Top 10 Award-Winning Horror Films

Description: Often hailed as the scariest movie ever made, "The Exorcist" delves into the demonic possession of a young girl and the subsequent exorcism. Its chilling realism and psychological depth earned it multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

Fact: The film was so terrifying that it was reported to have caused some viewers to faint or leave the theater. It also inspired a real-life exorcism case.

Description: This psychological thriller about a young FBI agent and a cannibalistic serial killer became the only horror film to win the "Big Five" Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Fact: Jodie Foster, who played Clarice Starling, was actually the second choice for the role after Michelle Pfeiffer turned it down.

Description: M. Night Shyamalan's tale of a boy who sees dead people became a cultural phenomenon, winning two Academy Award nominations for its screenplay and Haley Joel Osment's performance.

Fact: The famous line "I see dead people" was improvised by Osment during filming.

Description: This gothic horror film starring Nicole Kidman explores the eerie happenings in a secluded mansion, earning praise for its twist ending and atmospheric tension, with Kidman receiving a Golden Globe nomination.

Fact: The film was shot in Spain, but the setting was meant to be the Channel Islands, giving it a unique, isolated feel.

Description: Although not a traditional horror film, "Pan's Labyrinth" blends dark fantasy with the horrors of post-Civil War Spain, earning three Academy Awards for its haunting visuals and storytelling.

Fact: The film was shot in English first, but director Guillermo del Toro decided to dub it into Spanish for a more authentic feel.

Description: This Australian horror film about a widow and her son dealing with a sinister children's book creature was critically acclaimed for its psychological depth, earning multiple awards and nominations.

Fact: The film uses the metaphor of grief to explore themes of motherhood and mental health.

Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film about a family's descent into witchcraft and paranoia was lauded for its historical accuracy and atmospheric tension, winning multiple awards for its screenplay and direction.

Fact: The film uses authentic 17th-century English dialect, making it one of the most linguistically accurate period pieces.

Description: Jordan Peele's directorial debut, "Get Out," combines horror with social commentary, exploring racial tensions through a chilling narrative. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, highlighting its unique blend of genres.

Fact: The film was inspired by Peele's own experiences with racial profiling and his fascination with horror movies.

Description: John Krasinski's directorial debut, where a family must live in silence to avoid creatures that hunt by sound, was praised for its innovative storytelling and suspense, earning a nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Fact: The film was shot in near silence, with the crew using sign language to communicate on set.

Description: Ari Aster's debut feature about a family unraveling after the death of their secretive grandmother was critically acclaimed for its unsettling atmosphere and performances, earning Toni Collette a nomination for Best Actress at the Independent Spirit Awards.

Fact: The film's production design was so detailed that it included hidden symbols and clues throughout the house.