Top 50 Best PG-13 Horror Movies Of All Time

 

When most of us think of watching a horror movie, we are mainly looking forward to seeing a flick that can induce a certain amount of fear in us.

 

The PG-13 rating has allowed many young viewers to get into motion pictures and relish content that many parents may otherwise consider a bit too much for a comparatively friendlier PG rating.

 

Most of the PG-13 horror motion pictures that we are going to be mentioning on our list today have lived up to the expectations of the viewers and have, therefore, managed to develop a dedicated following of their own.

 

Even though most classic and contemporary horror films are rated R, one simply cannot deny the fact that a few good ones have also been allotted the PG-13 rating.

 

So, allow us to introduce you to 50 of the finest PG-13 supernatural and monster titles that not only thrive on the tension injected into their respective screenplays but also on gore gags and dark humor that provide a definitive edge to their overall execution.

 

 

50. The Last Exorcism (2010)

 

 

 

This Daniel Stamm directorial venture has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for distressing violent content, use of sexual references and horror sequences, and thematic material.

 

The Last Exorcism managed to emerge as a box-office success despite not having very promising ratings on online platforms.

 

The found-footage supernatural horror motion picture attempts to tell the story of a disillusioned evangelical minister. The minister agrees to participate in a documentary film that is being made to expose the entire process of exorcism as a hoax.

 

The film stars Patrick Fabian, Ashley Bell, Iris Bahr, Caleb Landry Jones, and Louis Herthum in crucial roles. Both Patrick Fabian and Ashley Bell deliver compelling performances in this one.

 

 

49. The Possession (2012)

 

 

 

This supernatural horror feature provides a distinct take on the urban legend of the Dybbuk Box. In the process, the outcome is a motion picture that strives to be different from the usual possession movies that one may have seen thus far.

 

Helmed for the screen by Ole Bornedal, the film uses a creature from Jewish traditions to make the desired terrifying impact on the minds of its viewers.

 

Starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Kyra Sedgwick, Natasha Calis, Grant Show, Madison Davenport, and Matisyahu in crucial roles, it tells the story of a young girl named Emily, who gets her father to buy her a peculiar antique box from a yard sale.

 

Soon after, the girl starts getting increasingly obsessed with the box and shows signs of being possessed by a supernatural entity.

 

 

 

48. The Grudge (2004)

 

 

 

The Grudge tells the story of a woman named Karen Davis who has recently moved to Tokyo. There, she is forced to face a supernatural spirit that takes full possession of its victims; sometimes even leading to their untimely demise.

 

However, after a series of unexplained and unexpected deaths, Karen vows to put an end to the cycle. This motion picture is a remake of director Takashi Shimizu's 2002 Japanese horror film, titled Ju-On: The Grudge.

 

It features actors such as Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jason Behr, KaDee Strickland, Clea DuVall, and Bill Pullman in crucial roles.

 

The Grudge opened to mixed reviews from critics and was criticized for not being as scary as its source of inspiration.

 

 

 

47. The Rite (2011)

 

 

 

The PG-13 horror feature film has been directed by Mikael Håfström and features a cast headlined by screen performers like Anthony Hopkins, Colin O'Donoghue, Alice Braga, Ciarán Hinds, and Rutger Hauer.

 

The story of this motion picture traces the tumultuous journey of a seminary student named Michael. Michael thinks he lacks faith in supernatural beings, but his superior Father Mathew convinces him otherwise.

 

Eager to learn everything that he can about exorcism, he decides to travel to Italy where he meets Father Lucas.

 

Michael's much-awaited meeting with Father Lucas changes the way he looks at supernatural forces. The Rite is partially based on Matt Baglio's book, titled The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist.

 

 

 

46. The Gate (1987)

 

 

This Tibor Takács directorial venture stars actors Stephen Dorff, Louis Tripp, and Christa Denton in crucial roles.

 

The motion picture tells the story of a group of kids, who, when left alone at home, end up releasing a gang of evil demons.

 

Worse still, these demons happen to emerge from an eerie hole in the backyard of their suburban home. Ever since its release in the year 1987, The Gate has managed to amass a cult following among movie buffs.

 

The supernatural horror feature film was an international co-production between the United States of America and Canada.

 

 

 

45. Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)

 

 

 

This science-fiction comedy horror feature 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. The brothers also took care of the practical effects and makeup for the movie.

 

This incredibly distinct horror film tells the story of a clan of vicious extraterrestrials who appears to be like 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.

 

 

 

44. Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)

 

 

 

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

 

The feature 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 "Further". Dark Spirits lure their victims into this world to suck their life force.

