What's the Scariest Movie of All Time? A New Study Might Have the Answer

The only time I ever thought I was having a panic attack I was watching Uncut Gems, which is a horror movie in its own way.

Still, a new study has tracked the beats per minute of people watching horror movies in order to track what they think could be the scariest movie of all time. 

The broadbandchoices "Science of Scare" project followed the heart rates of over 50 people across more than 100 hours of horror films.

“With more people than ever facing a Halloween at home, our Science of Scare study was designed to help people find the most scientifically scary films ever made, to save them the time of searching through thousands of titles across streaming services like Amazon, Netflix, and Shudder,” said study creator Daniel Clifford.

So which of your favorites made the top of their list?

Credit: Warner Bros.

According to the study:

“Our list found that modern horror movies sent hearts pounding faster than classics, with movies like Sinister, Insidious, and the Conjuring series scoring particularly high on the list. While horror fanatics might be surprised to see some iconic movies such as Halloween chart comparatively low, it’s worth bearing in mind that while incredible films, they may not have the same instant impact years later... If you’re easy startled, then this definitive list of horror is not for you, but if you’re looking for something to get your heart racing this Halloween, then turn the lights off, but the sound up and remember to check under your bed before you go to sleep.”

Check out their infographic below. 

Credit: Broadband Choices

Yes, the Ethan Hawke film, Sinister, took the number-one title. 

It follows a true-crime writer who investigates a string of gruesome murders on film footage, and according to the study, audience members experienced a 32% uplift in heart rates—from 65 beats per minute (bpm) to 86 bpm.

One of the more shocking things to me was that only four films more than 20 years old are in the rankings—The Exorcist, Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. 

I guess that speaks to movies people had hyped up for them that didn't stand the test of time, or audiences being much more used to jump scares and gore horror, so older tactics might not work on them. 

James Wan is the most popular individual director, with three films in the top 10. 

Kudos to him for attacking our psyche on many levels. 

The full list is as follows:

1. Sinister
2. Insidious
3. The Conjuring
4. Hereditary
5. Paranormal Activity
6. It Follows
7. The Conjuring 2
8. The Babadook
9. The Descent
10. The Visit
11. The Ring
12. A Quiet Place
13. A Nightmare on Elm Street
14. Halloween
15. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
16. 28 Days Later
17. The Exorcist
18. Hush
19. It
20. Scream
21. The Grudge
22. The Witch
23. The Blair Witch Project
24. Alien
25. The Thing
26. Poltergeist
27. Annabelle
28. Friday the 13th
29. The Orphanage
30. Dark Skies
31. Wolf Creek
32. The Omen
33. The Shining
34. Get Out
35. Audition

Were you surprised at any films being left off the list? Let us know in the comments.

Dig this spooky post? Then check out the rest of our Horror Week coverage for more tips, tricks, and terrifying takes.