Scary clown movies have carved a niche in the horror genre, giving nightmares to many with their sinister smiles and nightmarish antics. This ranked list brings together the most spine-chilling horror movies with clowns ever made, as voted by thousands of film buffs. The list criteria focus on elements like the fear factor, character uniqueness, storytelling, and visual impact. Crowdranking plays a key role here, with horror fans having their say in what makes these clown movies the scariest and most memorable.
Take, for example, It (2017), where Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise terrified audiences with his menacing smile and child-hunting antics. Another standout is Terrifier, where creepy Art the Clown's gruesome escapades make viewers shiver long after the credits roll. Poltergeist, though an older classic, features a particularly creepy clown doll that remains iconic. Killer Klowns from Outer Space mixes bizarre humor with horror, setting it apart as a cult favorite. House of 1000 Corpses introduces the twisted Captain Spaulding, whose clown persona is both terrifying and darkly humorous. Other famous horror movies with evil clowns include All Hallows' Eve, Dead Silence, and Stitches. These films showcase unique clown characters, each bringing a different type of terror to the screen.
Readers are invited to join in and vote for their top picks to shape the ultimate list of killing clown movies. Share which sinister jester made your blood run cold and see how your rankings stack up against other horror enthusiasts. Discover new terrifying clowns and debate which one tops the scare charts. It’s not just a list; it’s a community-driven scarefest. Dive in and make your vote count in this chilling celebration of clown horror.
- 1
Adapted from Stephen King's eerie novel, It (1990) tells the story of a shapeshifting entity in the form of a clown named Pennywise, who preys on children in the sleepy town of Derry, Maine. Tim Curry's chilling portrayal of the terrifying antagonist makes this film one of the most iconic and scariest clown movies in cinematic history. Its timeless themes of friendship, fear, and overcoming personal traumas are masterfully woven together, ensuring that this unsettling tale remains a fan-favorite within the horror genre.
- Actors: Tim Curry, Seth Green, John Ritter, Annette O'Toole, Jonathan Brandis
- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Tommy Lee Wallace
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It
Roy Lee, Dan Lin, Seth Grahame-SmithAs a modern retelling of Stephen King's classic novel, It (2017) follows the same hair-raising storyline but adds a fresh visual and narrative approach to the clown-induced terror. Bill Skarsgård's gleefully sinister performance as Pennywise sends shivers down the spine, placing this adaptation among the top contenders for the best and scariest clown movies ever made. The film's stunning cinematography and creative use of special effects take the audience on a gripping rollercoaster of suspense, horror, and raw emotion.
- Actors: Jaeden Martell, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Chosen Jacobs
- Released: 2017
- Directed by: Andy Muschietti
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- 3
Terrifier introduces the audience to a nightmarish figure known as Art the Clown, a brutal and sadistic character who takes pleasure in terrorizing his victims. Earning a reputation as one of the most gruesome and frightening clown movies, this feature delves into the depths of horror with visceral, gory imagery. Director Damien Leone successfully creates an disturbing atmosphere that sticks with viewers long after the credits roll, solidifying Terrifier's place on the list of most horrifying clown movies.
- Actors: Jenna Kanell, Catherine Corcoran, Margaret Reed, Katie Maguire, Sylvia Ward
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Damien Leone
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- 4
Directed by Tobe Hooper, Poltergeist revolves around a malevolent spirit that haunts an all-American family in their suburban home, using a particularly terrifying clown doll as one of its frightening manifestations. This iconic 1980s horror film expertly blends supernatural elements with the all-too-familiar fear of creepy clowns. With its spine-chilling scares and suspenseful moments, Poltergeist remains a standard-bearer for both excellent storytelling and effective scares in the world of clown-centric horror films.
- Actors: Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams, Beatrice Straight, Dominique Dunne, Oliver Robins
- Released: 1982
- Directed by: Tobe Hooper
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It: Chapter Two
Dan Lin, Roy Lee, Barbara MuschiettiThe follow-up to the 2017 adaptation of Stephen King's It, It: Chapter Two sees the now-adult victims of Pennywise the Clown reunite as they confront their traumatic pasts and face their fears once more. Bill Skarsgård's return as the sinister antagonist showcases his immense talent for evoking terror, preserving the film's standing as one of the greatest and scariest clown movies. Stunning visuals and a talented ensemble cast contribute to the overall anxiety-inducing experience that audiences will not soon forget.
