‘I cast you out!’ The Exorcist named as most terrifying film of all time
The Exorcist has been named the most terrifying film of all time.
The film, which caused controversy when it was released in 1973, took the top spot in a poll of 2,000 adults, followed by The Silence of the Lambs and The Shining.
Alfred Hitchcock’s chiller Psycho, limb-hacking horror Saw and ground-breaking gore-fest The Texas Chainsaw Massacre all appeared in the list.
It also emerged that the heart-pounding thrill of a scary film can leave a lasting impression on viewers, with almost two-thirds admitting to feeling nervous ahead of watching a horror film.
And more than a third have to be dragged to the cinema to watch a horror film.
Julie Daniels, head of Meerkat Movies, which commissioned the research, said: “Horror films may not be for everyone, but there are many movie fans who love the adrenaline rush.
“With the likes of Get Out and IT being box office hits in recent years, we anticipate that this year’s cast of scary films will bring in the crowds.”
The study also found the aftermath of watching a particularly frightening film is leaving many to resort to superstitious measures.
After watching a horror film, one in five will make sure they double-lock the doors at home and a further 20 per cent leave the lights on to keep themselves safe.
And 18 per cent of respondents, surveyed by Onepoll. com, admit to checking under the bed and behind the door just to see if something is lurking there. A quarter will even watch light-hearted TV before they go to bed so they can switch off from the scary film.
It also emerged that many horror fans resort to various coping mechanisms while they are watching a scary film on the silver screen to stay composed.
Thirty-five per cent admit to closing their eyes during especially scary parts while one in ten use their smartphone as a distraction tool.
As Hallowe’en approaches, the biggest horror films of 2018 are now creeping on to cinema screens.