 

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

 

 

 

43. Willard (2003)

 

 

 

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

 

The film attempts to trace the wicked journey of a troubled social misfit named Willard. Willard's 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 to use them to his advantage.

 

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

 

 

 

42. Happy Death Day 2U (2019)

 

 

 

Director Christopher Landon tries his best to bank on the popularity of the first installment of the Happy Death Day franchise.

 

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.

 

However, Tree soon finds herself getting trapped in the same situation again. Therefore, she pledges to stop the loop for good this time around.

 

This PG-13 slasher horror thriller adopts a science fiction approach for a change; something that was appreciated by the critics.

 

 

 

41. Dracula Untold (2014)

 

 

 

Dracula Untold is a dark fantasy horror motion picture 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 traces the journey of a Transylvanian prince called Vlad the Impaler, who is compelled to turn himself into a vampire.

 

Why does he do so? To protect his family and safeguard his kingdom from the invasion of the Turkish forces.

 

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

 

 

 

40. Mama (2013)

 

 

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 like 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.

 

 

 

39. Before I Wake (2016)

 

 

 

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 feature 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, the couple makes a startling discovery soon after bringing Cody home. They realize that most of Cody's dreams come alive as he continues to be in a deep slumber.

 

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

 

 

38. The Visit (2015)

 

 

 

Film director M. Night Shyamalan makes it to the list once again with his promising horror feature, titled The Visit.

 

This time, 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 project a watch.

 

 

37. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)

 

 

 

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

 

 

36. Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)

 

 

 

Director Mike Flanagan brought to us yet another popular horror title that managed to get the PG-13 rating.

 

The plot of this motion picture follows a widow and her two daughters who use an Ouija board to make people connect with the loved ones that they have lost.

 

While they believe that they are helping people move on, they cease to comprehend the fact that one of the spirits has possessed the younger daughter.

 

A prequel to the 2014 film Ouija, Ouija: Origin of Evil stars Elizabeth Reaser, Annalise Basso, and Henry Thomas in crucial roles.

 

 

35. The Uninvited (2009)

 

 

 

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, titled A Tale of Two Sisters.

 

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

 

Soon after, the screenplay reveals how Anna 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.

 

 

34. Dark Skies (2013)

 

 

 

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

 

The film tells the story of Lacy and Daniel and how they struggle to protect their sons, Jesse and Sammy, 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 rightfully praised by the critics, the film was criticized for having a disorganized plot.

 

 

33. Night of the Comet (1984)

 

 

 

Night of the Comet is 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 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 managed to develop a cult following ever since its official theatrical release in 1984.

 

 

32. Cat's Eye (1985)

 

 

 

Directed by Lewis Teague, Cat's Eye stars actors Drew Barrymore, James Woods, Alan King, Kenneth McMillan, Robert Hays, and Candy Clark in crucial roles.

 

This anthology horror thriller feature film showcases how a stray cat becomes the sole correlating element in three separate tales of suspense and horror.

 

The motion picture mostly received favorable reviews upon its release with many critics calling it a clever and satisfying watch.

 

The New York Times called it one of the finest screen adaptations of author Stephen King's work. The cast of Cat's Eye was also praised for doing their best to ensure that the anthology manages to deliver.

 

 

31. Devil (2010)

 

 

 

Director John Erick Dowdle's 2010 supernatural horror feature film stars actors such as 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 haunt 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.

 

 

30. Lights Out (2016)

 

 

 

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 aforementioned project.

 

Based on an immensely popular short film of the same name, Lights Out not only revolves around a presence that can prevail and be seen in the dark but it also strives to deal with themes 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.

 

 

29. The Mothman Prophecies (2002)

 

 

 

Director Mark Pellington's 2004 horror feature, The Mothman Prophecies, stars actors like 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 things 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.

 

 

28. Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)

 

 

 

This Joe Dante directorial venture is a sequel to the 1984 film, Gremlins. The story of the film demonstrates how a group of hostile Gremlins manage to take control of a high-tech corporate tower that happens to be the property of a well-known media baron.

 

Needless to say, the Gremlins start to wreak havoc in the skyscraper while the Mogwai struggle to regain control over the establishment.

 

This live-action horror comedy sees several of its cast members reprise their roles from the first installment. A few new members are also added to the list of supporting actors.

 

 

27. The Woman in Black (2012)

 

 

 

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 out stirs his soul to its very core. He realizes that the spirit of the same woman is hell-bent 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 reinvent the ghost story that it deals with, but it provides enough tension and scares to keep its viewers engaged.

 

 

26. Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988)

 

 

 

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

 

The motion picture 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 in the main lead, opened to mixed reviews at the box office and was granted a PG-13 rating.

