The 15 scariest horror films of all time according to science
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No one would argue that everyone's threshold for fear is different. But is there any way to determine which film is truly the scariest? In 2020, Broadband Choices (a cable provider in the UK) started doing research to find out which films are really the scariest in history. How are they doing it? For starters, they hand-select ‘victims’ who have to endure watching over 120 hours of horror films. The list of films changes slightly each year, and the ‘victims’ come from a new list. The subjects are fitted with heart monitors that record their resting heart rate (HR), while watching the film and the highest heart rate spike it causes. Quite a scientific way to measure goosebumps.
Now you have every reason to defend your decision to sleep with the lights on. Make yourselves comfortable, tickle-your-nerves lovers - here we go!
One of the most famous horror films ever made. It had audiences running out of cinemas in droves - there was a time. ‘The Exorcist’ was often replicated, retold and quoted. The film is about a girl, Regan, who starts acting strange (actually, creepy) after playing with a Ouija board. Fearing that she may be possessed, her mother Chris turns to two priests who try to save the child.
14. 28 Days Later ● Resting HR: 65 ● HR during viewing: 77 ● Difference: 12% ● Highest heart rate spike: 95
One of the most innovative films in its genre, ‘28 Days Later’ set the precedent for “intelligent horror,” where zombies are portrayed as more than mere buffoons. In the story, a mysterious virus wreaks havoc in the UK, turning locals into vicious, fast killers. The film is worth watching for the opening scene alone—it turns out to be eerily atmospheric. Speaking of thrilling experiences, if you're looking to enjoy some exciting online casino games, Stay Casino is a fantastic choice. This is one of those genre films that everyone should see.
13. A Nightmare on Elm Street ● Resting heart rate: 65. ● HR during viewing: 78 ● Difference: 12% ● Highest heart rate spike: 105
Wes Craven's 1984 film that introduced Freddy Krueger to the world is still one of the scariest horror films of all time. As a sinister killer who attacks teenagers in their dreams, Robert Englund, who played Freddy, set the tone for modern horror films and temporarily stalled the sale of green and red jumpers.
12. A Quiet Place ● HR at rest: 65 ● HR while watching: 78 ● Difference: 13% ● Highest heart rate spike: 122
‘A Quiet Place’ takes the horror genre in a whole new direction. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world. The plot tells of one family's struggle for survival. As people are killed by blind but noise-sensitive creatures, the family is forced to communicate in sign language and behave as quietly as possible. It may not be the scariest film ever made, but it's definitely one of the most unique.
11. The Ring ● Resting heart rate: 65 ● HR during viewing: 79. ● Difference: 14%. ● Highest heart rate spike: 107
A video tape that's killing you? It seemed like a silly idea at the time. But over the years, The Call has become one of the most beloved horror films of all time. Young journalist Rachel Keller investigates the case of a videotape that allegedly caused the deaths of four teenagers. There is an urban legend about this tape: the viewer will die 7 days after watching it. Based on the 1998 Japanese horror film The Call, the 2002 horror film brought a unique style of Eastern horror to the Western stage while simultaneously scaring the hell out of everyone.
10. The Visit ● HR at rest: 65 ● HR during viewing: 79 ● Difference: 14% ● Highest heart rate spike: 100
The top 10 opens with a very cool horror film directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The story is about Becca and Tyler who plan to spend a week at their grandparents' house. As time passes, though, the brother and sister begin to question whether the trip was a horrifying mistake. It's a really good film that stands out amongst its brethren in the genre.
Famous for its Salvador Dali-inspired cover, The Descent was a film that garnered a lot of attention in its time. The film follows a group of friends who find themselves trapped in a cave during a camping trip. The situation worsens when it turns out that they are not alone..... A good film that is definitely worth watching on Halloween.
The smash hit ‘The Babadook’ is an unusual horror film. Despite a small budget of $2 million, the film gradually gained a reputation as one of the scariest horror films of all time - science has confirmed this. The plot centres on a single mother experiencing the tragic death of her husband. Struggling with her son's fear of the monster that lurks in the house, the woman gradually discovers that there is a sinister presence all around her.
The second film from the Spellbound universe. In 1977, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren travel to England, where single mother Peggy Hodgson believes something evil has taken up residence in her home. When Peggy's youngest daughter begins to show signs of demonic possession, Ed and Lorraine try to help the girl, but fall victim to evil spirits themselves. Of course, the sequel didn't reach the same heights as the first ‘Spell’, but it rightfully entered the top 10 of the scariest films of all time.
‘It’ (that other “It”) tells the story of teenager Jay, who begins to be plagued by strange visions after she sleeps with new boyfriend Hugh. With horror, Jay learns that she is the latest victim of a deadly curse that is passed from victim to victim through sexual intercourse. Haunted by death, Jay must break the curse before it's too late.
