The Best Supernatural Horror Movies To Watch

9 of the best supernatural horror movies
Think of this list as a little starter guide...

The Exorcist (1973)

Directed by William Friedkin and based on William Peter Blatty's novel, The Exorcist remains one of the most powerful and unsettling films ever made

It tells the story of a young girl possessed by a demonic entity and the two priests who attempt to save her soul through an exorcism. 

The film's realistic portrayal of possession, combined with exceptional performances, especially by Linda Blair as Regan MacNeil, helped create a supernatural classic, and the practical effects, for their time, were groundbreaking. [The Exorcist on IMDB]

Poltergeist (1982)

Poltergeist explores suburban bliss turned nightmare when a family's home is invaded by malevolent spirits. 

The film masterfully blends supernatural terror with family drama, making the characters' plight all the more relatable, and it has had a particularly lasting impact on popular culture and is still influential in shaping modern horror films still today.

Its famous line, They're here, delivered by Carol Anne as she stares at a static-filled television screen, has become ingrained in popular culture as a symbol of supernatural horror. [Poltergeist on IMDB]

The Shining (1980)

Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel is a masterpiece of psychological horror intertwined with paranormal elements. 

Set in an isolated hotel with a sinister past, The Shining follows Jack Torrance's descent into madness under malevolent supernatural influences. 

Kubrick's meticulous direction ensures that every scene is laden with fear and ambiguity, inviting multiple interpretations about the movie, and in particular, its ending. [The Shining on IMDB]

The Sixth Sense (1999)

M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense tells the story of a young boy who can see and communicate with the dead and his relationship with a troubled psychologist trying to help him. 

The film balances suspense with poignant moments beautifully, and explores themes of grief, redemption, and human connection beyond death. And it has one of the most iconic twist endings of all time. [The Sixth Sense on IMDB]

Paranormal Activity (2007)

Oren Peli’s Paranormal Activity focuses on a couple haunted by a demonic presence in their home, it uses subtlety and anticipation to build terror rather than relying on gore or jump scares. 

This technique proves incredibly effective at creating a sense of realism and intimacy. 

The first one is good, but I didn't much care for the sequels [Paranormal Activity on IMDB]

Hereditary (2018)

Ari Aster’s directorial debut is a masterclass in atmospheric horror that delves deep into themes of grief, trauma, and inherited sin through the lens of a family unraveling after their grandmother’s death reveals dark secrets about their lineage. 

With its standout performances from Toni Collette and Alex Wolff alongside Aster’s direction which combines slow-burn tension with shocking moments, Hereditary is both disturbing and thought-provoking. [Hereditary on IMDB]

The Conjuring (2013)

James Wan striked again with The Conjuring, based on real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren’s case files, and the first movie in the franchise focuses on helping a family tormented by dark forces in their farmhouse. 

With strong performances from Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as the Warrens alongside some genuinely scary sequences, crafted without resorting to excessive gore, The Conjuring revitalizes classic haunted house stories while also paying homage to horror traditions. [The Conjuring on IMDB]

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Wes Craven’s iconic slasher introduces Freddy Krueger, a vengeful spirit haunting teenagers dreams to exact his murderous revenge.

This innovative concept combined with Craven’s direction created not only terrifying sequences but also introduced one of horror’s most unforgettable villains. [A Nightmare On Elm Street On IMDB]

Sinister (2012)

Starring Ethan Hawke, Sinister follows true-crime writer Ellison Oswalt as he discovers films depicting gruesome murders in his new home leading him down dark path uncovering supernatural entity behind them.  

As he delves deeper into the mystery behind these films, Ellison becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the murders. 

But what he uncovers is far more terrifying than anything he could have imagined , a supernatural entity that seems to be responsible for the murders. 


Now, I don't agree with that at all, but it happened. [Sinister on IMDB]

Hell House LLC

One of my favorite found footage films, this one is creepy and has some solid jump scares, and does a fantastic job of creating a sense of dread.

Considering its fairly low budget, the quality is really good as well, and you can't help but also feel a bit claustrophobia and vulnerable, and the use of shadows and silhouettes enhances the feeling of an unseen presence lurking in the darkness.

Hell House LLC is the first of 5 movies released so far in the franchise, but is by far the best one so far, and they will be releasing a 5th movie in the franchise in 2025, too. [Hell House LLC on IMDB]

The Dark and the Wicked

A real slow burner, so if you don't like those type of films, maybe give The Dark and the Wicked a miss, but its a film I always recommend, as it is very haunting and stays with you.

With some very solid performances from the 2 main leads and the atmosphere of dread ringing through the film, The Dark and the Wicked never lets the audience or the characters feel comfortable, and the uncertainty about the nature of the evil force adds to the film’s power, making it feel like something truly otherworldly is at work. [The Dark and the Wicked on IMDB]

When Evil Lurks


The brutality and violence portrayed in the film serve the narrative, creating a sense of dread and unease that keeps you engaged, while the storytelling in the movie is dark and bleak, filled with elements of violence and gore that create a truly intense viewing experience. 

When Evil Lurks is a great horror movie that doesn't hold back. [When Evil Lurks on IMDB]

Oddity

One of my favorites of 2024!

It has plenty of atmosphere running through the film and most of the scenes takes place in the house, which is full of strange and odd doorways and corners and its design helps makes even the slower scenes tense, as you are constantly on edge expecting something or someone to emerge from one of the corners.

Oddity is just a well acted and compelling horror film. [Oddity on IMDB]

What's your favorite supernatural horror out of this list? Or do you have another favorite? To be fair I could have done a top 50. 

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