- Actors: Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, Jay Ryan
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Andy Muschietti
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- 6
With a sinister smile and a penchant for chaos, Art the Clown returns to wreak havoc on Miles County in this bone-chilling slasher. Unfolding on Christmas Eve, the film showcases characters like Sienna Shaw and the twisted Victoria Heyes, adding layers to their harrowing tales. Combining festive cheer with gory thrills, it injects fresh terror into the horror genre. Fans are buzzing about its intense, nightmare-fueling scenes and unpredictable storyline. Truly, it's a dark Yuletide gift that horror aficionados won't soon forget.
After surviving Art the Clown's Halloween massacre, Sienna and her brother struggle to rebuild their shattered lives. As the holiday season approaches, they try to embrace the Christmas spirit and leave the horrors of the past behind. However, just when they think they're safe, Art returns, determined to turn their holiday cheer into a new nightmare.- Actors: Lauren LaVera, David Howard Thornton, Antonella Rose, Elliot Fullam, Samantha Scaffidi
- Released: 2024
- Directed by: Damien Leone
As a direct sequel to Terrifier, this installment sees the return of the sadistic Art the Clown, further exploring his reign of terror and horrific actions. With an equally disturbing yet fresh premise, Terrifier 2 solidifies itself as a more-than-worthy follow-up to the original, expanding on the terrifying world of its predecessor. The film is sure to satisfy horror enthusiasts, confirming its place as one of the most horrifying and blood-curdling clown movies in recent memory.
- Actors: Lauren LaVera, David Howard Thornton, Elliott Fullam
- Released: 2022
- Directed by: Damien Leone
- 8
Rob Zombie's House of 1000 Corpses introduces viewers to a twisted carnival of characters, including the infamous Captain Spaulding, a menacing clown portrayed by the late Sid Haig. Riddled with shocks, gore, and unsettling imagery, this cult classic delivers a unique brand of clown-based horror. The film's nightmarish visuals and twisted sense of humor guarantee it a spot among the best and most disturbing clown movies ever created.
- Actors: Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, Sheri Moon Zombie, Karen Black, Chris Hardwick
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Rob Zombie
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- 9
All Hallows' Eve
Jesse BagetIn this anthology-style horror film, All Hallows' Eve unfolds several spine-chilling tales, each featuring the menacing figure known as Art the Clown. This early introduction to the iconic killer clown character elicits a sense of dread and unease throughout the film. With its unexpected twists and relentless scares, All Hallows' Eve cements its position as a must-see for fans of frightening clown cinema.
- Actors: Katie Maguire, Mike Giannelli, Catherine A. Callahan, Marie Maser, Kayla Lian
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Damien Leone
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- 10
As a sequel to House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil's Rejects expands on the madness of Rob Zombie's twisted universe with a focus on Captain Spaulding and his deplorable family. This brutal and frightening look into the lives of a group of sadistic outlaws ensures the film's place among the most nightmarish portrayals of clown horror. The visceral and unrelenting nature of The Devil's Rejects earns it distinction as a must-watch for fans of the macabre and grotesque.
- Actors: Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, Sheri Moon Zombie, Ken Foree, Matthew McGrory
- Released: 2005
- Directed by: Rob Zombie
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- 11
A unique blend of horror and dark comedy, Killer Klowns from Outer Space takes a truly bizarre concept – alien creatures resembling clowns – and turns it into an unforgettable and unnerving experience. The film's use of practical effects, combined with its campy humor, makes it not only a cult classic but also a standout among other clown-related horror films. Its lasting impact on the genre is testament to its status as one of the most inventive, entertaining, and spine-tingling clown movies.
- Actors: Grant Cramer, Suzanne Snyder, John Allen Nelson, John Vernon, Michael S. Siegel
- Released: 1988
- Directed by: Stephen Chiodo
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- 12
Dead Silence
Gregg Hoffman, Mark Burg, Oren KoulesDirected by James Wan, Dead Silence revolves around a mysterious ventriloquist dummy with an eerie resemblance to a clown, whose presence is linked to a series of gruesome killings. The film's chilling atmosphere and unsettling visuals make it a worthy addition to the pantheon of clown horror films. Dead Silence successfully delivers suspenseful and frightening moments, solidifying its standing among the best and most horrifying clown movies.
- Actors: Ryan Kwanten, Amber Valletta, Donnie Wahlberg, Bob Gunton, Michael Fairman
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: James Wan
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- 13
Based on the chilling true story of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, this film delves into the life of a seemingly ordinary man who moonlights as a children's party clown, Pogo, while secretly committing heinous acts. Gacy's unsettling portrayal of the notorious killer captures the terror surrounding clowns and their hidden malevolence. By examining the darkness that lies beneath the painted smiles, Gacy leaves viewers questioning what truly hides behind the colorful facade of a clown, cementing its position in the nightmarish clown movie canon.
