While snipers and suicide bombers make some curse at fear, others line up at movie theaters in an attempt to get their thrill. Thus comes the classic horror film, a cinematic pastime that dates back to the silent era. Without further adieu, here are the top scariest films ever made:

10. “Nosferatu the Vampire” (1922)

Sure, 1922 may seem a bit dated, but this is the greatest vampire film in cinema history. German actor Max Schreck is absolutely terrifying as Count Orlok, the film’s version of Bram Stoker’s famous character, Dracula.

9. “The Birds” (1963)

Sure, it was a toss-up between this, “Psycho” and “Vertigo,” but Hitchcock had to make the list somewhere. In this tale, a group of unruly birds stalks a community and then moves in for their attack. Watch for the sound department’s moment of fame in the final sequence. The sounds of the coast never will be the same.

8. “When a Stranger Calls” (1979)

The first 20 minutes of this film will make any parent double-check the safety of their sleeping children, and it will make any viewer think twice the next time he or she picks up a phone only to hear dead air on the other line.

7. “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974)

This film introduced Leatherface to the world and, along with Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” became one of the most effective slasher films to date.

6. “The Shining” (1980)

Here is one of the rare cases of a film outdoing its novel predecessor. Director Stanley Kubrick’s static shots of a menacing Jack Nicholson are some of the most memorable in horror history.

5. “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer” (1986)

This 1986 portrayal of a sadistic serial killer hits home on a level that most horror movies do not. There is no element of the supernatural here, just the tale of a crazy man who could kill any innocent, unsuspecting person at any time. Check this one out and tell me you don’t find yourself looking over your shoulder more often.

4. “Rosemary’s Baby” (1968)

Roman Polanski demonstrated his god-like cinematic skills in this masterpiece about a woman who finds out about a terrible secret pertaining to the child she is carrying. Polanski slowly drops us hints as to just what is going on, then drops a bombshell of an ending with a shocking payoff.

3. “The Exorcist” (1973)

Whether you’re a religious person or not, this film will freak you out. This story of a young girl possessed by a demon was influenced by a real-life story, making the classic head-spinning film all the more powerful.

2. “The Innocents” (1961)

I know what you are thinking – what the hell is “The Innocents”? It is a thriller based on the Henry James’ short story “Turn of the Screw.” If you were a fan of “The Others,” this film about a governess of two orphaned children and their terrifying house will satisfy your appetite.

1. “The Haunting” (1963)

The original haunted house tale by director Robert Wise is by far the scariest film ever made. Even a dreadful, effects-laden remake couldn’t ruin the impact this film had on the horror genre. Wise capitalizes on what scares audiences the most, the fear of the unseen. We hear what the characters hear as they hear it, and learn as they learn. If you have never seen it, rent it. But don’t be surprised to find yourself jumping every time you hear a knock on your door.

Honorable Mention: “Crossroads” featuring Britney Spears (2002)

Two words: Absolutely horrifying.