Top 50 Best PG-13 Horror Movies Of All Time

Alfred Hitchcock is renowned for his pioneering influence on the art of filmmaking, with his name remaining inseparable from suspense and cinematic innovation.

In "The Birds," Hitchcock displays his hallmark brilliance, using minimal special effects and employing subtle cinematic techniques to craft an atmosphere of lingering dread.

The story centers on Melanie, an elegant socialite drawn to Bodega Bay in pursuit of Mitch, a charming lawyer. What begins as a playful visit quickly descends into chaos as thousands of birds suddenly turn violent, terrorizing the once-tranquil town and ratcheting up the suspense.

With standout performances by Tippi Hedren, Rod Taylor, and Suzanne Pleshette, the film’s true power lies in Hitchcock’s visionary leadership and meticulous direction.

He masterfully weaves together an eerie soundscape and the chilling cries of the birds, creating a foreboding ambiance that has solidified "The Birds" as a defining milestone in horror cinema.

John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, both real-life and on-screen partners, bring an extraordinary horror experience to life in "A Quiet Place." Their partnership results in a chilling and suspenseful film that has become a standout entry in 21st-century horror cinema.

Directed by Krasinski, the story follows a close-knit family struggling to survive in a world overrun by deadly creatures that hunt using sound. Their reliance on sign language and other silent survival tactics adds authenticity, raising the film’s emotional and suspenseful intensity.

The film’s pervasive silence immerses viewers so completely that it often feels as if we must remain silent ourselves to avoid danger. This clever use of sound and silence amplifies the tension and pulls the audience deeper into the harrowing narrative.

Krasinski excels both behind the camera and in his starring role, while Emily Blunt delivers a powerful and unforgettable performance. Their real-life chemistry further strengthens the film’s emotional impact.

With its unique premise, haunting atmosphere, and stellar performances, "A Quiet Place" resonates strongly with audiences. It rightfully stands as one of the best PG-13 horror films.

Set against the backdrop of the Iran-Iraq War in 1980s Tehran, Under the Shadow presents a haunting tale of a mother and daughter confronted by a sinister supernatural presence in their apartment. Throughout their ordeal, they must also navigate the challenges posed by a repressive society that continually undermines women's rights.

Directed by Babak Anvari and featuring a compelling performance by Narges Rashidi, the film reinvigorates the horror genre—making it a standout for viewers weary of predictable and formulaic scare tactics.

By skillfully weaving together the horrors of war and the supernatural, Under the Shadow creates a suspenseful and chilling narrative seldom explored in mainstream horror cinema.

If you're searching for fresh and engaging horror, this film is an essential and unforgettable watch.

Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Frank Oz, takes audiences on a comedic and surreal adventure with a timid florist who stumbles across a peculiar, bloodthirsty plant in a Chinatown shop.

Dreaming of success, the florist believes this unique plant will transform his life. However, he soon realizes that achieving fame and fortune comes at a ghastly price, making this black comedy horror a truly unforgettable experience.

The film boasts a stellar cast including Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, Steve Martin, and Levi Stubbs, each of whom delivers iconic and engaging performances.

Although Little Shop of Horrors received positive reviews upon its 1986 release, its initial box office performance was underwhelming. Nevertheless, the film found enduring popularity through home video, earning a devoted cult following and securing its place as a beloved classic.

Directed by Sam Raimi, "Drag Me To Hell" features standout performances from Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, Dileep Rao, David Paymer, and Adriana Barraza.

The story follows Christine Brown, a loan officer whose life spirals into chaos after she denies an elderly woman an extension on her loan. In retaliation, the woman casts the dreaded Lamia curse on Christine, plunging her into a terrifying supernatural ordeal.

Raimi, best known for the "Spider-Man" series, expertly crafts a suspenseful and unsettling horror experience that has resonated with audiences and garnered widespread acclaim.

"Drag Me To Hell" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and went on to become a box office hit following its theatrical release.