 

 

25. Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013)

 

 

 

The second installment of the Insidious film franchise has also been helmed by James Wan. The storyline of this horror feature traces 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.

 

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

 

 

24. The Skeleton Key (2005)

 

 

 

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 that follow.

 

Arguably one of the most underappreciated supernatural horror feature films of the 21st century so far, 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 mainstream viewer of horror cinema might be missing out on.

 

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

 

 

23. The Final Girls (2015)

 

 

 

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.

 

The film 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 motion picture opened to decent reviews and its premise and performances were praised by the critics.

 

 

22. Arachnophobia (1990)

 

 

 

This Frank Marshall directorial venture has to be one of the most underrated horror comedies of all time. The motion picture tells the story of Dr. James Atherton.

 

After he shifts to a small town, he is forced to witness a series of inexplicable deaths of the people who were residents of the same town.

 

Things cease to make sense after Dr. James Atherton uncovers that a flock of spiders is responsible for the death of the local people.

 

If one happens to be scared of spiders, be sure of the fact that the sinister spider species showcased in this motion picture is only going to elevate your fear.

 

Arachnophobia stars Jeff Daniels, Julian Sands, Harley Jane Kozak, and John Goodman in significant roles.

 

 

21. What Lies Beneath (2000)

 

 

 

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 the horror feature What Lies Beneath.

 

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

 

Not long after, 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.

 

 

20. The Village (2004)

 

 

 

If you thought that director M. Night Shyamalan would be tired of appearing on this list more than twice, you are wrong.

 

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

 

 

19. Happy Death Day (2017)

 

 

 

Happy Death Day is a decent PG-13 horror feature film that stars Jessica Rothe and Israel Broussard in crucial roles.

 

It has been directed entertainingly by Christopher Landon. The movie tracks the story of a college student named 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 potentially end after Theresa can manage to find out who her true murderer was. She seeks the help of her friend Carter to figure out the killer 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.

 

 

18. Drag Me To Hell (2009)

 

 

 

Director Sam Raimi's horror film Drag Me To Hell stars actors Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, Dileep Rao, David Paymer, and Adriana Barraza in crucial roles.

 

The film traces the journey of a loan officer named Christine Brown. After Christine denies an aged lady an extension on her loan, the latter begrudgingly sets a curse of the Lamia upon the former.

 

Christine's life is soon turned upside down after the nightmarish curse has been placed. Spider-Man director Sam Raimi does his best to bring this intense horror fest to his viewers; a horror title that has been appreciated by the majority of people who have ended up seeing it.

 

Drag Me To Hell had its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and was a box office success upon its official theatrical release.

 

 

17. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

 

 

 

Whenever we get to hear the word exorcism, our instincts immediately take us to the 1973 classic, titled The Exorcist.

 

Needless to mention, any horror film that encompasses the term '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 does try 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.

 

 

16. Disturbia (2007)

 

 

 

Director D. J. Caruso's Disturbia stars actors Shia LaBeouf, David Morse, Sarah Roemer, and Carrie-Anne Moss in significant roles.

 

The film tells the story of a teenager who is compelled to be under house arrest. Bored and desperate, he decides to start spying on his neighbors to make things interesting.

 

However, the spying leads him to a potential serial killer who happens to be on the run. Partially inspired by director Alfred Hitchcock's timeless classic Rear Window, Disturbia received positive reviews from the critics and was considered to be a decent box office success upon its official theatrical release.

 

 

15. 1408 (2007)

 

 

 

Helmed for the screen by Mikael Håfström, 1408 is a psychological horror feature film that has been adapted from a Stephen King short story.

 

A highly underrated movie, it stars actors John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson in significant roles. The story of the motion picture follows a skeptical writer, who, after having checked into room number 1408 of Hotel Dolphin, starts to experience paranormal activities. 1408 was praised for its execution and performances.

 

It also managed to put up decent numbers at the box office. It is said that the feature film has been inspired by a true story.

 

 

14. Insidious (2010)

 

 

 

Following the cult of the Saw film franchise, filmmaker James Wan developed his second successful series with the inception of Insidious movies.

 

The story traces the journey of Josh and Renai who decide to move to a new house in order to make a fresh beginning.

 

However, things soon go south as their son, Dalton, falls into a coma suddenly. Not long after, the house and the couple find themselves in the company of a supernatural entity.

 

This remarkable chiller features actors like Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne in the lead. Both the actors play their characters excellently.

 

It is the first installment in the famous Insidious franchise of motion pictures.