- Actors: Mark Holton, Charlie Weber, Adam Baldwin, Joleen Lutz, Allison Lange
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Clive Saunders
- 14
While not solely focused on clowns, Zombieland earns a spot on this list for its memorable showdown with a zombified version of an amusement park entertainer. The hilariously frightening scene demonstrates that even in a world filled with undead horrors, nothing quite compares to the spine-chilling unease brought about by a clown. Featuring a star-studded cast and a unique take on the zombie apocalypse, Zombieland holds its place among the best and scariest clown movies.
- Actors: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Amber Heard
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Ruben Fleischer
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- 15
When a loving father dons a clown costume to surprise his son at his birthday party, he quickly discovers that the suit is cursed, turning him into a monstrous and bloodthirsty creature. Clown takes this terrifying premise and expertly delivers a nightmarish experience filled with gore, suspense, and genuine scares. The film's unique and horrifying concept cements its status as one of the most memorable and bone-chilling clown movies.
- Actors: Norman Reedus
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Tate Steinsiek
- 16
Director Rob Zombie returns to the world of clown horror with 31, a grisly and relentless tale of kidnapped carnival workers forced to participate in a sadistic game where they must survive against a group of murderous clowns. The film's nonstop action, brutal violence, and twisted humor make it an unforgettable experience for fans of the macabre and grotesque. Zombie's signature stylings solidify 31 as one of the most catastrophically terrifying clown movies ever made.
- Actors: Sheri Moon Zombie, Jeff Daniel Phillips, Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs, Meg Foster, Kevin Jackson
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Rob Zombie
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- 17
In Demonic Toys, a motley crew of sinister playthings, including a wicked clown doll, terrorizes a group of people trapped inside a warehouse. The film's combination of dark humor and supernatural horror delivers a unique take on the clown-based terror we all know and fear. Its imaginative approach to animating these eerie playthings ensures that Demonic Toys stands out among the best and scariest clown movies.
- Actors: Tracy Scoggins, Richard Speight, Jr., Larry Cedar, Pat Crawford Brown
- Released: 1992
- Directed by: Peter Manoogian
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In Stitches, a vengeful clown rises from the dead to exact bloody revenge upon those responsible for his demise. Combining dark humor with spine-tingling horror, this frightening tale offers a fresh take on the classic killer clown trope. Its inventive use of gore and twisted humor ensures Stitches a place among the best and most horrifying clown movies in recent years.
- Actors: Geoffrey Lewis, Parker Stevenson, Tony Longo, Brian Tochi, Debra Mayer
- Released: 1985
- Directed by: Rod Holcomb
- 19
Clownhouse follows the harrowing story of three young brothers who find themselves terrorized by a trio of escaped mental patients disguised as clowns. The film's atmospheric tension and unsettling visuals create a lasting impression on viewers that guarantees its standing amongst the most disturbing and memorable clown movies in cinematic history. The chilling interactions between the brothers and their tormentors make for a truly suspenseful and unnerving experience that fans of the genre won't want to miss.
- Actors: Sam Rockwell, Nathan Forrest Winters, Brian McHugh, Timothy Enos, Frank A. Damiani
- Released: 1989
- Directed by: Victor Salva
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- 20
Amusement tells the intertwining stories of several individuals who must confront their childhood fears when they are targeted by a sadistic clown bent on revenge. The film's expertly crafted scares and compelling storytelling make it a standout among other clown-centric horror films. With its unique narrative structure and unforgettable antagonist, Amusement secures its place as one of the most intriguing and spine-chilling clown movies available.
- Actors: Jessica Lucas, Katheryn Winnick, Laura Breckenridge, Reid Scott, Kevin Gage
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: John Simpson
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Wrinkles the Clown follows the unsettling real-life story of a Florida-based clown-for-hire whose nightmarish appearance and bizarre services – including scaring misbehaving children – made him an internet sensation. The film expertly explores the deep-rooted fears and fascination surrounding clowns, delving into the psychological aspects of this cultural phenomenon. Wrinkles the Clown offers a thought-provoking and deeply disturbing look at the world of its eponymous character, firmly establishing itself among the scariest and most compelling clown movies.
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Michael Beach Nichols
- 22
The Houses October Built
In The Houses October Built, a group of friends on a Halloween-themed road trip encounters a terrifying figure known as Porcelain, a doll-like clown whose sinister intentions become clear as the film progresses. Combining found-footage horror with the unsettling presence of the evil clown, this film delivers chills and thrills in equal measure. The Houses October Built offers a unique perspective on the deep-rooted fear of clowns, securing its spot among the most alarming and haunting clown movies.
