The jump scare has been described as “one of the most basic building blocks of horror movies”. Done with taste, originality, and skill, the jump can deliver a scare that will linger with an audience for years. Here are the FIVE best jump scare horror movies of all time:
THE CONJURING (2013)
The story follows Roger and Carolyn Perron, along with their five daughters and a dog, who move to a farmhouse in Rhode Island. Within the first few nights of staying in the farmhouse, the Perron family experiences strange encounter. Though the Conjuring consists of many well-executed and timed jumpscares, the reveal of the evil entity is considered most effective scares.
INSIDIOUS (2010)
According to movie web, Insidious has earned a reputation as the movie with the best and most unpredictable jumpscares in the history of horror movies. The scene with Lorraine seeing the red-faced demon showing up behind absolutely terrified Josh is something out of our nightmares.
SINISTER (2012)
Sinister is a film that was marketed as a shock-fest. It was an ambitious movie with a unique concept that utilizes cinema itself to generate scares. Having Ellison (Ethan Hawke) see old film reels showcasing massacre after massacre allows us to empathize with him in these moments.
LIGHTS OUT (2016)
Lights Out use darkness to its advantage by scaring its audience with its unpredictable jumpscares throughout the film. Adapted from a praised horror short of the same name, Lights Out is technically astounding in its execution. The darkness is a horror filmmaker’s best friend as it allows them to play tricks on the viewer’s mind, which is so well used in the film.
EVIL DEAD (1981)
Evil Dead is an American horror film franchise created by Sam Raimi consisting of five feature films. The series revolves around the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, an ancient Sumerian Text that wreaks havoc upon a group of cabin inhabitants. It’s the perfect ‘80s horror movie, with tons of jump scares, creepy voices, and throwback makeup and effects.