The project Science of Scare 2025powered by MoneySuperMarket, has revealed for yet another year its ranking of the scariest horror films, based on a scientific analysis of the public’s physical response. And if, Sinister is once again crowned the queen of fear.
This study, which this year celebrates its fifth anniversary, evaluates the impact of dozens of movies on a panel of 250 people monitored with heart rate sensors. Unlike previous years, a more precise system has been used since 2023: the Scare Scorewhich combines average heart rate and heart rate variability to detect both sudden fear and sustained anxiety.
The 10 scariest movies according to Science of Scare 2025
The film directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Ethan Hawke It was already considered the most terrifying in the first edition of the study in 2020. Now, in 2025, it regains first place thanks to a Scare Score of 96 out of 100. The film caused a 34% increase in the audience’s average heart rate (from 64 to 86 bpm), reaching 131 bpm at its most tense, and one of the largest reductions in heart variability (HRV), indicating a high and sustained level of stress.
The second place is occupied ‘Host’the film shot on Zoom during the pandemic, which still holds the record for the highest heart rate recorded in the studio. Skinamarinkthe minimalist experiment of Kyle Edward Ballcloses the podium with an especially notable impact on HRV, indicating a growing level of distress during its footage.
- Sinister – Scare Score: 96
- Host – Scare Score: 95
- Skinamark – Scare Score: 91
- Insidious
- The Conjuring
- Hereditary
- Smile 2
- Smile
- The Exorcism of Emily Rose
- Talk to Me
New entries in the ranking: ‘Smile 2’ and ‘Bring Her Back’
Among this year’s new releases, two films have managed to sneak into the top 25. The first is ‘Smile 2’of Park Finnwhich even surpasses its predecessor from 2022, reaching the place 7 with a Scare Score of 79. The second is ‘Bring Her Back’directed by the brothers Danny and Michael Philippouwhich enters directly into position 24. According to the participants’ feedback, it was “the most distressing movie” they have seen.
Both productions mark a milestone: it is the first time that directors have managed to position consecutive films within the top 50 of the Science of Scare. Park Finn achieves it with ‘Smile’ y ‘Smile 2’and the hermanos Philippou con ‘Talk to Me’ (2023) y ‘Bring Her Back’ (2025).
Study methodology: fear with real data
The Science of Scare is based on monitoring average heart rate (BPM) and heart rate variability (HRV) during special screenings. Each film is shown to a panel of 250 people, equipped with biometric sensors. The combination of both factors generates a Scare Score out of 100, which defines the total physiological impact.
To ensure fair competition, films already positioned in the top 25 are not re-evaluated, unless a new title unseats them. Every year a dozen new Anglo-Saxon films recommended by critics, forums such as r/horror, industry experts and the viewing community are tested.
Via | moneysupermarket.com
André Itamara Vila Neto é um blogueiro apaixonado por guias de viagem e criador do Road Trips for the Rockstars . Apaixonado por explorar tesouros escondidos e rotas cênicas ao redor do mundo, André compartilha guias de viagem detalhados, dicas e experiências reais para inspirar outros aventureiros a pegar a estrada com confiança. Seja planejando a viagem perfeita ou descobrindo tesouros locais, a missão de André é tornar cada jornada inesquecível.
📧 E-mail: andreitamaravilaneto@gmail.com 🌍 Site: roadtripsfortherockstars.com 📱 Contato WhatsApp: +55 44 99822-5750