These 10 Movies Will Wake You Up at Night - I Will Guarantee That

Let’s be real—there’s horror, and then there’s horror that keeps you up at night. You’re here because you want something unforgettable, right? These movies don’t just aim to scare; they delve deep, leaving you with a lingering sense of dread that follows you long after the credits roll. So if you’re brave enough, keep reading. I’m guaranteeing chills, sleepless nights, and maybe even a double-check of those locked doors. Are you ready?

1. Hereditary (2018)

This isn’t just another horror movie; Hereditary is a psychological wrecking ball. Directed by Ari Aster, this movie doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares. Instead, it builds a deeply unsettling atmosphere that’s hard to shake off. The story of a family haunted by secrets and a terrifying legacy will leave you thinking about it for days. Toni Collette’s performance as a grieving mother teeters on the edge of sanity, pulling you right into her horrifying reality. This is psychological horror at its finest.

2. The Babadook (2014)

If you’ve ever wanted a horror movie to mess with your mind, The Babadook is a must-watch. This Australian indie film explores grief and trauma in a way that feels like an emotional gut punch. The story follows a single mother and her son, who are haunted by a sinister storybook character named Mister Babadook. The terror builds slowly, grounded in real emotions, making it feel incredibly real. You’ll probably find yourself glancing at shadows, questioning if something is lurking there—especially if you’re watching alone.

3. Sinister (2012)

Want something that’ll make you rethink that squeaky attic? Sinister, directed by Scott Derrickson, revolves around a true-crime writer who uncovers a series of disturbing home videos. As he delves into the footage, he realizes he’s become a target of an ancient pagan deity that feeds off children’s souls. With chilling visuals and an ominous soundtrack, Sinister has moments that are hard to watch but even harder to forget.

4. The Witch (2015)

A slow-burn masterpiece set in 1630s New England, The Witch is a historical horror that gets under your skin. The story follows a family living on the edge of the wilderness, where unsettling events lead them to believe they’re cursed by witchcraft. Every frame oozes with dread and isolation, making it feel like a nightmare you can’t escape. The film’s unsettling atmosphere is amplified by its realistic period detail and haunting score, which work together to create a truly disturbing experience.

5. Midsommar (2019)

It’s rare for horror movies to have such bright, picturesque settings and still manage to feel deeply unsettling. Midsommar follows a group of friends who travel to Sweden for a festival that turns out to be something far darker than they could’ve imagined. The horror here doesn’t come from darkness but from the disturbing rituals hidden behind the festival’s picturesque beauty. Ari Aster, the director, manages to twist the idea of a "happy summer festival" into a horrifying journey that’ll leave you questioning every seemingly joyful moment.

6. The Ring (2002)

A cursed videotape that dooms anyone who watches it. The Ring popularized the idea of the creepy, long-haired girl crawling out of the TV screen, and even though this movie has been around for a while, it still holds up. The atmosphere is chilling, and the story about an unstoppable curse is haunting in its simplicity. It’s one of those movies that’ll make you avoid looking at your screen, just in case she decides to make an appearance.

7. It Follows (2014)

Imagine a monster that never stops coming after you—no matter how far you run. It Follows takes the familiar concept of a curse and turns it into something uniquely terrifying. The story is simple but effective: after a young woman is cursed, she’s relentlessly pursued by a mysterious, slow-moving entity that takes on different forms. This one sticks with you because the concept is just disturbing enough to feel real.

8. The Conjuring (2013)

The Conjuring is the epitome of classic haunted house horror, done exceptionally well. Following paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the movie explores the haunting of a family’s farmhouse in Rhode Island. Director James Wan created an atmosphere that’s both tense and terrifying, and the jump scares here are expertly crafted. This isn’t just a scare fest; it’s a meticulously crafted horror experience that feels like a rollercoaster in the best way.

9. Martyrs (2008)

Fair warning—this French horror film is not for the faint of heart. Martyrs explores themes of revenge, trauma, and unimaginable suffering in ways that are both brutal and thought-provoking. The story follows two young women who, after suffering abuse, seek revenge on their captors. But it doesn’t end there—the film delves into shocking territory that’ll haunt you long after watching.

10. Paranormal Activity (2007)

Though the Paranormal Activity franchise has gone through many iterations, the first film remains a found footage gem. It builds suspense through simplicity, with night-vision shots and subtle disturbances. Watching it feels voyeuristic, as if you’re a silent observer in this haunted household. It’s all about that tension—you’ll find yourself straining to see what’s lurking in the dark, and even the smallest movements will have you on edge.

Conclusion

These movies aren’t just about scares; they’re experiences meant to haunt your thoughts and maybe even invade your dreams. Each one delves into different aspects of horror, from psychological to supernatural, ensuring that whatever keeps you awake at night is probably on this list. If you’re ready to take on some serious frights, make sure the lights are off, the volume is up, and remember—you’ve been warned.

So, which one are you starting with? Or did this list already give you a few chills? Let me know in the comments; I’d love to hear your take on these terrifying picks!