Jordan Peele’s 2017 film Get Out has earned a reputation as one of the scariest modern horror experiences, sparking conversations about fear, social commentary, and cinematic craft. A respected film channel known for curating top lists, Real Scary Television, compiled and shared a comprehensive ranking of thirty notable horror films, drawing from a range of eras and styles to highlight what many viewers find most chilling across the decade.
Among the standout entries in the ranking is Saw, a darkly satirical take on horror cinema that went on to win an Oscar and was nominated for various awards for its innovative approach to fear and storytelling. Close behind in the list is the film Let the Right One In, the American adaptation of Anders Lindkvist’s vampire novel Let Me In, which has been discussed for its atmospheric mood and emotional depth, offering a different texture to the vampire mythos. At a similar tier sits Ari Aster’s Reincarnation, a foreboding exploration of a family’s experience with unsettling forces following the loss of a matriarch, and the film is noted for its slow-building dread and eerie symbolism.
Further down the ranking, The Others, a 2001 gothic horror tale, and The Witch, a 2015 period piece rooted in folk horror, appear in adjacent positions, underscoring the enduring appeal of intimate, character-driven scares. Recent titles with broad appeal, including A Quiet Place from 2018 and The Lighthouse from 2019, are also recognized for their bold tonal choices and claustrophobic atmospheres, securing high placement that reflects audience appetite for tension and craftsmanship. The Babadook, an Australian film that blends psychological persistence with mythic dread, holds a prominent spot as a fixture in contemporary horror discourse, while Saw: The Game of Survival appears as a modern extension of the franchise’s survival theme. It, along with It, featuring the iconic Pennywise, remains a touchstone for discussions about childhood fears projected onto monstrous figures.
In related industry commentary, Ridley Scott has spoken about his decision to revisit Gladiator with a sequel years after the original film, a decision that illustrates how established cinematic worlds can reemerge in new forms and provoke renewed interest among audiences. The conversation highlights how directors weigh legacy against fresh storytelling opportunities, a balance that resonates with fans who follow long-running franchises and evolving horror storytelling alike.