"They're here." With these haunting words, the supernatural reveals itself in the 1982 horror masterpiece Poltergeist. What begins as innocent paranormal activity soon spirals into a terrifying ordeal, plunging the family into escalating danger and suspense.

Renowned for its groundbreaking special effects and supernatural thrills, Poltergeist may seem less intense to modern viewers, yet its impact on the horror genre is undeniable. Its legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and haunt audiences to this day.

In an unusual twist, the film's release sparked a wave of anxiety among homebuyers, with many insisting on property background checks to ensure their homes weren’t built atop ancient burial grounds—a testament to its lingering cultural influence.

Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, 10 Cloverfield Lane masterfully merges science fiction with psychological horror, delivering a suspenseful journey that challenges conventional genre boundaries. The film’s unexpected climax grounds it firmly in the monster movie tradition, leaving a memorable impression on audiences.

The story unfolds as Michelle, following a car accident, awakens in an underground bunker with the enigmatic Howard. Unsure of his motives and cut off from the world, she finds herself surrounded by suspicion and tension in this claustrophobic setting.

Howard claims the outside world has become deadly, but Michelle’s doubt pushes her to unravel the truth and formulate a bold escape plan. What she discovers beyond the bunker is more startling than she could have anticipated.

Exceptional performances by John Goodman and Mary Elizabeth Winstead keep viewers on edge, immersing them in Michelle’s mounting uncertainty and fear.

This captivating thriller shines through its tightly woven narrative and character-driven suspense, relying on powerful storytelling rather than flashy visual effects or relentless action.

Directed by Alejandro Amenábar, The Others features a standout performance by Nicole Kidman alongside Fionnula Flanagan, Christopher Eccleston, Elaine Cassidy, Eric Sykes, Alakina Mann, and James Bentley.

The film tells the unsettling story of Grace and her two photosensitive children, who relocate to a remote mansion on Jersey Island. As they settle in, a series of mysterious and eerie events begin to unfold, leading Grace to fear the presence of supernatural entities within their new home.

The Others distinguishes itself with its emotionally charged narrative and exploration of complex themes, creating an atmosphere that is both chilling and deeply moving. The film’s haunting mood and elegant storytelling linger with viewers long after it ends.

Much like The Sixth Sense, The Others delivers a gripping climax marked by a stunning twist. Its masterful buildup of suspense and tension makes it a truly memorable entry in the PG-13 horror genre.

"A Quiet Place II" is a gripping post-apocalyptic horror sequel that seamlessly continues the suspenseful story from the acclaimed 2018 film, "A Quiet Place." Picking up right after the dramatic finale of the original, the film immediately thrusts viewers back into its chilling world of silence and lurking danger.

The family, now led by Evelyn and her daughter Regan, must harness their newfound knowledge of high-frequency sound to survive the ever-present threat of deadly creatures. As they grapple with the loss of Lee Abbott, their courage and ingenuity are put to the test in new and harrowing ways.

Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, and Noah Jupe reprise their roles, joined by notable newcomers Cillian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou, who add depth and intrigue to the story.

Director John Krasinski heightens the suspense through precise pacing and more frequent, exhilarating encounters with the terrifying monsters. The film's tense atmosphere is made all the more impactful by its release during the COVID-19 pandemic, cementing its place as a standout in modern horror.

"A Quiet Place II" was also a box office triumph, delivering one of the most impressive opening weekends seen during the pandemic era.

M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense is celebrated as one of the most influential PG-13 horror films, renowned for its psychological intensity and captivating narrative.

The story centers on child psychologist Malcolm Crowe, who tries to help a young boy haunted by his terrifying ability to see ghosts. What begins as a standard supernatural drama quickly unfolds into a complex, layered psychological thriller.

Famous for the chilling line, "I see dead people," the film avoids relying on extravagant effects or predictable jump-scares. Instead, it expertly builds tension and engages viewers through suspenseful storytelling and subtle clues.

Audiences are drawn into the mystery, encouraged to actively piece together the puzzle as the suspense steadily mounts.

