Horror films: the 13 grimmest films that scare you
It's time to cozy up indoors and watch some movies again. A bit of horror is just what you need right now, right? Just kidding, but Halloween is really the perfect time to test your fears with a few friends. I've put together a delightful dark and grim list of 13 horror films. These will definitely make you keep an eye on every corner of your house. There's a mix of everything, so for fans of paranormal appearances, bloody body horror, or psychological tension (my favorite).
So turn off the lights, grab your favorite snacks, and get ready to be scared every time.
1. The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)
The fourth and final in the series – The Conjuring 2025 you don't want to miss! Released last week and now playing in theaters. Ed and Lorraine Warren return for their most disturbing case yet. It turns out that even the most respected paranormal investigators are not immune to the horrors they encounter. Prepare for pure fear that will keep you awake....
Currently only in theaters. Available around October (2025) on HBO Max.
2. IT (2017)
“We all float down here!” Pennywise is back, and he's scarier than ever. This classic story by Stephen King about a group of children overcoming their fears gets a new bizarre twist in this IT. What makes this Pennywise so scary? Uuhhh, well it's not just his gruesome clown facade, but also the way he senses your deepest fears. Prepare for a nightmare that lingers in your thoughts for weeks.....
3. Eli (2019)
A house full of medical secrets and a boy who can't trust his own body. Eli is a film that makes you question what's real every time. The story follows Eli, who is in a medical clinic specializing in his rare disease, but the treatments bring more and more strange, paranormal threats. A super thrilling mysterious film with totally unexpected twists.
4. Annabelle (2014)
Nothing is scarier than a horror film with a doll (Chuckie..), of course, a doll that is not as innocent as it seems. Annabelle is the backstory of the demonic doll we already know from The Conjuring. In this story, a young woman receives an antique doll in her new home. But what initially seems like a lovely keepsake soon turns out to be the medium for dark evil. A nerve-wracking battle ensues against a being that threatens her life and the lives of her family and friends. Truly a super scary creepy film that you won't forget anytime soon.
5. The Ring (2002)
A film that takes the fear of an old videotape to a new level. What is scarier than a film that not only scares you but also kills you within seven days? The Ring lays the foundation for modern horror with a chilling tale about a deadly cassette and the secrets hidden behind it. The infamous Samara will haunt you for a long time......
6. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
An oldie. But one that popularized the ‘found footage’ style of horror films. In other words: The Blair Witch Project changed the way we experience horror by capturing everything as ‘real’ footage, as if it were a documentary. Three film students go in search of the legend of the Blair Witch, but what if their film project turns out to be much scarier than they ever expected? The nightmare that awaits them is far scarier than their film project. This (then innovative) approach made the film one of the most thrilling horror experiences of its time. A terrifying film, where the unknown poses the greatest threat.
Available on Apple TV
7. The Shining (1980)
An absolute classic: “Here’s Johnny!” The Shining is the perfect mix of psychological and supernatural horror. When Jack Torrance becomes isolated in a remote hotel, his mental health and the grim surroundings slowly take over. The direction (the iconic Kubrick) and Jack Nicholson's brilliant performance make this film a timeless classic. One that won't let you go.
Available on HBO Max
8. Insidious (2010)
This film is the ultimate test for your nerves.... A family struggling with the loss of their son, and it turns out that evil lurks not only in the physical world. Insidious is a film that carefully builds its fears, making you feel unsafe anywhere, even in your own home. With its strange, otherworldly dimension and demonic beings.
9. Smile (2022)
A smile that is anything but a sign of kindness? Smile is the perfect psychological thriller that is not only terrifying and super exciting, but also challenges your perception of normality. After a trauma, the protagonist is confronted with people trapped in a frightening, unnatural smile – and it's up to her to unravel the truth behind these bizarre phenomena. Want to keep watching?
Thousands of women receive our weekly updates. You too?
1. The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)
The fourth and final in the series – The Conjuring 2025 you don't want to miss! Released last week and now playing in theaters. Ed and Lorraine Warren return for their most disturbing case yet. It turns out that even the most respected paranormal investigators are not immune to the horrors they encounter. Prepare for pure fear that will keep you awake....
