The scariest movies of all time, according to the curator of Shudder

This is a completely irreplicable film, despite many trying to replicate the experience over the years. Its story [three film students investigating a murderous local legend] taps into deeply primal fears: being lost, being spied on, preyed upon, hunted. Some horror movies don’t show you everything — such as the monster, etc. — with the argument that the viewer’s imagination is more powerful than anything on-screen. Has any movie done it better?

The scariest moment in this movie is when the characters run from their tent and one repeatedly screams, “What the f--- is that?” as they run into full, pitch-black darkness. In that moment, either version — whether she’s actually seeing something or is losing her mind — is equally distressing. No matter what she’s experiencing, it’s really upsetting.

Screaming and running into the void. That’s what the movie feels like: Staring into a void.

It gives me chills just talking about it.

Available for rent on most major streaming services.

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