Our new study reveals what horror movies are the most searched this time of year, in preparation for Halloween. We’ve discovered both new and classic films that users search for the most on Google!
“Talk to Me” and “Gremlins” hold the top two spots in search popularity!
- The Top 50 Most Searched Horror Movies in America
- How We Gathered Horror Movie Data
- #1: Talk to Me – The Modern Scare Champion
- #2: Gremlins – Mischief, Mayhem and Christmas Chaos
- #3: American Psycho: Corporate Culture Meets Serial Killer
- #4: Halloween (The Night He Came Home)
- #5: What We Do in the Shadows – Vampires With a Comedic Bite
- #6: Jeepers Creepers – An Unsettling Road Trip
- #7: Interview with the Vampire – Eternal Questions of Life and Death
- #8: X – A Modern Horror Sensation
- #9: 28 Days Later – A Zombie Revival
- #10: Saw – Do You Want to Play a Game?
- The Power of Nostalgia and Streaming
- CasinoAlpha’s Take: The Everlasting Appeal of Horror in America
The Top 50 Most Searched Horror Movies in America
| Rank | Movie | Average search volume in a month |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Talk to Me | 1,154,779 |
| #2 | Gremlins | 509,001 |
| #3 | American Psycho | 455,196 |
| #4 | Halloween | 444,272 |
| #5 | What We Do in the Shadows | 404,504 |
| #6 | Jeepers Creepers | 328,296 |
| #7 | Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles | 279,323 |
| #8 | X | 260,869 |
| #9 | 28 Days Later | 254,997 |
| #10 | Saw | 235,020 |
| #11 | Nosferatu | 234,566 |
| #12 | Split | 218,063 |
| #13 | Scream | 215,456 |
| #14 | Alien | 213,263 |
| #15 | As Above, So Below | 213,178 |
| #16 | It | 185,898 |
| #17 | Scary Movie 2 | 177,095 |
| #18 | Scream 4 | 173,694 |
| #19 | The Visit | 171,213 |
| #20 | Us | 164,641 |
| #21 | Insidious | 159,831 |
| #22 | Get Out | 158,633 |
| #23 | It Follows | 155,336 |
| #24 | The Descent | 148,613 |
| #25 | They Live | 142,233 |
| #26 | The Cabin in the Woods | 140,044 |
| #27 | Death Becomes Her | 137,709 |
| #28 | Scream 2 | 134,742 |
| #29 | The Killing of a Sacred Deer | 130,945 |
| #30 | Lights Out | 130,586 |
| #31 | Trick ‘r Treat | 128,887 |
| #32 | Shaun of the Dead | 120,555 |
| #33 | From Dusk Till Dawn | 119,793 |
| #34 | I Know What You Did Last Summer | 116,829 |
| #35 | Alien: Covenant | 116,750 |
| #36 | Smile | 116,371 |
| #37 | Glass | 114,506 |
| #38 | The Conjuring | 112,509 |
| #39 | Life | 111,000 |
| #40 | Hereditary | 106,050 |
| #41 | The Faculty | 103,486 |
| #42 | Scream 3 | 103,258 |
| #43 | The Others | 101,788 |
| #44 | Blade | 96,333 |
| #45 | Under the Skin | 94,835 |
| #46 | A Nightmare on Elm Street | 93,998 |
| #47 | Legion | 92,699 |
| #48 | The Invitation | 92,483 |
| #49 | Eraserhead | 91,459 |
| #50 | The Hills Have Eyes | 91,116 |
Here’s a look at the top 50 horror movies Americans have been Googling non-stop over the past year, along with their search volume and IMDb ratings.
It’s that spine-tingling time of year when spooky movie marathons take over living rooms across America, and these are the films people truly interested in.
How We Gathered Horror Movie Data
- Our team of authors analyzed the average monthly search volume from September 2023 to August 2024 for the 250 most reviewed horror movies on IMDb.
- Monthly average search volume data was taken from Google Keyword Planner based on searches over the 12 months between September 2023 and August 2024.
- These figures were then ranked from highest to lowest to determine which horror movies Americans were most interested in searching for last year.
From iconic slasher flicks to supernatural spine-chillers, let’s dive into the most-searched horror movies in the U.S. over the past year—and some of the results may surprise you!
#1: Talk to Me – The Modern Scare Champion
With an impressive 1,154,779 average monthly searches, “Talk to Me” is the reigning horror champ in American search history over the past year.
This Australian supernatural horror, released in 2022, has captured audiences’ imaginations (and fears) with its bizarre tale of teens who can communicate with the dead.
With a solid 7.1/10 IMDb rating, people can’t stop searching for it.
Directed by Danny and Michael Philippou, this fright fest became an instant favourite thanks to its fresh take on paranormal terror.
#2: Gremlins – Mischief, Mayhem and Christmas Chaos
“Gremlins”, the 1984 classic, grabbed 509,001 monthly searches this year, earning it the second position among America’s favourites.