Currently only in theaters. Available around October (2025) on HBO Max.
2. IT (2017)
“We all float down here!” Pennywise is back, and he's scarier than ever. This classic story by Stephen King about a group of children overcoming their fears gets a new bizarre twist in this IT. What makes this Pennywise so scary? Uuhhh, well it's not just his gruesome clown facade, but also the way he senses your deepest fears. Prepare for a nightmare that lingers in your thoughts for weeks.....
3. Eli (2019)
A house full of medical secrets and a boy who can't trust his own body. Eli is a film that makes you question what's real every time. The story follows Eli, who is in a medical clinic specializing in his rare disease, but the treatments bring more and more strange, paranormal threats. A super thrilling mysterious film with totally unexpected twists.
4. Annabelle (2014)
Nothing is scarier than a horror film with a doll (Chuckie..), of course, a doll that is not as innocent as it seems. Annabelle is the backstory of the demonic doll we already know from The Conjuring. In this story, a young woman receives an antique doll in her new home. But what initially seems like a lovely keepsake soon turns out to be the medium for dark evil. A nerve-wracking battle ensues against a being that threatens her life and the lives of her family and friends. Truly a super scary creepy film that you won't forget anytime soon.
5. The Ring (2002)
A film that takes the fear of an old videotape to a new level. What is scarier than a film that not only scares you but also kills you within seven days? The Ring lays the foundation for modern horror with a chilling tale about a deadly cassette and the secrets hidden behind it. The infamous Samara will haunt you for a long time......
6. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
An oldie. But one that popularized the ‘found footage’ style of horror films. In other words: The Blair Witch Project changed the way we experience horror by capturing everything as ‘real’ footage, as if it were a documentary. Three film students go in search of the legend of the Blair Witch, but what if their film project turns out to be much scarier than they ever expected? The nightmare that awaits them is far scarier than their film project. This (then innovative) approach made the film one of the most thrilling horror experiences of its time. A terrifying film, where the unknown poses the greatest threat.
Available on Apple TV
7. The Shining (1980)
An absolute classic: “Here’s Johnny!” The Shining is the perfect mix of psychological and supernatural horror. When Jack Torrance becomes isolated in a remote hotel, his mental health and the grim surroundings slowly take over. The direction (the iconic Kubrick) and Jack Nicholson's brilliant performance make this film a timeless classic. One that won't let you go.
Available on HBO Max
8. Insidious (2010)
This film is the ultimate test for your nerves.... A family struggling with the loss of their son, and it turns out that evil lurks not only in the physical world. Insidious is a film that carefully builds its fears, making you feel unsafe anywhere, even in your own home. With its strange, otherworldly dimension and demonic beings.
9. Smile (2022)
A smile that is anything but a sign of kindness? Smile is the perfect psychological thriller that is not only terrifying and super exciting, but also challenges your perception of normality. After a trauma, the protagonist is confronted with people trapped in a frightening, unnatural smile – and it's up to her to unravel the truth behind these bizarre phenomena. Want to keep watching?
Thousands of women receive our weekly updates. You too?
2. IT (2017)
“We all float down here!” Pennywise is back, and he's scarier than ever. This classic story by Stephen King about a group of children overcoming their fears gets a new bizarre twist in this IT. What makes this Pennywise so scary? Uuhhh, well it's not just his gruesome clown facade, but also the way he senses your deepest fears. Prepare for a nightmare that lingers in your thoughts for weeks.....
3. Eli (2019)
A house full of medical secrets and a boy who can't trust his own body. Eli is a film that makes you question what's real every time. The story follows Eli, who is in a medical clinic specializing in his rare disease, but the treatments bring more and more strange, paranormal threats. A super thrilling mysterious film with totally unexpected twists.
4. Annabelle (2014)
Nothing is scarier than a horror film with a doll (Chuckie..), of course, a doll that is not as innocent as it seems. Annabelle is the backstory of the demonic doll we already know from The Conjuring. In this story, a young woman receives an antique doll in her new home. But what initially seems like a lovely keepsake soon turns out to be the medium for dark evil. A nerve-wracking battle ensues against a being that threatens her life and the lives of her family and friends. Truly a super scary creepy film that you won't forget anytime soon.
