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Time Magazine
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
The 10 Scariest Movies of All Time According to AI
This article is published by a partner of TIME. There's something irresistible about a good scary movie. The thrill of fear, the pulse-pounding suspense, and the sheer adrenaline rush make horror films a favorite for audiences worldwide. Whether it's the unsettling quiet before the scare, the psychological torment, or the grotesque imagery, scary movies have the power to keep us on the edge of our seats and haunt our dreams long after the credits roll. The best horror films are not just about jump scares—they tap into our deepest fears, from the fear of the unknown to the terror of losing control. They weave compelling stories, feature unforgettable characters, and create an atmosphere so tense that viewers feel like they're part of the nightmare. These movies stand out because they not only scare us but also stay with us, making us think about what fear truly means. This article showcases the 10 scariest movies of all time, using research assistance from ChatGPT. These films have defined the horror genre, terrified audiences, and left an indelible mark on pop culture. From supernatural hauntings to visceral psychological horror, these movies represent the pinnacle of fear-inducing cinema. 1. The Exorcist (1973) 'The Exorcist' is a story about a young girl possessed by a demonic entity and the lengths her family goes to for her salvation. The film's chilling depiction of possession, combined with groundbreaking special effects and an unforgettable soundtrack, solidified its place as one of the scariest movies ever made. Its psychological and spiritual terror resonates with audiences to this day. 2. Hereditary (2018) Ari Aster's 'Hereditary' is a modern masterpiece of psychological horror, exploring grief, family secrets, and supernatural terror. The film builds an overwhelming sense of dread, culminating in a shocking and unforgettable finale. Toni Collette's haunting performance elevates this tale of familial disintegration. 3. The Shining (1980) Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel is a chilling exploration of madness and isolation. Set in the eerie Overlook Hotel, 'The Shining' follows Jack Torrance's descent into insanity as supernatural forces take hold. Its iconic imagery and unforgettable performances make it a horror classic. Director: Stanley Kubrick Key Stars: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd Notable Scenes: 'Here's Johnny!' and the blood-filled elevator Box Office: $47 million worldwide (original release) Awards: Now considered a masterpiece, though snubbed during its release Legacy: Influenced countless horror films and pop culture references 4. Halloween (1978) John Carpenter's 'Halloween' introduced the world to Michael Myers, the masked killer who stalks babysitters on Halloween night. With its simple yet terrifying premise, the film popularized the slasher genre and became a cultural phenomenon. Its eerie score remains one of the most recognizable in cinema. Director: John Carpenter Key Stars: Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, Nick Castle Notable Scenes: Michael's slow stalking and the final confrontation Box Office: $70 million worldwide (on a $300,000 budget) Awards: Received critical acclaim for its direction and tension Legacy: Inspired countless sequels and the slasher subgenre 5. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) Tobe Hooper's low-budget horror film shocked audiences with its raw, visceral depiction of terror. Following a group of friends who fall victim to a family of cannibals, 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' is an unrelenting and disturbing experience. Its documentary-style realism adds to the horror. Director: Tobe Hooper Key Stars: Marilyn Burns, Gunnar Hansen, Edwin Neal Notable Scenes: Leatherface's first appearance and the dinner scene Box Office: Over $30 million worldwide Awards: Cult status despite initial controversy Legacy: Established Leatherface as a horror icon 6. Psycho (1960) Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho' is a psychological thriller that redefined horror with its shocking twists and groundbreaking approach to suspense. The story follows Marion Crane, who meets her untimely fate at the infamous Bates Motel. The film's shower scene is one of the most famous moments in cinematic history. Director: Alfred Hitchcock Key Stars: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles Notable Scenes: The shower scene and the final revelation about Norman Bates Box Office: $50 million worldwide Awards: 4 Academy Award nominations Legacy: Considered the blueprint for modern horror films 7. