Top 15 best One-episode horror movie: After watching, you will be haunted

These upcoming One-episode horror movie of 2024 promise a variety of scares, from psychological terror to supernatural hauntings and brutal slasher action.

Psychological horror movies are captivating for their unique blend of horror and psychological elements, offering deep emotional experiences.

If you’re searching for some gripping single-episode horror movies, here is a list of the top 15 best psychological horror movies in the world that will surely make your heart race and your mind ponder.

1. One-episode horror movie – The Shining (1980)

• Country: USA
• Plot: Directed by Stanley Kubrick, this film is based on Stephen King’s novel. It tells the story of Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic who accepts a position as the off-season caretaker of the historic Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies. He moves in with his family, only to be influenced by a malevolent force that drives him into madness.

• Audience Reception: Widely regarded as one of the greatest horror films ever made, “The Shining” has gained a massive cult following over the years.
• Awards: Though initially receiving mixed reviews, it is now considered a classic. It was inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2018.

2. Psycho (1960)

• Country: USA
• Plot: Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, “Psycho” follows the story of Marion Crane, who steals a large sum of money from her employer and ends up at the Bates Motel, run by the mysterious Norman Bates. The film explores themes of identity, guilt, and mental illness.

• Audience Reception: Acclaimed for its innovative direction and performances, particularly by Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates.
• Awards: Nominated for four Academy Awards and won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress (Janet Leigh).

3. One-episode horror movie – Black Swan (2010)

• Country: USA
• Plot: Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this psychological horror-thriller follows Nina Sayers, a committed dancer who wins the lead role in a production of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake”. Her life spins out of control as she becomes consumed by her dual role as the innocent White Swan and the sensual Black Swan.

• Audience Reception: Praised for Natalie Portman’s performance, the film is known for its intense portrayal of obsession and transformation.
• Awards: Won an Academy Award for Best Actress (Natalie Portman) and received several other nominations including Best Picture and Best Director.

4. The Babadook (2014)

• Country: Australia
• Plot: Directed by Jennifer Kent, this film tells the story of a single mother plagued by the violent death of her husband. She battles with her son’s fear of a monster lurking in the house, only to discover a sinister presence all around her.
• Audience Reception: Widely acclaimed for its depth and originality, “The Babadook” is considered a modern classic.
• Awards: Won the AACTA Award for Best Direction and Best Original Screenplay.

5. One-episode horror movie – Get Out (2017)

• Country: USA
• Plot: Directed by Jordan Peele, “Get Out” follows Chris, an African-American man who visits his white girlfriend’s family estate. The weekend takes a disturbing turn when he discovers the family’s unsettling secrets.

• Audience Reception: A critical and commercial success, known for its clever social commentary and psychological horror elements.
• Awards: Won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and received multiple nominations including Best Picture.

6. Hereditary (2018)

• Country: USA
• Plot: Directed by Ari Aster, “Hereditary” centers around the Graham family, who begin to unravel terrifying secrets about their ancestry after the death of their secretive grandmother.
• Audience Reception: Known for its haunting atmosphere and powerful performances, especially by Toni Collette.
• Awards: Nominated for numerous awards, including a Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Actress (Toni Collette).

7. One-episode horror movie – Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

• Country: USA
• Plot: Directed by Roman Polanski, this film follows a young pregnant woman who suspects that an evil cult wants to take her baby for use in their rituals.
• Audience Reception: A classic in the psychological horror genre, praised for its storytelling and performances.
• Awards: Won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Ruth Gordon) and a Golden Globe.

8. The Others (2001)

• Country: Spain/USA
• Plot: Directed by Alejandro Amenábar, this gothic horror film tells the story of Grace, a mother who moves her children into a secluded mansion during World War II. The children start experiencing paranormal activities.
• Audience Reception: Acclaimed for its atmosphere and Nicole Kidman’s performance.
• Awards: Won eight Goya Awards, including Best Film and Best Director.

9. The Sixth Sense (1999)

• Country: USA
• Plot: Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the film follows a young boy who can see and talk to the dead, and the child psychologist who tries to help him.
• Audience Reception: Known for its twist ending and powerful performances.
• Awards: Nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director.

10. Midsommar (2019)

• Country: USA
• Plot: Directed by Ari Aster, this film follows a couple who travel to Sweden to attend a rural hometown’s fabled midsummer festival. What begins as an idyllic retreat quickly devolves into an increasingly violent and bizarre competition at the hands of a pagan cult.
• Audience Reception: Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and Florence Pugh’s performance.
• Awards: Nominated for several awards including a Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Actress.

11. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

• Country: USA
• Plot: Directed by Jonathan Demme, the film follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of imprisoned cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch another serial killer.
• Audience Reception: Widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, particularly for its performances by Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins.
• Awards: Won five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress.

12. Don’t Look Now (1973)

• Country: UK/Italy
• Plot: Directed by Nicolas Roeg, this film follows a couple grieving the accidental death of their daughter. They travel to Venice where they encounter two elderly sisters, one of whom claims to be in contact with the spirit of their daughter.
• Audience Reception: Praised for its atmosphere, direction, and performances.
• Awards: Won a BAFTA Award for Best Cinematography.

13. Jacob’s Ladder (1990)

• Country: USA
• Plot: Directed by Adrian Lyne, the film follows a Vietnam War veteran who suffers from hallucinations and flashbacks as he struggles to uncover the truth about his past.
• Audience Reception: Known for its disturbing imagery and thought-provoking narrative.
• Awards: Won a Saturn Award for Best Horror Film.

14. The Witch (2015)- One-episode horror movie

• Country: USA/Canada
• Plot: Directed by Robert Eggers, the film is set in 1630s New England and follows a Puritan family encountering forces of evil in the woods beyond their farm.
• Audience Reception: Acclaimed for its atmosphere, historical accuracy, and Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance.
• Awards: Won several awards including the Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival.

15. Suspiria (1977)

• Country: Italy
• Plot: Directed by Dario Argento, this Italian horror film follows an American ballet student who transfers to a prestigious dance academy in Germany, only to discover that it is a front for something far more sinister.
• Audience Reception: Praised for its visual style, direction, and score.
• Awards: Won the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress (Joan Bennett).

These psychological horror movies are perfect for those looking to delve into the darker aspects of the human mind while enjoying the thrill of a good scare.