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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, discover the top 10 most stressful movies, from the relentless dread of It Follows to the heart-pounding chaos of Saw VI, ranked by audience reviews and intense soundtracks that will leave you on edge!
Movies have the power to transport us, entertain us, and sometimes leave us gripping the edge of our seats in a state of pure anxiety. A recent study by the video production experts at Wonderpunch analyzed 72 films categorized as stressful or anxiety-inducing by various entertainment outlets, ranking them based on audience reviews and the intensity of their soundtracks.
By examining Rotten Tomatoes reviews for words like “stress,” “suspense,” and “terrifying,” and measuring the average beats per minute (BPM) of each film’s soundtrack, the study created a stress index to determine which movies are the most nerve-wracking. From horror classics to psychological thrillers and even an animated gem, here’s an in-depth look at the top 10 most stressful films, with expanded details on their plots, themes, and what makes them so anxiety-inducing.
The Most Stressful Movies To Watch
1. It Follows (2014) – Stress Score: 80.43
Topping the list as the most stressful film is the 2014 indie horror It Follows, directed by David Robert Mitchell. This chilling tale follows Jay, a young woman who, after a seemingly innocuous sexual encounter, becomes the target of a relentless supernatural entity that stalks its victims at a slow, deliberate pace. The entity can take the form of anyone—friend, stranger, or loved one—and the only way to escape it is to pass the curse on to someone else through intimacy, perpetuating a cycle of dread.
The film’s stress score of 80.43 is driven by its unmatched average review stress score of 2.55, with audience reviews citing “stress” and “suspense” 45% more frequently than for any other film in the study. The minimalist yet haunting soundtrack by Disasterpeace, with an average BPM of 117.94 (ranking 11th for tension), pulses with eerie synths that amplify the film’s unrelenting senseIt Follows thrives on psychological horror, forcing viewers to confront existential fears of death, guilt, and inevitability. The slow, inescapable pursuit of the entity creates a suffocating sense of paranoia, making every scene feel like a countdown to doom. Its blend of primal fear and atmospheric dread ensures that audiences leave the theater unsettled, their nerves frayed.
2. Saw VI (2009) – Stress Score: 76.03
Falling just shy of the top spot is Saw VI, the sixth installment in the gruesome horror franchise known for its elaborate traps and moral dilemmas. Directed by Kevin Greutert, the film follows the legacy of the sadistic Jigsaw, whose deadly games force victims to make impossible choices to survive. In this chapter, insurance executive William Easton becomes the latest pawn in Jigsaw’s twisted moral experiments, facing a series of torturous challenges that test his will to live and expose the corruption of the healthcare industry.
Saw VI earns its high stress score of 76.03 thanks to its heart-pounding soundtrack, which boasts the highest average BPM in the study at 143.1. The frenetic, industrial score by Charlie Clouser quickens viewers’ pulses, perfectly complementing the film’s relentless pace and graphic violence. However, its lower review stress score of 0.27 slightly tempers its ranking, as some audiences found the gore excessive or the plot convoluted. Still, the film’s claustrophobic settings, ticking clocks, and visceral depictions of pain make it a masterclass in sustained tension, ensuring that viewers are as trapped as the characters.
3. United 93 (2006) – Stress Score: 71.17
The first non-horror film on the list, Paul Greengrass’s United 93 is a harrowing dramatization of the real-life events aboard United Airlines Flight 93, one of the planes hijacked during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The film meticulously recreates the chaos and heroism of the passengers and crew who, upon learning of the other attacks, fought back against the hijackers, ultimately crashing the plane in a Pennsylvania field to prevent further devastation.
With a stress score of 71.17, United 93 stands out for its anxiety-inducing soundtrack, which has an average BPM of 135.6—second only to Saw VI. The score, composed by John Powell, uses pulsating rhythms and dissonant tones to mirror the escalating panic aboard the plane. While its review stress score of 0.31 is lower, likely due to its somber, historical tone, the film’s real-world basis amplifies its emotional weight. Greengrass’s shaky, documentary-style camerawork and the claustrophobic setting of the airplane cabin create a visceral sense of dread, forcing viewers to confront the fragility of life and the courage found in desperation.
