Key Highlights
- “Sinister”, a 2012 supernatural horror film, reclaimed its title as the scariest movie.
- Audiences of “Sinister” had an average heart rate increase of 86 beats per minute during the most terrifying moments.
- The 2024 psychological thriller “Immaculate” follows an American nun’s journey to a remote convent, causing viewers’ heart rates to peak at 101 BPM but lower HRV indicating higher stress levels.
- Three 2025 horror films managed to crack the top 50: “Bring Her Back,” “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” and “Weapons.”
Halloween Spirit and Horror Movie Marathon
The spooky season is officially here, with Halloween costumes and displays in stores since summer. This early push or what some call “Halloween creep” is not just about setting a mood but also creating more pressure to spend on the holiday. Since August, stores have been selling Halloween items, giving families more time to shop for costumes and decorations.
The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that each person will spend around $114 this year, with overall spending valued at a record-breaking $13.1 billion. Out of this, $4.3 billion is expected to be spent on costumes, making them one of Halloween’s biggest expenses.
Heart-Pounding Horror Films
In the realm of horror movies that will get your heart pounding and make you jump out of your seat, MoneySuperMarket has released its list of the top 50 scariest films. This year, “Sinister” from 2012 once again topped the list as the scariest movie, starring Ethan Hawke as a controversial true crime writer who moves his family into a house where an unknown serial killer committed horrific crimes.
According to MoneySuperMarket’s analysis, audiences of “Sinister” had an average heart rate increase of 86 beats per minute during its most terrifying moments, which is 34% faster than the average resting heart rate. At the movie’s scariest moment, viewers’ heart rates skyrocketed to 131 beats per minute.
Horror movies that use jump scares are designed to trigger a fast heartbeat.
However, not all horror films rely on such tactics. Some follow slow psychological burns, which don’t necessarily cause faster heart rates but do lead to higher levels of stress. MoneySuperMarket measures these stress levels through heart rate variability (HRV).
A lower HRV indicates a more stressed viewer.
For example, the 2024 psychological thriller “Immaculate” follows an American nun embarking on a new journey to a remote convent. The journey later becomes a nightmare, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats as the sinister secret unravels. Audiences’ heart rates peaked at 101 BPM but had an HRV of only 13 milliseconds, ranking the movie at position 42.
Top Three 2025 Horror Films
Among the top 50 horror films on MoneySuperMarket’s list are three 2025 releases: “Bring Her Back,” “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” and “Weapons.” “Bring Her Back” is the highest-ranked of these, coming in at position 24 with an average heart rate of 78 BPM among viewers.
These films offer a mix of jump scares and psychological tension, providing various ways to get your heart racing during a horror movie marathon. Whether you prefer quick bursts of fear or slow, lingering dread, there is something on this list for every Halloween enthusiast.
Expert Advice for Your Horror Movie Marathon
If you’re planning a horror movie marathon, MoneySuperMarket also offers advice on how to make the most of your viewing experience. Shopping secondhand can be a great way to save money while still getting quality costumes and decorations. For example, you can visit local marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or eBay, where gently used Halloween items are available.
Community buy nothing groups on Facebook often give away free items, allowing you to swap with friends and neighbors.
You can also organize a costume swap party with other families who have kids around the same age. These strategies not only save money but also promote community engagement.
For those looking for new horror movies, discount stores like HomeGoods or TJ Maxx are recommended for finding deals on decor that can last multiple years. And don’t forget about candy—spending $3.9 billion this year alone shows how important treats are to the Halloween experience. Buying in bulk and checking store weekly ads for sales can help stretch your budget further.
For those willing to wait, buying candy on Halloween day often results in significant discounts.
Finding Your Scariest Horror Movie
You can see if your favorite horror film made the top 50 list provided by MoneySuperMarket. This comprehensive table offers insights into which films will get your heart racing and provide a thrilling Halloween experience. Whether you’re looking for quick scares or deeper psychological thrills, there’s something on this list to satisfy any horror movie fan.
