Looking for good scare? Follow these recommendations … if you dare

Horror is a fascinating genre. While you’d think we’d avoid being scared, it’s one of the most popular categories in movies and games, thriving for years. There’s a thrill in feeling fear while knowing you’re safe at home. But with so much horror content out there—from TV shows to games and books—where does a newcomer even start? To help, we at Tiger Hi-Line gathered opinions on favorite horror media and recommendations to guide you.

When asked about their favorite horror movies, senior Aidan Baldus and UNI student George Kimmich both named Alien. “I find it to have a very cool sci-fi setting, especially since it’s mostly restricted to a spaceship,” Kimmich said. Baldus added, “I guess I never even considered it a horror movie, just because I thought it was so cool.”

This highlights an interesting point: horror exists on a spectrum. Not every horror movie or experience aims to terrify; some prioritize story or atmosphere over scares. Kimmich echoed this. “Alien is a horror movie with great characters and solid themes. While I enjoy movies that entertain or scare, the best ones give you something to really think about.”

When it comes to horror games, we received a broader range of responses, reflecting the genre’s evolution and diversity. Aidan Fobian, a senior and avid gamer, shared his thought.: “Right now, Silent Hill is probably my favorite horror game. It’s so rich with atmosphere and uncertainty that it feels like stepping into your past through a foggy lens. Some details are hard to make out, and you never really know what you’ll encounter.”

Horror games often heighten the sense of dread by putting players in control. Unlike movies, where you watch someone else make risky decisions, you’re the one deciding whether to turn that ominous corner.

Kimmich offered a more unconventional pick: Slay the Princess. “It’s an awesome game,” he said. “Not only is it a fresh twist on the damsel-in-distress trope, but I think it’s an existential masterpiece. It explores themes like love, revenge, life, death and the meanings we attach to them.”

What makes this choice stand out is that Slay the Princess is a visual novel—a game that focuses on reading rather than direct action. Yet, with its chilling descriptions and unsettling visuals, it delivers a horror experience just as gripping as more traditional games.

For those looking to dive into horror games, I have a few personal recommendations. For a blend of scares and gameplay, the Resident Evil and Amnesia series stand out as excellent choices. Recent remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4 make them easily accessible and a great introduction to the franchise, though the series offers plenty of terrifying titles to explore. Meanwhile, the Amnesia series has cemented its reputation as one of the scariest horror game franchises. Amnesia: The Dark Descent, now over a decade old, remains a masterclass in atmospheric horror, capable of paralyzing players with fear. Its successors, though varied in style, deliver their own uniquely chilling experiences. If you’re ready to be scared from start to finish, Amnesia is a must-play. 

As for horror movie recommendations? Scream, all the way. All these movies are great, mysterious thrillers with good tense moments thrown at you constantly.