The film's legendary ending remains one of the most talked-about twists in horror, securing its place in cinematic history and launching Shyamalan's career as a visionary director.

Notably, "Gremlins" played a pivotal role in the development of the PG-13 rating due to its surprisingly intense psychological moments. Upon its release, the film’s edgy mix of scares and thrills immediately set it apart.

From the very beginning, "Gremlins" immerses viewers in a world brimming with bizarre, suspenseful scenes designed to keep audiences on their toes. This unique approach delivers both chills and dark amusement.

Beyond its playful chaos, "Gremlins" offers a clever satire of consumer culture, cementing its place as a beloved cult classic. Its inventive premise and dramatic finale continue to captivate fans decades later.

The film seamlessly blends unsettling horror with witty, memorable dialogue and a healthy dose of sly humor. This dynamic mix sets "Gremlins" apart within the genre and makes it endlessly quotable.

With a nostalgic nod to childhood fears, "Gremlins" combines mischievous monster mayhem and standout human performances. This balance draws viewers of all ages into its world.

While many movies have attempted to replicate the charm and cultural legacy of "Gremlins," none have captured its enduring magic and wide-reaching influence.

Directed by Frank Marshall, "Arachnophobia" stands out as one of the most underrated horror comedies ever made. The riveting storyline centers on Dr. James Atherton and his encounter with an unimaginable threat in a quaint small town.

When Dr. Atherton relocates, he is soon faced with a string of bizarre and unexplained deaths among the townspeople. As he investigates further, he uncovers a chilling revelation: a deadly infestation of spiders is to blame for the mounting casualties.

If spiders already unsettle you, be prepared—this film will surely heighten your arachnophobia. "Arachnophobia" features memorable performances by Jeff Daniels, Julian Sands, Harley Jane Kozak, and John Goodman in key roles.

"Tremors" (1990) is a thrilling sci-fi horror film that tracks the misadventures of Valentine and Earl, two resourceful handymen dwelling in the isolated desert town of Perfection, Nevada.

As they plan their escape from the sleepy town, their journey takes a dark turn after encountering a friend's mysterious death. They soon discover that lethal underground creatures are attacking residents, dragging victims beneath the surface with alarming speed.

The movie excels at bringing these monstrous, burrowing predators to life, capturing the terror and urgency faced by the townsfolk with suspenseful set pieces and inventive special effects.

Despite its seemingly improbable storyline, director Ron Underwood crafts an experience that is both wildly entertaining and unexpectedly humorous, making for a memorable ride.

What distinguishes "Tremors" is its ingenious blend of horror, adventure, and comedy, offering a fresh twist that stands out even alongside genre favorites like "Gremlins." Critics have lauded it as a unique and enduring multi-genre gem.

With standout performances by Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, and Reba McEntire, "Tremors" remains a beloved classic that continues to charm audiences.

Split (2016), directed by M. Night Shyamalan, signals the filmmaker’s impressive comeback and firmly secures its spot among the best PG-13 horror films. After some polarizing ventures, this psychological thriller reignited enthusiasm among long-time Shyamalan fans.

The story follows Kevin, a man coping with dissociative identity disorder who harbors 23 distinct personalities—each with their own unique mannerisms and mindsets.

The suspense escalates when one of Kevin’s personalities kidnaps three teenage girls. Desperate for survival, the teens closely watch Kevin’s shifting personas, hoping to reach the ones capable of compassion and reason.

Tension mounts further as Kevin’s mysterious 24th personality threatens to emerge, presenting a terrifying and unpredictable danger.

James McAvoy delivers a riveting performance, making Split not just a chilling thriller but an engrossing exploration of character and psyche. The film’s tight pacing and psychological intensity keep viewers captivated until the final moments.

Directed by Mikael Håfström, 1408 is a gripping psychological horror film based on Stephen King's haunting short story. The film draws viewers into a suspenseful atmosphere, blending psychological tension with supernatural terror.

