10 Scariest Horror Movies of All Time Based on Viewer’s Heart Rates

If you and your friends have been debating about the scariest horror movies of all time and are still undecided, we have the solution. We’ve discovered the most terrifying ones that will make your heart race, thanks to a study conducted by BroadbandChoices. The viewers’ heart rate was measured while watching the highest-rated horror films on IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Reddit. And here are the top 10 scariest horror movies that made the list.

10th place: The Visit, 2015

• IMDb score — 6.2
• Heart rate: 79–100 bpm

Becca, aged 15, and Tyler, aged 13, are on their way to visit their grandparents, whom they have never met before due to a conflict between their mother and grandparents. Despite the initial warm welcome, their grandparents issue a warning for the children not to leave their room after 9:30 PM. As the night progresses, the reason behind this warning becomes apparent to the kids.

9th: The Descent, 2005

• IMDb score — 7.2
• Heart rate: 79–122 bpm

A group of intrepid and active young women set out to explore the mountains and stumble upon a mysterious cave. Without any knowledge of what awaits them, they venture inside, only to have the exit sealed off by falling rocks. As they desperately search for a way to escape, they come to the terrifying conclusion that they are not the only ones in the cave.

8th place: The Babadook, 2014

• IMDb score — 6.8
• Heart rate: 80–116 bpm

Amelia is a lone parent to her 6-year-old son, Sam. Tragically, Sam was born on the same day that her husband passed away, and as a result, the young boy sees monsters everywhere. One day, he asks his mother to read him a book about the mysterious Babadook, a monster that soon becomes more than just a fictional character in a book.

7th place: The Conjuring 2, 2016

• IMDb score — 7.3
• Heart rate: 80–120 bpm

The second installment of a widely acclaimed horror movie follows the Warrens as they assist a single mother with four children who are tormented by supernatural entities.

6th place: It Follows, 2014

• IMDb score — 6.8
• Heart rate: 81–93 bpm

The protagonist, Jay, experiences a series of strange encounters with a man she dated from college. Later, she discovers that he has placed a curse on her, causing a mysterious creature to relentlessly follow and try to kill her.

5th place: Paranormal Activity, 2007

• IMDb score — 6.3
• Heart rate: 82–127 bpm

Katie and Micah, a young couple, move to the suburbs to start their peaceful life. However, their tranquility is disrupted by strange noises that surround their house. Katie reveals to Micah that she has been followed by a mysterious entity since she was 8 years old. Determined to find out what’s going on, Micah purchases a video camera to record their experiences while they sleep. However, this decision only seems to exacerbate the activity of the entity.

4th place: Hereditary, 2018

• IMDb score — 7.3
• Heart rate: 83–109 bpm

Following the death of Annie Graham’s mother, a series of terrifying events begin to occur within her family. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that this family is far from perfect and a web of disturbing secrets slowly unravel.

3rd place: The Conjuring, 2013

• IMDb score — 7.5
• Heart rate: 84–129 bpm

The first film in the series follows the Warren family, paranormal investigators, as they deal with a case involving a demon terrorizing a family of farmers. The story is based on a real-life event from the Warrens’ experiences.

2nd place: Insidious, 2010

• IMDb score — 6.8
• Heart rate: 85–133 bpm

Josh and Renai move into a new house and start experiencing unusual incidents. The situation worsens when their 10-year-old son, Dalton, slips into a coma with no apparent medical explanation. Upon his return home, the strange occurrences continue, leading the family to realize that their son is connected to another world.

1st place: Sinister, 2012

• IMDb score — 6.8
• Heart rate: 86–131 bpm

A writer and his family move into a house where the previous occupants, an entire family, were brutally murdered a year earlier. While settling in, he discovers some videos that may hold the key to solving the crime. However, as strange events begin to occur in the house, the writer’s life is put in jeopardy.

• Additionally, we bring to you a countdown of our own top 10 scariest horror movies of all time. In spite of not taking part in the study, we truly believe that these movies will give you chills for weeks.
  
  
  10. Nope (2022)
  9. Mother! (2017)
  8. Thir13en Ghosts (2001)
  7. Martyrs (2008)
  6. The Sixth Sense (1999)
  5. Jeepers Creepers (2001)
  4. As Above, So Below (2014)
  3. Jacob’s Ladder (1990)
  2. The Grudge (2004)
  1. The Strangers (2008)