Is ‘The Exorcist’ the Best Horror Movie of All Time? Here Are the Top 15

Horror movies scare us, thrill us, and stick with us long after the credits roll. From creepy ghosts to twisted monsters, the best ones deliver chills that feel real and unforgettable.

But is ‘The Exorcist’ the ultimate horror movie? Let’s rank the top 15 horror films, counting down to see where it lands and what makes these movies so terrifying.

15. ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ (1974)

This gritty film follows a group of friends who stumble upon a family of cannibals. Leatherface, with his chainsaw and creepy mask, became an instant horror icon.

The raw, almost documentary-like style makes every scene feel too real. Its low-budget intensity and brutal simplicity still scare audiences today.

14. ‘Halloween’ (1978)

A masked killer named Michael Myers stalks a small town. The story is simple, but the suspense keeps you on edge.

John Carpenter’s eerie music and clever camera work make every shadow terrifying. This film set the stage for countless slasher movies that followed.

13. ‘The Blair Witch Project’ (1999)

Three filmmakers get lost in the woods while investigating a local legend. The shaky, found-footage style makes it feel like you’re there with them.

Its low-budget approach and clever marketing tricked people into thinking it was real. The fear of the unknown drives this movie’s lasting impact.

12. ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ (1984)

Freddy Krueger, a burned killer, hunts teens in their dreams. If you die in the dream, you die in real life.

The mix of surreal dream sequences and brutal kills keeps you hooked. Freddy’s twisted humor and creepy claws make him a standout villain.

11. ‘Get Out’ (2017)

A Black man visits his white girlfriend’s family, but something feels off. The tension builds as he uncovers a sinister plot.

Jordan Peele blends social commentary with horror perfectly. The creepy atmosphere and shocking twists make this a modern classic.

10. ‘Hereditary’ (2018)

A family unravels after their grandmother’s death, facing strange and terrifying events. Grief and dark secrets fuel the horror.

Toni Collette’s raw performance carries the emotional weight. The slow-burn dread and shocking visuals leave you rattled.

9. ‘The Witch’ (2015)

A Puritan family in the 1600s faces evil in the woods. Strange events tear them apart as paranoia grows.

The film’s slow pace builds unbearable tension. Its focus on religious fear and isolation feels hauntingly real.

8. ‘Psycho’ (1960)

A woman on the run stays at a creepy motel run by Norman Bates. The infamous shower scene changed horror forever.

Alfred Hitchcock’s tight storytelling and shocking twists keep you guessing. Norman’s creepy charm and the eerie setting make it timeless.

7. ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ (1968)

A young woman suspects her neighbors are part of a sinister cult. Her pregnancy becomes a nightmare as she uncovers the truth.

The slow-building paranoia and creepy performances make it unforgettable. It’s a chilling look at trust and betrayal.

6. ‘The Thing’ (1982)

Scientists in Antarctica face a shape-shifting alien that mimics humans. No one knows who to trust as the creature picks them off.

John Carpenter’s practical effects and claustrophobic setting create pure dread. The paranoia and grotesque visuals still hold up.

5. ‘Jaws’ (1975)

A giant shark terrorizes a beach town. The hunt to stop it builds relentless tension.

Steven Spielberg’s pacing and iconic score make every water scene terrifying. The shark feels like a real, unstoppable force of nature.

4. ‘Alien’ (1979)

A spaceship crew faces a deadly creature that hunts them one by one. The dark, confined ship amps up the fear.

Ridley Scott’s mix of sci-fi and horror is gripping. The xenomorph’s design and relentless attacks make it a horror legend.

3. ‘The Shining’ (1980)

A man takes his family to an isolated hotel, where he descends into madness. The supernatural forces in the hotel push him over the edge.

Stanley Kubrick’s eerie visuals and Jack Nicholson’s unhinged performance are haunting. The sense of dread and mystery never lets up.

2. ‘It’ (2017)

Kids in a small town face a shape-shifting entity that often appears as a creepy clown. Their friendships and fears drive the story.

The mix of coming-of-age drama and jump-scare horror hits hard. Pennywise’s menacing presence makes every scene unsettling.

1. ‘The Exorcist’ (1973)

A young girl shows signs of demonic possession, and two priests fight to save her. The battle against evil feels raw and desperate.

Its realistic effects and deep emotional core make it unforgettable. The film’s intensity and spiritual horror earn it the top spot.

What’s your favorite horror movie from this list, or is there another that scares you more? Share your thoughts in the comments!