15 Horror Movies You Really Shouldn't Watch Alone

13. The Strangers (2008)

The Strangers may not be a great movie when it comes to writing and characterisation, but as a taut, efficient exercise in suffocating atmosphere? Absolutely.

What makes this home invasion slasher flick so effective is how generally rooted it is in reality: just about anyone could have their holiday home broken into, and there's not much you can do about it.

Sure, the titular antagonists employ some cartoonish theatrics and their ability to teleport around verges on silly, but thanks to a shockingly good performance from Liv Tyler, the terror always feels discomfortingly grounded and real.

If you're home alone for the night, watching The Strangers will probably ruin any chance you have of getting a good night's sleep.