The top 5 is opened by the low-budget horror film Paranormal Activity, clearly underrated and subject to quite unfair criticism. But now science is on our side. With a budget of only $15,000, the film grossed $193 million at the box office. After a young couple moves into a suburban home, they begin to be terrorised by sinister phenomena. Especially at night when they are sleeping. Well, or trying to sleep.
This film went unnoticed when it was first released in 2018. But it's safe to say that those who saw it remembered it. The film Reincarnation tells the story of the Graham family, who gradually uncover mysterious and increasingly horrifying secrets about their origins. As the thread begins to unravel, the family must escape the sinister fate they have inherited.
Possibly the best modern horror franchise at the moment, which peaked with the first film. James Wan's ‘The Spell’ is chilling. In 1971, Carolyn and Roger Perron moved into a dilapidated farmhouse in Rhode Island, and soon strange things began to happen. In desperation, Carolyn calls on renowned paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren, to investigate the house.
Once again the brainchild of James Wan. ‘Astral’ has become the second scariest film in history, and it's no surprise. The film's mix of classic suspense, mystery, and paranormal activity makes it a perfect example of modern horror. The plot follows married couple Josh and Renai, whose son Dalton mysteriously falls into a coma after the family moves into a new home. When paranormal events begin to occur, the real horror begins.
So, science has determined the winner. The 2012 film Sinister beat out all the contenders for the title of ‘scariest’. Ethan Hawke plays the role of writer Allison Oswald, who is investigating true crime. Oswald moves with his family to a house where a horrific crime previously occurred, but his family is unaware of it. He begins to investigate in the hope of writing a book about it. The writer studies the video footage he finds in the house to help himself in his research, but soon discovers much more than he expected.
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No one would argue that everyone's threshold for fear is different. But is there any way to determine which film is truly the scariest? In 2020, Broadband Choices (a cable provider in the UK) started doing research to find out which films are really the scariest in history. How are they doing it? For starters, they hand-select ‘victims’ who have to endure watching over 120 hours of horror films. The list of films changes slightly each year, and the ‘victims’ come from a new list. The subjects are fitted with heart monitors that record their resting heart rate (HR), while watching the film and the highest heart rate spike it causes. Quite a scientific way to measure goosebumps.
Now you have every reason to defend your decision to sleep with the lights on. Make yourselves comfortable, tickle-your-nerves lovers - here we go!
15. The Exorcist
● Resting heart rate: 65.
● HR during viewing: 77. Difference: 12%.
● Highest heart rate spike: 92
One of the most famous horror films ever made. It had audiences running out of cinemas in droves - there was a time. ‘The Exorcist’ was often replicated, retold and quoted. The film is about a girl, Regan, who starts acting strange (actually, creepy) after playing with a Ouija board. Fearing that she may be possessed, her mother Chris turns to two priests who try to save the child.
14. 28 Days Later
● Resting HR: 65
● HR during viewing: 77
● Difference: 12%
● Highest heart rate spike: 95
One of the most innovative films in its genre, ‘28 Days Later’ set the precedent for “intelligent horror,” where zombies are portrayed as more than mere buffoons. In the story, a mysterious virus wreaks havoc in the UK, turning locals into vicious, fast killers. The film is worth watching for the opening scene alone—it turns out to be eerily atmospheric. Speaking of thrilling experiences, if you're looking to enjoy some exciting online casino games, Stay Casino is a fantastic choice. This is one of those genre films that everyone should see.
13. A Nightmare on Elm Street
● Resting heart rate: 65.
● HR during viewing: 78
● Difference: 12%
● Highest heart rate spike: 105
Wes Craven's 1984 film that introduced Freddy Krueger to the world is still one of the scariest horror films of all time. As a sinister killer who attacks teenagers in their dreams, Robert Englund, who played Freddy, set the tone for modern horror films and temporarily stalled the sale of green and red jumpers.
12. A Quiet Place
● HR at rest: 65
● HR while watching: 78
● Difference: 13%
● Highest heart rate spike: 122
‘A Quiet Place’ takes the horror genre in a whole new direction. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world. The plot tells of one family's struggle for survival. As people are killed by blind but noise-sensitive creatures, the family is forced to communicate in sign language and behave as quietly as possible. It may not be the scariest film ever made, but it's definitely one of the most unique.
11. The Ring
● Resting heart rate: 65
● HR during viewing: 79.
● Difference: 14%.
● Highest heart rate spike: 107
A video tape that's killing you? It seemed like a silly idea at the time. But over the years, The Call has become one of the most beloved horror films of all time. Young journalist Rachel Keller investigates the case of a videotape that allegedly caused the deaths of four teenagers. There is an urban legend about this tape: the viewer will die 7 days after watching it. Based on the 1998 Japanese horror film The Call, the 2002 horror film brought a unique style of Eastern horror to the Western stage while simultaneously scaring the hell out of everyone.