John Cusack delivers a standout performance as a skeptical author who checks into the notorious room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel, where he confronts increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. Samuel L. Jackson offers a memorable supporting role, adding depth to the story.

The movie earned praise for its eerie direction and stellar cast, achieving both critical acclaim and solid box office results. Notably, the chilling premise is rumored to have roots in real-life paranormal experiences, enhancing its mystique and appeal.

"Cloverfield" plunges viewers into the heart of chaos as Rob, Hud, Lily, and Marlena race against time through a devastated New York City, determined to save their friend Beth, who is trapped in her apartment during a monstrous attack.

Directed by Matt Reeves, the film stands out for its relentless tension and fresh take on the monster movie genre. Its inventive found-footage presentation heightens the realism and suspense, immersing audiences in an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The talented ensemble—featuring Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, and T. J. Miller—delivers compelling performances that amplify the emotional intensity of the story.

Upon debut, "Cloverfield" garnered widespread acclaim for its gripping direction and unique visual narrative, cementing its status as a modern classic in PG-13 horror.

Directed by Mike Flanagan, 'Ouija: Origin of Evil' stands out as a widely acclaimed horror film that skillfully earned a PG-13 rating.

The story centers on a widowed mother and her two daughters, who use an Ouija board during séances to help grieving people connect with departed loved ones.

Unbeknownst to them, their seemingly innocent efforts take a sinister turn when one of the spirits possesses the youngest daughter, plunging the family into terror.

This chilling prequel to the 2014 film 'Ouija' features standout performances from Elizabeth Reaser, Annalise Basso, and Henry Thomas in pivotal roles.

"Warm Bodies" (2013), based on Isaac Marion's acclaimed novel, offers a refreshing twist on the zombie genre by blending elements of paranormal romance, dark comedy, and heartfelt drama. Written and directed by Jonathan Levine, this film brings a new perspective to post-apocalyptic storytelling.

The narrative follows R, an introspective zombie whose monotonous existence is disrupted when he encounters Julie during a perilous scavenging mission. Drawn to her in spite of his undead nature, R’s protective instincts set the stage for an unlikely connection.

As R’s feelings for Julie deepen, he experiences a gradual transformation, regaining fragments of his lost humanity. This poignant evolution highlights the power of love, even as dangers and the harsh realities of their divided worlds threaten to tear them apart.

The challenges that arise from their stark differences form the heart of this unconventional love story, emphasizing that hope and genuine connection can bloom in even the bleakest circumstances.

Directed by Joe Dante, "Gremlins 2: The New Batch" serves as the entertaining follow-up to the 1984 original. This sequel takes a fresh turn as mischievous Gremlins overrun a cutting-edge corporate skyscraper owned by a powerful media mogul, igniting chaos in the heart of the city.

As pandemonium ensues, the lovable Mogwai face a race against time to reclaim control and restore order within the high-tech tower. Their struggle delivers plenty of suspenseful and comedic moments.

Blending live-action horror with comedy, this film welcomes back several original cast members, while new faces join the ensemble, adding depth and excitement to the story's progression.

Directed by Lewis Teague, "Cat's Eye" features a stellar ensemble cast including Drew Barrymore, James Woods, Alan King, Kenneth McMillan, Robert Hays, and Candy Clark, each bringing depth to their crucial roles.

This anthology thriller uniquely weaves together three suspenseful and chilling stories, all linked by the presence of a wandering stray cat, serving as the film's central connection.

Upon its release, the film received predominantly positive reviews, with many critics describing it as clever, satisfying, and engaging from start to finish.

The New York Times hailed it as one of the finest adaptations of Stephen King's work, and the talented cast was commended for their strong performances that helped the anthology stand out.

"Signs" (2002), directed by M. Night Shyamalan, masterfully blends science fiction with horror, unfolding the suspenseful tale of a family facing the terrifying prospect of an alien invasion on their isolated farm.

