5. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark sits at the number five spot because, while it is a scary movie, it’s not one that will keep you up at night if you’re over the age of twelve. Scary Stories is a horror/thriller movie based on the popular children’s book series written by Alvin Schwartz. It’s a movie about a group of curious teens on Halloween night that stumble upon the home of a woman whose secrets lie within the house. The movie is perfect if you’re trying to find something for the whole family to watch but still want that small spooky factor.

4. Cujo is the movie that takes our number 4 spot because while being a classic, it’s not the scariest horror film out there. The movie itself is about a rabid St. Bernard that kills people. It’s not a movie that’ll keep you up at night or make you paranoid. If you plan on watching a scary movie with younger kids, Cujo is a good fit. It’s unlikely to give them nightmares, but it still has the thrill and suspense of a good horror film.

      3. The Conjuring has marked its place at number three simply for the “based on a true story” plot behind it. The movie is part of the Annabelle series and other investigations that Ed and Lorraine Warren experienced in their lifetime. The movie itself focuses on a specific paranormal investigation that the Warrens went through with a large family in a Rhode Island farmhouse. Due to the movie being about paranormal activity and demonic presences, watching this with younger children would not be recommended.

2. Friday the 13th – At our number 2 spot, we have Friday the 13th. Friday the 13th is one of the most classic horror   movie franchisee, with a (literally) killer backstory. The movies maintain their scariness while having an interesting   story-line that keeps you locked in. The movies tell the tale of a child, Jason Vorhees, who was bullied to death by   being pushed in a lake which caused him to drown; afterwards, he comes back as a vengeful zombie-like man that   stops at nothing to get revenge on those who hurt him. These movies are sure to give some people nightmares the first   time watching, and are probably less appropriate for small children.

1. A Nightmare on Elm Street has earned its number one spot by not only being a classic, but also having the horror   that all scary movies need to include to be good. The first movie was directed in 1984 by Wes Craven and has become a consecutive series since then. The movie franchise itself is about the iconic horror villain Freddy Kruegar, a disfigured mangler who sneaks into the dreams of teenagers, killing them in their dreams and in reality. A Nightmare on Elm Street is a movie that’s sure to, quite literally, give you nightmares. It’s probably the least appropriate for kids out of   this entire list. If you’re into classic horror films and you haven’t seen it yet, watch this movie, but remember, don’t fall asleep.