10 Terrifying Films That Will Make You Jump Out of Your Seat

Jump scares are an integral part of the cinematic horror experience, providing an immediate and heart-pounding fright. While some may view them as cheap tricks to startle audiences, they have the power to greatly enhance horror movies and leave a lasting impression. Movies such as The Conjuring and A Quiet Place have flawlessly utilized jump scares, solidifying their status as genre classics.

Jump scares can be found in a wide range of horror films, from psychological thrillers to horror comedies, slasher flicks, and even PG-13 rated scary movies. Their prolific presence in the horror genre is not only due to their effectiveness, but also their versatility. This list of 11 scary movies, spanning from old classics to modern masterpieces, showcases the best examples of films that effectively and frequently use jump scares throughout their runtimes.

Updated on October 28, 2023, by Ryan Heffernan:

To fully embrace the joyful terror of Halloween, horror cinema has consistently been the top choice for movie enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the eerie atmosphere of the season. And when it comes to inducing heart-pounding fear, nothing quite matches the exhilaration of a superbly executed jump scare. These films excel in delivering spine-chilling moments that leave audiences utterly terrified.

11. 'Talk to Me' (2023)

Image via A24

A24, known for its captivating brand in modern horror cinema, has solidified its reputation with the release of Talk to Me. This Australian demonic possession horror film was a sensation at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and has quickly become a horror classic. Following a group of friends who accidentally unleash a terrifying supernatural force while playing with an embalmed hand that can summon spirits, Talk to Me showcases the impressive directorial debut of Danny and Michael Phillipou, the twin brothers behind the popular YouTube channel RackaRacka. Praised by critics, filmmakers, and fans alike, it is considered one of the best horror movies in recent years, featuring well-executed jump scares that heighten the terror of the story.

10. 'Evil Dead II' (1987)

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Evil Dead II is even more renowned than its predecessor for its seamless integration of effects-driven visual horror and slapstick comedy. While it is often remembered for its comedic elements, it is important not to overlook Sam Raimi's skill in delivering impactful jump scares, as evidenced by this iconic sequel.

Following Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) as he continues his battle against the Deadites, Evil Dead II bombards the audience with a whopping 27 jump scares within its compact 85-minute runtime. This places it among the horror genre's record holders for the highest number of jump scares in a single film.

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9. 'Candyman' (1992)

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Candyman, the gripping 1992 slasher sensation, features the exceptionally talented yet tragically underappreciated horror movie actor Tony Todd. This cult classic follows the story of a graduate student in Chicago who embarks on a thesis exploring the eerie folklore and urban legends surrounding the notorious ghost named Candyman. Legend has it that Candyman is the vengeful spirit of the son of a slave, rumored to be responsible for a recent murder in the public housing project of Cabrini-Green Homes.

The horror film has become renowned for its escalating feeling of terror, gruesome special effects, iconic main character, and knack for delivering effective jump scares. Even after all these years, the jump scare involving a medicine cabinet remains just as potent, capable of eliciting spine-chilling screams from modern audiences.

8. 'The Conjuring' (2013)

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Ed and Lorraine Warren, renowned paranormal investigators, have served as the inspiration for movies like The Conjuring, Annabelle, The Nun, and others that are part of The Conjuring Universe. The story unfolds in The Conjuring as we follow Roger and Carolyn Perron (Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor), accompanied by their five daughters and their faithful dog, who decide to settle in a farmhouse in Harrisville, Rhode Island. Strange occurrences start happening within the first few nights of their stay, including the distressing discovery of their dog Sadie dead one morning.

The Warrens, portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, are summoned to the house where they eventually deduce that the house is haunted by the spirit of Bathsheba. Alongside the numerous expertly executed jump scares, the unveiling of Bathsheba as the malevolent entity is widely regarded as one of the film's most chilling moments. Stream it on Max.

7. 'Sinister' (2012)

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Sinister tells the story of Ellison Oswalt (Ethan Hawke), a true crime writer, who relocates his family to the fictional town of Chatford. Unbeknownst to his wife and children, their new home carries a dark history as the site where the Stevenson family was brutally executed. Ellison's intention to utilize the house's gruesome past to revitalize his writing career takes a frightening turn when he uncovers a hidden collection of home videos that unveil the cursed truth about the previous family's demise.

Although Sinister 2 incorporated more jump scares, the original film left a stronger impression on audiences due to its gripping intensity. In 2020, Broadband Choices conducted a study where they selected 50 highly rated horror movies based on platforms like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. During the study, participants' heart rates were measured while watching the chosen films. Sinister was determined to be the most terrifying movie ever made.

6. 'A Quiet Place' (2018)

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A Quiet Place tells the gripping story of Lee and Evelyn Abbott (played by John Krasinski and Emily Blunt), as well as their children, as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world teeming with blind creatures that rely on their acute sense of hearing. To survive, the Abbott family adopts various strategies, such as traversing on sand paths to avoid making noise and utilizing American Sign Language for communication.

