The Ultimate Ranking: Top 25 Supernatural Thrillers of All Time
Discover the ultimate supernatural thrillers that will send shivers down your spine Uniting suspense, horror, and fantasy, these 25 films, including The Shining and Hereditary, will captivate and haunt you Get ready for a chilling journey into the unknown
Is it possible to succinctly define the genre of "supernatural thriller"? While it may not be as easily summarized as other broader genres, it is still achievable. Thriller, as a term, is used to describe an exciting and intense genre that captivates and possibly unnerves its audience. Supernatural elements involve phenomena that cannot be explained by science or established natural laws, such as ghosts, spirits, or extraordinary creatures. In the case of a supernatural thriller, it is worth noting that it does not necessarily blend horror and thriller together, but rather incorporates characters and themes commonly associated with fantasy and/or horror genres, creating a tense and thrilling atmosphere. Now that we have established this convoluted yet hopefully understandable definition, here is a list of the greatest movies that fall into the category of supernatural thrillers, ranked from excellent to outstanding.
25 'High Plains Drifter' (1973)
High Plains Drifter is a highly underrated Western film, with Clint Eastwood in the lead role as a enigmatic stranger in an Old West town. While it follows the conventions of a typical Western, the film makes intriguing and unsettling choices that elevate it beyond the ordinary. Eastwood's character is particularly enigmatic, even more so than his previous Western roles, and as the movie progresses, it delves into demonic and supernatural themes in a captivating and original manner. The fusion of the Western genre with elements of a supernatural thriller creates a uniquely fascinating and haunting viewing experience.
24 'From Dusk Till Dawn' (1996)
Robert Rodriguez's filmography is marked by a significant number of left turns. He started his career by making low-budget arthouse action movies like El Mariachi (1992), then ventured into bigger-budgeted projects with Desperado (1995). Not long after, he directed the wildly unconventional From Dusk Till Dawn (1996).
"Wild" perfectly captures the essence of this movie. While it includes some familiar crime and action elements, it takes a shocking plot twist at the halfway point that fully embraces horror. Despite having been released years ago, revealing the exact details of how it transforms into a supernatural thriller still feels like breaking a taboo.
23 'The Crow' (1994)
The Crow is not your typical comic book movie; instead, it captivates with its stylish execution, leaving little room for substance. The perfect blend of fantasy, action, and thriller, this 1994 classic delves into the supernatural, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Centred around a man and his fiancee who are brutally murdered, The Crow takes an unexpected twist when the protagonist rises from the dead, driven by the need for revenge on behalf of both himself and his lost love. Embodying the essence of the 1990s, this film boldly incorporates a dynamic soundtrack and visually striking elements. Despite its supernatural nature, The Crow stands out as a thriller rather than a horror, making it a truly exhilarating experience.
22 'The Fog' (1980)
Compared to John Carpenter's 1978 horror film Halloween, which starred Jamie Lee Curtis, The Fog may be slightly disappointing. Halloween is considered a classic slasher film, where a town is terrorized by an emotionless and seemingly unstoppable killer during the holiday. However, The Fog offers a different appeal for those seeking a supernatural element. It creates an atmospheric depiction of a small town being overtaken by supernatural forces as a mysterious weather phenomenon descends, resulting in a spooky and captivating viewing experience.
21 'Cronos' (1992)
Cronos, Guillermo del Toro's directorial debut, effectively showcases his signature style- a blend of tragic villains, disturbing magic, and an overall dark ambiance with occasional glimmers of humanity. While not considered one of del Toro's top films, this is primarily due to the greatness of his later works rather than any deficiency in Cronos itself. The movie skillfully explores the supernatural, offering a fresh perspective on vampirism and immortality, and remains consistently captivating, visually stunning, and intermittently exhilarating.
20 'Insidious' (2010)
Every horror enthusiast appreciates a well-executed demonic possession film. Some may be more inclined to regularly watch this subgenre, as these movies often follow a predictable formula. However, it is rare to find a horror fan who completely dismisses all demonic possession movies. During the late 2000s and early 2010s, this genre gained significant popularity, with Insidious being released right in the middle of it all in 2010.