The film is filled with spine-tingling jump scares that gradually immerse the audience in its chilling narrative. Yet, what truly sets "Signs" apart is its focus on deeply relatable and well-developed characters.

Despite a finale some might find convenient, the film captivates viewers thanks to outstanding performances from its cast, ensuring engagement from start to finish.

Night of the Comet has been headlined by actors such as Robert Beltran, Catherine Mary Stewart, Kelli Maroney, Sharon Farrell, Mary Woronov, and Geoffrey Lewis.

The story shows how a comet wipes out most of life on planet Earth. However, two Valley Girls somehow manage to survive.

Their survival comes at a cost though as they are forced to combat cannibal zombies and a group of wicked scientists.

Night of the Comet may not be very popular among the masses today but it has gone on to amass a niche following since its theatrical release in 1984.

Director Todd Strauss-Schulson's The Final Girls stars Taissa Farmiga, Malin Åkerman, Adam DeVine, Thomas Middleditch, Alia Shawkat, Alexander Ludwig, and Nina Dobrev in prominent roles.

It tells the intriguing story of Max and her group who somehow get transported into a slasher film they had all come to watch together. What follows is a series of terrifying and adventurous occurrences that sets the ball rolling.

Even though The Final Girls has its fair share of comedic relief, one cannot deny the fact that the setting is horrifying in the true sense of the word. The film opened to decent reviews and its premise and performances were praised by the critics.

Directed by D.J. Caruso, Disturbia features compelling performances from Shia LaBeouf, David Morse, Sarah Roemer, and Carrie-Anne Moss.

The film centers on a teenager placed under house arrest, whose boredom drives him to observe his neighbors. What begins as a harmless diversion soon spirals into suspense when he suspects one of them may be a serial killer.

Drawing partial inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock’s classic Rear Window, Disturbia earned praise from critics and performed well at the box office, securing its place as a noteworthy entry in modern horror-thrillers.

Helmed by André Øvredal, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is based on the children's book series of the same name by Alvin Schwartz.

The story kicks off when a group of buddies unearths a notebook that has been penned by a rather unusual girl.

However, what is even more bizarre is the fact that the book has the ability to predict frightening events.

To make things interesting, all of it happens during the time of Halloween in 1968.

The on-screen adaptation of Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark is an international co-production between the United States of America and Canada.

It stars Zoe Colletti, Michael Garza, Gabriel Rush, Austin Zajur, Natalie Ganzhorn, Austin Abrams, Dean Norris, Gil Bellows, and Lorraine Toussaint in crucial roles.

Directed by Gore Verbinski, 'The Ring' features standout performances from Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman, Jane Alexander, Brian Cox, and Daveigh Chase.

This acclaimed film is a masterful remake of the chilling Japanese horror classic 'Ring,' which was itself adapted from Koji Suzuki’s 1991 novel.

The story centers on Rachel, a determined journalist who begins to investigate the unexplained and terrifying death of her niece Katie. Her search unravels the mystery of a deadly videotape said to kill viewers within seven days of watching.

'The Ring' went on to become one of the highest-grossing horror remakes ever, earning both critical praise and commercial success at the box office.

The film is lauded for its eerie atmosphere, striking visuals, and Naomi Watts' gripping performance. Its immense popularity sparked a trend of American remakes of Japanese horror films.

World War Z, directed by Marc Forster, blends action and horror as it thrusts viewers into a high-stakes race for survival. The story centers on Gerry, a former United Nations employee, who must urgently protect his family from a terrifying zombie outbreak.

The film depicts a global crisis where humans rapidly transform into zombies after being infected by a mysterious virus. While its premise was thrilling upon its release, the story feels even more chilling today in light of recent worldwide pandemics.

Adapted from Max Brooks' 2006 novel, World War Z features a stellar ensemble cast led by Brad Pitt, alongside Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz, James Badge Dale, and several other talented actors. Their performances anchor the film's gripping and suspenseful narrative.

Director David F. Sandberg may best be known for his work in the hit superhero motion picture Shazam!, but he is also known to have directed a popular horror film prior to his work in the superhero project.