10. The Visit
● HR at rest: 65
● HR during viewing: 79
● Difference: 14%
● Highest heart rate spike: 100
The top 10 opens with a very cool horror film directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The story is about Becca and Tyler who plan to spend a week at their grandparents' house. As time passes, though, the brother and sister begin to question whether the trip was a horrifying mistake. It's a really good film that stands out amongst its brethren in the genre.
9. The Descent
● Resting HR: 65
● HR during viewing: 79
● Difference: 14%
● Highest heart rate spike: 122
Famous for its Salvador Dali-inspired cover, The Descent was a film that garnered a lot of attention in its time. The film follows a group of friends who find themselves trapped in a cave during a camping trip. The situation worsens when it turns out that they are not alone..... A good film that is definitely worth watching on Halloween.
8. The Babadook
● Resting HR: 65
● HR while watching: 80
● Difference: 15%
● Highest heart rate spike: 116
The smash hit ‘The Babadook’ is an unusual horror film. Despite a small budget of $2 million, the film gradually gained a reputation as one of the scariest horror films of all time - science has confirmed this. The plot centres on a single mother experiencing the tragic death of her husband. Struggling with her son's fear of the monster that lurks in the house, the woman gradually discovers that there is a sinister presence all around her.
7. The Conjuring 2
● Resting HR: 65
● HR during viewing: 80
● Difference: 15%
● Highest heart rate spike: 120
The second film from the Spellbound universe. In 1977, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren travel to England, where single mother Peggy Hodgson believes something evil has taken up residence in her home. When Peggy's youngest daughter begins to show signs of demonic possession, Ed and Lorraine try to help the girl, but fall victim to evil spirits themselves. Of course, the sequel didn't reach the same heights as the first ‘Spell’, but it rightfully entered the top 10 of the scariest films of all time.
6. It Follows
● Resting HR: 65
● HR during viewing: 81.
● Difference: 16%
● Highest heart rate spike: 93
‘It’ (that other “It”) tells the story of teenager Jay, who begins to be plagued by strange visions after she sleeps with new boyfriend Hugh. With horror, Jay learns that she is the latest victim of a deadly curse that is passed from victim to victim through sexual intercourse. Haunted by death, Jay must break the curse before it's too late.
5. Paranormal Activity
● Resting heart rate: 65.
● HR during viewing: 82.
● Difference: 17%.
● Highest heart rate spike: 127
The top 5 is opened by the low-budget horror film Paranormal Activity, clearly underrated and subject to quite unfair criticism. But now science is on our side. With a budget of only $15,000, the film grossed $193 million at the box office. After a young couple moves into a suburban home, they begin to be terrorised by sinister phenomena. Especially at night when they are sleeping. Well, or trying to sleep.
4. Hereditary
● HR at rest: 65
● HR while watching: 83
● Difference: 18%
● Highest heart rate spike: 109
This film went unnoticed when it was first released in 2018. But it's safe to say that those who saw it remembered it. The film Reincarnation tells the story of the Graham family, who gradually uncover mysterious and increasingly horrifying secrets about their origins. As the thread begins to unravel, the family must escape the sinister fate they have inherited.
3. The Conjuring
● Resting HR: 65
● HR during viewing: 85.
● Difference: 20%
● Highest heart rate spike: 129
Possibly the best modern horror franchise at the moment, which peaked with the first film. James Wan's ‘The Spell’ is chilling. In 1971, Carolyn and Roger Perron moved into a dilapidated farmhouse in Rhode Island, and soon strange things began to happen. In desperation, Carolyn calls on renowned paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren, to investigate the house.
2. Insidious
● Resting heart rate: 65
● HR during viewing: 86.
● Difference: 21%
● Highest heart rate spike: 133
Once again the brainchild of James Wan. ‘Astral’ has become the second scariest film in history, and it's no surprise. The film's mix of classic suspense, mystery, and paranormal activity makes it a perfect example of modern horror. The plot follows married couple Josh and Renai, whose son Dalton mysteriously falls into a coma after the family moves into a new home. When paranormal events begin to occur, the real horror begins.
1. Sinister
● Resting HR: 65
● HR during viewing: 86
● Difference: 32%
● Highest heart rate spike: 131
So, science has determined the winner. The 2012 film Sinister beat out all the contenders for the title of ‘scariest’. Ethan Hawke plays the role of writer Allison Oswald, who is investigating true crime. Oswald moves with his family to a house where a horrific crime previously occurred, but his family is unaware of it. He begins to investigate in the hope of writing a book about it. The writer studies the video footage he finds in the house to help himself in his research, but soon discovers much more than he expected.