A Quiet Place demonstrates artful storytelling using impressive CGI-rendered creatures in a post-apocalyptic world where making any noise equates to certain death. The film's monstrous alien predators are masterfully created via visual effects, seamlessly blending in with their surroundings for an edge-of-your-seat experience as they hunt down human prey by detecting even the slightest sound. Tense moments are elevated by these chillingly realistic creatures, adding layers of suspense and terror to this inventive horror flick.
- Actors: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, Cade Woodward
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: John Krasinski
James Wan's paranormal masterpiece, The Conjuring, employs subtle yet effective CGI techniques to accentuate the terrifying encounters faced by paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Set in a haunted Rhode Island farmhouse, this eerie tale uses deftly executed visual effects to manifest sinister forces lurking within its walls. These chilling manifestations contribute to an atmosphere teeming with dread and uncertainty as the ghost hunters confront demonic entities while attempting to save a family from their dark grasp.
- Actors: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Lili Taylor, Ron Livingston, Shanley Caswell
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: James Wan
Guillermo del Toro's critically acclaimed dark fantasy film Pan's Labyrinth combines stunning practical effects with subtle CGI enhancements to create an eerie fairy tale filled with monstrous creatures and enchanting visuals. Set against the backdrop of post-civil war Spain, this haunting allegory follows young Ofelia as she navigates both real-world violence and her own terrifying encounters within a sinister labyrinth ruled by the enigmatic faun Pan. This visually arresting masterpiece captivates viewers with its mesmerizing mix of magical realism and macabre undertones.
- Actors: Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Ivana Baquero, Álex Angulo, Doug Jones
- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
The sequel to James Wan's supernatural hit, The Conjuring 2: The Enfield Poltergeist delves deeper into the harrowing case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren as they investigate a malevolent force terrorizing a London family. Employing masterful CGI techniques to visualize terrifying apparitions such as the demonic nun Valak, this chilling tale excels in creating an atmosphere rife with dread and shocking reveals. As with its predecessor, the film deftly balances psychological horror with supernatural elements for a truly hair-raising experience.
- Actors: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Madison Wolfe, Frances O'Connor, Lauren Esposito
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: James Wan
- 5
The 2017 adaptation of Stephen King's chilling novel, It, elevates the fright factor with exceptional CGI effects that bring Pennywise the Dancing Clown to life. Bill Skarsgård's haunting portrayal of the malevolent shape-shifting entity is amplified by masterful visual effects, resulting in a spine-tingling performance that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll. The film successfully intertwines psychological horror with supernatural elements, creating an atmosphere ripe for scares and unsettling imagery.
- Actors: Jaeden Martell, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Chosen Jacobs
- Released: 2017
- Directed by: Andy Muschietti
- 1Eddie Kaspbrak1,022 Votes
- 2Richie Tozier1,172 Votes
- 3Bill Denbrough824 Votes
The Ring revolutionized horror cinema with its haunting blend of psychological terror and supernatural phenomena powered by innovative CGI effects. This cult classic introduced audiences to Samara Morgan - a vengeful spirit whose deadly curse claims victims seven days after they watch her cursed videotape. Disturbing scenes such as Samara crawling out of a television screen or her gruesome murder are brought vividly to life through meticulous use of computer-generated imagery, producing an unsettling aura that lingers in the minds of viewers.
- Actors: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman, Brian Cox, Jane Alexander
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Annihilation is a gripping sci-fi/horror film that uses mesmerizing CGI visuals to immerse viewers in its enigmatic world known as "The Shimmer," where reality twists into disconcerting manifestations of mutated flora and fauna. Based on Jeff VanderMeer's novel, this unsettling film expertly utilizes computer-generated effects to create a surreal, dreamlike landscape where danger and beauty intertwine. As Alex Garland's haunting vision unfolds, audiences are left spellbound by the film's astonishing visual artistry and chilling narrative.
- Actors: Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Tuva Novotny
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Alex Garland
Final Destination 2 takes death-defying terror to new heights with its seamless integration of CGI technology amid elaborate death traps following survivors who cheat their fate in a horrific highway pile-up. As they grapple with Death's relentless pursuit, jaw-dropping visuals render gruesome accidents in vivid detail, creating an intense atmosphere filled with dread and anticipation. The series' trademark combination of gore and dark humor benefits greatly from cutting-edge visual effects that contribute to its lasting appeal.
