Are you a fan of spine-chilling ghosts, demonic possessions, or eerie paranormal forces that defy explanation? Supernatural horror movies tap into our fear of the unknown and deliver the kind of thrills that stick with you long after the credits roll. From cult classics to modern masterpieces, we’ve curated a definitive list of The 20 Best Supernatural Horror Movies of All Time — guaranteed to keep you up at night.
Table of Contents
1. The Exorcist (1973)
Director: William Friedkin
A cornerstone of supernatural horror, The Exorcist tells the harrowing story of a young girl possessed by a demonic entity. Its realistic approach and disturbing imagery earned it an Oscar nomination and a spot in horror history.
2. The Shining (1980)
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Based on Stephen King’s novel, this psychological supernatural tale follows Jack Torrance as he descends into madness at the haunted Overlook Hotel.
3. Hereditary (2018)
Director: Ari Aster
This modern classic explores grief, family trauma, and demonic forces with intense performances and a chilling third act that stays with you.
4. Poltergeist (1982)
Director: Tobe Hooper
When a family’s home is invaded by malevolent spirits, things escalate fast in this special-effects-packed horror classic.
5. The Conjuring (2013)
Director: James Wan
Based on the real-life cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring launched a terrifying cinematic universe rooted in supernatural horror.
6. Insidious (2010)
Director: James Wan
This chilling film takes astral projection and evil spirits to a terrifying new level.
7. The Ring (2002)
Director: Gore Verbinski
This American remake of the Japanese classic Ringu brought cursed videotapes and vengeful ghosts to mainstream audiences with lasting impact.
8. Paranormal Activity (2007)
Director: Oren Peli
Shot in a found-footage style, this low-budget gem delivered massive scares and became a cultural phenomenon.
9. The Sixth Sense (1999)
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Not your typical horror film, but its ghostly revelations and legendary twist make it a supernatural staple.
10. The Babadook (2014)
Director: Jennifer Kent
More than just a monster movie, The Babadook is a layered, psychological exploration of grief through a terrifying supernatural entity.
11. Sinister (2012)
Director: Scott Derrickson
An unsettling mix of found footage and demonic lore, this movie delivers consistent dread and a shocking finale.
12. The Others (2001)
Director: Alejandro Amenábar
This gothic ghost story, starring Nicole Kidman, is as elegant as it is eerie — with a twist that rewrites the entire narrative.
13. It Follows (2014)
Director: David Robert Mitchell
An original take on supernatural horror, this film features a curse that is passed through intimacy — and it never stops following you.
14. Candyman (1992)
Director: Bernard Rose
Mixing urban legends and supernatural vengeance, Candyman has earned its spot as a cultural and horror icon.
15. Mama (2013)
Director: Andy Muschietti
Produced by Guillermo del Toro, Mama blends fairy-tale horror with maternal instincts gone wrong.
16. The Witch (2015)
Director: Robert Eggers
This slow-burn historical horror film is drenched in dread, superstition, and an unforgettable ending.
17. 1408 (2007)
Director: Mikael Håfström
A haunted hotel room traps a skeptical author in an ever-escalating supernatural nightmare.
18. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Director: Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez
A pioneer of the found-footage genre that blurred the lines between fiction and reality with terrifying results.
19. Oculus (2013)
Director: Mike Flanagan
An antique mirror holds malevolent powers that distort time and reality, turning siblings against each other.
20. The Haunting (1963)
Director: Robert Wise
An old-school classic that still delivers shivers with its atmosphere, psychological depth, and ghostly presence.
Why We Love Supernatural Horror Movies
The best supernatural horror movies aren’t just about jump scares — they tap into primal fears about the unknown, death, and what lies beyond. Whether it’s demonic possession or ghostly hauntings, these films remind us that sometimes, it’s not just the living we should fear.
FAQs: The 20 Best Supernatural Horror Movies of All Time
Q1: What defines a supernatural horror movie?
A supernatural horror movie involves elements beyond scientific explanation — ghosts, demons, curses, and other paranormal forces.
Q2: Are supernatural horror movies scarier than slasher films?
Many believe so! Supernatural horrors often build tension slowly and play on psychological fears rather than relying on gore alone.
Q3: Which supernatural horror movie is the most realistic?
The Exorcist is often cited as the most realistic due to its grounded storytelling and inspiration from real-life exorcism reports.
Q4: What’s the scariest supernatural horror movie on this list?
It depends on personal taste, but Hereditary and The Conjuring are fan-favorites for delivering intense supernatural scares.
