Top 15 Horror Movies for Teens Ranked

The horror genre has always had a significant teenage following, with numerous films tailored to or featuring young adults as protagonists. Teen horror, a popular sub-genre within horror, features youthful characters battling against frightening foes such as serial killers, monsters, or ghosts. Although targeted at teens, these movies often have a broad appeal.

Teenagers face unique challenges, and when they are forced to confront terrifying threats, it becomes a compelling viewing experience. While these films may not always be critically acclaimed, the best among them have a special place in the hearts of audiences, young and old. They tap into universal fears and anxieties that everyone experiences during their formative years. Some of these movies have even revolutionized the horror genre, earning a permanent place in cinematic history.

 1.  Warm Bodies (2013)

Isaac Marion’s novel ‘Warm Bodies‘ gets a fresh take in Jonathan Levine’s adaptation, which has gained a devoted fanbase for its humorous twist on the revitalized zombie movie trend. Starring Nicholas Hoult as R, a zombie yearning for companionship in a post-apocalyptic world, and Teresa Palmer as Julie, the living girl he falls for, the film presents an unlikely romance between two opposing worlds. Although it leans towards the romantic-comedy genre, it still packs a punch as a crowd-pleaser that opened up zombie horror fiction to a wider audience. Edgar Wright’s ‘Shaun of the Dead‘ pioneered the ‘Rom-Zom-Com’ format, and ‘Warm Bodies’ continues this tradition with its unique spin on the classic ‘Romeo and Juliet’ tale.

 2.  Christine (1983)

‘Christine,’ a horror classic based on Stephen King’s cursed car story, saw two horror legends – John Carpenter and King – come together to create a spine-tingling adaptation. While it may not be included among Carpenter’s most well-known horror masterpieces, it remains one of the most outstanding teen horror movies inspired by King’s works. The protagonist, a loner teen, becomes obsessed with the titular vehicle, and as his attachment to the menacing Plymouth Fury deepens, his desires turn darker and more dangerous. Since its release, the film has gained a cult following for its gripping storyline, intense atmosphere, and iconic imagery.

 3.  Summer Of 84 (2018)

In ‘Summer of 84,’ a teenage boy persuades his friends that a friendly neighborhood police officer may be a serial killer, leading them on a thrilling adventure to uncover the truth behind several missing boys. The film takes inspiration from the detective fiction of the era and the ‘Kids on Bikes’ subgenre popularized by shows like ‘Stranger Things,’ but this coming-of-age story takes a much darker turn than most, leaving a lasting impression on the teen horror genre in a brief period of time. With its gripping storyline, well-crafted characters, and suspenseful atmosphere, ‘Summer of 84’ has cemented itself as a standout in the genre.

 4.  Final Destination (2000)

‘Final Destination‘ was a unique addition to the best teen horror movies in its genre. Unlike other horror films featuring masked killers or demonic creatures, the antagonist in this film was simply death itself, seeking to end the lives of those who managed to cheat their fate through a twist of luck. The movie explores how everyday incidents can suddenly end a teen’s life after they appear to escape their destined fate. Despite receiving negative reviews from critics, the film was a hit with audiences and spawned several sequels that further developed its intriguing mythology. What made the original movie stand out was its fresh take on horror, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

 5.  Fright Night (1985)

One of the top teen horror movies that blends humor with horror is the highly acclaimed 1985 cult classic vampire film, Fright Night, The movie follows a teenager who discovers that his new neighbor is a vampire and enlists a washed-up actor from a horror TV series to help him hunt down the vampire. Fright Night is a film that strikes a balance between horror and humor, making for an entertaining viewing experience. While there is no shortage of horror in the film, it’s of the tongue-in-cheek variety, keeping the audience engaged throughout. Fright Night’s cult status led to a 2011 remake with Colin Farrell, but it failed to match the charm of the original.

 6.  The Lost Boys (1987)

One of the quintessential teen horror movies that has become a cult classic since its release in 1987. Directed by Joel Schumacher, the film revolves around a single mother and her two sons who move to a new town, only to discover that it’s infested with vampires. The older son falls in with a gang of bikers who are revealed to be the undead, while the younger son befriends two vampire hunters. The Lost Boys has become known not just for its horror, but also for its distinctive 80s California beach town style, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

 7.  It Follows (2014)

David Robert Mitchell’s 2014 film, It Follows, uses the fear of the unknown to create a sense of foreboding in viewers. The story follows a teenage girl who becomes cursed after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, pursued by an invisible presence with ominous intentions. The girl and her friends must evade the curse by avoiding physical contact, but they soon realize that the curse will always find them. It’s a movie with underlying themes about the consequences of actions, which is particularly relevant during the teenage years. The movie was a commercial and critical success, becoming one of the most talked-about horror movies of the decade.

