Ten Haunted Movies for Maximum Shivers

It is so hard to pick movies that I consider worth a watch and I think will actually be enjoyed by people. These are merely a sampling of horror movies I like. This is list is focused on hauntings and haunted houses, which does not include any possession movies (since I consider those a different sub-genre). This list is a mix of old and new as well as big budget and indie. Hopefully, there is something on the list that will appeal to everyone. I did not include plots since I a) didn't want to give the story away and b) most of these are well-known enough to have plot descriptions online that can do a way better job than me.

1. The Conjuring: The first time I saw this movie, it actually got me to jump a few times. The scares are great and the quality of the production is top-notch. The second one was not nearly as good, but this is a great example of big Hollywood horror done well. It is, apparently, loosely based on a true story, but I wouldn't take that too seriously since there is some controversy over the Warrens.
   
   
2. Gothika: I have a strange love of this movie. It is hard to explain why I love it so much, but it has great actors, a good story and enough chills to make it a fun watch. Plus, I had no clue what was happening at first, so the end was actually a good twist. I also enjoy the thriller/ mystery aspect to this movie as well as the haunting plot line.
   
   
3. Paranormal Activity (1-3): Technically, this is three movies. However, I consider the first three in this series as one, in a way. Mostly, because number four was not so good. Now, the first movie actually scared the holy hell out of me. It was legit spooky and done with minimal effects, making the scares feel more real. As the movie progress, you can tell more money is spent, but they do keep their low-budget feel and have some genuinely scary moments.
   
   
4. Insidious (1-3): Also, three movies again. Now, in this case, the first one is actually my least favorite. Mostly because the demon looks like Darth Maul and it throws me off every time. On the other hand, the second and third are actually some pretty fantastic haunting movies. The scares are more based on spirits and there are some moments that I got chills. Surprisingly, the third one is actually my favorite because there are a few parts I wanted to run and hide. 
   
   
5. Stir of Echos: Who doesn't love Kevin Bacon? Well, I do and this is one of my favorite movies by the versatile actor. I saw this when I was probably under 13, but I have re-watched in a lot over the years. It has some jump scares and you start to wonder what the hell is going on. It has got a good haunting element, a creepy kid and a mystery that needs solving. Plus, there is a scene with teeth that haunts me until this day.
   
   
6. Crimson Peak: This is not a horror movie in the traditional sense. It is more atmospheric and what I would consider Gothic Horror, much like old Vincent Price movies. The effects are beautiful, it has some amazing actors and I do love Guillermo del Toro due to his truly beautiful film making. The mystery element was not a huge surprise by any means, but the movie kept me interested from start until finish.
   
   
7. Grave Encounters: This is one I stumbled across on Netflix at some point, I think. It is more of a low-budget found footage movie. I know a lot of people consider the whole genre tired, but I still have a special place in my heart for it. Also, this movie is actually pretty scary and has a few jump scares that got me pretty good. There is a sequel, but it sounds kind of odd and I have yet to watch it, so I have no opinions on that.
   
   
8. Thirteen Ghosts: An older movie, yes, but still a great one. I never found this movie particularly scary, but it does have some fun moments and even, a bit of comedy. Also, it has a very different take on the haunting genre and makes the story play out in an interesting manner. The ghosts in this one are also very different visually, which is always a plus for a haunted house movie.
   
   
9. The Shining: Of course, I had to include this one, since it is considered a classic. I do enjoy the movie and have seen it many times. However, I do have to state that I found the book way better and I can see why Stephen King had an issue with it. In the end, it is a good movie though and really delves into the idea of isolation and madness. Plus, Jack Nicholson.
   
   
10. Light's Out: This is the newest movie on the list and I was pleasantly surprised by this one. There was a lot of buzz before it came out about it being a solid horror movie. It had a few good scares as well as interesting characters and a story that wasn't the same old, same old plot. Is it one of the best horror movies ever? No. But it is it enjoyable? Hell yes! Plus, the haunting is really well done and light/shadows plays a large aspect in the plot of the movie.