Emmy Griffiths, entertainment editor at Hello Magazine, has compiled a list of horror films that genuinely scared her—based on personal experience and emotional impact. These films are not merely reliant on jump scares or overused tropes; they tap into deep psychological fears, exploring themes of isolation, obsession, identity, and the fragility of reality.
Smile 2: A Smile That Haunts
Smile 2 expands on the premise of its predecessor, with Naomi Scott portraying a pop star who, after a traumatic event, is cursed by an entity known as the ‘Smile.’ This curse manifests through possession, where those around her begin to exhibit unnatural behavior—particularly their inability to stop smiling. The film subverts expectations by turning a seemingly benign expression into a source of terror. Griffiths notes that the film’s blend of pop culture and psychological horror creates a unique tension, making it both accessible and deeply unsettling. She humorously suggests that Naomi Scott might be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, though this is not a factual claim. The film’s emotional resonance lies in how it reflects real-world anxieties about fame, vulnerability, and the loss of control.
Obsession: A Wish That Comes True
Obsession follows a man who becomes fixated on his best friend, to the point of making a desperate wish that she becomes obsessed with him. The film’s narrative structure is psychologically intricate, building a sense of dread through subtle shifts in character behavior. When the wish materializes, the transformation is not just physical but emotional—her actions become increasingly erratic and self-destructive. Griffiths describes the film as unusually memorable, not just because of its plot, but because of how it mirrors real human tendencies: the desire to be seen, to be desired, and the terrifying consequences of unchecked obsession. The film’s emotional depth and narrative complexity make it stand out among modern horror films.
The Others: Darkness and Dread
Set in a remote, isolated house, The Others centers on a family whose children suffer from a rare condition that renders them allergic to sunlight. As a result, they live in perpetual darkness, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere. When three new servants arrive, the daughter begins to insist that strangers live among them, claiming the house belongs to them. The film uses minimal dialogue and subtle visual cues—such as shadows and flickering lights—to build a sense of unease. Nicole Kidman’s performance is pivotal, conveying both maternal warmth and creeping suspicion. Griffiths calls it a classic of spooky season, praising its atmosphere, pacing, and the way it lingers in the viewer’s mind long after the credits roll.
The Sixth Sense: A Twist That Shakes You
A child psychiatrist is tasked with helping a troubled young boy who claims to see dead people. The film is renowned for its plot twist, which redefines how audiences interpret the story’s central conflict. While the film contains moments of psychological tension, it is the revelation that the boy is actually a dead man communicating through a medium that truly shocks viewers. Griffiths highlights Haley Joel Osment’s performance as pivotal—his quiet intensity and emotional vulnerability anchor the film. The film balances psychological horror with emotional depth, making it a standout in the genre. It remains a benchmark for how horror can explore grief, memory, and the afterlife.
Talk to Me: Teen Parties and Possession
Teenagers discover an embalmed ceramic hand that can summon spirits. At first, they use it at parties to entertain and scare one another, but the fun quickly turns deadly when one individual becomes fully possessed. The film explores the dangers of peer pressure, experimentation, and the loss of self. The ending is particularly powerful—after the possession escalates, the spirits begin to interact with the living world, creating a sense of irreversible horror. Griffiths especially praises the film’s conclusion, which is both emotionally resonant and thematically rich. A sequel is already in development, indicating its lasting cultural impact.
Us: Doppelgängers and Home Invasion
While Jordan Peele’s Get Out is widely praised, Griffiths finds Us more terrifying. The film follows a family on holiday who are stalked by distorted, uncanny doppelgängers—mirror images of themselves that emerge from the shadows. These figures are not just physical manifestations; they represent repressed fears, family trauma, and the idea of duality. Lupita Nyong’o delivers a masterclass performance, portraying a woman who must confront both her past and her present. The film’s atmosphere of unease is amplified by its focus on family dynamics and the idea of hidden truths. The horror lies not in the violence, but in the emotional weight of what the characters are hiding from themselves.
The Invisible Man: A Scientist’s Revenge
Elisabeth Moss stars as a woman who escapes an abusive partner and attempts to rebuild her life. However, she begins noticing small, unexplained changes—objects moved, doors left ajar—leading her to suspect her ex, a brilliant optics scientist, has made himself invisible. The film explores the psychological toll of being disbelieved, especially when one’s reality is challenged by evidence that others refuse to acknowledge. The tension between perception and reality is central to the film’s impact. Griffiths finds the film nerve-shredding not just because of its suspense, but because it mirrors real-life experiences of domestic abuse and the struggle to be taken seriously.
Weapons: A Disappearing Class
This film presents a mystery: why did 17 children from the same class vanish at night? Was it their teacher? A new student? Or something deeper? The film avoids offering a clear resolution, instead leaving viewers with a sense of unresolved dread. It raises questions about authority, trust, and the possibility of hidden forces at work in everyday environments. The ambiguity of the ending makes it particularly unsettling, as it forces viewers to question whether the events were real or imagined. The film’s lack of closure is intentional, reflecting how some fears—like those of disappearance or unexplained events—never truly end.
Backrooms: A Parallel World in the Basement
Based on a YouTube phenomenon, Backrooms follows a furniture store owner who discovers a hidden world in his basement. The world stretches endlessly, with no clear boundaries or signs of reality. The environment is both surreal and familiar—rooms that look like they belong in a home, yet feel alien and disorienting. Chiwetel Ejiofor delivers a compelling performance, conveying both curiosity and growing terror. The film challenges viewers’ sense of what is real, blurring the line between the physical and the metaphysical. Griffiths calls it a ‘seriously creepy’ film, one that lingers in the mind long after viewing.
Each film on this list has left a lasting emotional impression. They are not just scary—they provoke thought, discomfort, and memory. Griffiths emphasizes that these films go beyond jump scares to explore human psychology, obsession, and the boundaries of reality. For Halloween, these films offer a genuine scare—without relying on clichés or overused tropes.
Read the original article for more details: Hello Magazine
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Featured image: Halloween movies that are genuinely scary. Via original publisher. Image source
