Ranking the Top 10 Screams in Horror Movie History

Nothing makes a horror movie like an iconic scream. Whether delivered by final girls, terrified victims, or characters facing unimaginable horror, these screams helped create some of the most memorable moments the genre has ever produced.

10. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) — Sally at the Dinner Table

Marilyn Burns delivers a completely unhinged scream that makes the chaotic dinner scene feel horrifyingly real.

9. Jaws (1975) — Chrissie’s Opening Attack

The terrified screams during the opening shark attack instantly established the movie’s brutal tone.

8. Scream (1996) — Casey Becker on the Phone

Drew Barrymore turned panic into one of horror’s most unforgettable opening scenes.

7. Hereditary (2018) — Annie Finds the Body

Toni Collette delivers a scream of grief and horror that audiences still describe as deeply disturbing.

6. Psycho (1960) — Marion Crane in the Shower

The screaming combined with the editing and music created one of the most famous horror scenes ever filmed.

5. Halloween (1978) — Laurie Sees Michael Myers Return

Jamie Lee Curtis perfectly captured the panic of realizing the nightmare is not over.

4. The Blair Witch Project (1999) — Heather in the Woods

The raw screaming in the darkness helped the movie feel terrifyingly authentic to audiences at the time.

3. Alien (1979) — Lambert Cornered by the Xenomorph

The helpless terror in the scene made the encounter feel far more horrifying than showing the creature directly.

2. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) — Tina’s Bedroom Death

The screaming and chaos during the attack created one of the most shocking sequences in slasher history.

1. The Exorcist (1973) — Regan’s Demonic Outbursts

The mixture of screaming, growling, and unnatural vocal effects helped create one of horror cinema’s most terrifying performances ever.