Horror movies are a great way to the time with friends, or for those who are really brave, alone. But it's difficult to find good ones. More often than not, horror movies can either be too gory or include too many special effects.

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A good horror movie should have a compelling plot and scare the viewer not only through the effects but with the way it tells the story. Suspense is also key. When the viewer can predict who's going to die or what the villain is going to do, there's no element of surprise. That's why it's good to have a list of good movies to rely on.

A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)

A Nightmare On Elm Street

This movie was directed by Wes Craven. It tells the story of a group of kids that are tormented in their sleep by the spirit of a murderer, and the protagonist, Nancy, has to find a way to save them in their dreams.

Jacob's Ladder (1990)

Jacob's Ladder

Directed by Adrian Lyne, this thriller tells the heartbreaking yet scary story of a veteran from Vietnam and his struggles to decipher reality. Added to his PTSD, he has to fight the overwhelming sadness of losing his child, and he'll do it with the of his loved ones.

Braindead (1992)

Lionel and Paquita embracing each other terrified in the poster for Braindead

This tale of death and resurrection was directed by Peter Jackson and was a huge success. A mother who died after being bit by a monkey suddenly comes back to life with a hunger for flesh.

Army Of Darkness (1992)

Army of Darkness

Directed by Sam Raimi, this film is about a man who is unexpectedly transported back to 1,300 A.D. and forced to go on an incredibly difficult mission to find his way back home.

Interview With The Vampire (1994)

Interview with the Vampire

Louis de Pointe du Lac, an ancient vampire from San Francisco, tells his story of immortality to a reporter. Directed by Neil Jordan and starring Brad Pitt, this vampire story is chilling and definitely worth watching.

Grindhouse (2007)

grindhouse

This thriller has Tarantino's seal of approval. It tells the story of a zombie outbreak, paying homage to some important movies from the '70s, particularly Planet Terror and Death Proof.

The Conjuring (2013)

The Conjuring

This movie is based on the notes of the paranormal investigators that tried to help the Warren family that's tormented by a dark presence. The Conjuring was directed by James Wan, and to this day is one of the most iconic horror movies.

Tucker And Dale Vs Evil (2010)

The title characters in Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil

Two friends who decide to take a vacation to a mountain cabin are mistaken for murderers by a group of college students. Their trip is ruined as they get caught up in the misunderstanding.

A Quiet Place (2018)

a quiet place

A Quiet Place is a dystopian film in which a family is forced to hide from the monsters that have destroyed the world. No matter what they do, they have to stay silent. John Krasinski directed and starred in it alongside Emily Blunt.

The Lighthouse (2019)

The Lighthouse

This movie tells the story of two lighthouse keepers trying to stay sane on the job. However, the isolation and difficult conditions they have to live in will make that almost impossible. The director was Robert Eggers.