What one marks "scary" is so highly subjective, and varying, firm opinions are the cause of endless debate over any sort of horror list. A particularly arguable type of film list is the commonly seen "Scariest movie scenes of all time." Scattered throughout the net is a plethora of said lists. If you were to compare all these pieces, you would of course find a lot of overlap. There's perhaps more agreement than there is divergence. I hate to be the pompous ass taking issue with the majority of them, but it's my disagreement with seemingly definitive selections that compelled me to compile a horror list in mid-May.
Horror film moments instill different sorts of fear in us: The jump scares shock us in horror. The gruesome killings disturb us, often to the point of complete discomfort. Purely eerie characters give us goose bumps. Whether it's a creepy, gradually building atmosphere or a quick and terrifying surprise, the elements serve their purpose of scaring us. A perturbing bizarre scene requires more thought than a jump scare, which is why you'll see more weird stuff that shock horror on the list. After all, this is based upon opinion from a pathetic goof who has heavily researched and viewed thousands of horror films in his day. Reasoning aside, here's my compilation of what I personally believe to be the scariest scenes in all of horror.
10. The Shining — Bathtub Lady
The Shining has quite a few moments that could be included in a"scariest scenes" list, namely the twins in the hallway, but the bathtub womanbest catches my disturbed fancy. The very idea is a nightmare for anyone:Making love to someone you believe to be a beautiful individual, but they turnout to be a grotesque, cackling monstrosity. Promiscuous alcoholics canprobably relate, although no one-night stand could compare to the sheer terrorof making out with a decaying demon lady. This broad is enough to leave a manimpotent.
What's creepier than the shuffling woman herself is the near pointlessness of the entire scene. Jack's vivid fantasy quickly turns nightmarish, and it really plays no role in the plot nor story progression. It's nothing more than repulsive nonsense meant to scare, and it undoubtedly meets its intended purpose.
9. Exorcist III — The Hospital Scene
We all know and love or hate The Exorcist, and many wouldstill rank it the scariest film ever made. It's certainly up there. The staplein frightening film spawned a few sequels, most notably The Exorcist III:Legion. As a whole, it's not an outstanding film, but it packs some eeriepunches. For the listed scene alone it's worth a watch.
A jump scare, when done properly, is one of the most redeeming features of the genre. This scene perfectly exemplifies what a jump scare should be. It opens in a hospital ward, and the score indicates something bad is about to go down. We're well aware some shock is coming our way, but we're not sure when or in what form. The scare exceeds every expectation. For this one, it's best to provide little detail. You'll just have to see for yourself.
8. Don't Look Now — Daughter Reveal
Renowned classic Don't Look Now is haunting from start tofinish, but the climactic scene in which John stumbles up his dead daughter isfever dream material. The film centers on a couple experiencing an onslaught ofuncanny occurrences after the death of their young daughter. The collective ofhappenings is nonstop weirdness, but a horrifying sort of bizarre. It findscoherence in its incoherence, if that makes any sense. Don't Look Now canbe summed up as "70s as Hell," filled with daunting imagery, incessantunsettling atmosphere, and a whole lot of confusion. Mark it quintessential 70shorror.
The climax is essentially a sequence of upsetting flashbacks paired with a reveal that would make anybody's skin crawl. That's a trite descriptor, but it holds true. You won't be able to shake the sight of John's homely daughter. Not much of a looker, this gal.
