Scariest horror movie of all time audiences vow never to watch again after being left terrified

Once banned in the UK for 25 years, the 1973 film The Exorcist tells the story of a girl believed to be possessed by the devil and features Max von Sydow as the title character. Saw, starring Tobin Bell as Jigsaw, ranked second in the poll of 2,000 horror film fans, followed closely by The Conjuring and the 1996 classic, Scream.

More recent films like Smile and the tense sci-fi horror, A Quiet Place, also made the top 30 list. A study conducted by Specsavers found that 32 per cent of respondents have sworn off watching a particular horror film again due to its intense scare factor.

A staggering 45 per cent of viewers wish they could erase certain scenes from their memory, while 37 per cent have sounds they would rather never have heard.

Seven in 10 agree that loud noises are the most startling aspect of horror films, but 38 per cent of viewers are just as likely to shut their eyes as they are to cover their ears during the most terrifying moments.

Gordon Harrison, Specsavers’ chief audiologist, noted: “Some people love the feeling of fear. Whether it’s the terrifying visuals or the spine-chilling soundtracks, our latest poll reveals how these movies test your senses to the limit.”

“While it’s natural to want to cover your eyes or plug your ears during a scary movie, it’s essential to remember that doing so could lead to some frightful complications.”

“As a reminder, we advise against putting anything smaller than your elbow in your ear, including tissue paper or cotton wool. For a safer experience, consider using earplugs or hearing protection to manage the sound.”

As Halloween approaches, a significant 59 per cent of people increase their horror movie viewing, with 67 per cent feeling that the holiday is incomplete without watching something frightening. According to a survey by OnePoll.com, fans of horror films typically watch four movies per month.

The key elements to a perfect horror film are a suspenseful plot (49 per cent), eerie music (45 per cent), and an unpredictable ending (40 per cent). Nearly half (47 per cent) of horror fans attribute their love for the genre to the suspense and unpredictability it provides.

THE SCARIEST MOVIES FANS WON’T WATCH AGAIN

1. The Exorcist (1973)
2. Saw (2004)
3. The Conjuring (2013)
4. Scream (1996)
5. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
6. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
7. Poltergeist (1982)
8. The Ring (2002)
9. Friday the 13th (1980)
10. The Omen (1976)
11. The Babadook (2014)
12. Smile (2022)
13. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
14. The Witch (2015)
15. Halloween (1978)
16. Child’s Play (1988)
17. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
18. Paranormal Activity (2007)
19. A Quiet Place (2018)
20. The Sixth Sense (1999)
21. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
22. Hereditary (2018)
23. It (2017)
24. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
25. Pet Sematary (1989)
26. Psycho (1960)
27. Midsommar (2019)
28. Alien (1979)
29. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
30. The Fly (1986)