Although it had a wide release on April Fool's Day, Insidious should not be taken lightly, as the demons portrayed within it are incredibly vengeful and relentless in their targeting of family members. While Insidious does not redefine the capabilities of supernatural thriller/horror movies, it does provide decent entertainment and consistently generates an unsettling atmosphere, making it difficult to overly criticize.
19 'The Devil's Advocate' (1997)
Just five years after Al Pacino won his only Oscar for his role in "Scent of a Woman," he appeared in "The Devil's Advocate." Released in 1997, this film replaces a young Chris O'Donnell with a young Keanu Reeves, but it takes a very different approach. The movie slowly dives into supernatural horror and psychological thriller genres, presenting an increasingly unusual and unsettling story.
It's worth mentioning that Al Pacino is also captivating in both films, but beyond that, the similarities end. "The Devil's Advocate" is a supernatural thriller where it's better not to reveal too much about the plot. Nevertheless, it is a strange and often unbelievable cinematic journey that is worth experiencing.
18 'The Haunting' (1963)
The progression of Robert Wise's filmography from 1961 to 1965 would make more sense if The Haunting were not included. In 1961, Wise directed a romance/crime/musical called West Side Story, followed by a romantic drama called Two for the Seesaw in 1962, and then a highly romantic musical, The Sound of Music, in 1965.
Unlike these other films, The Haunting, released in 1963, stands out as it lacks romance and musical numbers. Instead, it is a renowned haunted house thriller that delves into one man's relentless pursuit to prove the existence of ghosts. With its traditional horror elements, the film successfully explores supernatural concepts, while maintaining a constant sense of excitement and thrills.
17 'Angel Heart' (1987)
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Robert De Niro is the standout in Angel Heart, even with just a few brief appearances. Despite his limited screen time, De Niro's performance exemplifies the importance of quality over quantity. Within the film, he effortlessly captivates the audience, adding an unsettling presence throughout.
De Niro's character propels the protagonist, played by Mickey Rourke, on a treacherous journey that starts as a simple missing person case but evolves into something far more intricate. Angel Heart is a slow-burning supernatural mystery/thriller that is often overlooked, making it one of the most underappreciated films of its genre in the 1980s.
16 'Hellraiser' (1987)
The Hellraiser series is known for its expansive and inconsistent nature among long-running horror franchises. While many entries in the franchise have been lackluster, the original Hellraiser, released in 1987, stands out.
The film follows a man who returns to life in a zombie-like state and reenters his partner's life. However, he is constantly pursued by terrifying cenobites—demons from the underworld that he managed to escape from. With its eerie atmosphere and gripping storyline, Hellraiser successfully launched a franchise, leaving subsequent sequels unable to match its impact.
15 'The Others' (2001)
The Others is a gripping haunted house thriller that initially follows familiar tropes before unraveling into a wonderfully/horrifically complex tale. Without revealing too much, the story revolves around a mother and her children who are confined within a house, experiencing strange and unsettling occurrences.
This gothic horror film surpasses expectations, captivating viewers with its ominous atmosphere and unsettling supernatural forces. With sympathetic characters being stalked in perpetually dark settings, The Others maintains a constant sense of eeriness and effectively delivers spine-chilling moments.
14 'Mandy' (2018)
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (and its sequels) are well-known for their chainsaw scenes, but few realize that Mandy, starring Nicolas Cage, features perhaps the most remarkable chainsaw sequence in any film. Released in 2018, this movie progressively escalates into a wild and surreal story, surpassing even its infamous weapons duel in terms of sheer peculiarity.
Beginning as a revenge-driven tale, Mandy starts off slowly before morphing into something truly bizarre and psychedelic following a heinous act of violence. The second half of the film masterfully combines elements of horror, action, fantasy, and even dark humor, leaving an indelible impression on viewers. Mandy is a striking and unforgettable cinematic experience that defies expectations.
13 'The Lost Boys' (1987)
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Released during the peak of teen-centered coming-of-age movies, The Lost Boys injects vampires into the mix, standing out in the subgenre. While exploring themes of maturing and fitting in, the film introduces supernatural abilities within its characters.