4. Cape Fear (1991) – Stress Score: 69.95
Martin Scorsese’s Cape Fear, a remake of the 1962 thriller, delivers a masterclass in psychological torment. Robert De Niro stars as Max Cady, a convicted rapist who, upon his release from prison, sets out to exact revenge on Sam Bowden (Nick Nolte), the lawyer whose negligence led to his conviction. What begins as subtle intimidation escalates into a campaign of terror, threatening Bowden’s family and unraveling his sense of security.
With an average review stress score of 69.95 and a soundtrack BPM of 116.17, Cape Fear ranks fourth for its ability to keep audiences on edge. Bernard Herrmann’s iconic score, adapted by Elmer Bernstein, uses booming strings and menacing motifs to underscore Cady’s relentless pursuit. De Niro’s chilling performance—equal parts charismatic and unhinged—creates a villain who feels both human and monstrous, while Scorsese’s direction amplifies the film’s Hitchcockian suspense. The climactic showdown on a stormy river is a nerve-shredding blend of violence and psychological warfare, cementing Cape Fear as a thriller that lingers long after the credits roll.
5. Rosemary’s Baby (1968) – Stress Score: 69.94
Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby is a cornerstone of psychological horror, blending paranoia, gaslighting, and occult dread. Mia Farrow stars as Rosemary Woodhouse, a young woman whose dream of starting a family in a Manhattan apartment turns nightmarish when she suspects her neighbors and husband are part of a satanic cult with sinister plans for her unborn child. As Rosemary’s suspicions grow, so does her isolation, blurring the line between reality and delusion.
The film’s stress score is bolstered by its second-highest review stress score of 69.94, with audiences praising its creeping suspense and unsettling atmosphere. Krzysztof Komeda’s lullaby-like score, with an average BPM of 112.19, juxtaposes eerie vocals with jazzy undertones, creating a deceptive calm that heightens the film’s tension. Polanski’s meticulous pacing and Farrow’s raw performance make Rosemary’s Baby a slow-burn descent into madness, where the true horror lies in the betrayal of those closest to you.
6. Perfect Blue (1997) – Stress Score: 68.24
Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue is a rare animated entry on the list, proving that anime can rival live-action in delivering gut-wrenching tension. This psychological thriller follows Mima Kirigoe, a pop idol transitioning to an acting career, only to find herself stalked by an obsessive fan and haunted by a doppelgänger who embodies her former persona. As Mima’s grip on reality frays, the line between her life and her roles blurs, plunging her into a spiral of paranoia and violence.
With an average review stress score of 68.24 and a moody soundtrack averaging 123.38 BPM (fifth-highest in the study), Perfect Blue unsettles viewers with its frenetic pacing and surreal imagery. Masahiro Ikumi’s score, blending electronic beats and haunting melodies, mirrors Mima’s fractured psyche, while Kon’s innovative editing creates a disorienting, dreamlike narrative. The film’s exploration of identity, fame, and mental collapse resonates deeply, making it a cult classic that leaves audiences questioning what’s real.
7. Good Time (2017) – Stress Score: 65.94
Directed by the Safdie brothers, Good Time is a neon-soaked crime thriller that follows Connie Nikas (Robert Pattinson), a small-time crook whose botched bank robbery sets off a chaotic night of desperation to free his brother from custody. Racing against time in New York City’s underbelly, Connie’s increasingly reckless decisions spiral into a whirlwind of violence and betrayal.
With a stress score of 65.94, Good Time excels with its pulsating soundtrack by Oneohtrix Point Never, averaging 126.57 BPM—one of the highest in the study. The synth-heavy score drives the film’s relentless energy, mirroring Connie’s frantic mindset. Though its review stress score of 0.41 is modest, the Safdie brothers’ kinetic direction and Pattinson’s raw performance create a suffocating sense of urgency. Compared to their later film Uncut Gems (ranked 22nd with a lower BPM of 110.24), Good Time feels more visceral, immersing viewers in a night where every choice raises the stakes.
