For those of us who love horror movies (but hate having to watch them squeamishly through our fingers, anxiously anticipating the next inevitably gory scene), finding movies within our comfort zone can be a real challenge. The beauty of thehorrorgenre, however, is that there isalwayssomething to be scared of, even for those who prefer to opt out of gore.
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These are ten movies that are still scary, minus all the slashers. Frightening films for the faint of heart that swap out gore for ghosts, ax-wielding murderers for perhaps more palatable offscreen murders, and gross blood and guts for birds. Because, yes, those winged demons are spookier than they sound. So sit back, relax, and enjoy these films (hands-free!) during your next scary movie night.
‘Paranormal Activity’ (2007)
Known for its excellent use of “shaky cam footage,” thisfrightening film seriesbegins with a young couple facing-off against an evil entity in their home. Unlike many other horror films, it relies very little on blood and violence to spook its audience and instead manages to do so in other ways. It has become a modern classic; within just a few mere weekends playing in America, it became one of the highest-grossing R-rated horror movies of the 2000s.
However, refraining from giving away any major spoilers, this much is fair to say: no matter how much you may love your partner, it would still be pretty creepy if they stood above you, silently staring as you slept in the night, blissfully unaware of the potential demon possessing them.
‘What Lies Beneath’ (2000)
Michelle Pfeifferstars as Claire, a woman coping with both the trauma of a recent car accident while also reeling from the absence of her daughter, who has just gone off to college. Despite everything that is already troubling her, she seeks to find a link between unnerving ghostly encounters andher husband’s(Harrison Ford) increasingly questionable behavior.
While these paranormal problems are spooky in and of themselves, it can be just as frightening when no one else can see what you see, and maybe even more so when no one else believes you.What Lies Beneathtakes gaslighting to a whole new level.
‘The Gift’ (2015)
After moving into a new home with his wife Robyn (Rebecca Hall), Simon (Jason Bateman) bumps into an old high school classmate, leading him down memory lane. There are some memories, however, that are best left forgotten. As the couple is welcomed to the neighborhood and showered with housewarming presents, they begin to wonder if this surprise reunion is really a gift, or if it is a curse.
Rated-R primarily for strong language,The Giftis more mysterious than it is horrific; it has thrilling moments, regardless, with an unnerving ending that will leave you feeling uneasy. (And it perhaps might turn you into a social recluse, not wanting to invite anyone into your home for a little while.)
‘Poltergeist’ (1982)
“They’re here!” In this classic 80s flick, a family desperately tries to save their daughter who has been plagued by a not-so-friendly ghost. Communicating with her through the television set, seemingly innocent spirits soon become menacing as they terrorize the family and force them to attempt an exorcism.
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A brief spoiler, sort of: with the exception of a disturbing hallucination in which a man’s face melts off, the gore is quite tame, and the cutting-edgepractical effectsare sometimes almost more impressive than they are horrifying.
‘The Conjuring’ (2013)
It didn’t take gallons of blood or needless violence to make this film so scary, but rather disembodied claps, a white sheet blown off a clothesline in the wind, and some heart-stopping jump-scares are really what make viewers' skin crawl and spines tingle. The story itself is perhaps the most frightening thing of all as these parents discover their children are ingravedanger.
If there is any grain of truth to this tale, then it just goes to show that even the most ordinary family can fall victim to an otherworldly rampage. There is some brief violence and frightening imagery as a child is thrown across the room like a rag doll. And then of course, there is theactualcreepy doll, but you’ll learn more about her in anotherConjuring-verse film down the road (if you dare.)
‘The Blair Witch Project’ (1999)
The second found footage film on this list follows a group of young film students eager to capture evidence of the Blair Witch,allegedlyjust an urban legend based in Maryland. With an unconventional story progression and an unsettling atmosphere, viewers can discover the truth of the Blair Witch right alongside the videographers; that is, if the videographers themselves don’t become the next set of victims.
Social media culture (particularly, the rise of “internet sleuths”) has helped cement this movie as a memorable, stand-out horror film as audiences have left feeling genuinely baffled as to whether or not there was any truth to this story.
‘The Birds’ (1963)
Alfred Hitchcockhas directed many notable classics, withThe Birdsmost certainly being one of them. Considering it was filmed in the 60s, is it not particularly known for its gruesome, hyperrealistic gore. That being said, if you’re an “ornithophobe” (that is, you’re terrified of birds) then this could very well be your worst nightmare.
Fair warning: there are a couple of disturbing moments, such as a scene showing a man with missing eyes, as they have been pecked out during a bird attack. While it doesn’t linger too long, it shows just enough to give you an idea of the grisly aftermath of some fowl play.
‘Creep’ (2014)
A videographer strapped-for-cash agrees to spend the day with Joe, a terminally ill man who wants to film a “day in the life” which will one day be shared with his unborn son, so he can have an idea of the kind of man his father was. Or will he?
Joe has a pension for asking bizarre questions, telling troubling jokes, and making stranger requests, all of which may have you start worrying what his real intentions are. Between a terrifying wolf mask and the soulless look behind his eyes, Joe truly iscreepy. This slow-burn is full of twists and has an ending that will keep you up at night.
‘The Shining’ (1980)
Based on aStephen Kingnovel,Stanley Kubrick’s classic horror,The Shining, is described as being cerebral. Ominous.Psychological.Jack Nicholsonportrays a writer devolving into a madness, becoming a murderous threat to his family as he gradually loses his mind while isolated at the Overlook Hotel in a battle with writer’s block.
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It’s a case of cabin fever gone very, very wrong. “Gallons of blood” were mentioned earlier, and in this film, there are indeedgallons. No exaggeration here. If blood isn’t something you’re into, you may want to close your eyes during that elevator scene (you might already know the one.) Otherwise, the scares inThe Shininglargely come from suspense.
‘Rear Window’ (1954)
Considered to be a true cinematic masterpiece with its impressive use of color, lighting, and set design (as well as compelling performances),Rear Windowfollows a wheelchair-bound photographer who believes he has just witnessed a murder.
This Hitchcockian mystery starsJames Stewartas Jeff, the photographer, who spends much of his time peeping in on his neighbors across the street through binoculars, andGrace Kellyas Lisa, his girlfriend. She comes around to his accusations upon seeing their neighbor appearing suspicious. Whatever it was exactly that went down in those nearby apartments, Jeff is determined to get to the bottom of it.
