Cinema screams are just what makes Halloween even better; jump scares that creep up our spines are one of the few essential elements of a great horror film.
Some might cover their eyes and then start peeking a little in fear of missing out—quite ironic if you could say so.
But if you’ve got what it takes to keep your heart at a steady rate, then be ready for multiple jolts with these films from each era.
1. Halloween (1978)
This may be the lowest count on the list, but it was the highest count during the 1970s horror films, with a total of 13 jump scares.
Starring Oscar 2023 Awardee for Best Actress Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie, she hides along with her children from the newly escaped masked-slasher ‘Michael Myers’ starring Tony Moran.
Its scariest jump scare scene shows the classic suspense of the main character thinking she has finally survived the killer, all happening on the eve of Halloween.
2. Evil Dead II (1987)
No one would have thought a gore and horror film with a slice of comedy from Director Sam Raimi’s ‘Evil Dead’ would ever make a serious jump scare.
After the success of the first film, it was “Evil Dead II” that gave a total of 27 jump scares, which recorded the highest count in the 1980s.
It may give a bit of a laugh from the slapstick comedy, but it still has enough room for the creeps on our skin.
3. Scream (1996)
Aside from Michael Myers’ Halloween movie franchise, ‘Scream’ also gained a reputation for becoming a phenomenal masked slasher with multiple sequels and having over 19 jump scares.
In the 1996 Scream original, the plot begins with the masked ghost killer who targets Sidney and her friends through a mind game inspired by other horror movies.
In the 19 jump scares of the film, most would show the horror style of the last thing you’ll ever see is a killer ghost.
4. The Messengers (2007)
While the early 2000s were the era of chick flicks and high school drama, horror films kept a minimum number of jump scares above 20, with the most count of 27 being The Messenger in 2007.
After moving to a new home, the family gets a sudden turn of events when the son starts behaving oddly, only to find out an evil being lurking amongst them that had made the previous family flee.
Take caution with one of the scenes in the barn, as the crying boy may not be who you think he is.
5. The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia (2013)
The highest jump scare count from the horror film universe to this day, with a total of 37, is none other than ‘The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia’.
Another family story is that they are struck to find their new house haunted and are being separated from each other by a mysterious, hooded zombie-like attacker.
It’s truly quite hard to not look away from a helpless little girl unless you’re strong enough to keep your eyes wide open whenever the mysterious being appears.
6. Don’t Listen (Voces) (2020)
To complete your Halloween movie night is the 2020 Spanish horror film ‘Voces’, translated as “Don’t Listen.” This film is packed with 27 jump scares.
The family’s son, Eric, hears whispers and voices from the walls of their new house, and soon enough, the whole family experiences apparitions and hauntings of their own.
Its nerve-wracking and goose-bumping audio can make anyone stand from their seats or turn their heads to the side.
These horror films may not be for everyone, but they have surely made an impact on the industry by developing something even scarier that probably made us turn our night lights and lamps on.
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