Based on an immensely popular short film of the same name, Lights Out not only revolves around a presence that prevails and is seen in the dark but it also strives to deal with the theme of chronic illness.

Needless to say, it is a tricky story that comprises a few good jump-scares to get the job done.

The popular motion picture stars Teresa Palmer, Gabriel Bateman, Billy Burke, and Maria Bello in crucial roles.

Popular film director Mike Flanagan's dark fantasy horror drama stars actors Kate Bosworth, Thomas Jane, Jacob Tremblay, Annabeth Gish, and Dash Mihok in crucial roles.

The film tells the story of Jessie and Mark; a couple that decides to adopt Cody, a young lad from an orphanage after their son Shawn, unfortunately, passes away.

However, they make a startling discovery soon after bringing Cody home. They realize that most of his dreams come alive as he continues to be in a deep slumber.

The motion picture opened to decent reviews at the box office.

Happy Death Day is a decent PG-13 horror film that stars Jessica Rothe and Israel Broussard in crucial roles and has been directed entertainingly by Christopher Landon.

The movie tracks the story of college student Theresa Gelbman, whose life is put in a dilemma as she continues to relive the day when she was killed.

The loop seems to be endless and can only end after she manages to find out who her true murderer is. She seeks the help of her friend Carter to figure out the culprit and end the loop.

With a premise that appears to be a fair mixture of Groundhog Day and Scream, Happy Death Day is a successful attempt that has managed to carve a niche for itself in the highly populated market of horror motion pictures.

The Woman in Black tells the story of a lawyer who is authorized to travel to a village to investigate a house that is the property of a recently deceased woman.

However, what he finds there stirs his soul to its very core. He realizes that the spirit of the same woman is determined on killing the innocent children of the village.

Daniel Radcliffe, who was fresh off of his run as the beloved fantasy hero Harry Potter, manages to deliver a praiseworthy performance as a struggling lawyer in this horror feature.

The Woman in Black does not exactly promise to reinvent the genre, but it does provide enough tension and scares to keep its viewers engaged.

Director Christopher Landon tried his best to bank on the popularity of the first installment of the Happy Death Day franchise with the release of its sequel in 2019.

The film tells the story of Tree Gelbman, who happens to be one of the only known survivors of a time loop in which she was frequently slaughtered by an unknown, sadistic killer.

Unfortunately, she finds herself getting trapped in the same situation again. Needless to say, she has no option but to stop the loop for good this time around.

This PG-13 slasher horror thriller adopts a science fiction approach to tell its story.

Written and directed by Glen Morgan, Willard is a horror-thriller film that is partially based on the novel Ratman's Notebooks by Stephen Gilbert.

The film attempts to trace the wicked journey of a troubled social misfit named Willard, whose life seems to be clasped between taking care of his aggressive mother and his notorious boss.

However, Willard soon figures out that he shares a rather bizarre connection with rats. Sooner than later, he starts using them to his advantage.

This creepy story of a man and his rodents opened to fair reviews at the box office.

After making waves with the "Saw" franchise, director James Wan delivered another gripping horror saga with the launch of the "Insidious" series.

The film centers on Josh and Renai, who move into a new house hoping for a fresh start. Their plans quickly unravel when their son, Dalton, inexplicably falls into a coma.

Soon, strange and terrifying events reveal the presence of a supernatural force haunting both their home and family. The gripping storyline is brought to life by compelling performances from Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne, who excel as the tormented parents.

Serving as the inaugural installment in the acclaimed "Insidious" franchise, this chilling film set a new benchmark for modern PG-13 horror.

Film director M. Night Shyamalan makes it to our list once again with his promising horror feature The Visit. This time around, he was even involved with the writing process.

The film tells the story of two children, Becca and Tyler, who intend to spend time with their grandparents at their place for about a week.

However, the catch here is that the kids have never seen their grandparents. Soon after their arrival, terrifying events start to take place.