Combining dark humor with mischievous creatures gone wild, this cult hit has earned a strong 7.3 IMDb rating and remains a festive staple every holiday season.
It is a blend of chaotic cuteness and fright, perfect for audiences who enjoy their scares with a side of comedy.
Who knew holiday horror could still capture so many hearts?
#3: American Psycho: Corporate Culture Meets Serial Killer
Satirical horror at its finest, “American Psycho” slashed its way to 455,196 monthly searches, securing third place.
Released in 2000, this film, starring Christian Bale as the disturbingly charming Patrick Bateman, still captures imaginations thanks to its blend of dark humor, psychological tension, and infamous one-liners.
A higher-than-average 7.6 IMDb rating reflects its enduring impact.
Perhaps Bateman’s sharp critique of capitalist society resonates more than ever, making this a rewatchable horror classic.
#4: Halloween (The Night He Came Home)
“Halloween” might be an oldie, but it’s not forgotten. With 444,272 searches, this 1978 slasher film proves that Michael Myers is still one America’s favorite starring villains.
Its iconic soundtrack, tense pacing, and Jamie Lee Curtis’ unforgettable performance have helped this movie cement its place in horror history.
With a strong 7.7 IMDb rating, “Halloween” continues to scare audiences nearly five decades after its release, proving that the classics never die (just like Myers himself!)
#5: What We Do in the Shadows – Vampires With a Comedic Bite
Rounding out the top five with 404,504 searches, this 2014 mockumentary offers a refreshing comedic spin on the vampire genre.
Directed by and starring Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, “What We Do in the Shadows” follows a group of awkward, modern-day vampires navigating life (and death) together in Wellington, New Zealand.
Its 7.6 IMDb rating highlights how its clever blend of horror and humour has charmed fans, making it one of the most searched movies by horror buffs who like to laugh between the scary moments.
#6: Jeepers Creepers – An Unsettling Road Trip
The sixth most searched horror film, “Jeepers Creepers”, still has the power to send chills down your spine with 328,296 monthly searches.
This 2001 horror-thriller has maintained its cult following thanks to its terrifying tale of two siblings being hunted by a mysterious creature.
Its unique villain and gripping suspense keep it a Halloween favourite for many horror fans.
#7: Interview with the Vampire – Eternal Questions of Life and Death
Vampires remain a key fascination in the horror world, as evidenced by the 279,323 searches for “Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles”.
Released in 1994, this atmospheric horror-drama starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt still mesmerises with its lush visuals and philosophical themes about immortality.
Its longevity speaks to the public’s curiosity about supernatural creatures in all forms.
#8: X – A Modern Horror Sensation
One of the newer additions to the top 10, “X”, racked up 260,869 searches.
This 2022 slasher film by Ti West plays with classic horror tropes while delivering a fresh and terrifying narrative about a group of filmmakers battling for survival in rural Texas.
Despite its recent release, X has quickly become a fan favourite for those craving something gory and stylish.
#9: 28 Days Later – A Zombie Revival
Even two decades after its release, “28 Days Later”intrigues zombie fans with 254,997 searches.
Directed by Danny Boyle, this 2002 film revitalised the zombie genre with its intense, fast-moving infected.
A pivotal moment in horror history, it remains beloved by fans, earning an enduring spot in horror culture.
#10: Saw – Do You Want to Play a Game?
No list of horror’s greatest hits would be complete without “Saw”, which amassed 235,020 searches.
This 2004 horror film not only redefined the “torture-porn” subgenre but also sparked a massive franchise that continues to this day.
Its twists, traps, and psychological horror earned it a dedicated fanbase—and solidified its place as one of the most searched horror films.
The Power of Nostalgia and Streaming
Why are these films still raking in millions of searches years (and even decades) after their release? One word: nostalgia.
As we point out, many of these movies represent the beginning of wildly successful franchises, keeping them ever-present in pop culture.
Streaming services have made it easier than ever to access older films, allowing fans to revisit them at their leisure. Plus, these iconic horror flicks offer both a trip down memory lane and a good old-fashioned scare.
It is not surprising that they keep people interested in them, even decades after they released.
CasinoAlpha’s Take: The Everlasting Appeal of Horror in America
Our senior author and overseer of this study, Anca Iamandi, commented on the final results:
“As Halloween approaches, this study shows that Americans are just as interested in discovering or rewatching older horror movies as they are in watching newer horror. This is likely because these results come from online search volumes, where audiences can watch movies on demand cheaper than catching new releases in the cinema.
Many of the films in the top ten are also notably the beginning of a successful franchise, either followed by multiple sequels or receiving a television spin-off. It could be suggested that this kept them relevant and memorable in pop culture, with the option to rewatch the original movies for nostalgia or perhaps preferring them above sequels.”
Whether it’s revisiting timeless classics or discovering new-age scares, the genre continues to captivate audiences across the United States of America.
From the rise of “Talk to Me” to the enduring legacy of “Halloween”, these films prove that when it comes to horror, fear never fades—it evolves.
