Terrors on the silver screen: Award-winning horror movies at the Oscars

When it comes to horror movies, the goal is to instill fear and send shivers down our spines. However, there are certain films in the horror genre that have not only succeeded in terrifying audiences but have also earned recognition and acclaim in the form of prestigious Academy Awards.

These are the horror movies that have transcended their genre and left a lasting impact on both critics and viewers alike. Here, we explore some of the best scary movies that have won Oscars, solidifying their place in cinematic history.

• The Silence of the Lambs (1991) – This psychological horror-thriller directed by Jonathan Demme took home five Oscars, including Best Picture. The film revolves around the brilliant but deranged cannibalistic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter and the young FBI trainee, Clarice Starling, who seeks his assistance to catch another killer. With its intense performances and gripping storytelling, The Silence of the Lambs remains a benchmark in the horror genre.
• Get Out (2017) – Directed by Jordan Peele, this thought-provoking horror movie won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. It combines social commentary and psychological terror to tell the story of a young African American man who uncovers a disturbing secret while visiting his white girlfriend’s family. Get Out deftly explores themes of racism, identity and the horrors lurking beneath seemingly ordinary situations.
• The Exorcist (1973) – Regarded as one of the best regarded horror movies of all time, The Exorcist won two Oscars, including Best Adapted Screenplay. Directed by William Friedkin, the film follows the possession of a young girl and the attempts of two priests to save her soul. Its unsettling imagery and visceral storytelling shocked audiences upon its release and have continued to terrify viewers for decades.
• Rosemary’s Baby (1968) – Directed by Roman Polanski, this psychological horror film earned an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. It revolves around a young woman who becomes increasingly paranoid and suspicious about her neighbors and her own pregnancy. Rosemary’s Baby skillfully blends psychological tension, supernatural elements and societal anxieties, leaving audiences unsettled and questioning the boundaries of reality.
• Black Swan (2010) – Although not primarily categorized as a horror film, this psychological thriller directed by Darren Aronofsky won the Oscar for Best Actress for Natalie Portman’s riveting performance. The film delves into the dark and obsessive world of professional ballet, blurring the lines between reality and delusion. With its haunting atmosphere and visceral imagery, Black Swan effectively taps into our deepest fears and desires, earning its spot on this list of award-winning horror movies.
• Jaws (1975) – Steven Spielberg’s iconic shark thriller won three Oscars, including Best Original Score. This suspenseful film tells the story of a small coastal town terrorized by a man-eating great white shark and the efforts of a police chief, a marine biologist and a seasoned fisherman to stop it. Jaws revolutionized the horror genre by creating a sense of fear and suspense through its masterful use of suspenseful music and groundbreaking visual effects.

These films demonstrate that horror movies have the potential to transcend their genre and be recognized for their artistic merit. By eliciting genuine terror and exploring deeper themes and anxieties, these scary movies have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

Whether it’s psychological horror, supernatural terror, or spine-chilling suspense, these award-winning films continue to captivate audiences and remind us of the power of fear in storytelling.