Supernatural / Ghost Horror
1. The Ring (2002) – US remake of Japanese classic

When a mysterious videotape surfaces, those who watch it are cursed to die within seven days. Investigative journalist Rachel Keller dives into the chilling mystery after the sudden death of her niece, uncovering a terrifying legend tied to a vengeful spirit named Samara. As Rachel races against time to unravel the tape’s dark secrets, she is drawn deeper into a nightmarish world where every clue leads closer to a fate she cannot escape. The Ring is a haunting psychological horror film that redefined fear for a new generation.

2. The Others (2001)

In a remote, fog-shrouded mansion, Grace Stewart lives with her two children who suffer from a rare photosensitivity, enforcing strict rules to keep them safe from the light. As mysterious occurrences and unsettling phenomena begin to plague the household, Grace’s grip on reality starts to unravel. Driven by fear and a desperate need for answers, she uncovers a shocking truth that changes everything she believes about life, death, and the unseen world. The Others is a chilling, atmospheric ghost story that blurs the line between the living and the dead.

3. The Conjuring (2013)

Based on the real-life case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring tells the terrifying story of a family who moves into a secluded farmhouse, only to discover it’s haunted by a dark and malevolent force. As supernatural events escalate, the Warrens must confront one of the most chilling cases of their careers. Battling an ancient evil, they risk their lives to protect the innocent and uncover the tragic history behind the haunting. The Conjuring delivers relentless suspense, bone-chilling horror, and set a new standard for modern supernatural thrillers.

4. Insidious (2010)

When their young son Dalton inexplicably falls into a coma, a family is plagued by disturbing supernatural events that reveal a terrifying secret: Dalton’s consciousness has journeyed into a dark, otherworldly realm known as The Further. As malevolent spirits close in, the desperate parents enlist the help of paranormal experts to rescue their son before it’s too late. Insidious is a spine-chilling tale of astral projection, haunted dimensions, and unseen horrors, redefining fear with its suspenseful storytelling and atmospheric dread.

5. Sinister (2012)

True-crime writer Ellison Oswalt moves his family into a new home, unaware that a series of gruesome murders took place there. When he discovers a box of mysterious home videos in the attic, he unknowingly unleashes a malevolent entity known as Bughuul, a pagan deity who consumes the souls of children. As Ellison’s obsession with the footage deepens, the line between reality and nightmare blurs, plunging his family into unimaginable terror. Sinister is a chilling descent into darkness, blending psychological horror with supernatural dread.

6. The Babadook (2014)

Widowed mother Amelia struggles to raise her troubled son Samuel, who becomes convinced that a sinister presence from a mysterious children’s book, Mister Babadook, is stalking them. As Amelia’s grip on reality begins to slip under the strain of grief, isolation, and fear, the terrifying entity grows stronger, feeding on their darkest emotions. The Babadook is a masterful psychological horror story that explores trauma, loss, and the monsters we carry within, delivering a haunting and unforgettable experience.

7. The Haunting of Hill House (2018) (series, but cinematic-level horror)

Told through shifting timelines, The Haunting of Hill House follows the Crain family as they confront haunting memories of their old home and the terrifying events that drove them away. As tragedy strikes in the present, they are forced to return to the infamous Hill House, where the past and present collide and unspeakable horrors await. Blending psychological trauma with chilling supernatural encounters, the series is a deeply emotional and terrifying exploration of grief, family bonds, and the ghosts that never let go.

8. The Medium (2021) – Thailand/South Korea
9. Talk to Me (2022) – Australia
10. Smile (2022)
Slasher / Killer Horror
11. Scream 4 (2011) & Scream (2022)
12. You’re Next (2011)
13. Hush (2016)
14. The Strangers (2008)
15. Happy Death Day (2017)
16. Freaky (2020)
17. Terrifier (2016) & Terrifier 2 (2022)
18. The Black Phone (2021)
Psychological / Elevated Horror
19. Get Out (2017)
20. Us (2019)
21. Hereditary (2018)
22. Midsommar (2019)
23. The Witch (2015)
24. The Lighthouse (2019)
25. Mother! (2017)
26. Saint Maud (2019)
27. Run (2020)
28. Barbarian (2022)
29. The Night House (2020)
Zombie / Infection Horror
30. 28 Days Later (2002)
31. 28 Weeks Later (2007)
32. Train to Busan (2016)
33. World War Z (2013)
34. REC (2007)
35. Cargo (2017)
36. The Sadness (2021) – Taiwan
37. Alive (2020) – South Korea
38. #Alive (2020) – South Korea
39. The Crazies (2010)
International Horror Masterpieces
40. Audition (1999)* (honorary spot – close to 2000)
41. The Wailing (2016) – South Korea
42. A Tale of Two Sisters (2003) – South Korea
43. Martyrs (2008) – France
44. Noroi: The Curse (2005) – Japan
45. Goodnight Mommy (2014) – Austria
46. Under the Shadow (2016) – Iran/UK
47. Terrified (2017) – Argentina
48. Let the Right One In (2008) – Sweden
49. His House (2020) – UK
50. Run Rabbit Run (2023) – Australia