Scientifically proven: These 10 horror films are the scariest of 2025
According to a study in 2025, these 10 horror films will increase your heart rate and fear to the maximum – perfect for a spooky Halloween.
Halloween is just around the corner – and while some are dressing up as a sexy nurse again, others are looking for the real adrenaline kick: horror films that won’t let you sleep. But which films are really measurably scariest?
The answer is provided by the British “Science of Scare” study by Broadband Choices from 2025. Viewers were wired with heart rate monitors while watching films and their heart rates were measured. Result: A ranking that gets under your skin – in the truest sense of the word.
1st place: Sinister (2012) – the classic returns
True crime author Ellison Oswalt moves into a house where a series of gruesome murders took place. He discovers the demonic pattern on old film rolls.
- Science of Scare Score: 96
- Heart rate increase: 34 %
Dark, cleverly staged and with the most famous jump scares of the last decade.
2nd place: Host (2020) – Zoom call straight from hell
Six friends are conducting an online seance – and something evil is there live. Short running time, maximum thrill.
- Score: 92
- Heart rate increase: 31 %
Minimalist horror that brings fear into living rooms on Zoom due to the pandemic.
3rd place: Skinamarink (2022) – surreal nightmare
Two children wake up in the night and doors and windows disappear. Atmospherically disturbing and extremely minimalistic.
- Score: 91
- Heart rate increase: 29 %
Not a popcorn cinema, but an existential horror trip.
4th place: Insidious (2010) – Demon in the Shadows
A boy falls into a coma and his family discovers the spirit world behind it.
- Score: 90
- Heart rate increase: 21 %
Classic spooky, perfectly staged, especially for fans of supernatural horror moments.
Platz 5: The Conjuring (2013) – Haunted-House in Bestform
Investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren encounter a haunted farmhouse. Based on real cases.
- Score: 88
- Heart rate increase: 20 %
Atmospherically gripping – the benchmark for modern haunted house films.
Platz 6: Hereditary (2018) – Familienfluch pur
A family is consumed by dark secrets and a demonic presence.
- Score: 81
- Heart rate increase: 18 %
Psychological horror that lasts a long time.
- Score: 79
- Heart rate increase: 19 %
Clever horror that shows: smiling can be deadly.
8th place: Smile (2022) – the original that scares you
Whoever sees the smile is cursed – a chain reaction horror that draws blood.
- Score: 78
- Heart rate increase: 19 %
Minimal plot, maximum horror factor.
9th place: The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) – judgment meets demon
Part courtroom drama, part spook film – the true story of an exorcism continues to inspire today.
- Score: 76
- Heart rate increase: 18 %
Uncomfortable, authentic, frighteningly real.
10th place: Talk to Me (2023) – supernatural ritual
A ritual opens the door to a dangerous power.
- Score: 75
- Heart rate increase: 18 %
Innovative, nerve-wracking and perfect for fans of modern horror experiments.
Hi! I’m Renato Lopes, an electric vehicle enthusiast and the creator of this blog dedicated to the future of clean, smart, and sustainable mobility. My mission is to share accurate information, honest reviews, and practical tips about electric cars—from new EV releases and battery innovations to charging solutions and green driving habits. Whether you’re an EV owner, a curious reader, or someone planning to make the switch, this space was made for you.
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