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) Wes Craven's 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' introduced Freddy Krueger, a supernatural killer who stalks his victims in their dreams. Combining slasher horror with surreal imagery, the film is both terrifying and inventive. Freddy's burned visage and razor glove are iconic. Director: Wes Craven Key Stars: Robert Englund, Heather Langenkamp, Johnny Depp Notable Scenes: Freddy's first kill and the ending twist Box Office: $57 million worldwide Awards: Launched a highly successful franchise Legacy: Cemented Freddy Krueger as a horror legend 8. The Ring (2002) Gore Verbinski's remake of the Japanese horror film 'Ringu' brought the haunting tale of a cursed videotape to Western audiences. The film's eerie atmosphere and shocking imagery, particularly Samara crawling out of the television, terrified viewers worldwide. Director: Gore Verbinski Key Stars: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman Notable Scenes: The videotape sequences and Samara's well Box Office: $249 million worldwide Awards: Critical acclaim for its atmosphere and cinematography Legacy: Sparked a wave of Japanese horror remakes 9. The Blair Witch Project (1999) 'The Blair Witch Project' popularized the found-footage genre with its terrifying story of three filmmakers lost in the woods. The movie's minimalist approach and suggestion of unseen horrors created an unparalleled sense of dread. Directors: Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez Key Stars: Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams, Joshua Leonard Notable Scenes: The final scene in the house and the tent attack Box Office: $248 million worldwide on a $60,000 budget Awards: Praised for its innovation and marketing Legacy: Reinvented the horror genre with its realism 10. It (2017) The modern adaptation of Stephen King's 'It' brought Pennywise the Clown back to terrify a new generation. With a mix of psychological horror, jump scares, and emotional depth, 'It' became a critical and commercial success. Bill Skarsgård's portrayal of Pennywise is as terrifying as it is unforgettable. Director: Andy Muschietti Key Stars: Bill Skarsgård, Finn Wolfhard, Sophia Lillis Notable Scenes: The sewer introduction and the projector scene Box Office: $701 million worldwide Awards: Nominated for multiple critics' awards Legacy: One of the highest-grossing horror films of all time Conclusion on Scary Movies Scary movies are more than just entertainment—they're an art form that taps into our primal fears and emotions. The films on this list showcase the creativity and brilliance of filmmakers who have mastered the craft of horror. Whether it's through psychological tension, supernatural terror, or outright gore, these movies have left an indelible mark on the genre and our collective psyche. From the timeless suspense of Psycho to the modern psychological dread of Hereditary, these films prove that fear is universal and endlessly captivating. As horror continues to evolve, these classics will remain benchmarks, reminding us of the enduring power of a good scare. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the genre, these movies are essential viewing for anyone brave enough to experience them. Related Articles: About the Authors: Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn. Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event planning at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies, Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.
Time Out
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The best serial killer movies of all time
John Carpenter didn't invent the idea of murdering groups of horny teenagers; Black Christmas beat him to the punch by four years. His innovation was to give the killer a discernible identity – rather than a vague, anonymous apparition of evil, he gave audiences something they could visualise in their nightmares. Crucially, that's not the same thing as a backstory. At the onset of the franchise, the only thing we really know about Michael Myers is that he stabbed his own sister to death as a child and that premarital sex upsets him. And yet, that's enough to make him far more frightening than many of the other seemingly indestructible monster-men to follow in his lumbering footsteps. The basic tenets of the original Halloween have been aped so many times that it's hard to watch with completely fresh eyes, but decades from now, seeing his masked visage emerge from the shadows behind Jamie Lee Curtis will still cause audiences to leap out of their seats.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Charleston couple who renovated community laundromat surprised on ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show' with big donation
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The owners of a North Charleston laundromat — considered a welcoming space for the local community — recently guest starred on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' and received a big surprise during the appearance. Erin and John Carpenter were invited to be guests after a show producer discovered Erin's social media and saw the work they were doing at Reynold's Laundry on Reynold's Avenue. The producer asked the Carpenter's to send in a short selfie video talking about their business and themselves. Initially, Erin tried to put the video off because she was nervous about appearing on a national talk show, but the show wanted them there and continued to check-in. With some encouragement from John, Erin went ahead and made the video. Things happened quickly from there, with the couple and Reynold's Laundry manager, Steve Palmer, being flown out to New York for the live show within the next two weeks. The night before Apr. 23, when the couple would appear on the show, producers gave them an outline of what Clarkson might ask, helping the couple prepare. The next day, Erin and John walked onto the stage and met Clarkson for the first time. 