The found-footage comedy-horror stars Olivia DeJonge, Ed Oxenbould, Deanna Dunagan, Peter McRobbie, and Kathryn Hahn in prominent roles.

Admirers of M. Night Shyamalan's body of work should definitely give this underappreciated project a watch.

Director Andrés Muschietti's Mama is a gothic coming-of-age story that revolves around a supernatural force. The film features a cast headlined by talented screen performers such as Jessica Chastain, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Megan Charpentier, Isabelle Nélisse, Daniel Kash, and Javier Botet.

The story follows two young and innocent girls, who, after the death of their parents, are compelled to live in a house that has a dark and sinister presence.

However, the girls are soon rescued and brought into their new home. Be that as it may, the evil force, the one the girls call "mama", continues to pursue them.

Mama is a brave combination of family drama and horror that makes for a fair watch.

This science-fiction comedy horror film stars actors Grant Cramer, Suzanne Snyder, John Allen Nelson, and John Vernon in crucial roles.

It has been written, directed, and produced by the Chiodo Brothers, who also took care of the practical effects and makeup for the movie.

This incredibly distinct horror feature tells the story of a clan of vicious extraterrestrials that resembles clowns.

These extraterrestrials arrive on planet Earth with the aim to capture a small town. They wish to kill human residents of the town in order to use them as sustenance.

Elvira: Mistress of the Dark is a horror-comedy film that has been helmed for the screen by James Signorelli.

It tells the story of a horror movie hostess named Elvira, whose arrival brings about several unwanted changes to a puritanical community.

However, the titular character is a woman on a mission; she is out to claim her inheritance and may stop at nothing, come what may.

The film, which stars Cassandra Peterson as the main lead, opened to mixed reviews at the box office and was granted a PG-13 rating.

This supernatural horror motion picture was written and directed by Leigh Whannell, who was making his much-awaited directorial debut with the project.

The film attempts to trace the journey of a grieving girl named Quinn, who, in order to make contact with her recently deceased mother, reaches out to a psychic named Elise, who is capable of fulfilling her wish.

However, things take a turn for the worse when Quinn's plan fails miserably and an evil spirit takes control of her body. Now, Elise and Quinn have to fight the evil spirit in a dark spiritual world known as the "Further".

Even though the movie opened to mixed reviews, it performed decently at the ticket windows.

Director Mark Pellington's 2004 horror feature, The Mothman Prophecies, stars actors such as Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Will Patton, Debra Messing, Lucinda Jenney, and Alan Bates in crucial roles.

The film tells the story of John, who, upon coming across his wife's mysterious sketch pad, strives to solve the riddle behind her death.

There is also a vague possibility that his wife's death is somehow connected to strange events that are transpiring in a town about 400 miles away.

The supernatural-mystery film is based on the 1975 book of the same name by parapsychologist and author John Keel.

Director Robert Zemeckis, who is best known for his work in movies such as Romancing the Stone and the Back to the Future trilogy, takes a different route altogether with What Lies Beneath.

The story follows Claire, who movies with Norman to his old house. There, she starts to experience discomforting supernatural activities.

Sooner than later, she discovers the truth about her husband and his student; something that shocks her beyond belief.

What Lies Beneath may not exactly be overwhelmingly popular in pop culture today but it is a decent slow burner that thrives on the performances of Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Whenever we get to hear the word exorcism, our instincts immediately take us to the 1973 classic The Exorcist. Therefore, any horror film with 'exorcism' in its title is under the pressure of doing full justice to it.

While The Exorcism of Emily Rose may not exactly be a horror classic, it tries its best to depict the real-life story of Annelise Michel on celluloid.

The girl, who was diagnosed with Epilepsy due to a row of visions and episodes that she endured, is put through the process of exorcism; an exercise that, ultimately, ends up taking her life.

The Scott Derrickson-helmed project merges the traditional approach of demonstrating exorcism with a thoughtful legal drama and does so effectively.

