Horror is a genre that is thrilling and exciting for some audiences, terrifying for others, and so horrifying for a few that they avoid it completely. Now, there are some who love horror films but not when they involve ghosts. Instead of ghosts, there are many other things that define horror: monsters/creatures, slashers/killers, psychological horror, apocalypse, and survival horror. These are the elements that truly make a film horror. There are many films that do not feature ghosts, like Train to Busan, World War Z, Us, etc.
The reason behind creating these types of films is that there are audiences who love them—in fact, many viewers like us enjoy this type of content. Horror is not only about ghosts; sometimes even the presentation of small, ordinary things is enough to create thrill and fear. It all depends on the director’s art and how he or she builds the environment.
In this article, I am going to mention the top 10 best horror movies so far that deliver horror without ghosts. I also mention the modern, best horror movies of the 2025 era. Don’t worry—once I mention each film, you will understand it better as we go.
Best Horror Movies
01. Nosferatu
Nosferatu is a horror mystery film directed by Robert Eggers, released in 2024 with an IMDb rating of 7.2/10 and 84% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is set in the 1830s, where the female lead is haunted by dark dreams and a vampire. The film successfully captures a strong horror theme with plenty of thrills and jump scares. The lighting and background score are remarkable—this is what real horror feels like!
02. The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is a horror fantasy film, again directed by Robert Eggers, released in 2019 with an IMDb rating of 7.4/10 and 90% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Eggers is a gem in the horror filmmaking genre; just check out his filmography—the lighting and visuals will blow your mind. For people like me who love dark films, his work is essential viewing.
The film explores psychological horror, playing with its characters’ minds as well as the audience’s. Many have experienced that eerie feeling while watching it.
03. I Am Legend
A zombie movie is one of my favorite genres. Released in 2007 and directed by Francis Lawrence, it has an IMDb rating of 7.2/10 and a 68% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. Starring Will Smith, this film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a zombie outbreak has destroyed humanity. A lone scientist and his dog try to survive while he searches for a cure using his own immune blood.
04. Get Out
When I first watched Get Out, I was confused about why it was considered one of the best horror films. After rewatching, I realized it’s not about jump scares—it’s about the terrifying truth that humans themselves can be the most dangerous beings.
Directed by Jordan Peele and released in 2017, Get Out is a psychological horror film with an IMDb rating of 7.8/10 and a 98% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. The way it explores human behavior is intense and unforgettable.
05. IT
A story of an evil clown haunting a group of children, IT is a horror mystery film directed by Andrés Muschietti, released in 2017. It has an IMDb rating of 7.3/10 and 85% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Pennywise preys on seven helpless children, tormenting them before feeding.
Amidst the horror, you also witness the bravery of the kids. I definitely recommend watching this film.
06. The Shining
The Shining is one of the most iconic horror/mystery films ever made. While it doesn’t rely heavily on jump scares, the psychological intensity and Jack Nicholson’s unforgettable performance make it legendary.
Released in 1980, directed by Stanley Kubrick, it holds an IMDb rating of 8.4/10 and 84% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. The story follows a family haunted by supernatural forces and shows how madness can destroy even one’s own loved ones.
07. Midsommar
Another standout horror film is Midsommar, a folk horror story directed by Ari Aster. While reviews are mixed, it’s worth trying for its unsettling take on cult horror that questions society itself.
Released in 2019 with an IMDb rating of 7.1/10 and 83% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, it follows a couple visiting a friend’s ancestral commune, only to find their lives changed forever.
08. A Quiet Place
One of the most unique modern horror films, A Quiet Place is directed by John Krasinski. It has an IMDb rating of 7.5/10 and 96% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world plagued by blind monsters that hunt by sound, the film follows a family that communicates only through sign language while planning their survival.
09. 30 Days of Night
Another vampire entry on this list, 30 Days of Night is directed by David Slade, with an IMDb rating of 6.6/10 and 50% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. While not perfect, it delivers thrills and suspense.
The survival story between humans and vampires is gripping enough to hold your attention until the end.
10. 28 Days Later
One of the best zombie films ever, 28 Days Later is directed by Danny Boyle and was released in 2002. It holds an IMDb rating of 7.5/10 and 87% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
After a virus outbreak, a man wakes from a coma 28 days later to find the world in ruins. Starring Cillian Murphy, this film is absolute cinema for zombie lovers.
Now, let’s analyze five horror films from 2025 that prove you don’t need ghosts to create true horror. These are some of the year’s most popular films, praised for their visuals and storytelling. If you still think horror is only about ghosts, these modern films will prove you wrong.
Horror Movies 2025
1. Sinners
One of the best original works of 2025, Sinners is directed by Ryan Coogler. Set in the 1800s, the film has stunning visuals, an excellent soundtrack, and smooth pacing that keeps you hooked until the end.
The plot revolves around vampires, with Michael B. Jordan in a double role facing double trouble in his hometown. The film has an IMDb rating of 7.6/10 and 97% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
2. 28 Years Later
The third installment of the 28 Days Later franchise, released in 2025, brings back the zombie thrill with more advanced and intelligent zombies who think and act like humans, making the story more intense.
Directed by Danny Boyle, it has an IMDb rating of 6.6/10 and an 88% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. While it feels like the end of the franchise, it still entertains to the fullest.
3. Final Destination: Bloodlines
Everyone knows about the Final Destination franchise with its brutal accidental deaths. Though not my favorite type of horror, it remains a guilty pleasure for many audiences.
The sixth installment, directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, follows the same formula, where characters tied to fate try to escape death. Released in 2025, it has an IMDb rating of 6.7/10 and a 92% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.
4. Weapons
Weapons prove the curse of black magic is real. Though underrated at release, it exceeded expectations with clever storytelling. While the concept may not be new to Indian audiences, it’s refreshing and terrifying for Western ones.
Directed by Zach Cregger, the story follows how every child from the same classroom mysteriously disappears on the same night—except one. It holds an IMDb rating of 7.6/10 and 93% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
5. The Ugly Stepsisters
A body horror film that uses physical transformation and grotesque visuals to unsettle viewers. The Ugly Stepsisters revolves around two sisters battling beauty standards in horrifying ways.
Directed by Emilie Blichfeldt in her debut, the film received positive acclaim from critics. It has an IMDb rating of 7.0 and 96% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Warning: it’s not for the faint of heart.
Lastly, remember this is not a ranking list. I wrote the films in the order they came to mind. Don’t assume the first film deserves the top spot—it’s just the way I organized my thoughts here.
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