5. The Ring (2002)
A film that takes the fear of an old videotape to a new level. What is scarier than a film that not only scares you but also kills you within seven days? The Ring lays the foundation for modern horror with a chilling tale about a deadly cassette and the secrets hidden behind it. The infamous Samara will haunt you for a long time......
6. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
An oldie. But one that popularized the ‘found footage’ style of horror films. In other words: The Blair Witch Project changed the way we experience horror by capturing everything as ‘real’ footage, as if it were a documentary. Three film students go in search of the legend of the Blair Witch, but what if their film project turns out to be much scarier than they ever expected? The nightmare that awaits them is far scarier than their film project. This (then innovative) approach made the film one of the most thrilling horror experiences of its time. A terrifying film, where the unknown poses the greatest threat.
Available on Apple TV
7. The Shining (1980)
An absolute classic: “Here’s Johnny!” The Shining is the perfect mix of psychological and supernatural horror. When Jack Torrance becomes isolated in a remote hotel, his mental health and the grim surroundings slowly take over. The direction (the iconic Kubrick) and Jack Nicholson's brilliant performance make this film a timeless classic. One that won't let you go.
Available on HBO Max
8. Insidious (2010)
This film is the ultimate test for your nerves.... A family struggling with the loss of their son, and it turns out that evil lurks not only in the physical world. Insidious is a film that carefully builds its fears, making you feel unsafe anywhere, even in your own home. With its strange, otherworldly dimension and demonic beings.
9. Smile (2022)
A smile that is anything but a sign of kindness? Smile is the perfect psychological thriller that is not only terrifying and super exciting, but also challenges your perception of normality. After a trauma, the protagonist is confronted with people trapped in a frightening, unnatural smile – and it's up to her to unravel the truth behind these bizarre phenomena. Want to keep watching?
Thousands of women receive our weekly updates. You too?
3. Eli (2019)
A house full of medical secrets and a boy who can't trust his own body. Eli is a film that makes you question what's real every time. The story follows Eli, who is in a medical clinic specializing in his rare disease, but the treatments bring more and more strange, paranormal threats. A super thrilling mysterious film with totally unexpected twists.
4. Annabelle (2014)
Nothing is scarier than a horror film with a doll (Chuckie..), of course, a doll that is not as innocent as it seems. Annabelle is the backstory of the demonic doll we already know from The Conjuring. In this story, a young woman receives an antique doll in her new home. But what initially seems like a lovely keepsake soon turns out to be the medium for dark evil. A nerve-wracking battle ensues against a being that threatens her life and the lives of her family and friends. Truly a super scary creepy film that you won't forget anytime soon.
5. The Ring (2002)
A film that takes the fear of an old videotape to a new level. What is scarier than a film that not only scares you but also kills you within seven days? The Ring lays the foundation for modern horror with a chilling tale about a deadly cassette and the secrets hidden behind it. The infamous Samara will haunt you for a long time......
6. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
An oldie. But one that popularized the ‘found footage’ style of horror films. In other words: The Blair Witch Project changed the way we experience horror by capturing everything as ‘real’ footage, as if it were a documentary. Three film students go in search of the legend of the Blair Witch, but what if their film project turns out to be much scarier than they ever expected? The nightmare that awaits them is far scarier than their film project. This (then innovative) approach made the film one of the most thrilling horror experiences of its time. A terrifying film, where the unknown poses the greatest threat.
Available on Apple TV
7. The Shining (1980)
An absolute classic: “Here’s Johnny!” The Shining is the perfect mix of psychological and supernatural horror. When Jack Torrance becomes isolated in a remote hotel, his mental health and the grim surroundings slowly take over. The direction (the iconic Kubrick) and Jack Nicholson's brilliant performance make this film a timeless classic. One that won't let you go.
Available on HBO Max
8. Insidious (2010)
This film is the ultimate test for your nerves.... A family struggling with the loss of their son, and it turns out that evil lurks not only in the physical world. Insidious is a film that carefully builds its fears, making you feel unsafe anywhere, even in your own home. With its strange, otherworldly dimension and demonic beings.
