4. The Ring (2002)
After the deaths of a group of teenagers, a journalist uncovers a mysterious videotape which supposedly leads to the death of the viewer. Once she watches the tape, the phone rings and a voice tells her 'You have seven days'. She must uncover the mystery behind the tape. Creepy and disturbing on oh-so-many levels, the iconic scene of Samara climbing out of the television still gives me shivers. I remember watching it in the cinema with a friend, who literally screamed out loud. Based on the Japanese horror 'Ringu', which is apparently more terrifying than 'The Ring' by a country mile.

3. The Shining (1980)
Although Stephen King was intensely unhappy about Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of his novel (seriously, do read the novel) ? this movie is still ranked as one of the most terrifying movies ever made. Jack Nicholson is horrifying as the tormented Jack Torrance and some of the film's iconic scenes ? the twin girls in the hotel corridor spring to mind ? have traumatised moviegoers for almost thirty years. But for terror as King imagined it, read the novel. And be doubly traumatised.

2. Event Horizon (1997)
Seven years ago, a space ship disappeared without a trace. Now, it seems to have reappeared and a team is sent to investigate where it has been. The team begins to see visions of their deepest fears, and descend into madness. (Like, gouging their eyes out madness). While this movie initially was met with mixed reviews, over the last few years it has become a cult classic. This sci-fi/horror gem is truly terrifying, and our runner-up in our Halloween horror list.

1. The Exorcist (1973)
Hands down the movie that terrified the iafrica.com team the most. (Other common descriptions were 'scarred' and 'traumatised'.) This 1970s classic often ranks highly on lists of 'Scariest Movie Ever' ? and with good reason. Sweet and cheerful Regan suddenly becomes foul-mouthed and violent. After conventional healing methods fail her, it becomes clear that what Regan needs is an exorcism. I didn't sleep for a week after watching the trailer in my childhood ? that infamous spider-walk down the stairs? Simply looking for images to accompany this article gave me the creeps.

Honourable mentions:
'Nightmare on Elm Street': For bringing the world Fred Krueger.
'Friday the 13th': The cult slasher film which spawned countless sequels.
'The Amityville Horror': Scarier when we all thought it was a true story.
'Cannibal Holocaust': So bloody and violent the director was suspected of filming an actual murder.
'The Exorcism of Emily Rose': Jennifer Carpenter ('Dexter') is incredible as the possessed girl. Based on the real case of Anneliese Michel.

Which horror movies have scared you the most? Is there one that should have been included on our list? Leave your comments below!