Horror movie vocabulary and idioms + video

Horror movies are super exciting because they keep us on the edge of our seats with sudden surprises. But did you know that horror movies also have their own set of words and phrases? If you love horror movies (or even if you’re a little scared of them), learning this language can help you understand why these films are so much fun to watch. In this guide, we’ll break down some important horror movie vocabulary and idioms so you can talk like a pro. Ready to dive in? Let’s go—but watch your back!

The Conjuring movie vocabulary and idioms

Conjuring horror movie vocabulary

1. Spine-chilling

Meaning: Extremely frightening Example: The haunted house had a spine-chilling atmosphere

2. Supernatural

Meaning: Related to things that cannot be explained by science, like ghosts or spirits. Example: The movie features supernatural events that scare the characters.

3. Suspenseful

Meaning: This item of horror movie vocabulary means full of excitement or anxiety about what might happen. Example: The movie was so suspenseful that I couldn’t look away.

4. Eerie (of horror movie vocabulary)

Meaning: Strange and frightening. Example: There was an eerie silence in the old house.

5. Gripping

Meaning: Very exciting or interesting; holding your attention completely. Example: The plot was so gripping that I couldn’t stop watching.

Conjuring horror movie idioms

1. Send shivers down your spine

Meaning: To make someone feel very frightened or excited. Example: The ghostly figure sent shivers down my spine.

2. Scare the living daylights out of someone

Meaning: To frighten someone very badly. Example: That jump scare scared the living daylights out of me.

3. On the edge of your seat

Meaning: To be very excited or full of suspense. Example: The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat.

Movie Description: The Conjuring

If you’re looking for a spine-chilling experience, The Conjuring is the perfect choice. The movie is about a family haunted by a supernatural presence, and the tension builds throughout the film, making every moment incredibly suspenseful. The eerie atmosphere keeps you hooked, and the plot is so gripping that you’ll be on the edge of your seat the entire time. There are plenty of terrifying moments that will scare the living daylights out of you, and certain scenes are guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. It’s a horror classic you won’t forget

Read more: Learn how to describe movies in English

The sinister movie vocabulary and idioms

Sinister horror movie vocabulary

1- Disturbing

Meaning: Upsetting or making you feel anxious or worried. Example: The movie had some disturbing scenes that I couldn’t stop thinking about.

2- Unsettling (of horror movie vocabulary)

Meaning: Making you feel nervous or uncomfortable. Example: The unsettling music added to the creepy atmosphere.

Sinister horror movie idioms

1- Get under your skin

Meaning: To bother or disturb you in a lasting way. Example: The creepy images really got under my skin.

2- Make your blood run cold

Meaning: To make someone feel very scared or terrified. Example: The strange noises in the film made my blood run cold.

Movie Description: Sinister

“Sinister is one of the most disturbing horror movies out there. The story follows a writer who uncovers supernatural home movies, each one more unsettling than the last. The film is packed with suspenseful moments that will keep you on edge, and the images it shows will get under your skin. Some scenes are so creepy they will make your blood run cold. It’s a film that’s hard to forget once you’ve seen it.”

Read more: Learn how to improve English vocabulary

The Babadook movie vocabulary and idioms

Babadook horror movie vocabulary

1- Psychological

Meaning: Related to the mind or emotions, often causing fear through deep emotional disturbance. Example: The film is more of a psychological thriller than a typical horror movie.

2- Intense

Meaning: This item of horror movie vocabulary means extreme and involving strong emotions. Example: The final scene was so intense that I could hardly breathe.

3- Haunting

Meaning: Frightening or disturbing in a way that stays with you for a long time. Example: The haunting images from the movie kept me awake all night.

Movie Description: The Babadook

“The Babadook is not a typical horror film—it’s more of a psychological thriller. It tells the story of a mother and son who are haunted by a strange figure, but the real terror comes from the emotional journey they go through. The movie is incredibly intense, with each scene building more tension than the last. The haunting visuals and deep emotional themes get under your skin, and the atmosphere is so creepy that it will send shivers down your spine. It’s a powerful film that stays with you long after it’s over.”