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Determining the “scariest” horror films is subjective and can vary depending on individual preferences, cultural influences, and historical context. What might be terrifying to one person could be mild to another. However, based on critical acclaim, cultural impact, and audience reactions over the years, here’s a list of some of the most frequently cited “scariest” horror films of all time (as of my last training cut-off in September 2021):

  1. Psycho (1960) – Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this film set many standards for the horror genre and features the iconic shower scene.
  2. The Exorcist (1973) – William Friedkin’s tale of a young girl possessed by a demon has been terrifying audiences for decades.
  3. The Shining (1980) – Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel about a haunted hotel and a man’s descent into madness.
  4. Rosemary’s Baby (1968) – A psychological horror directed by Roman Polanski that deals with a pregnant woman suspecting an evil cult wants to take her baby for dark purposes.
  5. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) – Tobe Hooper’s gritty, disturbing film about a group of friends who encounter a family of cannibals.
  6. Jaws (1975) – Though it’s more of a thriller, Steven Spielberg’s film about a great white shark made millions afraid to go into the water.
  7. Hereditary (2018) – Ari Aster’s disturbing family drama-turned-horror about grief and sinister secrets.
  8. The Ring (2002) – Gore Verbinski’s American adaptation of the Japanese film “Ringu”, centered around a cursed videotape.
  9. The Conjuring (2013) – Directed by James Wan, this film is based on the real-life paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren.
  10. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) – Wes Craven’s iconic film introduced Freddy Krueger, a vengeful spirit who haunts dreams.
  11. Paranormal Activity (2007) – A found-footage horror film by Oren Peli that reinvigorated the sub-genre.
  12. The Babadook (2014) – Jennifer Kent’s psychological horror about a mother and son haunted by a sinister presence.
  13. It Follows (2014) – A unique take on the horror genre, where a supernatural entity relentlessly pursues its victims.
  14. Get Out (2017) – Jordan Peele’s social thriller that blends horror with incisive commentary on race relations.
  15. Nosferatu (1922) – F.W. Murnau’s silent-era vampire film remains eerie to this day.

Remember, what’s “scary” is subjective. Some viewers might find supernatural tales more chilling, while others are more unnerved by psychological horror or real-world threats. Always read descriptions and watch trailers to get a sense of whether a horror film might be to your taste or scare threshold.