2024 has brought us some of the best horror movies yet. From monsters and otherworldly creatures to slashers and space aliens, fright comes in all shapes and sizes, delivering just the right dose—if not more—of jump scares.
Horror cinema has consistently pushed the boundaries of fear, with filmmakers skillfully crafting a new wave of films that not only terrify but also resonate with viewers' deeper anxieties and emotions.
Just in time for Halloween, here are the 10 best jump scare movies of 2024!
10. Immaculate
Immaculate stands out as one of the best jump scare movies of 2024, thanks to Sydney Sweeney’s exceptional performance and director Michael Mohan’s compelling storytelling.
The film strikes a perfect balance between a gripping narrative and a relentless series of well-executed jump scares, enhancing the horror experience for viewers.
Sweeney delivers arguably her best role yet as Sister Cecilia, who arrives at an Italian convent, believing it to be her new home. However, the convent harbors dark secrets, led by the sinister Father Tedeschi (Álvaro Morte).
As Sister Cecilia experiences an immaculate conception, carrying what is believed to be the new Savior, she finds herself trapped in a nightmare and must take extreme measures to escape.
With its thought-provoking themes of faith and fear, Immaculate effectively combines strong performances, eerie atmospheric design, and masterful scare tactics.
9. MaXXXine
MaXXXine features a unique approach to the horror genre within the context of a slasher film.
As the third installment in the X trilogy, it continues the story of Maxine Minx (Mia Goth), who seeks fame and success in 1980s Hollywood while being pursued by a mysterious killer.
Although the movie doesn't rely heavily on traditional jump scares, it excels at building tension and suspense, creating an atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge and makes them anticipate shocking twists.
The film skillfully combines a gripping narrative with psychological horror elements that effectively evoke fear in its audience.
8. Speak No Evil
Speak No Evil is the perfect blend of psychological tension and unexpected shocks, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Directed by James Watkins, this remake of the Danish film of the same title follows the Dalton family—Louise (Mackenzie Davis) and Ben (Scoot McNairy)—as they receive an invitation to spend a weekend at the farmhouse of a British couple, Paddy (James McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi).
The uncomfortable interactions between the two families make the movie more daunting, leading to timely jump scares that catch viewers off guard.
However, beyond their shock value, these moments also heighten the film’s overall sense of unease. Coupled with McAvoy’s strong performance, unsettling dialogue, and significant reveals, Speak No Evil is a must-see for fans of the genre.
7. A Quiet Place: Day One
From its sound design and pacing to its emotional depth, A Quiet Place: Day One is arguably one of the best jump scare movies.
The film maintains a pervasive silence as alien creatures attack at the slightest noise, which builds incredible tension and creates an atmosphere of constant dread.
Viewers are effortlessly immersed in the harrowing experiences of the characters, particularly lead stars Lupita Nyong’o as Samira and Joseph Quinn as Eric, making the jump scares significantly more effective when they occur.
In a movie where silence is paramount, each jump scare becomes a pivotal moment in their fight to survive.
6. Longlegs
Longlegs delivers numerous unexpected scares that keep viewers on edge as it follows FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) in her pursuit of an occultist serial killer who orchestrates the murders of multiple families without ever being physically present at the crime scenes.
While the film certainly features a few effective jump scares, the carefully crafted backgrounds of each scene instill a pervasive sense of fear about what might happen at any moment.
One of its most unforgettable moments occurs when Harker searches her home for a shadowy figure, leading to a shocking revelation.
Additionally, Nicolas Cage’s chilling performance as the titular serial killer intensifies the tension, solidifying Longlegs as one of the scariest movies of 2024.
5. The Strangers: Chapter 1
The Strangers: Chapter 1 is the third film in The Strangers series and the first installment of a planned relaunch.
The story follows a young couple, Maya (Madelaine Petsch) and Ryan (Froy Gutierrez), who become trapped in a remote Airbnb while being stalked by three masked assailants.
The film expertly creates a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps viewers guessing, as the unpredictability of the situation suggests that danger can strike at any moment.
With expertly timed frights and relentless tension, along with clever cinematography and strategic framing that enhance the unsettling ambiance, each jump scare feels organic rather than forced.
As the couple fights for survival, their profound fear of isolation and vulnerability makes the film truly stand out.
4. Arcadian
Nicolas Cage shines as the ultimate dystopian dad in the post-apocalyptic action horror film Arcadian.
Despite its low budget and mixed reviews, the movie effectively builds suspense through chilling sound design and the looming threat of monstrous creatures.
The story follows Paul (Cage) and his twin sons, Joseph (Jaeden Martell) and Thomas (Maxwell Jenkins), as they navigate a landscape overrun by ravenous, unseen monsters that attack at night.
Often compared to A Quiet Place, each jump scare is expertly timed, catching viewers off guard as the creatures strike at the most unexpected moments.
While the special effects are minimal, they are undeniably effective, enhancing the film's overall impact.
3. The First Omen
A prequel to The Omen (1976) and the sixth installment in the franchise, The First Omen offers a rich atmosphere of suspense and features strong performances from cast members Nell Tiger Free, Tawfeek Barhom, Sônia Braga, Ralph Ineson, and Bill Nighy.
The film follows Margaret (Free), who travels to Rome to work at a Catholic orphanage, only to uncover a sinister conspiracy to bring about the birth of the Antichrist. It has received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its stunning cinematography.
Rather than relying on jump scares every few moments, the film skillfully combines atmospheric tension and psychological horror to create a pervasive sense of dread.
In contrast to many contemporary horror films that depend on abrupt scares, The First Omen presents a chilling narrative filled with haunting imagery and unsettling themes, evoking genuine fear and lingering unease.
2. Abigail
A clever twist on the vampire genre, Abigail surprises viewers with an abundance of wild set pieces and gore, exceeding expectations.
Originally adapted from the 1936 film Dracula’s Daughter, the story follows a group of kidnappers who unwittingly capture Abigail (Alisha Weir), the daughter of a powerful underworld figure, not realizing her true identity. This misstep leaves them trapped with a vampire.
The film has garnered generally positive reviews for its likable characters, intriguing murder setting, and innovative interpretations of traditional monster archetypes.
With haunting visuals and chilling sound design—where every creak and shadow hints at lurking danger—Abigail delivers some of the biggest jump scares audiences have ever experienced.
1. Alien: Romulus
As part of the Alien franchise, set between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), director Fede Alvarez has expertly captured the series' gloomy atmosphere and thrilling action.
The film effectively delivers Xenomorph blood and drills, keeping audiences on high alert with its high tension and incredible scares.
It follows a group of young adults as they attempt to scavenge supplies from a derelict space station, only to encounter a terrifying colony of Xenomorphs.
True to the franchise’s theme, the claustrophobic settings, combined with shadowy corners and labyrinthine ducts, create an eerie atmosphere ripe for unexpected frights.
From the creatures' sudden leaps into the frame to their explosive breaches through walls, the film delivers jump scares that feel perfectly timed and impactful