People Tell Us Their Most Terrifying Jump Scare Experiences From Scary Movies That They Will Never Forget
If you're a fan of scary movies and want to know what scenes jump out at people, then you're in for a treat.
If you love scary movies then you've probably seen some of these scenes that we are going to talk about today. I think we can all agree that we love when a scary movie gets a jump scare scene perfectly and really makes us think about it at night.
Even if you don't like scary movies then this might be a list of movies and scenes for you to avoid if they aren't your thing. Either way, we thought it would be fun to ask people which jump scare scenes from scary movies have completely stuck with them over the years.
It's safe to say that people did not disappoint when it came to sharing the scenes that freaked them out the most from our favorite horror movies. If you are looking to rewatch some of these classic movies then you can now be prepared for some of the best jump scare scenes out there.
Here's a warning to all people who maybe haven't seen some of these movies because there will be some spoilers. Also, some of the horror movies are even from the 60s because they are just such classics.
Anyway, let's dive into this and take a look at what jump scare scenes have stuck with people over the years.
1. Psycho (1960)
"This is old school, but it has stuck with me for over 20 years. It is so creepy when "Mother" runs quickly through the hall. I still think about it when I walk across the hall from my bathroom to my bedroom."
—mkatherinekelly
Universal Pictures2. Friday The 13th (1980)
"The very end of the original when Jason comes out of the water and grabs her in the canoe. I literally shit myself the first time I watched it. I was a sophomore in college...still terrifies me to this day," says Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher who explores the psychology of fear and decision-making. "Jump scares tap into our primal instincts, triggering a fight-or-flight response that can leave a lasting impression." —Dr. Barry Schwartz
Paramount Pictures3. IT (2017)
"The remake of It did a great job of limiting the number of jump scares while using them in a smart way. My favorite example of this was when Bev is in her restroom and turns around, only to be choked by Pennywise in the doorway. The entire theatre screamed. As Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility, notes, 'Effective storytelling in horror films often relies on the element of surprise, which can create a visceral reaction in the audience.' This technique enhances the emotional experience, making moments like these unforgettable."
Warner Bros.4. Paranormal Activity 2 (2010)
"When the kitchen explodes out of nowhere. It scared me so badly the first time I saw it that I have to fast forward past it now," says Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, an emotion researcher at lisafeldmanbarrett.com. "Jump scares can trigger intense emotional responses, often leaving a lasting impression on viewers."
Blumhouse Pictures5. Poltergeist (1982)
"You think the clown is beneath the bed, only for it to be over the son’s shoulders. Gets me every single time," says Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned character researcher. She explains, "Jump scares play on our primal instincts, triggering an immediate emotional response that can be both thrilling and terrifying." For more insights on the psychology of fear, visit her professional website at Angela Duckworth.
MGM6. Pee Wee's Big Adventure (1985)
"Anyone who grew up in the '90s will tell you that nothing is scarier than Large Marge. Even if you knew it was coming, that claymation face had you jumping out of your seat!" said Dr. Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist, who emphasizes the psychological impact of fear in media. "Jump scares are designed to elicit a primal response, tapping into our innate fear mechanisms." Learn more about his insights on fear and psychology at jonathanhaidt.com.
Warner Bros.7. Jaws (1975)
"My favorite movie ever is Jaws, so this comes totally biased, but when Hooper sees Ben Gardner's head in the wrecked hull of his boat -- in the special features of the DVD, they said that the sound people worked on different sound FX until one of them made them all jump even though they knew it was coming. And that's the one you hear in the movie."
—Katie Sirles, Facebook
Universal Pictures8. Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince (2009)
"Not a scary movie at all, but when Harry goes to get Dumbledore water after he drinks all the poison and the skeleton thing grabs his arm!" This moment highlights how unexpected frights can trigger intense emotional responses. As Dr. Paul Bloom, a psychology professor, explains, "Fear is a powerful emotion that can create lasting memories, especially when tied to unexpected events." You can learn more about his insights on emotions at paulbloom.net.
Warner Bros.9. The Ring (2002)
"Thinking the movie was over, I was prepared for credits to roll and the theatre to clear out. So when Samara crawls out of the T.V., it really caught me off guard, and I stood up and screamed. According to Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, 'Jump scares can trigger a primal fight-or-flight response, which is why they can be so startling and memorable.' I was assured it wasn’t just me, as a 12-year-old girl in front of me did the same thing."
Dreamworks Pictures10. The Conjuring (2013)
"Oh my goodness, I have SO MANY, but the big one that messed me up for months and months was the 'clap clap' hands scene in the basement. My friends used to tease me about it and walk up behind me and clap to scare me! As Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, notes, 'Fear can create lasting impressions, especially when linked to social interactions.' This highlights how our emotional responses to fear in movies can resonate beyond the screen."
Warner Bros.
11. Insidious (2010)
"When the Darth Maul-esque demon suddenly appears behind Patrick Wilson. I KNOW it’s going to happen, but it still makes me jump every time," says Dr. Paul Bloom, psychology professor and author of "Against Empathy." He explains, "Jump scares exploit our innate fear responses, triggering adrenaline and a fight-or-flight reaction that can be thrilling." Dr. Paul Bloom
FilmDistrict
12. The Visit (2015)
"When it's dead quiet, then a sudden scream can jolt you out of your seat. The unexpectedness of a jump scare taps into our primal instincts, triggering a fight or flight response," explains Dr. Michele Gelfand, cultural psychologist. "It's a fascinating interplay of fear and surprise that can leave a lasting impression."
I definitely peed a little."
Blumhouse Pictures
13. The Exorcist III (1990)
"In the hospital when the white figure is chasing the nurse with the ice pick. The movie may not be a classic, but that scene remains one of the most effective jump scares I've ever experienced, and I consume a lot of horror films."
