Top 10 Horror Movies That Will Keep You Up at Night

Description: Often hailed as the scariest movie ever made, "The Exorcist" delves into the demonic possession of a young girl, exploring themes of faith, evil, and the supernatural. Its realistic approach to horror has left an indelible mark on the genre.

Fact: The film was so terrifying that it was reported to have caused audience members to faint, vomit, or leave the theater during screenings. It also received two Academy Awards.

Description: John Carpenter's "Halloween" introduced the world to Michael Myers, a masked killer whose relentless pursuit of his victims set the template for slasher films. Its minimalist approach to horror has made it a classic.

Fact: The film was made on a shoestring budget of $300,000 but grossed over $70 million, becoming one of the most profitable independent films of all time.

Description: Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel is a psychological horror masterpiece. The story of a writer, his family, and their descent into madness at the isolated Overlook Hotel is both chilling and thought-provoking.

Fact: Kubrick had the set of the Overlook Hotel built to scale, creating an eerie, labyrinthine environment that contributes to the film's unsettling atmosphere.

Description: Wes Craven's creation of Freddy Krueger, a dream-stalking killer, brought a new level of fear to the genre. The film's concept of being killed in your dreams was both innovative and terrifying.

Fact: Johnny Depp made his film debut in this movie, playing one of the teenage victims.

Description: While not strictly a horror film, its psychological terror and the chilling portrayal of Hannibal Lecter by Anthony Hopkins make it a must-watch. It's a rare film to win the "Big Five" Academy Awards.

Fact: Jodie Foster, who played Clarice Starling, was initially considered too young for the role but her performance won her an Oscar.

Description: "Scream" revitalized the horror genre with its meta approach, making fun of horror movie tropes while delivering genuine scares. It introduced Ghostface, a killer with a penchant for horror movie trivia.

Fact: The film was originally titled "Scary Movie" but was changed to avoid confusion with a parody film released later.

Description: This found footage horror film redefined the genre with its low-budget, high-impact storytelling. Its marketing campaign, which suggested the events were real, added to its chilling effect.

Fact: The film was shot in just 8 days, and the actors were given minimal direction, enhancing the realism of their performances.

Description: The American remake of the Japanese film "Ringu" brought the terrifying tale of a cursed videotape to a new audience. Its eerie visuals and the concept of death by watching a video tape are unforgettable.

Fact: The film's iconic well scene was shot in a real well, adding to the authenticity of the horror.

Description: This low-budget film about a couple experiencing paranormal disturbances in their home became a cultural phenomenon. Its use of found footage and minimal special effects made it all the more terrifying.

Fact: The film was initially released in a limited number of theaters, but its success led to a wider release and multiple sequels.

Description: Ari Aster's debut feature is a slow-burn horror that delves into family trauma, grief, and the occult. Its unsettling atmosphere and shocking twists have cemented its place in modern horror cinema.

Fact: The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of grief, with many scenes improvised to capture genuine emotional responses from the actors.