2015's Spine-Chilling 13: Top Scary Movies That Will Haunt Your Dreams

Prepare yourself for a cinematic journey that will send shivers down your spine and leave you on the edge of your seat all night long. 2015 has witnessed a resurgence in the horror genre, showcasing a plethora of terrifying tales that will keep you awake long after the credits have rolled.

1. The Conjuring 2 (7.7/10 IMDb)

The sequel to the highly acclaimed 2013 film, The Conjuring 2, continues the spine-tingling story of renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. This time, they delve into the Enfield Poltergeist case, one of the most documented haunted houses in England, where a family is terrorized by an otherworldly presence.

2. Insidious: Chapter 3 (6.1/10 IMDb)

The third installment in the Insidious franchise takes us back to the beginning, exploring the haunting origins of Quinn Brenner. When Quinn starts experiencing terrifying visions, his father turns to Elise Rainier, the gifted medium who first helped his family in the first film. Together, they uncover a sinister secret that could tear their family apart.

3. Sinister 2 (5.5/10 IMDb)

In the chilling sequel to Sinister, a young deputy discovers a box of sinister home movies that reveal a string of gruesome murders. As he investigates further, he becomes entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a malevolent entity known as Bughuul.

4. The Visit (6.2/10 IMDb)

This unsettling found-footage film follows two siblings who travel to meet their grandparents for the first time. However, their idyllic summer vacation soon turns into a nightmare when they realize that their elderly relatives may not be what they seem.

5. Poltergeist (6.4/10 IMDb)

A contemporary remake of the classic 1982 film, Poltergeist, tells the story of a suburban family who moves into a haunted house. As their new home becomes a breeding ground for supernatural activity, they must confront their deepest fears to save their loved ones.

6. The Boy (6.1/10 IMDb)

An American nanny is hired to care for an extraordinarily lifelike porcelain doll in a remote English mansion. However, she soon discovers that the doll is possessed by a sinister entity that threatens her sanity and the lives of those around her.

7. Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension (5.3/10 IMDb)

The sixth and final installment in the Paranormal Activity series takes us back to the supernatural origins of the franchise. When a family moves into a haunted house, they discover a video camera that transports them to an alternate reality of fear and terror.

8. It Follows (7.4/10 IMDb)

A young woman is stalked by a relentless entity that takes on the form of people she encounters. As she tries to escape her pursuer, she discovers that her only hope lies in confronting her fears and unraveling the mystery surrounding its origin.

9. Crimson Peak (6.9/10 IMDb)

This visually stunning Gothic horror film tells the story of an author who marries a wealthy baronet and moves into his crumbling mansion. However, she soon discovers that the house has a sinister past and is haunted by the ghosts of the baronet's former wives.

10. The Eyes of My Mother (6.3/10 IMDb)

A disturbing psychological horror film, The Eyes of My Mother, explores the twisted mind of a young woman who has been isolated from the world since childhood. After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, she becomes obsessed with eyeballs and develops a macabre artistic vision.

11. The Witch (6.9/10 IMDb)

Set in 17th-century New England, The Witch follows a Puritan family who is banished from their community and forced to live on the edge of a dark and foreboding forest. As their faith is tested, they become prey to sinister forces that threaten to destroy them.

12. Babadook (6.8/10 IMDb)

A widowed mother struggles to cope with her troubled son, who is convinced that the Babadook, a malevolent monster from a children's book, is lurking in their home. As the line between reality and imagination blurs, the mother must confront her own inner demons to protect her child.

13. Green Room (7.0/10 IMDb)

A punk rock band stumbles upon a neo-Nazi group after they play a show at a remote skinhead bar. Trapped in a bloody siege, the band must fight for their lives against an army of violent extremists.

Genre-Defining Elements: What Sets These Horror Films Apart

The top scary movies of 2015 showcase a diverse range of horror subgenres, each with its own unique elements that leave an unforgettable impact on the audience.

Supernatural Horror

The Conjuring 2, Insidious: Chapter 3, The Boy, Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension, Crimson Peak, and The Witch all delve into the realm of the supernatural, where ghostly entities wreak havoc on unsuspecting victims. The filmmakers employ classic horror techniques such as jump scares, eerie sounds, and supernatural phenomena to create a chilling atmosphere that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

Psychological Horror

Sinister 2, It Follows, and The Eyes of My Mother explore the psychological torment of their protagonists, delving into their fears, obsessions, and inner demons. Instead of relying on external threats, these films focus on the internal struggles of the characters, creating a sense of unease and paranoia that lingers long after the final credits roll.

Folk Horror

The Babadook and Green Room both incorporate elements of folk horror, drawing inspiration from traditional stories and legends. In The Babadook, the titular monster embodies the protagonist's own grief and trauma, while Green Room explores the dangerous forces that can arise from within extremist groups. These films tap into our primal fears of the unknown and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of everyday life.

Tips and Tricks for Surviving a Scary Movie Night

• Go with a group: The presence of friends can provide a sense of comfort and reduce the likelihood of you jumping out of your skin.
• Choose the right setting: Dim the lights, turn off your phone, and create an immersive atmosphere that will heighten your experience.
• Take breaks: If you feel overwhelmed by the terror, don't hesitate to pause the movie and take a breather.
• Talk about it: After the movie is over, discuss your thoughts and reactions with your friends or watch a calming show to wind down.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol: These substances can heighten your anxiety and make it harder to sleep after the movie.

FAQs

1. Is it safe for children to watch these movies?

These movies are rated R and contain mature themes, violence, and disturbing imagery. Therefore, it is not recommended for children to watch them.

2. Which movie is the scariest?

The scariest movie is subjective and depends on personal preferences. However, The Conjuring 2 and It Follows have received high praise for their ability to create a genuinely terrifying and unsettling atmosphere.

3. What is the most original horror movie of 2015?

The Witch stands out as a unique and original horror film, combining elements of folk horror with a psychological exploration of Puritanical beliefs and female empowerment.

4. Which movie has the best special effects?

Crimson Peak showcases stunning visual effects that create a breathtaking and immersive Gothic world.

5. Which movie has the most realistic scares?

The Babadook is known for its realistic depiction of the protagonist's mental health struggles and the way that childhood trauma can manifest as a terrifying monster.

6. Which movie has the best acting performances?

The Conjuring 2 features exceptional performances from Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren, bringing depth and authenticity to their portrayal of the renowned paranormal investigators.

7. Which movie is the most quotable?

The Witch has several memorable and haunting quotes that explore the complexities of human nature and the dangers of religious extremism.

8. Which movie will stay with me the longest?

It Follows has the ability to create a lingering sense of unease and paranoia, leaving the audience questioning their own surroundings long after the movie is over.