Most Watched Horror Movies of All Time

Horror has always found a way to pull huge crowds, whether that meant long lines at the theater or lights-off watch parties at home. Some titles became cultural moments that people still talk about years later, and plenty of them built sprawling franchises that keep new viewers coming back. When you look at the biggest audience magnets, you see a mix of classic shocks, clever modern twists, and event movies that everyone seemed to catch.

This list rounds up widely watched horror films that drew massive theatrical audiences and kept growing through re-releases, television, and streaming. You will spot iconic milestones alongside newer juggernauts, and you will also notice how major distributors helped push these scares to the widest possible audience around the world.

‘It’ (2017)

Based on Stephen King’s novel, ‘It’ set opening records for horror and turned Pennywise into a modern box office phenomenon. The film played strongly across premium formats and standard screens, drawing repeat viewership and helping horror become a mainstream event again.

Warner Bros. and New Line backed a wide global rollout supported by viral marketing and standout trailers. Strong overseas play and later streaming availability kept the title among the most seen horror releases in recent years.

‘The Exorcist’ (1973)

‘The Exorcist’ became a landmark release that drew enormous crowds on its initial run and during later theatrical reissues. Its reputation spread through word of mouth and television coverage, which helped the film remain a long-running attraction.

Warner Bros. expanded its reach with ongoing home video releases and restorations that introduced the film to new generations. The title’s continued visibility across platforms has kept it among the most watched horror films ever.

‘Jaws’ (1975)

‘Jaws’ pioneered the modern summer blockbuster with a nationwide rollout that packed theaters. Its suspenseful set pieces and memorable music turned it into a repeat-watch favorite for audiences and television programmers.

Universal Pictures supported extensive marketing and seasonal re-releases that turned beach summers into ‘Jaws’ seasons. The film’s regular TV airings and streaming presence helped it reach viewers who discovered it long after its debut.

‘A Quiet Place’ (2018)

‘A Quiet Place’ drew big audiences with a high-concept survival story built around silence and family. Strong word of mouth and premium-format attendance helped it post unusually long legs in theaters.

Paramount Pictures gave the film a wide global launch and kept momentum going with a quick home release strategy. Its arrival on streaming services extended reach to viewers who missed the theatrical run.

‘A Quiet Place Part II’ (2021)

The sequel brought crowds back to theaters during a challenging period and delivered another strong turnout. Audiences who discovered the first film at home turned up to see the continuation on the big screen.

Paramount Pictures coordinated a broad release plan with premium screens and a timely digital window. The film’s placement on the studio’s streaming platform helped it find large at-home audiences soon after.

‘The Conjuring’ (2013)

‘The Conjuring’ launched a connected universe centered on the case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Strong playability across different regions and a PG-13 rating made it an easy choice for group outings.

Warner Bros. and New Line rolled out the film worldwide and built a steady pipeline of spinoffs. Regular TV runs and streaming availability kept the original entry widely watched alongside its successors.

‘The Conjuring 2’ (2016)

The follow-up expanded the series with a new setting and another high turnout in both domestic and international markets. Its long theatrical run and consistent weekend holds reflected durable interest.

Warner Bros. and New Line continued the franchise strategy with coordinated marketing across regions. The film’s home release and later streaming placement helped it remain one of the most viewed entries in the series.

‘The Nun’ (2018)

‘The Nun’ turned a breakout character into a full feature that drew huge crowds. The gothic setting and franchise connection encouraged audiences to show up early and in large numbers.

Warner Bros. and New Line leveraged the Conjuring Universe brand for a significant worldwide launch. Strong international results and later digital availability ensured the film reached a wide audience.

‘The Nun II’ (2023)

The sequel kept the character’s popularity going with another substantial turnout. Consistent weekend performance and interest from fans of the larger universe maintained its momentum.

Warner Bros. and New Line supported the release with a broad footprint and a familiar franchise marketing approach. The title’s streaming window added new viewers who followed the series at home.

‘Annabelle: Creation’ (2017)

This prequel delivered a strong second wind to the ‘Annabelle’ line with impressive holds. The film played well with audiences looking for franchise ties and clear scares.

Warner Bros. and New Line pushed a global campaign that emphasized the character’s origin. Its ongoing availability on digital platforms has kept it near the top of widely watched modern horror releases.

‘Annabelle’ (2014)

‘Annabelle’ extended the Conjuring Universe with a lower-budget spinoff that overperformed. It attracted large crowds looking for more stories connected to the Warrens.

Warner Bros. and New Line gave it a wide release that proved the franchise’s reach beyond core entries. Strong home video and cable rotation helped increase total viewership over time.

