1. “The Exorcist” (1973) – This classic horror movie is often regarded as the scariest movie ever made, and for good reason. It follows the story of a young girl named Regan who becomes possessed by a demon, and the desperate attempts of her mother and two priests to exorcise the demon from her body. The movie is known for its shocking and disturbing imagery, as well as its unsettling atmosphere and themes of religious terror.
2. “The Shining” (1980) – Based on the novel by Stephen King, this psychological horror movie directed by Stanley Kubrick stars Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance, a writer who becomes the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel with his wife and son. As the winter wears on, Jack’s sanity begins to unravel and he becomes increasingly violent and dangerous. “The Shining” is renowned for its masterful direction, haunting score, and unforgettable performances.
3. “Alien” (1979) – This sci-fi horror movie directed by Ridley Scott follows a space crew who encounter a terrifying extraterrestrial life form that begins to hunt them down one by one. The movie is known for its iconic design of the alien creature, as well as its suspenseful atmosphere and intense action sequences.
4. “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991) – This psychological thriller directed by Jonathan Demme stars Jodie Foster as a young FBI agent who seeks the help of imprisoned serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to catch another serial killer on the loose. The movie is known for its unsettling themes and intense performances, particularly by Hopkins in his iconic role as Lecter.
5. “Hereditary” (2018) – This recent horror movie directed by Ari Aster tells the story of a family who becomes haunted by a sinister presence after the death of their matriarch. The movie is known for its slow-building tension, shocking twists, and powerful performances by Toni Collette and Alex Wolff.

These five movies are true masterpieces of the horror genre and have cemented their place as fan favorites. If you’re looking to scare yourself silly, grab some popcorn, turn out the lights, and settle in for a terrifying movie night with one of these classics.