9. Smile (2022)
A smile that is anything but a sign of kindness? Smile is the perfect psychological thriller that is not only terrifying and super exciting, but also challenges your perception of normality. After a trauma, the protagonist is confronted with people trapped in a frightening, unnatural smile – and it's up to her to unravel the truth behind these bizarre phenomena. Want to keep watching?
Thousands of women receive our weekly updates. You too?
4. Annabelle (2014)
Nothing is scarier than a horror film with a doll (Chuckie..), of course, a doll that is not as innocent as it seems. Annabelle is the backstory of the demonic doll we already know from The Conjuring. In this story, a young woman receives an antique doll in her new home. But what initially seems like a lovely keepsake soon turns out to be the medium for dark evil. A nerve-wracking battle ensues against a being that threatens her life and the lives of her family and friends. Truly a super scary creepy film that you won't forget anytime soon.
5. The Ring (2002)
A film that takes the fear of an old videotape to a new level. What is scarier than a film that not only scares you but also kills you within seven days? The Ring lays the foundation for modern horror with a chilling tale about a deadly cassette and the secrets hidden behind it. The infamous Samara will haunt you for a long time......
6. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
An oldie. But one that popularized the ‘found footage’ style of horror films. In other words: The Blair Witch Project changed the way we experience horror by capturing everything as ‘real’ footage, as if it were a documentary. Three film students go in search of the legend of the Blair Witch, but what if their film project turns out to be much scarier than they ever expected? The nightmare that awaits them is far scarier than their film project. This (then innovative) approach made the film one of the most thrilling horror experiences of its time. A terrifying film, where the unknown poses the greatest threat.
Available on Apple TV
7. The Shining (1980)
An absolute classic: “Here’s Johnny!” The Shining is the perfect mix of psychological and supernatural horror. When Jack Torrance becomes isolated in a remote hotel, his mental health and the grim surroundings slowly take over. The direction (the iconic Kubrick) and Jack Nicholson's brilliant performance make this film a timeless classic. One that won't let you go.
Available on HBO Max
8. Insidious (2010)
This film is the ultimate test for your nerves.... A family struggling with the loss of their son, and it turns out that evil lurks not only in the physical world. Insidious is a film that carefully builds its fears, making you feel unsafe anywhere, even in your own home. With its strange, otherworldly dimension and demonic beings.
9. Smile (2022)
A smile that is anything but a sign of kindness? Smile is the perfect psychological thriller that is not only terrifying and super exciting, but also challenges your perception of normality. After a trauma, the protagonist is confronted with people trapped in a frightening, unnatural smile – and it's up to her to unravel the truth behind these bizarre phenomena. Want to keep watching?
Thousands of women receive our weekly updates. You too?
5. The Ring (2002)
A film that takes the fear of an old videotape to a new level. What is scarier than a film that not only scares you but also kills you within seven days? The Ring lays the foundation for modern horror with a chilling tale about a deadly cassette and the secrets hidden behind it. The infamous Samara will haunt you for a long time......
6. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
An oldie. But one that popularized the ‘found footage’ style of horror films. In other words: The Blair Witch Project changed the way we experience horror by capturing everything as ‘real’ footage, as if it were a documentary. Three film students go in search of the legend of the Blair Witch, but what if their film project turns out to be much scarier than they ever expected? The nightmare that awaits them is far scarier than their film project. This (then innovative) approach made the film one of the most thrilling horror experiences of its time. A terrifying film, where the unknown poses the greatest threat.
Available on Apple TV
7. The Shining (1980)
An absolute classic: “Here’s Johnny!” The Shining is the perfect mix of psychological and supernatural horror. When Jack Torrance becomes isolated in a remote hotel, his mental health and the grim surroundings slowly take over. The direction (the iconic Kubrick) and Jack Nicholson's brilliant performance make this film a timeless classic. One that won't let you go.
Available on HBO Max
8. Insidious (2010)
This film is the ultimate test for your nerves.... A family struggling with the loss of their son, and it turns out that evil lurks not only in the physical world. Insidious is a film that carefully builds its fears, making you feel unsafe anywhere, even in your own home. With its strange, otherworldly dimension and demonic beings.