‘Paranormal Activity’ (2007)

‘Paranormal Activity’ grew from a grassroots rollout to a nationwide phenomenon. Demand surged through online buzz and midnight screenings, turning it into a sleeper hit.

Paramount Pictures expanded to more theaters in stages as audience interest climbed. The film’s low barrier to entry on home formats and later streaming made it easy for new viewers to try and share.

‘Paranormal Activity 3’ (2011)

The third installment set franchise records with a sharp opening and strong repeat business. The prequel timeline brought in newcomers and existing fans alike.

Paramount Pictures coordinated a global release that capitalized on brand recognition. The film’s quick transition to home platforms expanded its already large theatrical audience.

‘The Blair Witch Project’ (1999)

‘The Blair Witch Project’ introduced found-footage storytelling to a wide audience and became a cultural talking point. The mystery surrounding its marketing fueled curiosity and high turnout.

Artisan Entertainment gave it a strategic expansion that kept demand high while it grew city by city. Home video and frequent TV play later turned it into one of the most seen horror titles of its era.

‘Get Out’ (2017)

‘Get Out’ drew sustained crowds thanks to strong word of mouth and conversation-driving moments. The film stayed in theaters for an extended period, which amplified total attendance.

Universal Pictures backed a broad campaign that reached diverse audiences across regions. Subsequent award season attention and streaming availability brought in many more viewers.

‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999)

‘The Sixth Sense’ became a must-see theatrical experience and stayed in the top charts for weeks. Its reputation for a memorable reveal encouraged widespread viewing.

Buena Vista Pictures handled a large release through Disney’s distribution arm. The film’s long life on DVD, broadcast, and streaming kept it among the most watched supernatural thrillers.

‘Scream’ (1996)

‘Scream’ revitalized slasher interest and posted strong numbers with excellent staying power through the winter season. Word of mouth helped weekend drops remain minimal.

Dimension Films released it under the Miramax banner and supported a sequel soon after, which boosted revisits. The original continued to thrive on home media and cable marathons for years.

‘Halloween’ (2018)

This legacy sequel drew big crowds with the return of key characters and a clean entry point for new viewers. It set franchise records and led to additional installments.

Universal Pictures launched it widely with premium screens to maximize opening weekend. The film’s digital and streaming rollout extended viewership to fans who followed from home.

‘The Ring’ (2002)

‘The Ring’ introduced a widely shared urban-legend hook that encouraged theatrical attendance and later sleepover viewing. Its imagery and structure made it a staple of early 2000s horror conversations.

DreamWorks Pictures handled domestic distribution with a campaign that emphasized the tape’s countdown. The film’s availability across DVD and streaming kept discovery alive long after its run.

‘The Grudge’ (2004)

‘The Grudge’ built on the popularity of J-horror remakes and delivered strong opening numbers. Its compact runtime and familiar premise made it easy for broad audiences to try.

Sony Pictures Releasing pushed a wide release under the Columbia Pictures banner. The title became a home-video favorite and continued to draw viewers through streaming services.

‘Insidious’ (2010)

‘Insidious’ delivered a high return relative to budget and became a word-of-mouth performer. Its scares and universe setup encouraged later entries that fed back into the original’s popularity.

FilmDistrict handled U.S. distribution and supported a release strategy that let the film grow week to week. Subsequent sequels and streaming placement kept the first chapter widely watched.

‘Insidious: The Red Door’ (2023)

This chapter marked a strong resurgence for the franchise with sizable global turnout. The return of original characters helped bring lapsed viewers back.

Sony Pictures Releasing distributed it under the Screen Gems label. Swift availability on digital platforms expanded its reach beyond the theatrical audience.

‘World War Z’ (2013)

‘World War Z’ blended large-scale action with zombie horror and drew substantial international audiences. The film’s scope and set pieces played well across multiple regions.

Paramount Pictures managed a global push that emphasized large-format screenings. The title’s performance on home media and later streaming kept its viewer count growing steadily.

‘M3GAN’ (2022)

‘M3GAN’ turned a viral marketing campaign into big attendance and strong holds. The character quickly became recognizable, which encouraged group outings and repeat views.

Universal Pictures supported the release with a high-visibility social media presence and a broad theatrical footprint. Rapid movement to digital and streaming kept the film widely accessible.

‘Smile’ (2022)

‘Smile’ built momentum from a creative sports-stadium stunt and positive word of mouth. It remained a weekend mainstay for weeks and reached a broad audience at home.

Paramount Pictures expanded its impact with a timely digital release and prominent placement on streaming. The film’s simple hook helped it travel well across markets and platforms.

Share the horror favorites you think pull the biggest crowds in the comments.