- Actors: Ali Larter, A.J. Cook, Michael Landes, Terrence "T.C." Carson, Jonathan Cherry
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: David R. Ellis
Cloverfield astounds with its innovative use of CGI, immersing viewers in a frenetic, apocalyptic world. The film showcases exceptional computer-generated imagery to create a colossal, terrifying creature that wreaks havoc on New York City. This gripping tale is told from the perspective of amateur cameraman and his friends, as they attempt to survive the nightmarish onslaught unfolding around them. The suspenseful combination of found footage and CGI effects result in a truly immersive experience for horror fans.
- Actors: Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Annable, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Matt Reeves
- 10
Hellboy showcases impressive CGI effects that transport viewers to a fantastical world inhabited by grotesque creatures and supernatural beings. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, this film adaptation of Mike Mignola's comic book series tells the story of Hellboy - a demon summoned from Hell by Nazis who grows up to become a paranormal investigator fighting otherworldly threats. With its unique blend of humor, action, and horror elements bolstered by exquisite visual effects, Hellboy offers an entertaining experience filled with memorable characters and astonishing imagery.
- Actors: Ron Perlman, John Hurt, Selma Blair, Rupert Evans, Karel Roden
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
- 11
Adapted from Stephen King’s chilling short story, 1408 takes psychological horror to new heights with its expert use of CGI effects. The film follows author Mike Enslin as he checks into the notorious hotel room 1408, which is rumored to be haunted. As his night unfolds, the seemingly benign environment transforms into a living nightmare through intricately crafted visual effects that blur reality and illusion. From blood-soaked furnishings to haunting manifestations, the movie’s breathtaking CGI sends viewers on a heart-stopping journey that leaves them questioning their own sanity.
- Actors: John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, Mary McCormack, Jasmine Anthony, Tony Shalhoub
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Mikael Håfström
- 12
Famed for its claustrophobic atmosphere and relentless sense of dread, Alien 3 showcases groundbreaking CGI technology alongside practical effects to create a terrifying sci-fi/horror hybrid. As Ellen Ripley finds herself once again facing off against deadly Xenomorphs – this time on a remote prison colony – cutting-edge computer-generated imagery brings these iconic extraterrestrial predators to life with startling realism. The seamless blend of visceral gore and haunting visuals makes Alien 3 an enduring entry into the legendary franchise.
- Actors: Sigourney Weaver, Charles S. Dutton, Charles Dance, Paul McGann, Brian Glover
- Released: 1992
- Directed by: David Fincher
Set in the cold vacuum of outer space, Event Horizon combines grotesque body horror with mind-bending science fiction through intricate CGI effects and compelling storytelling. As a rescue crew investigates an abandoned spaceship that mysteriously reappeared after vanishing seven years prior, they uncover sinister secrets lurking within its corridors, leading to gruesome and nightmarish visions skillfully executed using advanced computer-generated imagery. This chilling tale of cosmic terror captivates audiences with its unnerving visuals and suspenseful narrative.
- Actors: Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neill, Kathleen Quinlan, Joely Richardson, Richard T. Jones
- Released: 1997
- Directed by: Paul W.S. Anderson
As a fitting conclusion to Stephen King's twisted tale, It: Chapter Two harnesses the full potential of CGI effects for an even more horrifying experience than its predecessor. Revisiting the Losers Club 27 years after their initial encounter with Pennywise, this sequel escalates tension and terror through chilling imagery brought to life by sophisticated visual effects. From gruesome transformations to surreal landscapes, the film astounds with nightmarish visuals that echo in viewers' minds long after leaving the theater.
- Actors: Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, Jay Ryan
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Andy Muschietti
Guillermo del Toro's visually stunning sequel, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, elevates the original film's fantastical elements through jaw-dropping CGI creations. As Hellboy battles mythical creatures and supernatural foes in his quest to stop a mystical force from raising an unstoppable army of ancient warriors, viewers are treated to an astonishing array of otherworldly beings and breathtaking action sequences rendered with top-notch visual effects. This imaginative reimagining of Mike Mignola's comic book series proves that horror can be both thrilling and mesmerizingly beautiful.
- Actors: Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, Jeffrey Tambor, John Hurt
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
- 16
Blending horror, comedy, and social commentary elements with exceptional CGI effects, Bong Joon-ho's monster movie The Host captivates viewers with its thrilling tale of a South Korean family battling an amphibious creature accidentally unleashed after chemical dumping in Seoul's Han River. This terrifyingly realistic mutated monster terrorizes citizens in its path while exposing societal issues such as pollution and bureaucratic incompetence. With groundbreaking visual effects that remain impressive today, The Host is a testament to Joon-ho’s directorial prowess.
