Horror movies are made with the intent to scare. Sometimes this is done through the blood and gore. Sometimes strictly by the suspense and surprise.

Some of the best horror movies focus more on sheer terror than blood and gore.

The best movies are not always the highest grossing films. They are not always the ones with the biggest budget. They are the ones that leave you with a chill long after you see it.

The best horror movies are the ones you like to watch over and over and can still have that chill factor.

Below are listed, in my opinion, the scariest horror movies and why I feel they deserve this distinction.

1. The Hitcher (1986)- By far, in my opinion, the scariest movie ever. It is the "it could really happen" factor that puts it at the top of my list.

2. Psycho (1960)- Norman Bates, the main character and killer in Psycho is loosely based on serial killer Ed Gein. The fact that it is based on true events is one reason it is high on my list. But this is probably a little known fact. Another reason Psycho is one of the scariest movies of all time is Norman's dual personality, and the way he has things set up to watch his victim.

3. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)- A family of cannibals living in Texas, based on true events, selling their chili with the special ingredient...that along with large amounts of blood and terror makes this and excellent horror flick.

4. Halloween (1978)- A young boy committing a horrible crime, only to grow into a heartless killer with an insatiable urge to wreak havoc on his hometown. Even without the blood and gore, Halloween strikes fear into the hearts of the viewers by sheer terror.

5. Mothman Prophecy's (2002)- Based on true events in West Virginia, this alone is enough to scare most.

6. Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)- Most people probable automatically think of this movie when anyone mentions horror movies. To have a killer come to life in your dream world is horrifying. You have to sleep, if you sleep you die. Because he is a dream he can become anything he wants to. There is no way to fight him.

7. Friday the 13th (1980)- The first in a series based on the killer Jason Vorhees. In this one though it is the vengeance of a mother who lost a child. Different because the killer is female. Understandable, because none of us truly know how we would react to similar circumstances. Scary because anyone could be pushed over the edge.

8. Poltergeist (1976)- A housing development built on top of a cemetery. The spirits seeking revenge. Although there is no blood and gruesome killings, the fear is constantly present. Most people remember well, "They're here".

9. Children of the Corn (1984)- Children taking over a town by order of one child they believe to be a prophet. Killing all adults. The blood and ruthless killing makes this one to never forget.

10. Amityville Horror (1978)- Another movie based on true events. No blood or senseless killing only the terror experienced by a family in a house.

There are only a few of the scariest horror movies. Like with any kind of favorite anything, it is all a matter of personal opinion. A few of my other favorites are:
11. The Shining (1980)
12. The Exorcist (1973)
13. Jeepers Creepers (2001)
14. The Omen (1970)
15. Carrie (1976)

One thing I did realize as I was putting my list together, is most of the movies that I find scariest are older movies. I'm not sure if that is because today's version of horror movies seem to consist more of which one can be bloodiest, or just the lack of the real scare factor.

Learn more about this author, Jenifer Ramirez.
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