 8.  The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

Drew Goddard’s The Cabin in the Woods takes the classic setup of a group of teenagers heading to a remote cabin in the woods, but with a fresh and satirical twist. It pokes fun at horror movie clichés and tropes without being cheesy and features a surprising and unique ending. One of the best teen horror movies, it expertly blends different horror elements from past films into a cohesive and entertaining whole. The movie was well-received, earning awards from Fangoria and the Bram Stoker Award.

 9.  The Craft (1996)

The movie tells the story of four high school girls who practice witchcraft and use it to get revenge on those who have wronged them. However, things take a dark turn when their magic becomes too powerful, resulting in dangerous consequences. The movie has gained a large following over the years and has become a cult classic. The lead actress, Fairuza Balk, was recognized for her role at both the Saturn Awards and MTV Movie Awards. A sequel was released 24 years after the original movie.

 10.  Ginger Snaps (2000)

While werewolf movies are not as common in the horror genre, Ginger Snaps stands out as one of the best teen horror movies based on the werewolf mythology. The film revolves around the story of teenage sisters Brigitte and Ginger, who are fascinated with death and plan to die together when they turn 16. However, when Ginger starts her menstrual cycle, a werewolf attacks her and turns her into one of their own. The movie uses the werewolf transformation as a metaphor for adolescent struggles, particularly for girls. Ginger Snaps received critical acclaim and spawned two sequels.

 11.  Scream (1996)

Wes Craven’s 1996 horror masterpiece, Scream, is a quintessential teen horror movie that introduced the iconic Ghostface serial killer to the world. The film revolves around a group of teenagers who are being stalked and murdered by the masked killer, who enjoys playing mind games based on horror movie trivia. Wes Craven, the master of horror, once again proved his talent by creating a suspenseful and terrifying film that captivated audiences worldwide. The movie was a critical and commercial success, winning several awards and being featured on multiple AFI lists. It spawned sequels that have continued for over 25 years.

 12.  Carrie (1976)

In 1976, acclaimed filmmaker Brian De Palma directed an adaptation of Stephen King’s classic novel, Carrie, which was highly praised. Considered one of the best teen horror movies, the film follows a sheltered and bullied teenager who possesses telekinetic powers and seeks revenge on those who have wronged her. Even after four decades, Carrie still stands out as one of the better Stephen King adaptations from Hollywood, exploring themes of facing adversity during adolescence, a period of life filled with uncertainties. Sissy Spacek’s performance and the film’s iconic ending continue to be celebrated today.

 13.  The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Tobe Hooper’s horror masterpiece, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, revolutionized the horror genre when it premiered in 1974. The film, one of the best teen horror movies, follows a group of young friends on a road trip, who stumble upon a cannibalistic family’s home and become prey to Leatherface, a chainsaw-wielding psychopath. More than four decades later, the movie remains an unparalleled work of terror, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats with its disturbing content. Few films have been able to capture the same raw horror that The Texas Chainsaw Massacre provided, helping to popularize the slasher genre.

 14.  A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Director Wes Craven became a horror legend after making his mark in the 70s, but it was his 1984 movie A Nightmare on Elm Street that brought him to mainstream fame. Considered one of the best teen horror movies, it follows a group of teenagers haunted by the vengeful spirit of child murderer Freddy Krueger, who hunts them down in their dreams and kills them in real life. The movie introduced the iconic Freddy Krueger character, played by Robert Englund, and spawned a franchise that has continued to captivate audiences for decades, with a total of nine films and a cult following. It’s even been selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

 15.  Halloween (1978)

In 1978, director John Carpenter introduced one of the best teen horror movies of all time with Halloween, featuring the murderous Michael Myers. After spending fifteen years in a mental hospital, Myers returns to his hometown with a thirst for killing, targeting the town’s teenagers. Myers’ creepy white mask, supernatural presence, and unkillable nature make him one of the most terrifying horror movie icons in history. Halloween became an instant classic, popularizing the “Final Girl” horror movie trope and inspiring ten sequels, including a spot in the Library of Congress.