12 Terrifying Must-Watch Horror Films and Shows That Will Keep You Up All Night!

Introduction

If you’re in the mood for some spine-tingling horror, buckle up and get ready for a blood-curdling ride through the scariest movies and shows that are guaranteed to give you chills. Whether you’re into cult classics, psychological thrillers, or good ol’ slashers, this list has something for everyone who loves a good scare.

1. Apostle (2018)

2h 9m | Rated A

If you thought cults couldn’t get more disturbing after Midsommar think again.

When Thomas Richardson (Dan Stevens) heads to a remote island off the coast of Wales to rescue his kidnapped sister, he discovers the twisted underbelly of a sinister cult. Packed with unnerving violence and eerie landscapes, Apostle is a horror gem that creeps under your skin. The suspense builds as sinister rituals unfold, leaving you guessing whether any escape is possible.

2. The Babadook (2014)

1h 34m | Rated A

Sometimes, the monsters are closer than you think.

Six years after her husband’s tragic death, Amelia (Essie Davis) is struggling to cope with her rambunctious son and her lingering grief. But when a mysterious book called Mister Babadook appears, things take a terrifying turn. This Australian psychological horror film plays with the darkness inside all of us, exploring what happens when fear and sorrow take on a monstrous form.

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3. Cam (2018)

1h 34m | Rated A

Identity theft, but make it supernatural — and horrifying.

Isa Mazzei’s Cam delves deep into the unsettling world of webcam girls, where Alice "Lola_Lola" Ackerman’s online persona is hijacked by a sinister doppelgänger. Drawing on Mazzei’s real-life experiences, Cam blends psychological horror with a disturbing look at how we live double lives online — but what if your online self breaks free and terrorizes your real one?

4. Fear Street Part 1: 1994 (2021)

1h 47m | Rated A

Slasher lovers, this one’s for you!

Killer maniacs, mystery, and a retro ’90s setting make Fear Street Part 1: 1994 a thrilling start to this trilogy of horrors. Based on R.L. Stine’s famous novels, this slasher flick knows how to ramp up the suspense and blood. It’s packed with throwbacks to genre staples like Scream and Friday the 13th, but adds its own wicked twist — plus, there’s one unforgettable on-screen kill that’ll haunt your dreams.

5. Gerald's Game (2017)

1h 43m | Rated A

Trapped, alone, and facing your deepest fears.

Stephen King’s novel Gerald’s Game comes to life in this haunting adaptation directed by Mike Flanagan. Carla Gugino shines as a woman trapped in a nightmarish scenario after a romantic weekend turns deadly. With spine-tingling psychological tension, this movie proves that horror doesn’t need monsters — just the fear of what’s inside our minds.

6. In the Tall Grass (2019)

1h 41m | Rated A

You thought getting lost in a field was harmless? Think again.

Based on a novella by Stephen King and Joe Hill, In the Tall Grass traps you in a field of terror, where there’s no escape. What begins as a simple rescue mission spirals into a twisted game of survival. The film delivers a chilling atmosphere with plenty of eerie twists, culminating in one of King’s most memorable and haunting endings.

7. It Follows (2015)

1h 40m | Rated A

It’s coming… and it won’t stop until you’re dead.

It Follows isn’t your typical horror movie. In this unique and terrifying story, a mysterious entity follows you after a sexual encounter — and there’s no running away. Drawing inspiration from John Carpenter’s Halloween, this film's relentless sense of dread and its eerie soundtrack will leave you glancing over your shoulder.

8. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)

1h 23m | Rated A

Leatherface is back and out for blood!

The iconic slasher villain returns in this modern-day sequel to the 1974 classic. A group of young influencers comes to a ghost town to turn it into a hip new hotspot — but Leatherface has other plans. Cue the chainsaws and the chaos as he hunts down these tech-savvy invaders. The message? Some places are better left alone.

9. The Ritual (2018)

1h 34m | Rated A

When Norse mythology meets psychological horror.

A hiking trip in the Swedish wilderness quickly turns nightmarish for a group of friends when they encounter something lurking in the woods. *The Ritual* expertly mixes psychological horror with mythology, resulting in a terrifying exploration of guilt, fear, and survival.

10. All of Us Are Dead (2022)

1 Season | Rated A

Zombie outbreak meets high school drama!

This South Korean series combines teen angst with a full-on zombie apocalypse. A group of students must navigate the undead and survive while dealing with bullies, crushes, and high school cliques. All of Us Are Dead balances horror with heart-pounding action — perfect for anyone who loves both zombie flicks and school drama.

11. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018)

4 Parts | Rated A

Your favorite teenage witch, but make it dark.

Sabrina Spellman gets a dark reboot in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Forget the ’90s sitcom; this version is filled with satanic rituals, blood, and more than enough creepy vibes. Teen drama, magic, and horror combine in this wildly entertaining show.

12. The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

1 Season | Rated A

Family trauma and ghosts collide.

Mike Flanagan’s masterpiece The Haunting of Hill House isn’t just scary — it’s heartbreakingly emotional. Following the Crain family’s encounter with the titular haunted house, the series weaves together past and present to create a horror story that’s as terrifying as it is poignant.These picks will have you sleeping with the lights on — but in the best way possible! Whether you’re into slow-burn cult classics, psychological nightmares, or a good old-fashioned slasher, this list will take you on a journey through the darker side of cinema. So grab your blanket (to hide under), hit play, and prepare to be scared!

Which one will you start with?

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