For fans of spine-chilling cinema, nothing compares to a movie that gets your heart racing and leaves you checking the shadows long after the credits roll. According to science, the scariest movie ever made is none other than Sinister—and the best part? You can stream it on Netflix right now.
The Science Behind Fear
The Science of Scare project, initiated by broadband choices, set out to scientifically determine the scariest movie of all time. Using heart rate monitors, the study tracked the physiological reactions of 50 participants as they watched over 100 hours of horror films. Daniel Clifford, the study’s creator, explained, “Our Science of Scare study was designed to help people find the most scientifically scary films ever made”.
Sinister’s Spine-Tingling Impact
Sinister, directed by Scott Derrickson and released in 2012, emerged as the top contender. Participants’ average resting heart rate of 65 beats per minute (bpm) spiked to 86 bpm during the film—an indicator of the movie’s intense, fear-inducing sequences. The film’s unnerving atmosphere and sudden scares clearly had a significant physiological impact.
A Chilling Plotline
Starring Ethan Hawke as Ellison Oswalt, Sinister follows a true-crime writer who moves his family into a house with a gruesome past. Ellison discovers a box of Super 8 films in the attic, each depicting a horrific family murder. His obsession with solving these crimes plunges him into a terrifying web of supernatural events.
Supernatural Horror Meets Psychological Terror
The film masterfully combines elements of supernatural horror and psychological tension. The snuff film sequences, shot on actual Super 8 cameras for authenticity, deliver some of the most hair-raising moments. Scenes like “Lawn Work ’86,” where a family is run over by a lawnmower, are executed with an eerie restraint that amplifies their terror.
The Study’s Methodology
The Science of Scare project also measured heart rate variance (HRV), which indicates stress levels. Lower HRV during Sinister suggested that the film maintained a slow-burn dread, keeping viewers in a prolonged state of fear. Clifford noted that the study focused on newer films, but a few classics were included for comparison.
The Legacy of Sinister
Sinister not only claimed the title of scariest film but also inspired a sequel. However, Sinister 2 failed to replicate the original’s success, partly due to its overexposure of the antagonist, Bughuul. The first film’s subtle use of its villain made him far more terrifying, as he lingered ominously in the background.
Why It Works
The film’s effectiveness lies in its ability to blend visceral scares with a compelling narrative. It explores themes of ambition and moral compromise as Ellison’s pursuit of fame endangers his family. Unlike many horror films, Sinister refuses to provide a comforting resolution, opting instead for a gut-punch of an ending.
Ready to Watch?
If you’re brave enough, Sinister is available to stream on Netflix right now. For those seeking more nightmare fuel, you might also explore Joko Anwar’s Grave Torture or the anthology V/H/S/85, which features similar supernatural horror themes. Just make sure to keep the lights on.