9. Smile (2022)
A smile that is anything but a sign of kindness? Smile is the perfect psychological thriller that is not only terrifying and super exciting, but also challenges your perception of normality. After a trauma, the protagonist is confronted with people trapped in a frightening, unnatural smile – and it's up to her to unravel the truth behind these bizarre phenomena. Want to keep watching?
Thousands of women receive our weekly updates. You too?
6. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
An oldie. But one that popularized the ‘found footage’ style of horror films. In other words: The Blair Witch Project changed the way we experience horror by capturing everything as ‘real’ footage, as if it were a documentary. Three film students go in search of the legend of the Blair Witch, but what if their film project turns out to be much scarier than they ever expected? The nightmare that awaits them is far scarier than their film project. This (then innovative) approach made the film one of the most thrilling horror experiences of its time. A terrifying film, where the unknown poses the greatest threat.
Available on Apple TV
7. The Shining (1980)
An absolute classic: “Here’s Johnny!” The Shining is the perfect mix of psychological and supernatural horror. When Jack Torrance becomes isolated in a remote hotel, his mental health and the grim surroundings slowly take over. The direction (the iconic Kubrick) and Jack Nicholson's brilliant performance make this film a timeless classic. One that won't let you go.
Available on HBO Max
8. Insidious (2010)
This film is the ultimate test for your nerves.... A family struggling with the loss of their son, and it turns out that evil lurks not only in the physical world. Insidious is a film that carefully builds its fears, making you feel unsafe anywhere, even in your own home. With its strange, otherworldly dimension and demonic beings.
9. Smile (2022)
A smile that is anything but a sign of kindness? Smile is the perfect psychological thriller that is not only terrifying and super exciting, but also challenges your perception of normality. After a trauma, the protagonist is confronted with people trapped in a frightening, unnatural smile – and it's up to her to unravel the truth behind these bizarre phenomena. Want to keep watching?
Thousands of women receive our weekly updates. You too?
7. The Shining (1980)
An absolute classic: “Here’s Johnny!” The Shining is the perfect mix of psychological and supernatural horror. When Jack Torrance becomes isolated in a remote hotel, his mental health and the grim surroundings slowly take over. The direction (the iconic Kubrick) and Jack Nicholson's brilliant performance make this film a timeless classic. One that won't let you go.
Available on HBO Max
8. Insidious (2010)
This film is the ultimate test for your nerves.... A family struggling with the loss of their son, and it turns out that evil lurks not only in the physical world. Insidious is a film that carefully builds its fears, making you feel unsafe anywhere, even in your own home. With its strange, otherworldly dimension and demonic beings.
9. Smile (2022)
A smile that is anything but a sign of kindness? Smile is the perfect psychological thriller that is not only terrifying and super exciting, but also challenges your perception of normality. After a trauma, the protagonist is confronted with people trapped in a frightening, unnatural smile – and it's up to her to unravel the truth behind these bizarre phenomena. Want to keep watching?
Thousands of women receive our weekly updates. You too?
8. Insidious (2010)
This film is the ultimate test for your nerves.... A family struggling with the loss of their son, and it turns out that evil lurks not only in the physical world. Insidious is a film that carefully builds its fears, making you feel unsafe anywhere, even in your own home. With its strange, otherworldly dimension and demonic beings.
9. Smile (2022)
A smile that is anything but a sign of kindness? Smile is the perfect psychological thriller that is not only terrifying and super exciting, but also challenges your perception of normality. After a trauma, the protagonist is confronted with people trapped in a frightening, unnatural smile – and it's up to her to unravel the truth behind these bizarre phenomena. Want to keep watching?
Thousands of women receive our weekly updates. You too?
9. Smile (2022)
A smile that is anything but a sign of kindness? Smile is the perfect psychological thriller that is not only terrifying and super exciting, but also challenges your perception of normality. After a trauma, the protagonist is confronted with people trapped in a frightening, unnatural smile – and it's up to her to unravel the truth behind these bizarre phenomena. Want to keep watching?
