27 Horror Movies For People Who Don't Usually Watch Horror Movies

    An entry guide into scary movies.

    Jamie Jones
    by Jamie Jones

    BuzzFeed Staff

    We recently asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to tell us which horror movies they'd recommend to someone who don't normally watch them. Here are some of the responses!

    1. A Quiet Place (2018)

    Paramount Pictures

    "I absolutely HATE scary movies but when A Quiet Place came out I was immediately intrigued. I would almost describe it as a sci-fi thriller, making it a great stepping stone into the horror genre for people who don’t necessarily like scary movies. It’s incredible!"

    — jamiemichellec2

    2. Scream (1996)

    Dimension Films

    "It has everything viewers should expect from classic horror films; Suspense, jump scares, and a plot twist. Plus it sprinkles some good humour in there. It’s not too scary which is why I would show it to any horror newbies."

    — melodyo447b0d1db

    3. Hush (2016)

    Netflix

    "I would recommend Hush. It’s on Netflix and it’s great! It’s on the border between a thriller and a horror, so it’s a good choice if you want to give horror movies a try."

    — luvthebuzz

    4. Trick 'r Treat (2007)

    Warner Bros.

    "Trick 'r Treat is a great horror film, especially around Halloween."

    — feliciaw42f596c7d

    5. It Follows (2014)

    RADiUS-TWC

    "I love scary movies. I’ve seen them all. However, I do feel they can get repetitive with the plot lines. It Follows had a new and interesting story I couldn’t compare to anything else. And the soundtrack is great too."

    — a468bfa33e

    6. The Shining (1980)

    Warner Bros.

    "Probably The Shining because there’s no proper jump scares and it’s a classic. Best horror I’ve ever seen."

    — klc12345

    7. The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

    Lionsgate

    "Such a new interesting idea and I loved seeing all the monsters. The film subverts all the horror conventions but there are still a lot of scary parts."

    — zoeymariec

    8. Get Out (2017)

    Universal Pictures

    "It has everything you could want. Flawed characters, a funny sidekick friend, twists and turns, and a dynamite original premise. It's the only film I immediately rewatched so I could see what I missed first time."

    — leannetillyk

    9. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

    Warner Bros.

    "It's a little more fantasy than horror, but the creature makeup will definitely stick with you. It's absolutely stunning, and the story is great!"

    — fillionfan4002

    10. Psycho (1960)

    Paramount Pictures

    "I truly think it’s the best horror movie ever made. It’s more suspenseful than it is creepy."

    — maddisonc4f618bc97

    11. It (2017)

    Warner Bros.

    "I feel that it can be a good break into the horror genre because it's not that scary and it feels more like a coming-of-age film with some horror elements. It can be a nice transition."

    — jacrispyginx

    12. What We Do In The Shadows (2014)

    Paramount Pictures

    "As far as pure entertainment goes, I cannot recommend What We Do in the Shadows enough. Absolutely hilarious and so much fun."

    — mindie2

    13. The Orphanage (2007)

    Warner Bros.

    "I recommend this film to everyone. It’s twisted and intense but absolutely beautiful in the same dark lullaby style as Pan's Labyrinth and the ending will leave you shook."

    — megananneb3

    14. The Conjuring (2013)

    Warner Bros.

    "It's not full of jump scares, and it's not even that scary — it's creepy, suspenseful, and well acted. A great introduction to the genre."

    — maxbenschneider5

    15. Shaun Of the Dead (2004)

    Universal Pictures

    "Shaun Of the Dead for the fact that it's a humorous movie without sacrificing the pain, suffering, and terror of the zombie apocalypse."

    — clairew469e28fce

    16. The Babadook (2014)

    Entertainment One

    "It's an amazing movie that left me questioning everything at the end, and it really left me wanting more, so I hope it would do the same to others who want to get into horror movies."

    — oliviasasak

    17. The Lost Boys (1987)

    Warner Bros.

    "I'd definitely recommend an '80s classic like The Lost Boys. The movie is a perfect blend of horror and comedy that will change the mind of any horror critic."

    — thatgirl26

    18. The Descent (2005)

    Pathé / Lionsgate

    "In a genre that sometimes lacks female lead representation, this is a breath of fresh air. The story is well made and without giving away any spoilers, it has one of my favourite horror movie endings ever."

    — juliel19

    19. Jaws (1975)

    Universal Pictures

    "I would recommend Jaws to someone who’s just starting to enter the horror genre. It’s more suspense than actual horror with enough small scares to satisfy any movie goer and is a nice entry point for someone who’s not used to watching horror."

    — thekittydoctor

    20. The Ring (2002)

    DreamWorks Pictures

    "I’m not a big fan of horror movies because I’m easily scared, but I find that The Ring is watchable. It has an interesting storyline and the scares aren’t so bad."

    — maryap2

    21. I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

    Columbia Pictures

    "My first horror movie I watched was I Know What You Did Last Summer. It was an easy start for someone who hated horror — It wasn’t even that scary thinking back. I still hated the genre but here I am five years later, reading It and watching American Horror Story on the regular."

    — rachelm4fbeb15db

    22. The Haunting (1963)

    Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

    "It's a nice intro into the tricks horror-movie makers use to make us jump. Under the guise of an experiment into fear, four unsuspecting people spend some time in a Gothic-type manor house. Suggestion, sound, and a creepy twist all play a part. It's practically a template."

    — michelleg4dcc10efa

    23. Drag Me to Hell (2009)

    Universal Pictures

    "It seamlessly blends horror and comedy. There's some jump scares but it also sets a creepy tone."

    — carlosl4aace6dcb

    24. The Wicker Man (1973)

    British Lion Films

    "The majority of it is creepy and weird but the horror comes at its climax, when Edward Woodward’s character realises what is going to happen."

    — katies482ced1c2

    25. Attack The Block (2011)

    StudioCanal UK

    "It's a really great little gem. Funny, unique, and scary."

    — txdominolee

    26. An American Werewolf in London (1981)

    Universal Pictures

    "An American Werewolf in London is the perfect mixture of horror and cheesy '80s dark comedy. It’s a perfect start for someone who doesn’t usually indulge in horror!"

    — abigaeljoyceanderson

    27. The Invitation (2015)

    Drafthouse Films

    "The Invitation is a truly horrifying movie because it's a slow boil. What seems like an innocent dinner party turns into something much more sinister, but you have to wait until the last 15 minutes for the payoff."

    — caitlinm18

    Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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