Director John Erick Dowdle's 2010 supernatural horror film stars actors Chris Messina, Logan Marshall-Green, Geoffrey Arend, Bojana Novakovic, Jenny O'Hara, and Bokeem Woodbine in pivotal roles.

It attempts to tell the story of five strangers who find themselves stuck together in an elevator. Things take a turn for the worse when unnatural and inexplicable events begin to plague them.

Even though the motion picture was criticized for its short runtime and story, it did manage to create a tense atmosphere by banking on its promising direction and performances.

The Devil can be seen for its fresh premise and M. Night Shyamalan's story.

Directed by Scott Stewart, Dark Skies is a science fiction horror film that stars actors like Keri Russell, Josh Hamilton, Dakota Goyo, and J. K. Simmons in pivotal roles.

It tells the story of Lacy and Daniel and how they struggle to protect their sons from terrifying danger.

The thing with the two kids is that they keep witnessing mysterious visions and hearing crackling voices.

Dark Skies opened to mixed reviews at the ticket counters. While its performances, direction, and atmosphere were praised by critics, it was also criticized for having a disorganized plot.

M. Night Shyamalan's The Village tells the story of an isolated town and its residents who live in fear of an unknown monster lurking in the woods.

To safeguard their lives and livelihoods, the villagers avoid the forest at all costs. However, after someone from the community is gravely injured, a blind girl takes the onus on herself to march into the woods to seek help from beyond.

The engaging motion picture stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, and Brendan Gleeson in significant roles.

The Skeleton Key tracks the story of a young nurse, who, while taking care of her patient, gets trapped in a plethora of horror occurrences.

Among the most underappreciated supernatural horror films to make it to our story today, it thrives on a historical subtext and its depiction of southern gothic horror.

The film deserves to be re-watched by modern-day movie buffs and critics alike to truly understand what an average horror fan might be missing out on.

The Skeleton Key stars Kate Hudson, Gena Rowlands, Peter Sarsgaard, Joy Bryant, and John Hurt in crucial roles.

The second installment of the Insidious film franchise has also been helmed by James Wan. It shows how Josh Lambert and his family are forced to relocate to his mother's house, hoping to cope with the trauma that the past has fetched them.

However, the family soon starts witnessing paranormal events there as well.

Insidious: Chapter 2 is a direct and decent continuation of the financially successful first installment.

It sees Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye, Ty Simpkins, and Barbara Hershey reprising their respective roles from the first feature film.

Directed by Thomas Guard and Charles Guard, The Uninvited is a psychological horror-thriller that is a remake of the classic South Korean horror film A Tale of Two Sisters.

The film traces the journey of Anna, who, after returning from a mental asylum, finds it tough to make peace with her new lifestyle back home.

Sooner than later, the screenplay reveals how she and her sister Alex take the onus on themselves to avenge their mother's death.

The Uninvited, which opened to mixed reviews, stars Emily Browning, Elizabeth Banks, Arielle Kebbel, and David Strathairn in significant roles.

Dracula Untold is a dark fantasy horror film that has been helmed for the screen by Gary Shore.

It stars Luke Evans, Sarah Gadon, Dominic Cooper, Art Parkinson, and Charles Dance in significant roles. The story tracks the journey of a Transylvanian prince called Vlad the Impaler, who is compelled to turn himself into a vampire.

He does so to protect his family and safeguard his kingdom from the invasion of Turkish forces.

Dracula Untold is the reboot of the Dracula series of motion pictures and attempts to tell the origin story of its very popular titular character.

Carries is a motion picture that reminds us of the pandemic in more ways than one. The story follows a small group of survivors doing their best to elude a lethal virus that has wiped out most of civilization.

Unfortunately for the group, one of the members gets infected while on the run. The charismatic Chris Pine makes his presence felt in this post-apocalyptic road movie which aims to bring to light the darkness lurking within humanity.

While we may have chanced upon several movies with a similar storyline in the bygone decade, Carriers add to the list by alarming the viewers with its use of communicable horror.