This horror/thriller film maintains a humorous undertone, albeit somewhat sporadic. Set in a small town plagued by unexplained murders, it follows a group of young vampire hunters determined to confront the dangerous fanged creatures. While not excessively frightening, The Lost Boys guarantees an incredibly enjoyable experience.
12 'The Conjuring' (2013)
Film director James Wan, known for the film Insidious, returned to the horror genre after three years with The Conjuring in 2013. Starring Insidious actor Patrick Wilson, this film has become one of the most iconic horror movies of the 2010s. The plot revolves around a family being targeted by demonic or supernatural forces, similar to Insidious. However, in The Conjuring, the main characters are a married couple of capable paranormal investigators named Ed and Lorraine Warren. Brace yourself for all the suspenseful and nerve-wracking moments characteristic of a paranormal horror/thriller movie, as The Conjuring is famously terrifying and even received an R-rating solely for its scares.
11 'Suspiria' (1977)
Dario Argento's Suspiria stands as the pinnacle of his illustrious career in horror filmmaking. Set within the confines of a prestigious dance school, the film unravels a chilling tale of sinister occurrences concealed behind closed doors. As the protagonist, Suzy, becomes increasingly consumed by fear, Suspiria solidifies its position as a quintessential horror film of its era.
Suspiria thrives on its ability to create an immersive and haunting atmosphere, prioritizing sensory experiences over convoluted storytelling. With a mesmerizing premise, vivid and rich visuals, and a memorable integration of music, the film effortlessly holds its viewers captive. It seamlessly transports and enthralls, leaving an undeniable sense of unease and exhilaration in its wake.
10 'In the Mouth of Madness' (1994)
It is undeniable that the collective work of John Carpenter's 1990s movies should not be dismissed. Among them, In the Mouth of Madness stands out as the finest film the renowned horror director has created after the 1980s (with respect to forgettable movies like 2001's Ghosts of Mars).
The story revolves around an insurance investigator who becomes entangled in an exceptionally peculiar case involving a horror writer. This gripping odyssey takes him to unnerving and nightmarish realms. Once the narrative gains momentum, In the Mouth of Madness never wavers, fully embodying its audacious and ominous title, which challenges viewers to confront the film's intensity.
9 'Ring' (1998)
The original Japanese horror film Ring (also known as Ringu) from 1998, although lesser-known among non-Japanese speakers compared to its remake The Ring in 2002, offers a more terrifying experience. If you are seeking the ultimate horror sequences from this series, the original film is where you'll find them.
The premise of the film is now widely recognized, as it centers around a mysterious videotape that poses a deadly threat to anyone who watches it, having already claimed numerous lives. Despite its low-budget nature, the film effectively delivers horror and thrills, with the limited resources enhancing the unsettling supernatural elements.
8 'Don't Look Now' (1973)
Don't Look Now is a haunting and bleak horror/drama film that delves into tragedy, misery, and uncertainty. Starring Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland, it follows the journey of two parents grappling with unimaginable loss. Seeking solace, they embark on a trip to Venice, only to uncover a dark supernatural presence that gradually consumes their sanity. With themes of haunted pasts and overwhelming tragedy, this emotionally-challenging film is a gripping and impactful experience.
7 'The Omen' (1976)
The Omen stands out among movies that skillfully blend intense drama with unsettling horror. It surpasses its numerous sequels and even a remake, retaining its exceptional effectiveness as the original.
Similar to the couple in Don't Look Now, the central characters in The Omen confront a heartbreaking loss. However, they adopt a child as a means to overcome their tragedy, unaware that they have welcomed the son of the devil into their lives. Thus begins their descent into a nightmarish realm of supernatural torment.
6 'The Devil's Backbone' (2001)
The Devil's Backbone, directed by Guillermo del Toro, is an eerie and atmospheric film that delves into the horror genre. Set in the final days of the Spanish Civil War, the story revolves around a young boy who finds himself in a mysterious orphanage.
Similar to many other horror movies, the orphanage in The Devil's Backbone is plagued by vengeful spirits seeking retribution against the living. However, del Toro brings his signature creativity and shock value to the film, making it a unique and thrilling supernatural thriller experience.