 

 

13. Warm Bodies (2013)

 

 

 

Based on Isaac Marion's 2010 novel of the same name, Warm Bodies is a paranormal romantic zombie comedy feature film that has been written and directed by Jonathan Levine.

 

The film tells the story of a zombie named R, who, at a scavenger party, stumbles upon Julie. Even though he is a "walking dead", he starts to get attracted to Julie and feels protective of her.

 

His feelings for Julie start to make him regain his human tendencies. However, whether one is dead or alive, things are not that simple when it comes to love.

 

Needless to say, the difference in R and Julie's existence comes to be an obstacle in their story.

 

 

12. World War Z (2013)

 

 

 

World War Z is an action-horror feature that has been helmed for the screen by Marc Forster. The story follows a former United Nations employee named Gerry; someone who has to race against time to save himself and his family from bloodthirsty zombies.

 

The motion picture shows humans turning into zombies after having gotten infected with an unknown virus. While the premise was exciting for the year that the film was released, it can sound a bit more haunting given the fact that the world has been maimed by a life-threatening virus in the past couple of years.

 

Based on the title of the 2006 novel of the same name by author Max Brooks, World War Z stars an ensemble cast that includes actors such as Brad Pitt, includes Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz, James Badge Dale, Ludi Boeken, Matthew Fox, Fana Mokoena, David Morse, Elyes Gabel, Peter Capaldi, Pierfrancesco Favino, Ruth Negga, and Moritz Bleibtreu.

 

 

11. Cloverfield (2008)

 

 

 

Cloverfield tells the story of Rob, Hud, Lily, and Marlena, who come together to form a group after a gigantic monster starts to attack and destroy New York City.

 

Together, the group tries to rescue one of their friends named Beth who happens to be trapped in her apartment amid the chaos.

 

An acclaimed motion picture among fans of the genre, Cloverfield has been directed for the screen by Matt Reeves.

 

The found-footage monster project stars Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, and T. J. Miller in important roles.

 

It opened to positive reviews from critics who appreciated the film's execution and narrative style.

 

 

10. Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

 

 

 

This Frank Oz directorial venture traces the journey of a nerdy florist who buys a bloodthirsty plant from a Chinese street vendor.

 

Even though the florist hopes that his fortunes can turn around, what actually ensues makes this black comedy horror feature film a truly enjoyable watch.

 

The motion picture stars Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, Steve Martin, and Levi Stubbs in prominent roles. Little Shop of Horrors opened to favorable reviews from the critics and has developed a cult following ever since its theatrical release in 1986.

 

Even though the title underperformed at the ticket windows, it managed to be a success when released as a home video on VHS the following year.

 

 

9. Tremors (1990)

 

 

 

Tremors is a science fiction horror feature film that traces the journey of two handymen, Valentine and Earl, who happen to be staying in the town of Perfection in Nevada.

 

They soon agree to leave town but before they get to do so, they stumble upon the dead body of a companion.

 

Not long after, they discover that eerie underground creatures are on a people-killing rampage. The film demonstrates how the monsters move underground at a rapid pace and slay their victims from under the ground itself.

 

Even though the plot may come across as silly on the surface, this Ron Underwood directorial venture is a highly enjoyable entertainer.

 

The feature film features actors like Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, and Reba McEntire in prominent roles.

 

 

8. The Ring (2002)

 

 

 

This Gore Verbinski-helmed feature film stars Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman, Jane Alexander, Brian Cox, and Daveigh Chase in pivotal roles.

 

It is a successful remake of a very scary Japanese horror movie titled Ring, which itself was based on Koji Suzuki's 1991 novel of the same name.

 

The story follows a young and brave journalist named Rachel, who, after the horrifying death of her niece Katie, starts to scrutinize a mysterious videotape that somehow slays its viewers within a week of them having viewed it.

 

One of the highest-grossing horror movie remakes of all time, The Ring opened to positive reviews at the ticket counters and turned out to be an enormous box office success.

 

It was appreciated for its atmospheric setting, visuals, and for an adroit performance by Naomi Watts. The success of The Ring paved the way for several other horror remakes.

 

 

7. A Quiet Place II (2020)

 

 

 

This post-apocalyptic horror film is a direct sequel to 2018's A Quiet Place. It continues from where the first installment of the franchise climaxes.

 

The film shows how Regan and her family are now aware of the fact that predators can be deterred using high-frequency audio.

 

This particular discovery and their brainpower are the only weapons that they are armed with post the demise of Lee Abbott, the father.

 

While Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, and Noah Jupe continue to play their respective roles from the first movie, actors like Cillian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou are new and worthy additions to the cast.

