10 Great Horror Movies You'll Only Watch Once

What makes a good horror movie? Is it one that scares us the most? One that finds new, exciting ways to tell stories shared time and time again? Or is it one, as with the following movies, that affects us so deeply that we'll never want or need to return to them again? 

At their best, horror movies are a juggling act, tackling grand themes of life's misfortunes and the highs and lows of the human condition, whilst simultaneously terrifying audiences with nasty images and startling twists of fate. 

Sometimes, a horror movie comes along that is so effective with its message and execution that it almost begs you not to re-watch them. The likes of Scream and Final Destination are designed for a second viewing, but the following movies have no such virtue. Once is more than enough. 

That doesn't mean this movies are bad. In fact, rather the opposite. The movies on this list feature some of the most unsettling moments in horror, along with some of the most devastating depictions of grief and vengeance you're likely to find, but in their drama many of them are basically flawless additions to the genre. 

With that in mind, here are 10 great horror movies you'll only watch once. 

For the most part, the films on this list are included because they're unbearably disturbing, but in the case of Stanley Kubrick's The Shining, the reason it's here is because it's far too familiar. 

Based on Stephen King's seminal novel of the same name, Kubrick's masterwork is an expertly crafted thriller about one man's descent into madness, full to bursting with intricate set detail and skin-crawling twists that sneak up on you with startling effect. 

Despite its brilliance, though, The Shining also suffers from some serious overexposure, the beats of its story so well-known and parodied that the big moments - from "Here's Johnny!" to the typewriter - simply won't land for first-time viewers as they once did. 

It's still an absolute must-watch (despite King's misgivings about what Kubrick cut from the book), and it'll surely manage to leave a lasting impression for Jack Nicholson's performance alone. But chances are that one watch will cut it, and afterward you'll probably be content sticking with The Simpsons' Halloween spoof.