The Best Teen Horror Movies Of All Time
Horror movies featuring high school students and teens.
Over 4,000 movie fans have come together to cast their votes for the best teen horror movies of all time. From classics like Halloween and A Nightmare on Elm Street to more modern takes like Scream and It Follows, these are the horror films that made an indelible mark on our collective teenage years.
Halloween is widely considered one of the scariest, most iconic slashers ever created. Its influence can still be felt in today's horror movies, with its eerie score alone inspiring a generation of young filmmakers. A Nightmare on Elm Street marked another important moment in the genre, introducing us to Freddy Krueger—the wise-cracking boogeyman who haunted teenagers' dreams forevermore.
Modern entries such as Scream brought self-referential wit and postmodernism into the mix while also delivering genuine scares. And recent hits like It Follows combined classic tension building techniques with innovative storytelling devices to create something both familiar and unsettlingly new.
From fan favorites to cult classics, there’s something here for every kind of horror fan. Vote up your favorite teen slasher movies so they rise higher on this list—and make sure your voice is heard.
- 11996
- Actors: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich
- Directed by: Wes Craven
This notorious horror classic combines suspense with a little dark comedy, resulting in an astounding thriller experience. By subverting typical genre conventions, it ignited a spark within the horror enthusiasts that still burns today. Intricate plot twists, an unforgettable masked villain, and ingeniously suspenseful sequences are all key ingredients in its timeless appeal.
- 21978
- Actors: Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Nancy Kyes, P.J. Soles, Charles Cyphers
- Directed by: John Carpenter
As an iconic slasher film, it introduced audiences to Michael Myers, arguably one of the most fearsome killers in the genre's history. Known for its chilling score and a tense atmosphere, it has been hailed as a masterpiece by horror aficionados. Its uncanny ability to build relentless suspense landed it a spot among the genre's golden classics.
- Actors: John Saxon, Ronee Blakley, Heather Langenkamp, Amanda Wyss, Johnny Depp
- Directed by: Wes Craven
This film is known for its unique take on horror, merging reality with nightmare-induced terror brought by the infamous Freddy Krueger. The terrifying dream sequences are as groundbreaking as they are nightmarish, creating a constant state of dread amongst viewers. Its innovative premise and spine-tingling moments continue to inspire and terrify.
- 4
- Actors: Devon Sawa, Ali Larter, Kerr Smith, Kristen Cloke, Daniel Roebuck
- Directed by: James Wong
Renowned for its inventive death scenes and the original concept of escaping predestined fate, this film has masterfully crafted suspense and macabre humor. It keeps audiences on their toes through the creative use of foreshadowing and tension-building, making for an unforgettable viewing experience. The unforgettable, gruesome scenes will have viewers looking over their shoulders in fear of impending doom.
- 51997
- Actors: David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jamie Kennedy
- Directed by: Wes Craven
A worthy sequel, it manages to live up to the original's brilliance while adding more depth to its characters. Engaging storylines, sharp dialogues, and twist-filled narratives keep the audience guessing until the very end. Its clever balance of scares and satire cements its place as a must-watch in the horror canon.
- 61980
- Actors: Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King, Harry Crosby, Laurie Bartram, Mark Nelson
- Directed by: Sean S. Cunningham
Storming onto the screen with a vengeance, the film became an instant slasher classic. It presents the character Jason Voorhees, whose hockey mask became an iconic symbol of the genre. With a gruelling mix of suspense and blood-curdling kills, it certainly isn't for the faint of heart.