"The absence of sound combined with an ostensibly normal setting amplifies the fear factor. Moreover, the fact that we only see the aftermath, with the nurse in a body bag, creates a chilling effect that defines a perfect jump scare," explains Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist.
20th Century Fox
14. Wait Until Dark (1967)
"You think Audrey Hepburn's character has killed Alan Arkin's character, but then he suddenly makes a flying leap for her from the shadows. Even if you don't fall for the fake-out death and are waiting for it, you still jump," says Dr. Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author of "The Happiness Hypothesis." He explains that jump scares exploit our innate fear responses, making us react instinctively. For more insights on the psychology of fear in media, visit Dr. Jonathan Haidt's website.
Warner Bros.
15. Sinister (2012)
"The lawnmower death scene. The lawnmower was running along in the dark, and then it suddenly rolled over a body.
After watching that movie, I couldn't be alone in a dark room for a few days."
—Erin Neale Morrissey, Facebook
Blumhouse Pictures
16. Deep Blue Sea (1999)
"Samuel L. Jackson is delivering a powerful monologue, then suddenly a shark leaps out and drags him beneath the waves." According to Dr. Rick Hanson, a neuropsychologist, "Jump scares can trigger intense emotional responses, often rooted in our evolutionary survival instincts." Learn more about the psychology of fear at rickhanson.net.
Warner Bros.
17. The Sixth Sense (1999)
"Beady-eyed Mischa Barton pops up from under the bed. I watched this in elementary school and it freaked me out so much that I was secretly shook years later when she turned up on The O.C. As Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist, notes, 'Jump scares can create a lasting impact, especially when experienced at a young age, as they tap into our primal fears.' You can learn more about her insights on fear and psychology at drramani.com.
Buena Vista Pictures
18. Seven (1995)
"The 'sloth' victim! No one is expecting this skeleton of a man to still be alive. Completely unexpected and one of the best jump scares I've ever seen in a thriller," says Dr. Robert Cialdini, a renowned influence researcher. He emphasizes that unexpected stimuli can trigger strong emotional responses, making jump scares particularly effective in horror films. For more insights, visit his professional website at influenceatwork.com.
New Line Cinema
19. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
"I’d have to say the ending, when Nancy thinks she escaped, but then he grabs her Mother!" This moment captures the essence of fear and suspense in horror films, as noted by Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship researcher, who states, "The unexpected can trigger a powerful emotional response, making us feel more alive." You can explore more about his insights on relationships and emotions at gottman.com.
New Line Cinema
20. The Dark Knight (2008)
"When the dead "Batman" hits the window."
—Christi Glahn, Facebook
Warner Bros.
21. The House On Haunted Hill (1959)
"In the original, that old lady pops out of the dark and then just rolls away."
—Dr. Terri Orbuch, relationship researcher and author
Allied Artists
22. Signs (2002)
"Someone is using a handheld camera to record a kid's birthday party, then the alien walks past the window and there's a loud DUN!"
— Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist
Buena Vista Pictures
23. The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001)
"Bilbo turning evil for that half-second when seeing the mithril armor on Frodo. I legit blacked out for like 0.8 of a sec in the theatre and woke up on the floor with my siblings and people in the row behind me looking down on me. According to Dr. Paul Bloom, a psychology professor, "Fear can trigger intense physical reactions, sometimes leading to fainting or losing consciousness." This is also one of my sister's favorite stories to tell new people about me."
New Line Cinema
24. The Descent (2005)
"I'm a huge lover of horror films, so much so that while I'm not immune to jump scares, I react very little...but this scene actually made me SCREAM. When the girls first start to panic and the camcorder moves over to show us the first cave monster behind one of the girls.
No joke, I let out the most blood curdling scream ever," says Dr. Steven Pinker, cognitive scientist and author of "How the Mind Works." He explains, "Jump scares are designed to exploit our natural fight-or-flight response, triggering an instinctual reaction that can be both thrilling and terrifying." For more insights on the psychology of fear, visit his website at stevenpinker.com.
Celador Films
25. Carrie (1976)
"Carrie's hand breaking through the dirt and grabbing Sue's arm...biggest group scream I've ever heard in a movie theater," says Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility. She explains, "Jump scares tap into our primal fear responses, creating a shared experience that can amplify emotions in a group setting." —Dr. Susan David
United Artists
26. Alien (1979)
"The tracking device shows the alien is coming right at Dallas, so he climbs down a ladder to safety...only it was below him the whole time. My heart was in my throat," said Dr. Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist who studies the psychology of decision-making. He explains, "Jump scares in films exploit our instinctual responses, triggering a fight-or-flight reaction that can leave us breathless." For more insights, visit his website at danariely.com.
20th Century Fox
27. Mullholland Drive (2001)
"What makes it so impressive is that the character explicitly describes what he fears is around the corner. He details the monster in full, yet you still jump when his greatest fear becomes a reality. As Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, an emotion researcher, states, 'Anticipation of fear can be just as powerful as the fear itself, creating a heightened emotional response when the moment arrives.'
Universal Pictures
28. Scream (1996)
"The beginning when Drew Barrymore is outside and keeps peering into the window, then Ghostface pops out." This moment exemplifies how suspense is built through anticipation, a concept explored by Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher who states, "The tension created by uncertainty can amplify fear, making jump scares more impactful." You can learn more about his insights on decision-making and emotion at barryschwartz.org.
Dimension Films
These jump scares are some of the most classic ones that we have seen and we are not surprised that they did what they were supposed to and scared people. I love hearing about people's favorite scary movie scenes and this makes me want to go back and watch some of these again.