The film strategically employs jump scares in moments of silence, intensifying viewers' anxiety as they anticipate the sudden fright. A Quiet Place leverages this technique due to its limited use of noise and dialogue, ensuring that any sound that does occur progresses the plot and signals impending danger to the audience.

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5. 'Insidious' (2010)

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Insidious, directed by the legendary James Wan, proved to be a heart-pounding success. The film revolves around a family who relocates to a new house to start afresh. However, their plans are shattered when their son falls into a coma, and a series of inexplicable supernatural occurrences begin to unfold. Despite months of despair and no signs of improvement in their son's condition, Renai (Rose Byrne) and Josh (Patrick Wilson) decide to seek the assistance of paranormal investigators. These experts unveil a shocking revelation – their son possesses an extraordinary ability known as "astral travel" and has ventured into a nightmarish dimension called "The Further," a chilling realm inhabited by tormented souls of the deceased.

With numerous terrifying supernatural incidents befalling the family within their residence, the film is packed with gripping jump scares. Insidious has renowned itself as one of the most exceptional and unpredictably alarming movies in the horror genre. Catch it exclusively on Max.

4. 'Drag Me to Hell' (2009)

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In need of a third mortgage extension, Sylvia Ganush, a Romani woman (played by Lorna Raver), approaches Christine Brown, a bank loan officer (played by Alison Lohman). Despite Christine rejecting the request, Sylvia grows increasingly enraged and accuses Christine of shaming her. Christine initially dismisses the situation, but her perspective changes when Sylvia attacks her in a parking lot, tearing a button from Christine's coat and placing a curse upon it.

In an attempt to find a solution, Christine and her boyfriend, Clay Dalton (played by Justin Long), seek the guidance of fortune-teller Rham (played by Dileep Rao). Rham reveals that Christine has been cursed and warns that a malevolent demon named Lamia will torment her for three days before ultimately dragging her to eternal damnation. This chilling film, "Drag Me to Hell," showcases the horror potential of PG-13 movies.

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3. 'Lights Out' (2016)

Warner Bros. presents a visually stunning horror flick, Lights Out, which came out in 2016. This chilling tale of demonic possession not only delivers spine-chilling scares but also showcases exceptional performances and a compelling narrative revolving around family conflicts. The protagonist, Rebecca (played by Teresa Palmer), uncovers her mother's sinister possession by a malevolent spirit that lurks in darkness. As a series of brutal murders unfold and her stepbrother's life is in jeopardy, Rebecca must confront her nightmarish past and take decisive action.

With a remarkably concise runtime of just 77 minutes, Lights Out maintains an energetic pace, effectively delivering all the crucial plot elements with the appropriate respect they deserve. This thrilling viewing experience is enriched with an impressive utilization of darkness and unsettling visuals, resulting in an intense atmosphere that can even unsettle the most seasoned horror enthusiasts.

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2. 'Annabelle: Creation' (2017)

Image via Warner Bros. Entertainment.

Dolls have always been a terrifying presence in movies, and Annabelle, the deranged toy from The Conjuring series, is one of the most frightening. Annabelle: Creation, the second film in her story, serves as a prequel to explore the origins of the doll and follows a doll-maker and his wife who infuse the spirit of their deceased daughter into the doll. This decision has devastating consequences when they invite a nun and six orphaned girls into their home.

By effectively using the creepy doll as the main focal point of the film, Annabelle: Creation creates a constant sense of chilling suspense that pervades every scene. It keeps viewers on edge with an atmosphere of dread and numerous unexpected jump scares. As a result, Annabelle: Creation remains one of the scariest entries in the horror franchise and stands as one of the best films produced outside the original two movies of The Conjuring.

1. 'The Exorcist III' (1990)

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The Exorcist, released in 1973, is rightfully considered one of the scariest horror films ever made. It manages to deeply disturb viewers without relying heavily on jump scares. Set in 1990, The Exorcist III follows a police officer investigating a notorious serial killer named The Gemini Killer. As he delves into the patients at a psychiatric ward, he discovers shocking revelations beyond his imagination.

While The Exorcist III initially garnered mixed reviews, it has gradually gained a cult following and is now hailed as a classic. The movie is filled with terrifying scenes, including a chilling hallway sequence that builds up to one of the most impactful jump scares in the history of horror.

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Editor's P/S

As a horror movie enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for films that can truly terrify me. I have seen countless horror movies, but only a few have managed to make me jump out of my seat. The films on this list are some of the most terrifying movies I have ever seen, and they are sure to give you nightmares.

One of the things that I love about horror movies is the way they can use jump scares to create a sense of suspense and fear. A well-timed jump scare can make you feel like you are in danger, even if you know that you are safe. The movies on this list are full of jump scares that will make you scream and cringe. If you are looking for a horror movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then I highly recommend checking out these films.