8. The Omen (1976) – Stress Score: 65.79
Richard Donner’s The Omen is a horror classic that taps into primal fears of evil incarnate. The film follows Robert and Katherine Thorn, who adopt a boy, Damien, only to discover he may be the Antichrist foretold in biblical prophecy. As mysterious deaths pile up around them, the couple grapples with the horrifying possibility that their child is a force of malevolence.
With a high review stress score of 65.79, audiences laud The Omen for its chilling suspense and gothic atmosphere. Jerry Goldsmith’s Oscar-winning score, with its ominous choral chants and an average BPM of approximately 112, amplifies the film’s apocalyptic dread. The film’s blend of psychological horror and supernatural terror, coupled with its shocking set pieces—like a priest’s impalement—keeps viewers on edge, making it a timeless study in fear.
9. Bug (2006) – Stress Score: 64.92
William Friedkin’s Bug is an underseen indie horror that burrows under the skin. Based on Tracy Letts’ play, the film follows Agnes, a lonely waitress who falls for Peter, a drifter who believes he’s the victim of government experiments involving parasitic insects. As their relationship deepens, their shared paranoia spirals into a delusional nightmare, blurring reality and hallucination in a claustrophobic motel room.
Bug ranks high with one of the study’s top soundtrack BPMs at 122.82, with a score by Brian Tyler that uses dissonant strings and percussive jolts to mirror the characters’ unraveling minds. Its review stress score, while not specified, reflects praise for its intense performances by Ashley Judd and Michael Shannon. Friedkin’s direction transforms the confined setting into a pressure cooker, making Bug a disturbing exploration of madness and obsession that leaves viewers rattled.
10. Psycho (1960) – Stress Score: 62.82
Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho remains a benchmark for suspense, revolutionizing horror with its shocking twists and psychological depth. The film follows Marion Crane, who, after stealing money from her employer, checks into the Bates Motel, run by the seemingly shy Norman Bates. What unfolds is a tale of guilt, identity, and murder that redefined the genre.
With a review stress score of 62.82, Psycho earns acclaim for its unbearable tension and iconic moments, like the shower scene. Bernard Herrmann’s screeching string score, with an estimated BPM of around 110, is a masterclass in sonic terror, amplifying every jolt. Hitchcock’s meticulous framing and Anthony Perkins’ unsettling performance as Norman make Psycho a film that preys on the psyche, ensuring its place as a stress-inducing masterpiece.
Why These Films Stress Us Out
The Wonderpunch study highlights the synergy of audience perception and musical intensity in creating stressful cinematic experiences. High-BPM soundtracks, like those in Saw VI and United 93, quicken heart rates, mimicking the body’s fight-or-flight response, while films like It Follows and Rosemary’s Baby earn high review stress scores by tapping into universal fears—pursuit, betrayal, loss of control. Whether through visceral horror, psychological unraveling, or real-world tragedy, these films exploit our deepest anxieties, leaving us breathless and haunted.
From the supernatural dread of The Omen to the frenetic chaos of Good Time, the top 10 most stressful movies prove that tension transcends genre. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a cinematic adrenaline rush, queue up one of these films—just don’t expect to relax anytime soon.
Sources:
Methodology:
- The following sources were used to gather a seed list of stressful movies:
- Digital Spy – The 16 most excruciatingly stressful movies of all time
- MovieWeb – The Most Anxiety-Inducing Films of All Time
- Ranker – The Most Stressful Movies To Watch
- Screen Rant – If You’re Stressed Out, You Probably Should Avoid These 10 Movies
- Glamour – 41 best thriller movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat
- User reviews for the seed list of movies were gathered from rottentomatoes.com. This was limited to 1,000 pages of reviews. The only movie this impacts is Saw II, which has over 3 million reviews.
- Each review was then analysed to find mentions of ‘stressful’ keywords. The reviews then received a score based on the presence of keywords that could suggest how stressful viewers found the movie. The list of root words and their scores can be found below. These scores were then averaged to find the overall ‘Stress Score’ of the movie. Due to the type of analysis, there is no maximum stress review score.
- The soundtracks for each movie were found on Spotify, and each track’s BPM was found using musicstax.com. The BPMs were then averaged across each movie soundtrack.
- These averages were then normalised and scaled to create an index score of ‘Stressfulness’ for each movie.
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