- Actors: Song Kang-ho, Byun Hee-bong, Park Hae-il, Bae Doona, Go Ah-sung
- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Bong Joon-ho
- 17
Set within the eerie confines of an isolated Romanian convent, The Nun employs frightful CGI works conjuring ominous atmosphere and bone-chilling encounters between humans and demonic entities. A dark prequel to The Conjuring series delving into the origins of Valak - the sinister demon nun who menaced Ed and Lorraine Warren in previous films - it leverages compelling visuals conveying dread-filled scenes featuring ghastly apparitions further immersing viewers into the terrifying narrative.
- Actors: Demián Bichir, Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet, Bonnie Aarons, Ingrid Bisu
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Corin Hardy
James Wan’s psychological horror film Insidious leverages innovative CGI technology to build tension and terror as it follows a family tormented by sinister supernatural forces threatening their comatose son. As they confront demonic entities lurking in an eerie parallel realm called “The Further,” skillfully rendered visual effects amplify scares through sinister imagery evoking fear in both characters onscreen and audiences alike. With its seamless blend of computer-generated visuals and practical effects, Insidious offers a uniquely unnerving cinematic experience.
- Actors: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Barbara Hershey, Lin Shaye, Ty Simpkins
- Released: 2011
- Directed by: James Wan
- 19
Overlord fuses World War II action with gruesome body horror, enhanced by cutting-edge CGI technology. This intense and gory film sees American paratroopers discovering horrifying experiments conducted by Nazi scientists that transform soldiers into monstrous beings, thanks to flawlessly executed visual effects. Combining historical drama with disturbing supernatural elements creates a thrilling ride bursting with ghastly imagery, relentless tension, and visceral scares.
- Actors: Jovan Adepo, Wyatt Russell, Pilou Asbæk, Mathilde Ollivier, John Magaro
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Julius Avery
- 20
M. Night Shyamalan's psychological horror film Split delves into the fascinating and terrifying world of Dissociative Identity Disorder, as protagonist Kevin Wendell Crumb exhibits 23 different personalities – with a 24th emerging as the menacing and superhuman figure "The Beast.” Ingenious CGI techniques bring this ominous creature to life, heightening suspense while simultaneously keeping viewers enthralled by its chilling portrayal. The innovative blend of visual effects and powerful performances make Split a captivating addition to Shyamalan’s signature brand of storytelling.
- Actors: James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley, Haley Lu Richardson, Jessica Sula
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Let the Right One In delves into a chilling world of adolescent friendship and vampirism with its subtle yet effective use of CGI techniques to enhance the eerie atmosphere. Set against Sweden's cold winter landscape, it tells a heartrending story of young Oskar who befriends Eli - his mysterious new neighbor harboring dark supernatural secrets. While bloodshed ensues, sophisticated visual effects breathe life into the somber tale portraying love, loss, and acceptance within their supernatural bond.
- Actors: Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar, Henrik Dahl, Karin Bergquist
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Tomas Alfredson
- 22
Produced by Guillermo del Toro, Mama is a chilling ghost story employing state-of-the-art CGI techniques to evoke fear through its spectral title character - an otherworldly being seeking vengeance after her child was taken from her decades earlier. Resurrected as a nightmarish entity haunting two young girls discovered living alone in the woods, Mama terrifies both onscreen characters and audiences alike with her unsettling appearance expertly crafted through digital wizardry – making for an engrossing supernatural thriller.
- Actors: Jessica Chastain, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Megan Charpentier, Isabelle Nélisse, Daniel Kash
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Andy Muschietti
Ex Machina is a haunting exploration of artificial intelligence that skillfully combines cutting-edge CGI with a gripping narrative. As computer programmer Caleb is invited to conduct a Turing test on humanoid robot Ava, the film's masterful use of visual effects creates an uncanny valley effect that leaves audiences questioning what it means to be truly alive. This thought-provoking psychological thriller uses intricate computer-generated imagery to blur the lines between humanity and machinery, resulting in a chillingly immersive experience.
- Actors: Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, Alicia Vikander, Sonoya Mizuno, Claire Selby
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Alex Garland
The Norwegian found-footage mockumentary TrollHunter blends folklore with breathtaking CGI effects for an engaging cinematic experience following student filmmakers documenting mysterious bear killings only to discover giant trolls are responsible for the carnage. These legendary creatures come alive through masterful visual effects that seamlessly blend practical creature designs with digital enhancements – culminating in awe-inspiring battles between these gargantuan beasts and the titular troll hunter while exploring themes of government conspiracies and environmental impact.
