Top 20: IMDb’s Highest-Rated Horror Movies

Horror is arguably the most subjective of all film genres. A scene that sends one person’s heart racing might make another burst out laughing. That is exactly why it is so tough for horror movies to get a fair shake on IMDb. While general audiences often keep the genre at arm’s length, it’s usually up to the true horror fans to recognize its real quality. 

IMDb’s rating system relies on votes from millions of users. While the system can be a bit unfair when it comes to horror movies, it at least provides a ranking based on popularity. This can be really helpful for those who aren’t exactly horror buffs but want to dip their toes into the genre starting with its most essential films

Now, let’s explore the horror movies that IMDb users liked the best

Top 20: The Best Horror Films According to IMDb

1. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

IMDb Rating: 8.6
Director: Jonathan Demme

Etched into cinematic history thanks to Anthony Hopkins’ unforgettable performance as Hannibal Lecter, this masterpiece stands as one of the finest examples of the psychological thriller genre. The story, which follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling seeking the help of incarcerated serial killer Dr. Lecter to catch another killer, Buffalo Bill, keeps the audience breathless from start to finish.

Korku101 Recommends: A perfect entry point for newcomers to classic horror cinema. With Hopkins’ charismatic villainy and an intelligently written script, it demonstrates just how the horror genre can ascend to artistic heights.

2. Alien (1979)

IMDb Rating: 8.5
Director: Ridley Scott

Famous for the slogan “In space no one can hear you scream,” this masterpiece defined the sci-fi horror genre through its suffocating atmosphere and flawless monster design. With Sigourney Weaver portraying the iconic strong female lead, Ellen Ripley, it served as a major milestone for both science fiction and horror alike.

Korku101 Recommends: The absolute gold standard for space-themed horror movies. H.R. Giger’s creature design is so impressive that it has inspired countless films over the decades that followed.

3. Psycho (1960)

IMDb Rating: 8.5
Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece, the film that laid the foundations of modern horror cinema. The mysterious Norman Bates at the Bates Motel, along with his disturbing relationship with his mother, created one of the most iconic horror characters in history. I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I said the shower murder scene is the most famous and replicated sequence in all of cinema.

Korku101 Recommends: A must-watch for every horror fan, this film can be considered the ancestor of many figures, tropes, and themes we see in today’s horror movies. It is unmissable for anyone wanting to witness Hitchcock’s mastery firsthand.

4. The Shining (1980)

IMDb Rating: 8.4
Director: Stanley Kubrick

Adapted by Stanley Kubrick from Stephen King’s novel, this masterpiece tells the story of Jack Torrance, who slowly descends into madness within the isolation of the Overlook Hotel. Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance, combined with Kubrick’s perfectionist direction, has cemented this film as one of the undisputed classics of horror cinema.

Korku101 Recommends: The pinnacle of psychological horror. It features a layered narrative where you can discover new details with every single viewing. Even the line “Here’s Johnny!” stands as a milestone in horror history all on its own.

5. Aliens (1986)

IMDb Rating: 8.4
Director: James Cameron

In James Cameron’s sequel, Ellen Ripley faces the alien threat once again. By seamlessly blending the first film’s claustrophobic atmosphere with an action-packed approach, it is widely regarded as one of the most successful sequels in genre history.

Korku101 Recommends: The perfect convergence of sci-fi horror and high-octane action. Ripley’s evolution into a powerhouse female character stands as a major milestone in the history of cinema.

6. The Thing (1982)

IMDb Rating: 8.2
Director: John Carpenter

John Carpenter’s body horror masterpiece chronicles the struggle of scientists at an Antarctic research base against a shape-shifting alien entity. The pervasive atmosphere of paranoia and distrust pushes the tension among the characters to its absolute limit.

Korku101 Recommends: A perfect showcase of the power of practical effects. The visual effects have lost none of their impact even in the modern age of CGI and are an absolute must-see. 

7. Jaws (1975)

IMDb Rating: 8.1
Director: Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg’s classic tells the story of the terror unleashed by a giant shark on a coastal town. The film, which laid the foundations of modern blockbuster cinema, is also one of the most successful examples of animal-themed horror.

Korku101 Recommends: A perfect application of the concept of “unseen horror.” The tension created by purposefully not showing the shark earns the film an unforgettable place in cinema history.

8. The Exorcist (1973)

IMDb Rating: 8.1
Director: William Friedkin

Perhaps the most controversial and influential film in the history of horror. The story of 12-year-old Regan’s possession by the devil and the struggle involving her mother and two priests stands as a milestone in the religious horror genre. Rumor has it that upon its initial release, audiences in theaters were fainting and falling ill.

Korku101 Recommends: If you have any interest in religious horror, start right here. A genuinely terrifying experience that hasn’t lost an ounce of its power, even 50 years later.

9. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

IMDb Rating: 7.9
Director: Edgar Wright

Directed by Edgar Wright, this horror-comedy covers the absurd adventures of a man in London during a zombie apocalypse. A perfect blend of the horror and comedy genres, the film offers a fresh take on zombie lore.

Korku101 Recommends: A modern classic of the horror-comedy genre. It manages to be both scary and funny, utilizing the clichés of the zombie genre with brilliant wit.

