What movies truly terrify you to the core? The Science of Scare Project has taken on the challenge of identifying the most bone-chilling films through scientific methods. By monitoring the physical reactions of a panel of volunteers, the project has compiled a definitive list of the scariest movies ever made, including a surprising new entry from 2024.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Fear: The Science of Scare Project

Measuring the Physiological Response to Fear

The Science of Scare Project enlisted a panel of 250 volunteers to participate in a unique experiment. Each participant was fitted with a heart rate monitor while watching a carefully curated selection of English-language horror films. By tracking both heart rate and heart rate variance (the time between each heartbeat), the researchers were able to gauge the level of stress and fear experienced by the viewers.

Introducing the Science of Scare Score

Last year, the project expanded its methodology by creating a specialized "Science of Scare" score. This comprehensive metric takes into account both heart rate and heart rate variance, allowing for a more nuanced assessment of the films. The lower the heart rate variance, the more stressed and fearful the viewer, indicating a more effective scare.

A Surprising New Entry: Oddity

One of the most notable additions to this year's top 20 list is Damian Mc Carthy's Irish supernatural thriller, Oddity. Released just a few months ago, the film has managed to secure the 20th spot, making it the only 2024 release to crack the top 20. Oddity follows an eccentric psychic investigating the mysterious death of her twin sister, and it is packed with dread, well-executed jump scares, and a haunting wooden figure that is sure to haunt your nightmares.

Sinister Reigns Supreme

For the fourth consecutive year, Scott Derrickson's Sinister has claimed the top spot as the scariest movie of all time, at least according to the Science of Scare Project's findings. Starring Ethan Hawke as a struggling true crime writer, the hybrid found-footage film exudes a sense of curse and dread, particularly as Hawke's character discovers a series of disturbing snuff films hidden in the attic.

The Full Top 20 List

The Science of Scare Project's list of the scariest movies of all time has seen some minor shuffling, but the top contenders remain largely unchanged from the previous year. Here is the full top 20 list:1. Sinister2. Host3. Skinamarink4. Insidious5. The Conjuring6. Hereditary7. Smile8. The Exorcism of Emily Rose9. Talk To Me10. Hell House LLC11. The Conjuring 212. It Follows13. The Dark and the Wicked14. The Descent15. Paranormal Activity16. The Babadook17. A Quiet Place 218. The Autopsy of Jane Doe19. Insidious 220. Oddity

The Enduring Power of Fear

While the list hasn't undergone significant changes since 2023, one notable shift is the rise of Talk To Me, which has climbed a few spots as it continues to terrify unsuspecting moviegoers. The Science of Scare Project's findings demonstrate the enduring power of fear in the realm of cinema, with a mix of classic and contemporary horror films captivating audiences and eliciting visceral reactions.Whether you're a seasoned horror enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, the Science of Scare Project's list offers a fascinating glimpse into the science behind what truly scares us. As the world of horror continues to evolve, it will be intriguing to see which films will rise to the top in the years to come, challenging our perceptions of fear and pushing the boundaries of the genre.