10 Most Memorable Death Scenes In Horror Films

Only one horror (?) film kicks off with a more effective establishing death scene than the beautifully theatrical hanging that opens Suspiria, and that is Jaws. Unsuspecting, care-free skinny-dipper Chrissie being dragged back and forth by an unseen presence as if she were a rag doll is as pants-pissingly frightening today as it was in 1975, and it's fair to say that this scene probably did a lot more to discourage people from swimming than the scenes where we actually get to see the shark in all its glory.

The increasingly graphic deaths of Alex, the capsized rower, and finally Quint, are all spectacular; but the mounting dread and suspense of the underwater shots, followed by the sudden tug and Chrissie's agonized screams, make for the perfect introduction for what's to come. This scene perfectly captures the primal terror of falling prey to something we can't see, in a domain that humans arrogantly claim as our own.

There is something inherently scary and humbling about the concept of nature fighting back. Former stunt woman, Susan Blacklinie, really sells it, and is terrifyingly convincing.