The Most Popular Horror Movie of All Time, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the horror movie you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:40
Ranking the most popular horror movie of all time can be a daunting task, as the genre is filled with an array of chilling and exhilarating films that have captivated audiences for decades. By creating a dynamic list based on public opinion, fans have the power to influence and determine which film stands out above the rest. This democratic approach enables a genuine reflection of what truly resonates with the horror community.
By participating in this voting process, enthusiasts can ensure their favorite films receive the recognition they deserve. The changing ranks highlight new trends and preferences in the horror genre, offering fresh insights about what elements make these movies successful. It is an exciting way to engage with the broader community and contribute meaningfully to the genre's history.
What Is the Most Popular Horror Movie of All Time?
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146votes
SDC at English Wikipedia · Public domainThe Exorcist (1973)
Directed by William FriedkinThis film is often considered the scariest movie of all time, with its iconic scenes of possession and demonic activity. It has won numerous awards and has been praised for its groundbreaking special effects.The Exorcist (1973) is a horror film that has become a classic Halloween movie. It tells the story of a young girl named Regan who becomes possessed by a demonic entity. Her mother, along with two priests, tries to save her through an exorcism. The film is known for its intense and horrifying scenes and has been hailed as one of the scariest movies ever made.- Release Date: December 26, 1973
- Running Time: 122 minutes
- Genre: Horror
- Language: English
- Country: United States
The Exorcist (1973) in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most successful R-rated movie
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular Warner Bros. movie
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228votesJohn Carpenter's classic slasher film introduced the world to Michael Myers, a masked killer who terrorizes a small town on Halloween night. The film has spawned numerous sequels and remakes, making it a beloved horror franchise.Halloween (1978) is a classic horror movie that follows the story of Michael Myers, a deranged killer who escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown to wreak havoc. As he starts stalking a group of teenagers, the film builds suspense and fear through its atmospheric cinematography, suspenseful soundtrack, and chilling performances. Directed by John Carpenter, Halloween paved the way for countless slasher films and became a cult favorite in the horror genre.
- Release Date: October 25, 1978
- Runtime: 91 minutes
- Genre: Horror
- Budget: $325,000
- Box Office: $70 million
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317votes
The Shining (1980)
Stanley KubrickStanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel is a psychological horror masterpiece, with Jack Nicholson's iconic performance as the troubled writer Jack Torrance. The film has become a cult classic and remains one of the most chilling films ever made.The Shining (1980) is a classic horror film based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the movie tells the story of Jack Torrance, a writer who becomes the caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel during the winter. As the supernatural forces of the hotel begin to affect Jack's sanity, his wife and son must try to escape before it's too late.- Release Date: May 23, 1980
- Genre: Horror
- Running Time: 146 minutes
- Language: English
- Budget: $19 million
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422votesAlfred Hitchcock's masterpiece introduced audiences to the concept of the "slasher" film, with its groundbreaking twist ending and memorable shower scene. The film has been widely imitated and parodied, but remains a classic of the horror genre.Psycho is a classic psychological horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and released in 1960. It tells the chilling story of Marion Crane, a secretary who embezzles money from her employer and seeks refuge at a secluded motel owned by the mysterious Norman Bates. As the plot unfolds, the film takes unexpected twists, showcasing themes of voyeurism, split personalities, and the depths of human obsession and depravity.
- Release Date: June 16, 1960
- Runtime: 109 minutes
- Genre: Horror, Thriller
- Language: English
- Country: United States
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523votes
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Wes CravenWes Craven's horror classic introduced audiences to Freddy Krueger, a dream demon who terrorizes teenagers in their sleep. The film spawned numerous sequels, and Freddy remains one of the most iconic horror villains of all time.A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) is a classic horror movie that revolves around a vengeful ghost named Freddy Krueger who haunts the dreams of teenagers in a fictional town. Directed by Wes Craven, this influential film has solidified its status as a horror icon and has spawned numerous sequels and a remake. The movie follows a group of friends who uncover the dark secret of Freddy Krueger and must find a way to stop him before he torments them in their dreams.- Release Year: 1984
- Genre: Horror
- Running Time: 91 minutes
- Budget: $1.8 million
- Box Office: $57 million
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69votesSteven Spielberg's classic thriller about a killer shark terrorizing a beach town is often considered the first "summer blockbuster" film. It has become a cultural phenomenon, with its iconic score and memorable characters.Jaws (1975) is a blockbuster horror film directed by Steven Spielberg. It is based on Peter Benchley's novel of the same name. The movie follows the terrifying encounters of a small seaside town plagued by a giant man-eating great white shark. As the tension rises, a group of unlikely heroes must come together to hunt down and kill the deadly predator before it claims more victims.
