Ranking the Best Horror Movies Ever Nominated for an Academy Award

It is often said that the Academy Awards are not big fans of scary movies, but there have been a few rare horror films nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. As of 2024, only six horror movies have been considered for the top award, a small number considering the long history of the awards. Despite this, notable horror classics such as The Shining and Psycho, as well as acclaimed modern films like Hereditary and The Witch, have been overlooked. Nevertheless, the horror movies that did receive Best Picture nominations stand out as particularly interesting.

The 2024 Best Picture nominees cover a range of genres, from historical epics like The Killers of the Flower Moon to big-budget comedies like Barbie, and intimate dramas like Past Lives. While no horror films made the list this year, fans can look back at the awards' history and appreciate the exceptional horror films that have managed to capture the attention and admiration of Academy voters.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

A Young Boy Sees Dead People

Kyra Collins hiding under a table in The Sixth Sense - A Young Boy Sees Dead People - The Sixth Sense (1999)

The Sixth Sense showed that ghost stories can be more than just typical horror movies. Starring Bruce Willis as a child psychologist, the movie follows his attempts to assist a young boy who can see and communicate with the deceased.

The 1999 movie The Sixth Sense didn't receive glowing reviews from critics initially. However, it gained massive popularity through word of mouth about its shocking twist. Surprisingly, the film ended up grossing $672 million worldwide, proving to be a major success. M. Night Shyamalan showcased his skills as a talented suspense director, maintaining a captivating and intimate tone throughout the movie. Additionally, young Haley Joel Osment received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his memorable portrayal of the tormented boy.

You can now watch The Sixth Sense by renting it on Apple TV.

Black Swan (2010)

An Obsessive Ballerina Begins To Lose Grip On Reality

Nina wears a pink and white uniform in Black Swan - An Obsessive Ballerina Begins To Lose Grip On Reality - Black Swan (2010)

Known for his work on films like Requiem For a Dream and Mother!, writer-director Darren Aronofsky is a master of dark and surreal horrors. He captivates audiences with his striking visuals, as seen in the intense and mesmerizing film Black Swan. The story follows the New York City Ballet as they prepare for a production of Swan Lake, with lead dancer Nina (played by Natalie Portman) feeling the weight of immense pressure to deliver a flawless performance.

In the movie, the horror is more psychological than physical, which adds to its unsettling nature. Viewers are taken on a nightmarish ride with Nina, never quite sure of what is real and what is in her mind. This creates a deeply disturbing experience, thanks to the skill of the director and the talent of the lead actress. While the film didn't snag the Best Picture award, it did earn Portman her first Academy Award for Best Actress.

You can watch it now on Apple TV by renting it.

The Exorcist (1973)

A Young Girl Is Possessed By A Demon

Linda Blair sits in bed, possessed by a demon in The Exorcist - A Young Girl Is Possessed By A Demon - The Exorcist (1973)

The Exorcist is widely regarded as the scariest movie ever made. According to reports from its 1973 screenings, the film truly lives up to that reputation. The story follows a 12-year-old girl believed to be possessed by a demon, with two Catholic priests trying to perform an exorcism. With Oscar-winner William Friedkin at the helm, the movie delivers a creepy and ominous horror experience.

Demonic possession horror movies are often seen in the genre, but after The Exorcist, many films tried to copy its success. However, The Exorcist: Believer failed to recreate the impact of the original classic. Even years later, the movie still delivers a strong scare with its realistic effects. The film received a total of 10 Oscar nominations and won for its adapted screenplay.

Watch it now on Apple TV.

Get Out (2017)

A Young Black Man Is Drawn Into A Nightmare While Visiting His Girlfriend's Parents

Chris crying and looking terrified in Get Out - A Young Black Man Is Drawn Into A Nightmare While Visiting His Girlfriend's Parents - Get Out (2017)

Get Out, the latest horror movie to receive a Best Picture nomination, stands out as one of the top horror films of the 2010s. The storyline revolves around a Black man meeting his white girlfriend's family, only to discover their sinister plot of stealing Black people's brains. What makes Get Out exceptional is its blend of humor and horror, along with its unique exploration of racism unlike any other movie.

While the movie didn't win Best Picture, writer-director Jordan Peele did win Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards. The 2017 release was a huge hit at the box office, earning $255 million from its small $4.5 million budget (via Box Office Mojo). The movie quickly became a cultural sensation, creating unforgettable horror movie scenes such as "The Sunken Place." Get Out is packed with subtle details that add to the excitement of watching it multiple times.

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Jaws (1975)

A Killer Shark Terrorizes A Beach Community

The shark attacks Brody in Jaws 1975 - A Killer Shark Terrorizes A Beach Community - Jaws (1975)

Jaws is considered a groundbreaking movie in Hollywood history. It not only kickstarted Steven Spielberg's successful career as a director but also revolutionized the horror genre. What started as a simple B-movie about a killer shark turned into a cinematic masterpiece with captivating characters, iconic scenes, and exceptional filmmaking techniques.

Spielberg successfully creates fear in audiences through the combination of John Williams' score and the characters' terrified reactions as they frantically make their way to safety on land. Despite showing minimal footage of the shark, the director manages to instill a sense of dread. Additionally, Spielberg's ability to film a horror movie in broad daylight and still evoke fear is truly remarkable. Jaws stands out as one of the most influential films of all time, being the pioneer of the summer blockbuster phenomenon and serving as inspiration for countless other filmmakers.

Available for rental on Apple TV.

The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)

An FBI Trainee Matches Wits With A Serial Killer

Hannibal wearing a mask in The Silence Of The Lambs - An FBI Trainee Matches Wits With A Serial Killer - The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)

Out of the 95 films that have won Best Picture since the Academy Awards began in 1929, only one horror movie has taken home the award. The Silence of the Lambs is not just any horror movie though, as it is one of only three films to win in all five major categories. These categories include Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The other two movies that have accomplished this feat are One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest and the 1934 film It Happened One Night.

Jodie Foster stars as a young FBI trainee who interviews the notorious serial killer Hannibal Lecter (played by Anthony Hopkins) to help catch a new killer. Hannibal is considered one of the greatest movie villains, with a chilling presence in his quiet scenes and a savage demeanor when he strikes. Director Jonathan Demma creates a sophisticated crime thriller with a perfect balance of tone, excelling in both the intimate conversations and intense horror scenes.

Watch on Apple TV

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an intriguing overview of the rare instances when horror films have been recognized by the Academy Awards with Best Picture nominations. It highlights the exceptional nature of these films that have managed to break through the Academy's perceived bias against the horror genre. The article's exploration of the diverse nominees, from psychological thrillers to supernatural horrors, showcases the range and depth that the genre offers.

The article also emphasizes the cultural impact of these nominated films, including their critical acclaim, box office success, and influence on the horror genre. It acknowledges the unique blend of fear, suspense, and social commentary that these films often present, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking. The article serves as a testament to the growing recognition and appreciation of the horror genre within the filmmaking community.