Of course, one of the things we horror fans enjoy most about watching horror films is the feeling of being scared. Key components contributing to this include the music, special effects, acting, and overall atmosphere. Another significant factor is jump scares — the thrill of something suddenly popping up on the screen keeps you on the edge of your seat. While some films may overdo it or become too predictable, the list below features the top 10 horror films that have effectively captured these moments. This list is completely spoiler-free and is presented in no particular order.

10. ‘Psycho’ (1960)

Being one of the most recognized and iconic horror films of all time, Psycho is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Director Alfred Hitchcock was a mastermind when it came to horror movies and always gave his films a sense of mystery and dread in the story. This film shines the highest in his career due to the music, mystery, acting, and twisted ending. One scene in particular is one of the most iconic horror scenes of all time with its creepy music and unexpected jump scare. It is one of the biggest foundations for jump scares today.

The film follows the story of a woman who steals $40,000 from her employer and takes off trying to avoid the authorities in her getaway. Once a heavy rainstorm hits, she finds herself checking into an off-beat hotel for the night. Little does she know that the owner and his mother have a twisted and horrifying relationship. Check out the official trailer below.

9. ‘Insidious’ (2010)

James Wan is a very well-known figure in the horror genre for creating some of the most iconic horror franchises we know today. One of them is the Insidious franchise. The first film released in 2010 became an instant hit for all the right reasons. The Music was creepy, the special effects were spot on, and the jump scares were spot on. They were unpredictable and kept you on edge wondering when the next one would be.

The film follows the story of the Lambert family as they move into a new home. Everything seems to be going fine until their eldest son has a mysterious accident in the attic and slips into a coma. The doctors can find nothing wrong and when they bring him back home to care for him strange occurrences begin to happen around the house. The parents seek the help of a psychic and her team to help determine what is happening.

8. ‘The Exorcist III’ (1990)

The Exorcist (1973) is regarded as one of the scariest films of all time but did so without any jump scares. Its follow-up sequel did horrifically bad and is one that is not talked about among horror fans. When The Exorcist III hit theaters, it was met with mixed reviews but over the years has gained a cult following. One of the reasons is its terrifying atmosphere throughout the film which contains a jump scare that has been considered one of the scariest of all time.

The film follows the story of a police lieutenant who notices similarities between the killings in the current murder investigation and ones that happened 15 years ago. This investigation leads him into a psychiatric ward, and he begins to uncover things that are thought to be unreal.

7. ‘The Conjuring’ (2013)

The Conjuring Franchise is another iconic series from the mastermind James Wan. First released in 2013, this film was also a hit at the box office. Based on the true stories of the famous ghost hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren, the film was bound to bring in a large audience. The film captures the creepiness of hauntings and the overall tension of not knowing what’s going to happen next. The jump scares in this film are perfectly timed and leave you fearing more.

The film follows the story of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they are called upon to investigate the haunting at the Perron’s house. The encounters seem to be harmless until they uncover the horrific past of the home. Once it is discovered, it escalates into a horrific haunting that leaves the Warrens battling for their lives.

6. ‘Signs’ (2002)

Released in 2002, Signs was bound to be a hit among fans as M. Night Shyamalan was fresh off the success of The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable. The film did well at the box office and captures the fear of the unknown with UFOs and crop circles. The jump scare in this film is one that traumatized and has stuck with the younger generation that went to see this film in the theaters.

The film follows the story of a farmer who discovers crop circles in his fields. When he begins to investigate what it is, it will change the lives of his family and the world as we know it forever.

5. ‘Sinister’ (2012)

This is one film that is sure to stick with you after viewing. Released in 2012, Sinister was a hit at the box office and terrified the audience. It is one film that makes you uncomfortable and keeps you intrigued at the same time. The jump scares in this movie are ones that are sure to keep you up at night. This film is considered to be the scariest film of all time according to a study done by scientists.

The film follows the story of a crime writer who’s been in a writing slump for years. When he discovers a case that involves a snuff film, he instantly wants to investigate and solve the case. He ends up moving his own family into the home of the victims. While investigating, he begins to realize there may be a supernatural force behind this and that living in the home may be his demise.

4. ‘Friday the 13th’ (1980)

One of the most famous horror franchises of all time, Friday the 13th is something that even nonhorror fans can recognize. From the prolific Jason Voorhees to the over-the-top kills, it is no wonder that this franchise is so popular. First released in 1980, the film did insanely well at the box office. It follows the classic horror tropes and gives us bloody kills while also keeping the killer hidden throughout the film. One thing that came as a shock was the jump scare that came out of nowhere. What makes it so great is it was unexpected and something that leaves you pondering.

The film follows the story of a group of teenagers who reopen a summer camp that has a horrific past. While everything goes well at first, counselors begin to go missing and are being picked off one by one by a mysterious killer.

3. ‘The Ring’ (2002)

The Ring, which was released in 2002 became a big hit at the box office. It is a remake of the original film Ringu which debuted in Japan in 1998. This film is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat as the story is surrounded by mystery and the paranormal. It keeps you wondering whether the main characters will solve the mystery in time. There is one scene in particular that doesn’t seem like it will end up being a jump scare but it does and it will creep you out every time.

The film follows the story of a newspaper reporter who starts to investigate the story of a VHS tape that if watched you get a call that says you have seven days to live. While believing it to be an urban legend, 4 teenagers wound up dead after viewing it. The reporter ends up tracking down the tape and watching it for herself. She now ends up only having seven days to solve the mystery behind the tape.

2. ‘Jaws’ (1975)

Considered one of the greatest horror films and movies of all time, Jaws is one film that changed cinema forever. The film was released in 1975 and became a huge hit at the box office. It was the film that essentially caused the fear of the ocean and sharks. It also is the film that would end up causing the creation of the PG-13 rating later on. The film’s action, score, and practical effects are impressive and iconic. Even the soundtrack is known by everyone. Its unsettling underwater scenes and jump scares will leave you fearing the ocean.

The film follows the story of a small tourist attraction town that gets hit with a wave of shark attacks among its people. The police chief calls in the help of a marine biologist and hardened ship captain to help hunt down and end the demise of this great white.

1. ‘Seven’ (1995)

Seven is one film that when released in 1995 became an instant hit and controversial at the same time. Due to the film’s dark and graphic depiction of the crime scenes, it wasn’t predicted to do well at the box office, but it was the complete opposite. The film won several awards and gained high praise. The dark nature and graphic crime scenes make it a horror film similar to The Silence of the Lambs. One scene that’s a jump scare comes out of nowhere and leaves you completely shocked and unsettled. Even after seeing it once, it will still disturb you to the core.

The film’s story follows the story of a retiring detective and a newly transferred detective as they solve a string of disturbing and grizzly crimes. They soon realize they are all connected, and they believe each victim is one of the seven deadly sins. They are now racing against the clock to discover who the killer is before he finishes his spree.

This list goes over the top 10 horror movies that have the best jump scares. From 1960’s Psycho to 2012’s Sinister, all these films have iconic jump scares that leave you on the edge of your seat. Were there any horror films that weren’t included in this list that have iconic jump scare scenes? Let us know in the comments below.