- Budget: $9 million
- Release date: June 20, 1975
- Genre: Horror/Thriller
- Running time: 124 minutes
- Box office: $470.7 million
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79votes
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Tobe HooperTobe Hooper's low-budget horror classic is a gritty and brutal film that introduced audiences to the cannibalistic Sawyer family and their chainsaw-wielding leader, Leatherface. The film has been praised for its raw intensity and subversive social commentary.The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) is a classic horror film directed by Tobe Hooper. It follows a group of friends who encounter a family of cannibals while on a road trip in rural Texas. The movie is renowned for its gritty atmosphere, disturbing imagery, and intense violence. It has gained a cult following and is considered one of the most influential horror films of all time.- Release Date: October 1, 1974
- Running Time: 83 minutes
- Genre: Horror
- Country: United States
- Language: English
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most successful low-budget film of all time
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811votes
Mavelus · Public domainThe Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Jonathan DemmeJonathan Demme's psychological thriller about an FBI agent seeking the help of a cannibalistic serial killer to catch another murderer won numerous awards, including five Oscars. It remains a chilling and suspenseful film that has influenced countless other works in the horror and thriller genres.The Silence of the Lambs (1991) is a psychological thriller film that tells the story of a young FBI trainee, Clarice Starling, who seeks the help of an incarcerated serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, in capturing another notorious serial killer known as Buffalo Bill. The movie is known for its intense suspense, disturbing themes, and brilliant performances.- Release Year: 1991
- Genre: Psychological thriller
- Director: Jonathan Demme
- Screenplay: Ted Tally
- Based on: Novel by Thomas Harris
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93votesWes Craven's self-referential horror-comedy is a meta-commentary on the slasher genre, with its characters knowingly referencing horror movie tropes and clichés. The film spawned numerous sequels and revived interest in the horror genre in the late 1990s.Scream (1996) is a horror slasher film that follows the story of Sidney Prescott, a high school student who becomes the target of a mysterious killer known as Ghostface. As the body count starts to rise, Sidney and her friends must uncover the identity of the killer before it's too late. Mixing suspense, black comedy, and self-referential humor, Scream revitalized the slasher genre in the late 90s.
- Release Date: December 20, 1996
- Genre: Horror, Slasher
- Director: Wes Craven
- Writer: Kevin Williamson
- Starring: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette
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103votesRidley Scott's sci-fi horror classic about a group of space travelers being stalked by a deadly extraterrestrial has become a cultural icon, with its iconic creature design and suspenseful pacing. The film has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, but remains a high-water mark for the horror and sci-fi genres.Alien (1979) is a renowned science fiction horror film that follows the story of a commercial space tug's crew who encounter a deadly extraterrestrial creature. As the crew members become prey to the creature, they must fight for their survival in the dark and claustrophobic corridors of their spaceship.
- Release Date: May 25, 1979
- Director: Ridley Scott
- Writer: Dan O'Bannon
- Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright
- Genre: Science Fiction, Horror
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular horror movie
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Box Office SuccessA major indicator of a movie's popularity is its financial success at the box office. Higher grossing films generally indicate higher audience turnout and interest in the movie.
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Cultural ImpactThe influence a movie has on popular culture, including its memorable lines, iconic scenes, and characters that become ingrained in public consciousness, is an important factor to consider.
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Critical ReceptionThe reviews and opinions of film critics can shape the perception of a movie's quality and popularity. A horror movie with overwhelmingly positive reviews is likely to be considered more popular than one with negative reviews.
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Awards and NominationsRecognition from prestigious film festivals and award shows can contribute to a horror movie's popularity. Films that have won or been nominated for significant awards tend to be more highly regarded in the public eye.
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Longevity and RelevanceA popular horror movie should have the ability to withstand the test of time and remain relevant in the years following its release. This could include frequent television airings, the spawning of sequels or remakes, or continued conversation about the movie long after its initial release.
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Cult FollowingSome horror movies gain popularity through a dedicated and passionate fanbase, even if they were not initially successful at the box office. A strong cult following can contribute to a movie's overall popularity.
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Online PresenceIn the digital age, the popularity of a movie can be influenced by its presence on social media, streaming platforms, and online forums. A horror movie with a strong online footprint could indicate its popularity among fans.
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Merchandising and Franchise PotentialThe ability to spawn sequels, spin-offs, merchandise, or other forms of franchise expansion is a marker of a horror movie's popularity. This shows that the movie has penetrated public consciousness to the point where demand for more content exists.
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Influence on the GenreA horror movie's impact on the horror genre, such as inspiring new sub-genres or influencing other filmmakers, can contribute to its popularity.
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Word of MouthThe way a horror movie spreads through word of mouth, including recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues, can play a significant role in determining its popularity. This organic growth is indicative of the movie resonating with audiences on a deeper level.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular horror movie of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Horror movie is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1698 views
- 170 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Horror movie once every 24 hours. The rank of each Horror movie is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular horror movie of all time
Horror movies have been a popular genre for decades, scaring and thrilling audiences worldwide. From classic black and white films to modern-day gore fests, horror movies have come a long way in terms of special effects, storytelling, and overall entertainment value.
The horror movie genre is so diverse that it can be challenging to pinpoint the most popular horror movie of all time. However, some films have stood the test of time and continue to be a fan favorite. Movies like Psycho, The Exorcist, and Halloween have become household names and have inspired countless remakes and spin-offs.
The popularity of horror movies can be attributed to their ability to evoke strong emotions in viewers, including fear, anxiety, and suspense. These films often explore themes of death, evil, and the supernatural, providing a cathartic release for audiences.
With thousands of horror movies to choose from, it's no wonder that opinions on the most popular horror movie of all time may vary. However, StrawPoll provides a platform for horror fans to vote and decide on the ultimate winner.
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