10 Scariest Opening Horror Movie Scenes Ever

It’s almost hard to decide which iteration of It is more effective, as whilst the 1990 mini series has definitely not aged well - looking at you, giant deadly spider showdown - Tim Curry remains one of the most intense character creators on screen. His version of Pennywise is something that has haunted poor, unsuspecting adults and children for generations, but it’s Bill Skarsgard’s fanged maw that wins it by the skin of his teeth.

Drawing down an unsuspecting child into his sewer lair after a paper boat falls into the drain, Pennywise the clown takes his time to convince young Georgie that he isn’t a threat, and has simply been blown into the sewer along with the circus. Reaching in to collect his lost boat, Pennywise tears off the poor thing’s arm without a second thought, resulting in some special effects work that will have you keeping your hands to yourself for the forseeable future.

It’s a brilliant set up for a continuously horrifying movie - but don’t worry, just don’t go making friends with sewer dwelling demons and you should be okay. Maybe move somewhere it never rains for good measure.