- Actors: Otto Jespersen, Robert Stoltenberg, Knut Nærum, Glenn Erland Tosterud, Johanna Mørck
- Released: 2010
- Directed by: André Øvredal
In this modern reimagining of Tom Holland's 1985 classic, Fright Night sees suburban teenager Charley Brewster discovering his charming new neighbor Jerry is actually a centuries-old vampire preying on locals. The updated film showcases impressive CGI transformations and special effects breathing life into chilling encounters between humans and bloodthirsty vampires – resulting in both thrilling action sequences and spine-chilling scares that pay homage to its beloved predecessor while standing strong as a compelling horror flick in its own right.
- Actors: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, David Tennant, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Toni Collette
- Released: 2011
- Directed by: Craig Gillespie
- 26
In his directorial debut, Jordan Peele's Get Out expertly intertwines psychological horror and social commentary through unsettling scenarios heightened by innovative use of CGI effects. As protagonist Chris starts uncovering disturbing secrets hidden within his girlfriend's seemingly idyllic suburban community, clever visual touches such as “The Sunken Place” – a dreamlike realm of suspended consciousness – employ subtle computer-generated imagery that adds to the film’s unnerving atmosphere, making for an impactful horror experience with deep-seated societal implications.
- Actors: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landry Jones
- Released: 2017
- Directed by: Jordan Peele
- 27
A Haunting in Connecticut
Based on true events, A Haunting in Connecticut explores the terrifying paranormal occurrences experienced by a family who unwittingly moves into a former mortuary haunted by malevolent spirits. Employing subtle yet effective CGI techniques to create eerie apparitions and manifestations, the film sets a spine-tingling tone that keeps viewers on edge throughout its chilling story. Its clever use of visual effects contributes to the overall atmosphere of dread as the family desperately tries to escape their frightening predicament.
- Actors: Tony Call, Lorraine Warren, Rod Pearson, Brett Fleisher
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: Peter Cornwell
- 28
The Meg is a thrilling action-horror film featuring a colossal prehistoric shark brought to life using cutting-edge CGI technology. When an international team of scientists discovers the enormous megalodon lurking in uncharted depths of the ocean, they must devise a plan to outsmart this terrifying predator before it wreaks havoc on coastal communities. Combining heart-pounding suspense with state-of-the-art visual effects, The Meg delivers exhilarating aquatic terror that will have viewers gasping for air from start to finish.
- Actors: Jason Statham, Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Cliff Curtis, Winston Chao
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Jon Turteltaub
- 1Deep Blue Sea17 Votes
- 2The Abyss12 Votes
- 3Leviathan11 Votes
Argentinian horror gem Terrified employs chilling CGI effects to bring its supernatural entities to life as a group of paranormal investigators delves into bizarre occurrences plaguing various residents within a single Buenos Aires neighborhood. Skillfully rendered apparitions combine with gory practical effects throughout tension-filled sequences as these ghost hunters confront sinister manifestations beyond their control – resulting in a captivating journey into fear-inducing nightmares resonating long after the screen fades to black.
- Actors: Maximiliano Ghione, Norberto Gonzalo, Elvira Onetto, George L. Lewis, Julieta Vallina
- Released: 2017
- Directed by: Demián Rugna
In The Silence, humanity faces a new threat in the form of ancient winged creatures known as Vesps attracted by sound who emerge from underground caves and begin wreaking havoc across cities worldwide. Featuring nightmarish beasts expertly realized through advanced computer-generated imagery, this post-apocalyptic thriller evokes tension and dread as a family struggles to stay alive in a world where silence is the key to survival. The film's skilled use of CGI enhances its gripping premise, ensuring audiences won't soon forget these harrowing encounters.
- Actors: Stanley Tucci, Kiernan Shipka, Miranda Otto, John Corbett, Kate Corbett
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: John R. Leonetti
COLLECTION21 LISTS
Everything HorrorLists of the greatest, worst, goriest, and scariest horror movies, series, characters, scenes, and more.
Filed under:
Fact-checked by:Jason Bancroft
20 MORE LISTS
Everything Horror
Lists of the greatest, worst, goriest, and scariest horror movies, series, characters, scenes, and more.
TRENDING TODAY
