11 Oscar-Winning Horror Movies That Prove Scary Can Be Stunning

“Misery” is a psychological horror film directed by Rob Reiner, based on Stephen King’s novel. The story follows an acclaimed author, Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car accident by Annie Wilkes, his “number one fan.” As she cares for him, her obsessive admiration turns sinister, leading to a terrifying battle for survival as she forces him to rewrite his latest novel.

The film received critical acclaim, earning five Academy Award nominations. Kathy Bates won the Oscar for Best Actress for her chilling performance as Annie, making her one of the few actors in horror to achieve such recognition. The film’s intense atmosphere and strong performances have solidified its status as a classic in the genre.

“Rosemary’s Baby”, directed by Roman Polanski, is a psychological horror film that tells the story of Rosemary Woodhouse, a young woman who becomes pregnant under mysterious and sinister circumstances. After moving into a Gothic apartment building, she grows increasingly paranoid about the intentions of her husband and their eccentric neighbors, believing they are part of a cult with a dark agenda.

The film was both a critical and commercial success, earning two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress for Ruth Gordon and Best Adapted Screenplay.

“Death Becomes Her” directed by Robert Zemeckis, is a dark comedy-fantasy film that follows two rival women, Madeline and Helen, who discover a magical potion that grants them eternal youth but comes with unforeseen consequences. As their rivalry escalates, they experience grotesque and humorous transformations, showcasing the film’s innovative visual effects.

The film won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, recognizing its groundbreaking use of practical effects and makeup. Over the years, “Death Becomes Her” has gained a cult following for its sharp wit, unique premise, and memorable performances by Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis. In recent years, its enduring appeal has led to a musical adaptation, which is set to open on Broadway this month.

“The Silence of the Lambs” directed by Jonathan Demme, is a psychological horror thriller that follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of the incarcerated and brilliant Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch a serial killer known as Buffalo Bill. The film is notable for its intense performances, particularly by Jodie Foster as Starling and Anthony Hopkins as Lecter, whose chilling portrayal earned him widespread acclaim.

The film achieved remarkable Oscar success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Hopkins, Best Actress for Foster, and Best Adapted Screenplay. This became the most recent movie to win all five major categories at the Oscars. It is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time. It is still the only horror movie to win Best Picture.

“Beetlejuice” directed by Tim Burton, is a dark comedy-fantasy film that follows a recently deceased couple, Adam and Barbara Maitland, who try to scare away the new living inhabitants of their home with the help of an eccentric and mischievous ghost named Beetlejuice. The film is known for its imaginative visuals, quirky humor, and memorable performances, particularly by Michael Keaton as the titular character.

“Beetlejuice” received an Academy Award for Best Makeup, highlighting its innovative special effects and distinctive character designs. The film has since become a beloved cult classic, celebrated for its unique style and offbeat charm. In September 2024, a long-awaited sequel, titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”, was released to major success.

“Black Swan” directed by Darren Aronofsky, is a psychological thriller that follows Nina Sayers, a ballet dancer portrayed by Natalie Portman, who is consumed by her ambition to land the lead role in “Swan Lake.” As she descends into obsession, the lines between reality and illusion blur, leading to a haunting exploration of identity, competition, and the dark side of artistic pursuit.

The film received critical acclaim and garnered five Academy Award nominations, with Portman winning the Oscar for Best Actress for her stunning performance. Its powerful storytelling, striking visuals, and compelling themes have established “Black Swan” as a modern classic in cinema, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike.

“Get Out” directed by Jordan Peele, is a social thriller that follows Chris Washington, a young Black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend. As he uncovers unsettling secrets about the family’s unusual practices, the film explores themes of racism, exploitation, and the commodification of Black bodies.

“Get Out” received widespread acclaim for its sharp social commentary and innovative storytelling, earning four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director for Peele. It won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, marking a significant achievement for a horror film and solidifying Peele’s reputation as a groundbreaking filmmaker. The film’s impact and relevance continue to resonate, making it a modern classic in both horror and social commentary.

“Pan’s Labyrinth” directed by Guillermo del Toro, is a dark fantasy film set in post-Civil War Spain. It follows a young girl named Ofelia who discovers a mysterious labyrinth and meets a faun who reveals her true identity as a lost princess. As she navigates both the fantastical world and the harsh realities of her life under a brutal military regime, the film weaves themes of innocence, rebellion, and the struggle between good and evil.

The film was a critical darling, receiving six Academy Award nominations and winning three, including Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Makeup. Its stunning visuals, rich storytelling, and blending of fantasy with historical context have solidified “Pan’s Labyrinth” as a modern masterpiece, celebrated for its artistic and emotional depth.

“The Exorcist” directed by William Friedkin, is a landmark horror film that follows the terrifying story of a young girl named Regan who becomes possessed by a demonic entity. Her mother seeks help from two priests, who perform a harrowing exorcism in a desperate attempt to save her. The film is renowned for its chilling atmosphere, groundbreaking special effects, and profound exploration of faith and evil.

“The Exorcist” was a major critical and commercial success, earning ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. It won two Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound. Often hailed as one of the greatest horror films of all time, its impact on both cinema and popular culture is enduring, influencing countless films and discussions around the genre.

“The Omen” directed by Richard Donner, is a horror film that follows an American diplomat, Robert Thorn, who adopts a mysterious child named Damien, only to discover that the boy is the Antichrist. As sinister events unfold around them, Robert uncovers the dark truth about Damien’s origins and the horrific fate that awaits him.

The film was well-received and is notable for its chilling atmosphere and iconic score by Jerry Goldsmith, which won an Academy Award for Best Original Score. Although it received several nominations, including Best Original Score, it did not win additional Oscars. “The Omen” has since become a classic in the horror genre, known for its suspenseful storytelling and themes of good versus evil.

“Jaws” directed by Steven Spielberg, is a thriller about a great white shark that terrorizes a small beach town. When a series of attacks occur, the local police chief, a marine biologist, and a grizzled shark hunter team up to hunt down the predator. The film is renowned for its suspenseful pacing, iconic score by John Williams, and groundbreaking special effects.

“Jaws” was a massive critical and commercial success, earning four Academy Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Film Editing. It is credited with launching the summer blockbuster era and remains a cultural touchstone, known for its thrilling storytelling and memorable characters. The film’s influence on the thriller genre and cinematic storytelling continues to be felt today.