1. The "Saw" movies

I watched all of the "Saw" movies in order this summer for the first time with a big group of friends. It has gore, plot twists and character development that you usually never get a chance to comprehend in other horror movies.

Sure, it is a little "out there," but the best part is, now I have a group of friends who let me joke about cutting off my foot!

2. "Scream"

The "Scream" movies are classics. And no, I am not sitting here saying that "Scream" is the best horror movie of all time. What I am saying is that it paved the way for other horror movies.

"Scream" didn't take itself too seriously. It created trends in horror movies, and, at the end of the day, who doesn't love the generic premise of a bunch of teenagers getting stalked and killed? It's movie gold. It keeps you on your toes, and it keeps you guessing.

3. "Halloween"

The "Halloween" series really struck my love for horror movies and scary films. Michael Myers is merciless and so violent. The plot is engaging, and it is quite sickening — exactly what I look for in a thriller.

4. "The Conjuring"

Despite my love for horror and thriller movies, I typically do not actually get scared while watching them. Sure, the jump scares will get me out of my seat, but nothing usually sticks with me. That is, until "The Conjuring" movies were made.

After I watched "The Conjuring" in theaters, I made my friends sleep over my house and didn't turn off my lights. It definitely gave me goosebumps.

5. "IT"

The original and remake are basically two different movies in my mind. I love them both equally, but as a child, I was terrified of "IT." People would use the word "it" during conversations, and I would freak out.

I grew out of my fears, but one of my thoughts remains the same: There is nothing quite like a child-eating clown in a sewer.

6. "The Exorcist"

"The Exorcist" is one of the scariest films of all time. For its time, it had remarkable special effects and even greater effects on audiences. My parents claim they weren't able to sleep after watching this movie. The ominous atmosphere throughout the movie peaks your interest the whole time and tells a wild story.

7. "The Blair Witch Project"

There's nothing quite like a bunch of 20-something-year-olds going on a trip, only to endure some creepy campfires and endless scares.

"The Blair Witch Project" keeps audiences guessing about the monster at bay. You never really know what's out to get them. This movie just goes to show that we fear the unknown. Imagination is as scary as anything.

8. "The Shining"

Nothing is creepier than "The Shining." This film is eerie, creepy and makes you a little uncomfortable.

An adaptation of Stephen King's novel, this quote-worthy horror movie has created a fascination with the manic mind of Jack Torrance.

"The Purge"

"The Purge" movies are action-packed and totally insane. They have violent and inhumane moments, with scenes that resonate to real-life situations. It seems far-fetched, but "The Purge" does bring up important topics like democracy, race and hierarchy in the real world.

10. "The Babadook"

"The Babadook" relies on human emotion to showcase its horror. With a single mother and haunted child, the devastating impacts are noticeable — with or without the jump scares. It's a truly grueling movie that uses emotion and effects to create a dark atmosphere.

11. "The Strangers"

"The Strangers" is an intense movie. It starts off slow, with a bit of a personal look at the characters. Once it gets scary, it gets pretty scary though. With jolts, break-ins and three masked strangers, a sense of paranoia and desperation takes on the characters and viewers alike.