 

A Quiet Place II set the box office ablaze by recording one of the biggest opening weekends during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 

6. 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

 

 

 

Director Dan Trachtenberg's 10 Cloverfield Lane is a fine mixture of science fiction and horror. Even though the motion picture does not follow the tropes of a conventional horror feature, its climax more than cements its claim of being a monster flick.

 

The screenplay tracks the story of Michelle, who, after an unfortunate accident, somehow ends up in a bunker with a man named Howard.

 

Much to Michelle's disbelief, Howard notifies her that she is safe with him and that the world outside is not habitable anymore.

 

Confused and desperate to get out, she plans her escape. However, what she finds out once out shocks her deeply.

 

 

5. Split (2016)

 

 

 

Split is another M. Night Shyamalan directorial venture to make it to our list. Even though the filmmaker may not have directed great movies in the recent past, Split has managed to make his loyal supporters happy again.

 

The story of this psychological horror thriller follows the journey of a guy named Kevin. The thing with the calm-looking Kevin is that he is suffering from dissociative identity disorder and has 23 different alter egos.

 

One of his alter-egos ends up kidnapping three teenagers. The teenagers are left with little option but to figure out when his friendly persona takes precedence.

 

However, the catch here is that he is about to unleash his 24th alter-ego. Split is not only an impressive attempt at studying a character like that of James McAvoy but it is also a thriller that allows the momentum to build steadily; all while keeping the intensity alive throughout its runtime.

 

 

4. A Quiet Place (2018)

 

 

 

The husband and wife team of John Krasinski and Emily Blunt brings to us one of the finest horror movies of the 21st century.

 

Helmed by John Krasinski, the story follows the journey of a beautiful family that battles to survive in a world that has apparently been destroyed by noise-sensitive monsters.

 

The fear is so deep that they are forced to learn and use sign language to communicate. As viewers, we get drawn into the storytelling and can do no better than to just remain silent as the story unfolds.

 

While John Krasinski's direction is superb, his performance along with his reel and real-life wife Emily Blunt is also something to watch out for.

 

A Quiet Place relies on its ambitious setting, serious atmosphere, and strong performances to connect with its viewers.

 

 

3. The Others (2001)

 

 

 

Director Alejandro Amenábar's The Others features a cast headlined by actors like Nicole Kidman, Fionnula Flanagan, Christopher Eccleston, Elaine Cassidy, Eric Sykes, Alakina Mann, and James Bentley.

 

The film traces the journey of Grace and her two photosensitive children. After they shift to a new house in Jersey, a series of unexpected supernatural events start to make Grace believe that her house may be haunted by wicked spirits.

 

The Others is an amazing horror feature that not only has an emotional undertone in its storytelling but is also the kind of film that has the ability to make its viewers think.

 

Much like The Sixth Sense, this motion picture also ends on a very high note. Its climax happens to be its unique selling point and the atmosphere that it creates to get there is truly praiseworthy.

 

 

2. The Birds (1963)

 

 

 

Alfred Hitchcock is such a revered director for his innovative genius that his name itself can be used as a premier adjective to define innovative cinema.

 

What makes The Birds storytelling and directorial triumph is that he uses minimalistic supporting cinematic techniques to create another "Hitchcockian" spectacular.

 

The storyline of the horror-thriller tracks the journey of Melanie - a rich socialite who ends up pursuing a lawyer named Mitch to his home in Bodega Bay.

 

However, bizarre and life-threatening things begin to happen as the birds in the area start attacking the residents. Even though Tippi Hedren's enchanting beauty, Rod Taylor's machismo, and Suzanne Pleshette's enigma take center stage, it is the ace director who is the true star of this classic feature film.

 

Alfred Hitchcock's usage of atmospheric background score and the sounds of the birds to create an eerie uneasiness throughout the motion picture worked wonders.

 

 

1. The Sixth Sense (1999)

 

 

 

Film director M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense is one of the most respected horror feature films in cinema history.

 

The supernatural psychological thriller traces the journey of a child psychologist named Malcolm Crowe and a young boy that he is doctoring.

 

The child holds a firm opinion that he can see ghosts. But, that is only the surface of the movie's incredibly layered screenplay.

 

This motion picture is credited with giving cinema one of its most iconic punchlines: "I see dead people." It does not rely on attractive special effects or abrupt jump-scares to make an impact.

 

The Sixth Sense allows the viewers to run their minds and keeps them on the edge of their seats throughout its runtime.

 

Having said that, it would not be an exaggeration to claim that the finale of The Sixth Sense has to be among the finest endings in a horror-themed motion picture.

 

It is not in the least bit surprising then that it turned M. Night Shyamalan into a sought-after director within the industry.