10 Most Terrifying Jump Scares In Horror Movie History

6. The Thing (1982)

The Movie: Despite faring poorly at the box office on its original release, John Carpenter's sci-fi horror has since gained a huge cult following and is considered a masterpiece of the genre by critics and fans alike. The story follows a group of Antarctic researchers who are infiltrated by an alien being that can assimilate other life forms and imitate them. Paranoia among the team escalates as more and more scientists are replaced by the Thing, until only a few survivors remain.

The Scare: Throughout the movie, Carpenter ratchets up the tension by placing each character in a permanent state of paranoia, unable to trust anyone as they may have been replaced by the Thing. While the group debates the whereabouts of the creature, MacReady (Kurt Russell) breaks in and threatens to destroy the station with dynamite if they attack him and the shock causes Norris (Charles Hallahan) to suffer a heart attack. Copper (Richard Dysart) tries to revive Norris using a defibrillator when suddenly, the corpse's chest splits open, becoming a giant mouth full of teeth that rip off Copper's arms.

Carpenter expertly maintains the suspense throughout by constantly unnerving viewers who feel lulled into a false sense of security. Although he has had his fair share of misses as a director over the years, this particular moment is a fantastic example of horror film making at its best. No one, and I mean no one could have seen this jump scare coming.