effective, as we're emotionally invested in Carrie's story. The movie also features a standout performance by Sissy Spacek as Carrie, who brings a quiet intensity to the role. All in all, Carrie is a classic horror movie that's still as impactful today as it was when it was first released.
11 The Mist (2007)
If you're a fan of Stephen King, then you won't want to miss this movie. The Mist is a horror film that tells the story of a small town that's engulfed by a strange mist that's full of deadly creatures. As a group of survivors huddle together in a supermarket, tensions rise and alliances are tested as they try to find a way out. One of the things that makes The Mist stand out is its exploration of human nature in the face of extreme circumstances. As the survivors become more desperate, they turn on each other in ways that are both shocking and disturbing. And when the film reaches its gut-wrenching climax, you'll be left reeling in horror and disbelief.
10 The Blair Witch Project (1999)
If you're looking for a horror movie that's both innovative and terrifying, then look no further than The Blair Witch Project. This movie tells the story of three filmmakers who venture into the woods to document the legend of the Blair Witch, only to become lost and terrorized by an unseen force. The Blair Witch Project stands out with its use of found footage to create a sense of realism and immersion that's unmatched by other horror movies. The shaky, grainy footage makes it feel like you're right there with the characters as they descend into madness and terror. And while the ending may be divisive, there's no denying that The Blair Witch Project is a horror classic that still holds up today.
9 Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary is a horror movie that will leave you shaken to your core. It tells the story of a family who's haunted by a sinister force after the death of their matriarch. As the family members start to unravel, they're forced to confront their own demons as they try to survive. What makes Hereditary stand out is its slow burn approach to horror. Instead of relying on jump scares, it builds a sense of unease and dread that's almost unbearable. And when the horror does finally arrive, it's all the more effective for it. The performances are also top-notch, with Toni Collette delivering a powerhouse performance that's both heartbreaking and terrifying. Hereditary is a horror movie that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
8 Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
What do you get when you combine the eerie atmosphere of old Hollywood with a plot straight out of a nightmare? You get Rosemary's Baby. This classic horror movie follows Rosemary, a young woman who moves into a new apartment with her husband, only to find herself caught up in a web of conspiracy and terror. As she becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid, she begins to suspect that her neighbors are not what they seem - and that her unborn child may be in danger. Rosemary's Baby takes a slow burn approach to horror. There are no jump scares here; instead, the tension builds slowly and steadily until it reaches a horrifying climax. And while the movie's themes of motherhood, paranoia, and religion may be unsettling, it's the haunting atmosphere and the incredible performance by lead actress Mia Farrow that truly make this movie a classic.
7 Donnie Darko (2001)
What happens when you combine a trippy time travel plot with a killer rabbit and a killer soundtrack? Well, you've got to watch Donnie Darko to find out. This mind-bending horror movie follows Donnie, a troubled teenager who begins to experience strange visions and encounters a creepy rabbit named Frank who tells him that the world is about to end. What sets Donnie Darko apart is its blend of horror, science fiction, and coming-of-age drama. The movie tackles weighty themes like destiny, time travel, and mental illness, all while keeping you on the edge of your seat with its creepy atmosphere and unpredictable plot twists. And while it may not be a traditional horror movie, Donnie Darko is sure to leave you feeling haunted and deeply unsettled.
6 Silence Of The Lambs (1998)
Combine a psychological thriller with a serial killer on the loose and that’s the premise of Silence of the Lambs. This movie follows Clarice Starling, a young FBI agent who is tasked with interviewing the infamous cannibalistic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, in order to catch another killer on the loose. Silence of the Lambs features incredible performances by lead actors Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. Their cat-and-mouse game is as terrifying as it is fascinating, and the movie's exploration of gender, power, and violence make it a standout in the horror genre. Plus, who could forget that iconic scene where Lecter wears a guard's face as a mask?
5 Under The Skin (2013)
Imagine an alien seductress crawling around the streets of Glasgow. That’s Under the Skin. This movie follows an otherworldly creature played by Scarlett Johansson, who lures men into her lair in order to feed on them. Under the Skin takes a unique approach to horror. The movie is more of a slow-burn art film than a traditional horror movie, with long stretches of silence and breathtaking cinematography. But make no mistake - this movie is deeply unsettling, and its exploration of humanity, sexuality, and isolation will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. Plus, Scarlett Johansson gives a haunting and mesmerizing performance that's unlike anything you've ever seen from her before.
4 Suspiria (2018)
Prepare to be transported to a world of darkness and dread with Suspiria - a movie that's sure to make your skin crawl. Set in a prestigious dance academy in 1970s Berlin, Suspiria follows the story of an American dancer who quickly realizes that there's something very wrong with the school. As the story unfolds, we're treated to a masterclass in tension-building and psychological horror, as the true nature of the academy is revealed. With stunning visuals, a haunting soundtrack, and a stellar cast, Suspiria is a must-see for horror fans who want something more than just jump scares.
3 The Witch (2015)
The Witch is a horror movie like no other. Set in colonial New England, the movie follows a family as they're banished from their village and forced to make a new home in the wilderness. But as they try to build a new life for themselves, they find themselves plagued by strange occurrences and unexplainable events. As tensions rise, the family begins to turn on each other, leading to a terrifying conclusion. What sets The Witch apart from other horror movies is its commitment to historical accuracy and its use of language and dialogue that's true to the time period. The result is a movie that's not only terrifying, but also a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.
2 The Lighthouse (2019)
The Lighthouse is a movie that will leave you feeling disorientated and unnerved long after the credits have rolled. Set on a remote island in the late 1800s, the movie follows two lighthouse keepers as they try to maintain their sanity in isolation. As the days go by, they begin to lose touch with reality, leading to a descent into madness that's as gripping as it is horrifying. With stunning black-and-white visuals, a gripping story, and phenomenal performances from its two leads, The Lighthouse is a movie that's not to be missed.
1 Midsommar (2019)
If you're looking for a horror movie that's as beautiful as it is terrifying, then look no further than Midsommar. Set in a remote Swedish village, the movie follows a group of friends as they travel to attend a festival that only happens once every 90 years. But as the festival unfolds, they begin to realize that there's something very wrong with the villagers - and they soon find themselves caught up in a nightmare that they may not be able to escape from. With stunning cinematography, an eerie soundtrack, and a gripping story, Midsommar is a horror movie that's sure to stay with you long after you've watched it.