Top 20 Best & Worst Ghost Films

What’s up, guys? Welcome to another great post.  In this edition we’re taking a look of some of the worst ghost films and some of the best ghost films.  Ghost films vary in genre, some being comedies, dramas, thrillers, fantasy, and even romances.  Not all are scary movies.

 1. Oculus (Best)

A woman tries to exonerate her brother, who was convicted of murder, by proving that the crime was committed by a supernatural phenomenon.  One of the best ghost films.  It’s an original concept and focuses on two timelines while blending them perfectly together in great storytelling.  And the ghosts in the film are pretty chilling.

Release Date: 2013


2. The Woman in Black (Best)

A young solicitor travels to a remote village where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals.  This film is just a great step back to great acting, great suspense, and a great story.  It doesn’t focus on special effects or spectacle, but on the great performance by it’s lead, Daniel Radcliffe.

Release Date: 2012


3. Mama (Best)

A young couple take in their two nieces only to suspect that a supernatural spirit named Mama has latched itself to their family.  Mama is one of those films that I’m on the fence about.  On one hand, the special effects are pretty shitty at times and the last act of the film is kinda cooky. However, there is jump scares and suspense that are actually some of the most effective I’ve seen in a while.  Not to mention a pretty good story.

Release Date: 2013


4. Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (Best)

Following a ghost invasion of Manhattan, paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates, nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann, and subway worker Patty Tolan band together to stop the otherworldly threat.  This movie has a lot of problems but it does so much good.  As far as ghosts are concerned, they’re done exceptionally well and even the origins of the ghosts are good.

Release Date: 2016


5. Ghostbusters II (Best)

The discovery of a massive river of ectoplasm and a resurgence of spectral activity allows the staff of Ghostbusters to revive the business.  A terribly underrated sequel that finds our good guys down on their luck, but the rising ectoplasm has the guys heeding the call once again.  It’s great seeing the characters do what they do best, and their relationships are really engaging.

Release Date: 1989


6. Ghost Ship (Best)

A salvage crew that discovers a long-lost 1962 passenger ship floating lifeless in a remote region of the Bering Sea soon notices, as they prepare to tow it back to land, that strange things happen.  This film goes for best because of how interesting the concept is.

Release Date: 2002


7. Ghost (Best)

After a young man is murdered, his spirit stays behind to warn his lover of impending danger, with the help of a reluctant psychic.  If there were ever a ghost/romance, this would be that film.  It’s a great movie with a great story, great characters, and great performances.  Definitely a must see for Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore fans.

Release Date: 1990


8. Susie Q (Best)

Susie Q and her boyfriend were on their way to a dance one night when they got into a car crash and fell off a bridge. Years later, a teenager named Zach Sands, recovering from his father’s death, moves into Susie’s old house along with his mother and sister, Penny Sands. One night, Zach discovers that he can see Susie’s ghost, and Susie attempts to help Zach’s family, and along the way, sparks a romance.  It’s one of those classic Disney films that’s a classic and tells a really good story.

Release Date: 1996


9. Insidious (Best)

A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further.  It’s a great film with a lot of tension and great jump scares.  Not to mention it involves demons and ghosts.

Release Date: 2010


10. A Haunted House (Best)

Malcolm and Kisha move into their dream home, but soon learn a demon also resides there. When Kisha becomes possessed, Malcolm – determined to keep his sex life on track – turns to a priest, a psychic, and a team of ghost-busters for help.  One of the few spoofs that manages to be funny but at the same time pretty damn scary.

Release Date: 2013


11. The Others (Best)

A woman who lives in a darkened old house with her two photosensitive children becomes convinced that her family home is haunted.  The story is a slow burner but it’s a tension-filled thriller with a shocking ending. Not to mention Nicole Kidman brings her A-game.

Release Date: 2001


12. Thirteen Ghosts (Best)

When Cyrus Kriticos, a very rich collector of unique things dies, he leaves it all to his nephew and his family. All including his house, his fortune, and his malicious collection of ghosts!  It might not be the deepest film on this list but damnit if it isn’t entertaining as hell. And it’s pretty cool seeing all these different ghosts.

Release Date: 2001


13. The Haunting (Worst)

When Eleanor, Theo, and Luke decide to take part in a sleep study at a huge mansion they get more than they bargained for when Dr. Marrow tells them of the house’s ghostly past.  The film has a great cast, but the story isn’t as good as it could’ve been.

Release Date: 1999


14. Pulse (Best)

When their computer hacker friend accidentally channels a mysterious wireless signal, a group of co-eds rally to stop a terrifying evil from taking over the world.  This film might not be the best in terms of overall quality, but it’s an original idea and highly entertaining.

Release Date: 2006


15. The Messengers (Best)

An ominous darkness invades a seemingly serene sunflower farm in North Dakota, and the Solomon family is torn apart by suspicion, mayhem and murder.  This film is a bit of a slow burn but it’s a good film, with good performances.

Release Date: 2007


16. The Frighteners (Best)

After a tragic car accident kills his wife, a man discovers he can communicate with the dead to con people. However, when a demonic spirit appears, he may be the only one who can stop it from killing the living and the dead.  This is a great film.  Yes, the visuals haven’t aged well at all, but it’s fun, scary, and a really entertaining time.

Release Date: 1996


17. The Fog (Best)

An unearthly fog rolls into a small coastal town exactly 100 years after a ship mysteriously sank in its waters.  The Fog is one of those 80s babies that have stood the test of time and still is an engaging and entertaining film.  It maintains a creepy atmosphere while strengthening its hold on its viewers.

Release Date: 1982


18. Lights Out (Best)

Rebecca must unlock the terror behind her little brother’s experiences that once tested her sanity, bringing her face to face with a supernatural spirit attached to their mother.  What started out as a skit, was developed into a terrifying film, with plenty of jumpscares and a chilling villain. Hope to see a Lights Out 2.

Release Date: 2016

Also featured in:


19. I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (Worst)

A young nurse takes care of an elderly author who lives in a haunted house. It’s a pretty boring movie, and the whole aspect of a ghost just feels unnecessary.  Yes, it’s great seeing a good mystery film but since the “ghost” of the film really doesn’t make an impact, it kind of takes away from the content.

Release Date: 2016


20. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (Worst)

Captain Jack Sparrow for the trident of Poseidon while being pursued by an undead sea captain and his crew.  This film sucks for many reasons and unfortunately the undead was part of the problem.  Despite how cool the ghost crew is it doesn’t really feel important and there’s hardly a moment in the film where I was like “Damn, that’s awesome”.

Release Date: 2017

Also featured in:


Thanks for checking out the post and in the comment section below let us know what your favorite and least favorite ghost films are.

1,029 Views

Be the first to comment

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.