A Glean movie guide
The Scariest Movies Ever Made
Not for the faint of heart.
From psychological dread to visceral shocks, these films are guaranteed to linger.
Handpicked for this guide
The movie list
- 01
Hereditary
A masterclass in inescapable family trauma and sustained, soul-crushing psychological dread.
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.
- 02
The Exorcist
The definitive benchmark for religious horror, still effective for its visceral and disturbing imagery.
When a mysterious entity possesses a young girl, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.
- 03
Sinister
Renowned for its high-frequency jump scares and deeply unsettling found-footage segments.
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
Expertly crafted supernatural horror that builds unbearable tension through traditional scares.
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
Talk to Me
A fast-paced, visceral take on spirit possession that relies on shocking practical effects.
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.
- 06
Rec
A relentless found-footage nightmare that uses its narrow setting to create immediate physical terror.
- 07
The Descent
An intensely claustrophobic experience that blends psychological breakdown with 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
When Evil Lurks
A bleak and unpredictable demonic infection story that subverts every expectation of safety.
Residents of a small rural town discover that a demon is about to be born among them. They desperately try to escape before the evil is born, but it may be too late.
- 09
It Follows
A unique, atmospheric horror that creates constant paranoia through its relentless, slow-moving threat.
A young woman is followed by an unknown supernatural force after a sexual encounter.
- 10
Barbarian
A shocking and unpredictable ride that shifts from subtle unease to high-intensity visceral 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.