10. Get Out (2017)

IMDb Score: 7.8
Director: Jordan Peele

Jordan Peele’s directorial debut stands as one of the most successful examples of horror films tackling socio-political themes. The story, which follows a young Black man visiting his white girlfriend’s family, serves as a clever allegory that blends the theme of racism with the horror genre.

Korku101 Recommends: A highly successful example demonstrating that modern horror-thriller cinema can be politically charged and meaningful.

11. Predator (1987)

IMDb Score: 7.8
Director: John McTiernan

An action-packed classic where a team of commandos faces off against an alien hunter in the jungle. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, this film is a successful example of blending the sci-fi horror genre with high-octane action.

Korku101 Recommends: One of the finest examples of the action-horror genre. The design of the Predator creature and the concept of the “hunt” are particularly noteworthy.

12. Halloween (1978)

In John Carpenter’s slasher classic, Michael Myers returns to his hometown to wreak havoc. As the film that created the slasher genre, it stands as a prime example of horror cinema achieving maximum impact with a minimal budget.

Korku101 Recommends: The ultimate classic of the slasher genre. Given that Michael Myers is one of the most iconic villains in horror history, there is simply no excuse not to watch it.

13. American Psycho (2000)

IMDb Rating: 7.6
Director: Mary Harron

Focusing on the dark and violent life of Patrick Bateman, this film blends psychological thriller elements with dark humor. Christian Bale’s unforgettable performance and the critique of 80s yuppie culture stand out as the highlights.

Korku101 Recommends: A mix of psychological horror and social critique. Bale’s performance alone is reason enough to watch it.

14. Train to Busan (2016)

IMDb Rating: 7.6
Director: Yeon Sang-ho

This South Korean zombie film takes the genre’s clichés and blends them with an emotional family story. The zombie outbreak set on a high-speed train is thoroughly satisfying in terms of both action and horror.

Korku101 Recommends: Highly recommended for those looking for innovation in the zombie genre. It is a significant example showcasing the success of South Korean cinema in horror.

15. The Others (2001)

IMDb Rating: 7.6
Director: Alejandro Amenábar

The thrilling story of a woman living in a mysterious house with her two children in the aftermath of World War II. It stands out as an unforgettable horror film, driven by Nicole Kidman’s powerhouse performance and its shocking ending.

Korku101 Recommends: This film features one of the most successful plot twists ever seen in horror cinema. Those looking for a movie that builds tension purely through its atmosphere should not miss it.

16. Saw (2004)

IMDb Rating: 7.6
Director: James Wan

Burned into our minds thanks to its lethal traps, this movie chronicles the struggle of two men caught in a room with no easy way out—a premise almost no one is unfamiliar with today. It draws attention with the ingenious games the victims must decipher.

Korku101 Recommends: A definitive entry in modern horror. It serves as a testament to how massive a success a low-budget horror movie can achieve.

17. 28 Days Later (2002)

IMDb Rating: 7.5
Director: Danny Boyle

Focusing on the survivors’ struggle in a virus-ravaged UK, this film keeps the tension at its peak. It stands out with its “fast zombie” concept, which breathed new life into the zombie genre.

Korku101 Recommends: A modern classic of post-apocalyptic horror. The fact that it was shot on digital video creates a visually unique and gritty atmosphere.

18. The Conjuring (2013)

IMDb Rating: 7.5
Director: James Wan

James Wan’s masterpiece contributed to modern horror cinema, this film serves as a contemporary version of the classic haunted house movie. Its story, inspired by paranormal events allegedly experienced by the real-life couple Ed and Lorraine Warren, feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Korku101 Recommends: One of the films that sparked the resurgence of horror in the 2010s. An excellent example of blending classic horror atmosphere with modern filmmaking techniques.

19. A Quiet Place (2018)

IMDb Rating: 7.5
Director: John Krasinski

The story of a family trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world by maintaining absolute silence against sound-sensitive creatures. The film’s greatest strength lies in its use of sound as a narrative tool, effectively pulling the audience into this high-stakes game of silence.

Korku101 Recommends: One of those films that truly makes you feel the power of sound—and the lack thereof. When watched in a theater (or a quiet room), the silence of the audience itself becomes an integral part of the movie.

20. Interview with the Vampire (1994)

IMDb Rating: 7.5
Director: Neil Jordan

A dark tale conveying the tragic face of immortality through the eyes of vampires. Starring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise, this film stands as one of the most stylish and melancholic examples of the vampire genre.

Korku101 Recommends: Ideal for those wishing to explore the romantic and tragic facets of vampire lore. It is one of the rare adaptations that successfully translates Anne Rice’s literary approach to the big screen.

Final Thoughts

Even though IMDb scores aren’t always entirely fair to the horror genre, the films on this list are genuinely high-quality examples. This ranking can serve as an ideal guide for those looking to get started with horror cinema. But remember: how much a movie scares you isn’t just about how ‘good’ the film is technically; it is a matter rooted in your own life experiences and beliefs. A highly-rated film on this list might leave you cold, while another with a lower IMDb score could keep you up for nights. And that, right there, is the beauty of horror.