A Glean movie guide
The Scariest Movies Ever Made
Don't watch these alone.
From psychological dread to heart-pounding jump scares, these films are guaranteed to terrify.
Handpicked for this guide
The movie list
- 01
The Exorcist
Decades later, this tale of demonic possession remains the gold standard for visceral, religious terror.
When a mysterious entity possesses a young girl, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.
- 02
Hereditary
A masterclass in mounting dread and psychological trauma that culminates in pure nightmare fuel.
Following the death of the Leigh family matriarch, Annie and her children uncover disturbing secrets about their heritage. Their daily lives are not only impacted, but they also become entangled in a chilling fate from which they cannot escape, driving them to the brink of madness.
- 03
Sinister
Noted for its high heart-rate impact, this film uses disturbing found footage to build inescapable tension.
True-crime writer Ellison Oswalt is in a slump; he hasn't had a best seller in more than 10 years and is becoming increasingly desperate for a hit. So, when he discovers the existence of a snuff film showing the deaths of a family, he vows to solve the mystery. He moves his own family into the victims' home and gets to work. However, when old film footage and other clues hint at the presence of a supernatural force, Ellison learns that living in the house may be fatal.
- 04
The Conjuring
A relentless supernatural thriller that perfected the art of the modern jump scare.
Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. Forced to confront a powerful entity, the Warrens find themselves caught in the most terrifying case of their lives.
- 05
Rec
This frantic Spanish nightmare features one of the most terrifying final sequences in cinema history.
- 06
Talk to Me
A high-intensity modern horror that uses practical effects to deliver a fresh and brutal take on possession.
When a group of friends discover how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand, they become hooked on the new thrill, until one of them goes too far and unleashes terrifying supernatural forces.
- 07
The Descent
A suffocating blend of extreme claustrophobia and aggressive creature horror.
After a personal tragedy, Sarah joins her friends on a caving expedition in the Appalachian Mountains. But when a rockfall traps them deep underground, their adventure turns into a nightmare. As they search for a way out, the group discovers they are not alone—lurking in the darkness are savage, cave-dwelling creatures. With rising tension and dwindling trust, the women must fight to survive against both the predators and each other.
- 08
Smile
An unsettling psychological journey that uses disturbing visual motifs to keep you on edge.
After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can't explain.
- 09
Barbarian
A wild, unpredictable ride that shifts from suspenseful mystery to intense, high-stakes horror.
In town for a job interview, a young woman arrives at her Airbnb late at night only to find that it has been mistakenly double-booked and a strange man is already staying there. Against her better judgement, she decides to stay the night anyway.
- 10
Insidious
Famous for its creative creature design and some of the most effective scares of the last decade.
A family discovers that dark spirits have invaded their home after their son inexplicably falls into an endless sleep. When they reach out to a professional for help, they learn things are a lot more personal than they thought.