'It was very surreal because I was so nervous. It was just adrenaline, pure adrenaline,' Erin explained. 'She hugged me right away. She was so disarming, so kind, so nice. It was very comfortable talking to her. It wasn't scary.' The couple didn't face the national stage alone, however, as Erin's family flew out to support her by sitting in the live audience. 'They were like the first people I saw; it actually calmed me down, so it was less daunting than I thought,' Erin said. During the interview, the Carpenter's told their story of transforming a rundown laundromat and giving it a new life. The facility, renamed Reynold's Laundry, started as a place where locals could gather to do their laundry at an affordable price. Reynold's is known for hosting monthly free laundry days. On these days, they partner with local organization Kindness Army and offer food, music, and, most importantly, free laundry service. Arm and Hammer caught wind of the free laundry days at Reynold's and towards the end of the interview Clarkson surprised the couple with a $10,000 donation from the company in addition to a lifetime supply of Arm and Hammer Deep Clean detergent. 'I had no idea at all. They fully surprised us,' Erin said about the donation. With that donation, Reynold's can now guarantee a free laundry day to the local community on a monthly basis, but the couple still wants to partner with community organizations whenever possible and use the funds as a backup. So, how did the owners of a community laundromat end up on The Kelly Clarkson Show? It all started one day in 2022 when John was browsing BizBuySell and found a laundromat he wanted to check out. He mentioned the find to Erin, and the two went to do their laundry and view the space. 'It was definitely in really rough shape, and I was very out of my element, thinking this is overwhelming; I don't think we have the capacity to take this on,' Erin recalled. 'It just seemed like too much work for us.' While the Carpenter's had a history of renovating homes, a laundromat was an entirely different ballpark. Erin said she saw the place and felt overwhelmed, but John saw a challenge for the couple to take on. He convinced Erin and the couple bought the space with renovations starting in 2023. Fixing it up only took a few months and at the end of March, Reynold's Laundry was open for business. The Carpenter's were new to the area, though, and its longtime residents were hesitant to welcome newcomers at first. Knowing this, longtime laundromat manager Steve Palmer helped the Carpenter's build trust after deciding to stay on when the couple took over. 'I think they were scared… people were scared we were turning it into something that wasn't a laundry mat because it had been around for generations. It had been around for so long, and it's such a huge need in the neighborhood,' Erin explained. Steve, who has worked at the laundromat for 14 years, is the face of the business. He greets customers day in and day out and manages daily operations. 'Steve is central to the community; everybody knows him,' she added. Reynold's has come a long way since opening with its first free laundry day two years ago. The laundromat has turned into a community space where people can come for special concerts, birthday parties, dinner events, and more. 'We're genuinely friends with all these people. We get to see them and get updates and give them hugs,' Erin said. '… it's made our lives so much bigger, made our world so much bigger to have all these relationships. It's made our life much deeper and richer because of it.' Those free laundry days have transformed from a day for laundry into a day for fellowship, where people eat, listen to music, crack jokes over the microphone, or simply enjoy each other's company. 'There are so many people who have been involved with this story to make it what it is, and I think that's what I want to keep reminding people,' Erin added. 'It's been incredible and surreal… and we're just so thankful.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Mint
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
What the controversial new 'Snow White' can teach Hollywood
