Horror films have always fascinated audiences worldwide. Among them, English horror movies stand out for their blend of suspense, psychological depth, and innovative storytelling. At Filmosity, we bring you a countdown of the top 20 English horror movies, complete with synopses, cast details, and where to watch them online. This list includes modern hits, classic masterpieces, and must-watch films for every horror enthusiast.
20. It Follows (2014)
Director: David Robert Mitchell
Cast: Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist
Synopsis: A young woman is pursued by a supernatural entity transmitted through sexual encounters. Its slow, relentless pacing and eerie score create intense psychological tension.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
19. The Ring (2002)
Director: Gore Verbinski
Cast: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson
Synopsis: A journalist investigates a cursed videotape that kills viewers seven days after watching it. One of the most iconic English horror movies with chilling visuals and suspense.
Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
18. The Others (2001)
Director: Alejandro Amenábar
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Fionnula Flanagan
Synopsis: A mother lives in a dark mansion with her photosensitive children, encountering mysterious occurrences. Known for its twists and gripping atmosphere.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Disney+
17. 28 Days Later (2002)
Director: Danny Boyle
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris
Synopsis: A virus outbreak transforms London into a zombie apocalypse. The fast-moving infected and bleak setting redefine modern Hollywood horror movies.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
16. Paranormal Activity (2007)
Director: Oren Peli
Cast: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat
Synopsis: Found-footage horror about a couple haunted by a malevolent entity. Minimalist scares and realistic style make it one of the best horror movies in English.
Where to Watch: Paramount+, Hulu
15. Insidious (2010)
Director: James Wan
Cast: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne
Synopsis: A family faces supernatural forces invading their comatose son’s body. Innovative scares and creepy visuals make it ideal for Horror Movies to Watch with Friends.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
14. The Babadook (2014)
Director: Jennifer Kent
Cast: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman
Synopsis: A single mother and her son are haunted by a sinister storybook creature. This psychological horror explores grief and trauma while delivering pure terror.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Hulu
13. Midsommar (2019)
Director: Ari Aster
Cast: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor
Synopsis: A disturbing cult ritual in Sweden turns daylight into horror. Stunning visuals and psychological tension make it one of the english horror movies best.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
12. A Quiet Place (2018)
Director: John Krasinski
Cast: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski
Synopsis: Creatures hunt by sound, forcing a family into silence. Its nail-biting suspense makes it perfect for Horror Movies to Watch with Friends.
Where to Watch: Paramount+, Netflix
11. The Witch (2015)
Director: Robert Eggers
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson
Synopsis: In 17th-century New England, a Puritan family faces supernatural forces. Slow-burn tension and historical authenticity make it a top english horror movie list entry.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
10. Get Out (2017)
Director: Jordan Peele
Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams
Synopsis: A young Black man visits his white girlfriend’s family, uncovering a horrifying secret. A social commentary wrapped in horror, recognized among the best horror movies of all time.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
9. It (2017)
Director: Andy Muschietti
Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Martell
Synopsis: Children confront Pennywise, a terrifying clown feeding on fear. Nostalgia, terror, and strong performances make it one of the best horror movies in English.
Where to Watch: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
8. The Conjuring (2013)
Director: James Wan
Cast: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson
Synopsis: Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren confront a haunted farmhouse. This iconic Hollywood horror movie blends suspense and supernatural thrills.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
7. The Conjuring 2 (2016)
Director: James Wan
Cast: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson
Synopsis: The Warrens tackle another terrifying case involving a possessed girl in London. Supernatural horror and expertly executed jump scares make it a must-watch.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Hulu
6. Hereditary (2018)
Director: Ari Aster
Cast: Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne
Synopsis: A family’s dark secrets unravel after the death of their matriarch. Its unsettling narrative and psychological horror make it one of the english horror movies best.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
5. Halloween (2018)
Director: David Gordon Green
Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer
Synopsis: Laurie Strode faces Michael Myers decades after surviving his attacks. A suspenseful slasher perfect for Horror Movies to Watch with Friends.
Where to Watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video
4. The Exorcist (1973)
Director: William Friedkin
Cast: Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn
Synopsis: A young girl is possessed by a demonic entity, prompting a terrifying exorcism. Its influence remains immense in discussions about best horror movies of all time.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max
3. Psycho (1960)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Cast: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh
Synopsis: The story of Norman Bates and the infamous Bates Motel changed horror forever. A suspense-filled masterpiece recognized among english horror movies best.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
2. Jaws (1975)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw
Synopsis: A killer shark terrorizes a seaside town, blending suspense, action, and horror. One of the most iconic Hollywood horror movies ever.
Where to Watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video
1. The Shining (1980)
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Cast: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall
Synopsis: Jack Torrance’s descent into madness in an isolated hotel remains the ultimate psychological horror. Its visuals, tension, and performance make it the top english horror movie list choice.
Where to Watch: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
Why English Horror Movies Are Special
English horror movies excel due to their:
- Narrative Depth: Often tackling social issues, family trauma, or psychological tension.
- High Production Value: Particularly in Hollywood horror movies.
- Innovative Storytelling: From found-footage scares to supernatural thrillers.
- Cultural Impact: Inspiring filmmakers globally and shaping horror as a genre.
FAQs About English Horror Movies
Q1: What are the best English horror movies of all time?
A: Top picks include The Shining, Get Out, The Exorcist, Psycho, and The Conjuring.
Q2: Are English horror movies suitable for watching with friends?
A: Yes! Movies like A Quiet Place, Halloween, and It are ideal for shared thrills.
Q3: Where can I find a comprehensive English horror movie list?
A: Filmosity provides curated lists with detailed info, streaming options, and classic-to-modern picks.
Q4: What makes Hollywood horror movies different from indie English horror films?
A: Hollywood horror movies often have higher budgets, star power, and global appeal. Indie films focus on story, psychological depth, and creative scares.
Q5: Are all English horror movies supernatural?
A: No. They range from psychological thrillers and slasher films to social horror and monster movies.
Conclusion
English horror movies continue to redefine fear and suspense with exceptional storytelling, innovative scares, and cultural influence. From The Shining to It Follows, these 20 films showcase the best of the genre. At Filmosity, we celebrate these cinematic masterpieces and provide detailed guides to help fans explore the best horror movies in English.
Whether you’re a longtime horror enthusiast or a newcomer, this english horror movie list offers hours of chilling entertainment and unforgettable cinematic experiences. Gather your friends, prepare for suspense, and immerse yourself in the finest English horror films available today.