- Actors: Brandy Schaefer, Zack Andrews, Bobby Roe, Mikey Roe
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Bobby Roe
- 23
As the eponymous villain in Killjoy, the demonic clown invokes terror and madness upon anyone unfortunate enough to cross his path. The film's campy, over-the-top approach to horror offers a unique blend of dark humor and genuine scares that make it a standout entry in the killer clown genre. Its memorable characters, gore, and twisted storylines cement Killjoy's place among the best and most horrifying clown movies.
- Actors: Debbie Rochon, Nicole Pulliam, Arthur Burghardt, Carl Washington, William L. Johnson
- Released: 2000
- Directed by: Craig Ross Jr.
- 24
In The Clown at Midnight, a group of high school students working to restore an old opera house becomes the target of a vengeful spirit dressed as a Gothic-inspired harlequin. The film's atmospheric setting and dramatic visuals create a uniquely suspenseful and eerie tone that distinguishes it among other clown-centric horror films. With its imaginative premise and haunting atmosphere, The Clown at Midnight earns its place as one of the most spellbinding and chilling clown movies available.
- Actors: Christopher Plummer, Tatyana Ali, Margot Kidder, James Duval, Sarah Lassez
- Released: 1999
- Directed by: Jean Pellerin
- 25
In Drive-Thru, a fast-food mascot named Horny the Clown turns out to be a vengeful spirit bent on terrorizing and murdering unsuspecting patrons. The film's unique premise and bizarre antagonist create a one-of-a-kind experience filled with hair-raising suspense, darkly comical moments, and unforgettable scares. Drive-Thru establishes itself as a campy yet spine-chilling addition to the canon of terrifying clown movies.
- Actors: Leighton Meester, Larry Joe Campbell, Lola Glaudini, Morgan Spurlock, Nicholas D'Agosto
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Brendan Cowles, Shane Kuhn
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- 26
Scary or Die
Igor Meglic, Michael Emanuel, David ReiversThis horror anthology features a series of chilling tales, with the most noteworthy being a sinister clown named Emmett who seeks redemption for his past crimes. Scary or Die presents a thought-provoking and engaging take on the classic killer clown trope, exploring the moral ambiguity of its central character. The film's innovative storytelling and captivating visuals ensure that it remains a standout among the best and most harrowing clown movies.
- Actors: Corbin Bleu, Domiziano Arcangeli, Nicole Moore, Andrew Caldwell, Christopher Darga
- Released: 2012
- Directed by: Igor Meglic, Michael Emanuel, Bob Badway
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Fraternity Massacre at Hell Island
Fraternity Massacre at Hell Island presents a chilling tale of a group of college students who find themselves hunted by a maniacal, clown-faced killer during a fraternity initiation weekend. The film's familiar slasher tropes are elevated by the inclusion of the creepy clown antagonist, making it a frightful addition to the genre. Its thrilling blend of suspense, gore, and twisted humor secures Fraternity Massacre at Hell Island as a standout among the best and most horrifying clown movies.
- Actors: Billie Worley, Tyler Farrell, Jim Eikner, Danny Gomez, Corie Ventura
- Released: 2007
In 100 Tears, a vengeful circus clown named Gurdy sets out on a bloody rampage to clear his name after being wrongly accused of a horrific crime. With its over-the-top gore and twisted storytelling, the film offers a unique addition to the killer clown genre. Its memorable protagonist and brutally violent scenes ensure that 100 Tears remains a favorite among fans of the macabre and bone-chilling clown movies.
- Actors: Raine Brown, Jeff Dylan Graham, Kibwe Dorsey, Jack Amos, Rod Grant
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Marcus Koch
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Starring cult horror icon Tiny Tim as a deranged clown named Marvelous Mervo, Blood Harvest tells the chilling story of a young woman who returns to her family's farm only to find herself terrorized by the eccentric and menacing character. The film's blend of gory imagery, atmospheric tension, and unsettling performances make it an unforgettable experience for fans of terrifying clown cinema. Blood Harvest's distinctive style and memorable antagonist solidify its standing among the most horrifying and captivating clown movies.
- Actors: Peter Krause, Tiny Tim, William Dexter, Lori Minnetti, Itonia Salchek
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Bill Rebane
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Set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, The Last Circus explores the twisted rivalry between a sad and a happy clown as they both vie for the love of an acrobat, leading to a descent into madness and violence. This dark and surreal tale offers a unique perspective on the terrifying side of clowns while delivering unexpected twists and turns. With its striking visuals, outstanding performances, and disturbing narrative, The Last Circus cements its place among the most unsettling and riveting clown movies ever made.
- Actors: Carolina Bang, Santiago Segura, Merche Romero, Fran Perea, Sancho Gracia
- Released: 2010
- Directed by: Álex de la Iglesia
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