'Snow White', Disney's live-action remake of a beloved animated film, had an icy reception before its release in cinemas on March 21st. A trailer posted three months ago has earned just 60,000 likes and over 1m dislikes. 'If I saw this movie on a plane I would still walk out,' grumbled one YouTube user. 'We thankfully have the technology nowadays to make the animation look worse than the original from 1937,' groaned another. Among the remake's many sins are seven in particular: the dwarves, who have been cheesily rendered with computer-generated imagery (CGI), after a row over whether it was politically correct to have actors with dwarfism in the roles. (In the face of criticism, Disney recast the film's dwarves as 'magical creatures'—whatever that means.) There is also the issue of Rachel Zegler, the actress chosen to play Snow White, who panned the original film as 'extremely dated' and said that the prince 'literally stalks' the princess. It turns out fans do not like it when a remake's heroine villainises the classic film that inspired it. By respinning familiar tales, remakes can offer studios a surer path towards commercial riches. In the amount of pushback and controversy it has faced, 'Snow White' is unusual. But in another way the film reflects a current trend, which is for studios to reach further back in history for source material. From 2020 to 2024 the average age of the source films that new remakes were based on was 35. That is about 13 years older than from 2011 to 2015, according to our analysis of data from The Numbers, a film website. What makes for a successful remake? It is a question on the minds of many Hollywood executives, as well as cinephiles. To answer it, The Economist analysed 200 remakes released since 1995; each had a minimum of 5,000 ratings on IMDb, an online movie database. (Our analysis only includes remakes of films, not adaptations of books.) Three lessons stand out. First, it is not enough to use state-of-the-art special effects; computer-generated imagery needs to be handled carefully. Of the 20 worst remakes (as measured by IMDb audience ratings), half are horror films, in part because of their use of unconvincing special effects. In the fifth-worst-rated, a remake in 2005 of John Carpenter's cult classic 'The Fog' from 1980, a supernatural, vengeful fog descends on an island town off the coast of Oregon. Cheap shocks substitute for tension: viewers have complained that the fog moves too quickly and that ghosts in the fog (never clearly visible in the original) are hokey, a complaint also made by viewers about the dwarves in the new 'Snow White'. Second, comedies come with grave risks. This is the worst-performing genre for remakes, earning an average IMDb rating 1.5 points (out of ten) lower than the originals. Comedy remakes also tend to make the least at the box office. Not a single one significantly outshines the original film it was based on, according to audience ratings. It may be that viewers of comedies and horrors crave an element of surprise, which is hard to offer in a faithful remake, because audiences already know which gags and gasps to expect. The best remakes get their inspiration from abroad. Since 1995 about a third of the top remakes have been based on foreign source material, including six of the top ten. So are the only two remakes to have won Academy Awards for Best Picture: 'The Departed' (2006), based on a Hong Kong film, and 'CODA' (2021), based on a French-Belgian one. Unfamiliarity with the originals may mean that audiences come in with lower expectations and without any attachment to the original. Take 'Bugonia', starring Emma Stone, set to be released in November. It is an English-language remake of a South Korean film; instead of a male chief executive, the new story centres on a female one. However, audiences, lacking knowledge of the original, are unlikely to kick up a fuss about the change. The same cannot be said of the new 'Snow White', which seems destined for an unhappily-ever-after ending. For more on the latest books, films, TV shows, albums and controversies, sign up to Plot Twist, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter
Geek Tyrant
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK Is Coming Back to VHS With Cool New Art — GeekTyrant
If you've ever dreamed of rewinding back to a grimy, neon-soaked 1997, the Escape From New York version, not the real one, now's your chance… on VHS. John Carpenter's 1981 cult classic is officially returning to its analog roots, and it's not just a nostalgia play—it's a collector's dream. Vice Press is dropping Escape From New York back onto VHS this Thursday, May 15th, and they're doing it with style. There are two editions, both packed with retro charm and cool new artwork. First up is a limited-edition slipcase version, only 1,000 copies exist, featuring a custom-designed tape and slick new art from Phantom City Creative. The second option is a collector's edition VHS with a reversible cover: one side features the original theatrical poster, the other showcases new artwork by artist Matt Ferguson. And if you've got a VCR that plays PAL format, you're in luck! For those of us stateside who just want the art without the rewinder, Vice Press is releasing a Phantom City Creative poster will also be available separately as a 24" x 36" lithograph, with regular and variant editions, both limited to 250. For fans who've always loved that original poster image by Barry E. Jackson, there's more good news. Vice Press collaborated with Matt Ferguson to restore and release that iconic design as a 27" x 40" lithograph, again in a limited edition of 250. Whether you're reliving your analog childhood or discovering Snake Plissken for the first time, this release is something special.
