Best Horror Movies

Last updated: July 8, 2026

Some teens just love to be scared. Check out these hand-picked movies for some jump-out-of-your-seat moments that steer (mostly) clear of gore. Some of these top-rated titles are more mature than others, so be prepared to discuss the way violence is portrayed. Make sure you read the reviews to help you choose the ones with just the right scream factor for your family -- some of these movies are very, very scary. And if you're looking for something a little tamer for younger kids, try our Scary (but Not TOO Scary!) Halloween Movies list.

Filter by:

Sort by:

The Bride of Frankenstein Poster Image

MOVIE

The Bride of Frankenstein

age 9+

A riveting, funny, and suspenseful horror classic.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1935)

See full review

Dracula Poster Image

MOVIE

Dracula

age 10+

Classic vampire movie is more creepy than violent.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1931)

See full review

Frankenstein Poster Image

MOVIE

Frankenstein

age 10+

Classic monster movie still electrifies.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1931)

See full review

Jaws Poster Image

MOVIE

Jaws

age 12+

1970s shark horror tale still has scare factor.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1975)

See full review

The Birds Poster Image

MOVIE

The Birds

age 13+

Classic Hitchcock horror film still gives the chills.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1963)

See full review

Disco Inferno Movie poster: Closeup of a face with glowing eyes

MOVIE

Disco Inferno

age 13+

Creepy disco-filled thriller has jump scares and drug use.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)

See full review

Trollhunter Poster Image

MOVIE

Trollhunter

age 13+

Some violence, language in fun Norwegian monster movie.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2011)

See full review

A shadowy figure climbs up the stairs on the poster for Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror

MOVIE

Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror

age 13+

Few scares but strong visuals in silent horror classic.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1929)

See full review

Poltergeist Poster Image

MOVIE

Poltergeist

age 13+

One of the all-time great haunted house movies.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1982)

See full review

I Saw the TV Glow Movie Poster: In a dark room, a figure with his back to viewers watches a TV screen filled with pink static

MOVIE

I Saw the TV Glow

age 13+

Haunting experimental horror explores queer identity.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2024)

See full review

Madres Poster Image

MOVIE

Madres

age 14+

Violence, racial slurs in message-based horror movie.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)

See full review

Enys Men movie poster: A group of women wearing black and white on a rocky hill with a woman wearing red lying on the rocks

MOVIE

Enys Men

age 14+

Tense British horror has self-harm, trauma, brief sex scene.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)

See full review

Lights Out Poster Image

MOVIE

Lights Out

age 14+

Exceptionally simple, smart, scary monster movie.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)

See full review

Exit 8 Poster: A dark subway corridor is lit by a single sign, the silhouette of a small boy visible

MOVIE

Exit 8

age 14+

Excellent, twisty, scary, moving subway-puzzle thriller.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2026)

See full review

A Quiet Place Poster Image

MOVIE

A Quiet Place

age 14+

Gripping monster movie has lots of tension, some blood.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)

See full review

A Quiet Place Part II Poster Image

MOVIE

A Quiet Place Part II

age 14+

Skillful monster horror sequel has blood, peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)

See full review

Split Poster Image

MOVIE

Split

age 14+

Teen girls in danger in smart, satisfying, scary thriller.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)

See full review

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Poster Image

MOVIE

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

age 14+

Scary but very entertaining movie based on classic books.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)

See full review

A Quiet Place: Day One Movie Poster: A Black woman stands with her hands over her mouth in shock; next to her is a White man

MOVIE

A Quiet Place: Day One

age 14+

Clever, touching monster prequel has violence, jump-scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2024)

See full review

Daddy's Head Movie Poster: Outline of a man against dark bakground

MOVIE

Daddy's Head

age 14+

Creepy thriller with drinking, language, and jump scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2024)

See full review

About the Author

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.