15 Best Movies With Jump Scares to Watch This Halloween

1. A Quiet Place (2018)

Imagine a world where you can't make a sound or risk being hunted down by nightmarish creatures. John Krasinski directs and acts in this spine-chiller where he, alongside real-life wife Emily Blunt, portrays parents trying to protect their kids in a silent world. Remember that nail on the stairs? I still squirm thinking about it. The tension's so thick, you'd be scared to munch on popcorn!

2. The Conjuring (2013)

Ed and Lorraine Warren, real-life paranormal investigators, take center stage in this haunting tale directed by James Wan. The Perron family moves into a farmhouse, only to find out they're not alone. Angry spirits, a particularly spooky game of 'hide and clap', and that dreaded music box. It's a mix of history and horror – and trust me, you might want to keep your lights on after this one.

3. Sinister (2012)

Writer Ellison Oswalt, played by Ethan Hawke, discovers a box of old home movies in his new house. But these aren't your average holiday films. Each reel depicts a gruesome family murder, leading Ellison on a dark path to uncover the truth behind them. The creepy face of Bughuul lurking in the background of images? Yikes. Just thinking about that lawnmower scene sends shivers down my spine.

4. Insidious (2010)

Another James Wan masterpiece! The Lamberts move into a new house, and soon their son Dalton falls into an inexplicable coma. But this isn't your typical medical drama. As the family discovers, Dalton's spirit is trapped in a nightmarish realm called 'The Further'. With eerie music, red-faced demons, and astral projection twists, this one's got jump scares galore.

5. It (2017)

Based on Stephen King's novel, Derry isn't your average small town. Kids are disappearing, and a group of friends finds out that a malevolent force, taking the form of Pennywise the Dancing Clown, is responsible. Balloons, storm drains, and that distorted smile – this clown isn't here for laughs. The kids' determination to face and fight their deepest fears is both gripping and, well, scary!

6. Hereditary (2018)

Family drama meets supernatural horror in this Ari Aster-directed film. When the matriarch of the Graham family passes away, her daughter and grandchildren start unraveling dark secrets about their ancestry. Heads off (literally), creepy miniatures, and sinister rituals, the plot takes dark turns that'll make your hair stand on end. Toni Collette's performance? Bone-chilling.

7. The Babadook (2014)

Single mom Amelia struggles with her son Samuel's fear of a monster lurking in their house. But when a mysterious book titled 'The Babadook' appears, she realizes his fears might just be real. A top hat, sharp talons, and that haunting voice – the Babadook is not a bedtime story you'd want to read out loud. Ever had second thoughts about checking your basement? After this, you will.

8. Get Out (2017)

Chris, an African-American man, visits his white girlfriend's family estate and quickly realizes things aren't quite right. Hypnosis, a weird game of bingo, and a place called the 'Sunken Place' – it's a unique blend of social critique and pure horror. And let's be honest, who'd have ever thought a spoon stirring tea could become so eerie?

9. Paranormal Activity (2007)

Home sweet haunted home. Katie and Micah experience paranormal occurrences in their new house and decide to set up cameras. Big mistake. The found-footage style makes it all the more real as we watch doors move, shadows play, and footsteps echo. Ever felt a chill in the middle of the night for no reason? After this, you'll probably think twice before dismissing it.

10. The Ring (2002)

Journalist Rachel Keller investigates a mysterious videotape that seems to cause anyone who watches it to die seven days later. Static TVs, distorted faces, and let's not forget the cursed well – this movie introduces us to Samara, and she's not coming for a friendly visit. Remember that scene with the TV? You'll be unplugging yours just to be safe.

11. The Descent (2005)

A group of friends goes on a cave expedition, only to find themselves trapped with no way out. Claustrophobia aside, they're not alone down there. Blind, humanoid cave-dwelling creatures are out for blood. Tight spaces, echoing screams, and those unpredictable creatures popping out from the dark? It's every spelunker's nightmare.

12. Don't Breathe (2016)

Three burglars decide to rob a blind man's house, thinking it's an easy target. Boy, were they wrong. This blind man isn't defenseless, and he has dark secrets of his own. The entire house becomes a maze of terror. The silence in some scenes is so palpable; you'd be holding your breath, hoping not to make a sound.

13. Lights Out (2016)

Rebecca realizes her little brother Martin is experiencing the same eerie events she faced in her youth. Their fears are linked to their mother's mysterious friend, Diana. The catch? Diana can only appear in the dark. Playing with lights has never been this frightening. Next time your bulb flickers, you might find yourself a tad bit paranoid.

14. Hush (2016)

Author Maddie lives in isolation and is deaf. One night, a masked killer appears at her window. The entire movie becomes a game of cat and mouse, with Maddie using her wits to survive. It's a fresh take on home invasion horror where the protagonist can't hear the danger approaching. Makes you appreciate every little sound, doesn't it?

15. Us (2019)

A family's serene beach vacation turns to chaos when their doppelgängers appear and begin to terrorize them. Directed by Jordan Peele, this one's more than just jump scares. The plot twists, tethered counterparts, and unsettling mirrored behaviors make you question identity and reality. Seeing your own face as the face of terror? Now that's nightmare fuel.