When it comes to game ratings, Metacritic is responsible for one of the most highly-respected ranking systems out there. When it comes to horror games, though, everyone has their own opinions about what's hot and what's not. We decided to put the rankings to the test and find out what the highest-rated horror games of all time are and, well... the results might be a bit shocking.
Not only are some of these classics, but some may even be unheard of to casual horror fans. This list truly is a mixed bag of weird, but hey, for once it's not one that we've been responsible for curating! So without further distraction, here are the top-rated horror games, of all time, from any and all consoles, as ordered by Metacritic. Perhaps the true horror is that fan-favorite games didn't make the list...
Updated on March 24, 2022 by Ritwik Mitra: It's a shame that many people consider horror games to be nothing more than jumpscare fests that hold more value for YouTube overreactions as opposed to having some actual value for the regular player. This viewpoint couldn't be further away from the truth, since there are many games that use the concept of horror to great success and deliver memorable experiences that players will remember long after finishing the following games on this list.
15 BioShock 2 (88)
Most people consider BioShock 2 to be an inferior game to its predecessor, with the title basically feeling like more of the same instead of actually trying something different with the series. However, once the comparisons to the first BioShock are over and done with, players will realize that BioShock 2 is an excellent game in its own right.
Really, the only flaw of this game is its name and the hefty allure of the series it's attached to. Combat mechanics are refined extensively and various quality-of-life changes are made to improve the gameplay.
14 Dead Space (89)
Dead Space is a truly bone-chilling experience that fans of horror games should definitely check out. The USG Ishimura is a truly haunting ship to explore, with the hallways of this desolate spacecraft housing some of the scariest monsters in video game history.
It helps that the story of Dead Space is absolutely brilliant, even though Isaac being a silent protagonist does get in the way of the narrative's emotional punch. However, these are minor complaints in a game that blends action and horror seamlessly.
13 Left 4 Dead (89)
In a completely and not surprising twist, we have Left 4 Dead rounding out this list as number ten. With a decent - and fairly gory - history now, the Left 4 Dead series is not for the faint of heart. Everything, from the graphics to the jump scares in this game, make it a true survival horror.
Taking after the likes of its horrific predecessors, this game was everything a gamer could ask for when it comes to turning out the lights and being scared... well, you know.
12 Dead Space 2 (90)
Most people considered the first Dead Space to focus more on horror, while its sequel focuses more on pure action. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, with Dead Space 2 considered by many to be better than its predecessor.
For starters, Isaac actually talks and reacts to events in the game, which already addresses one of the predecessor's biggest complaints. This, coupled with the tighter gameplay and narrative of the title, puts it in a class of its own.
11 Castlevania: Aria Of Sorrow (91)
While Castlevania has earned the most spots on this list, it has been rightfully so, as the series continues to celebrate its long-hailed success. Aria of Sorrow is obviously viewed as the second-best when it comes to ranking each game in the series.
With a new plot and different characters, fans were quickly hooked on this storyline set in 2035, where it's the player's job to duke it out in Dracula's castle. This game had considerably better graphics than the first and was an exciting challenge for horror fans.
10 Castlevania: Circle Of The Moon (91)
Surprise surprise, yet another Castlevania game. However, this was the first released for the Game Boy Advance, and while not critically acclaimed, it was still innovative enough to earn it a spot in the top ten list according to Metacritic. Evidently, despite the poor reviews regarding graphic style, this game was still ranked high due to its gameplay.
Getting through the story was arguably more challenging than the others, as the gameplay was tricky, but in the best way possible. Those who were committed to seeing this one through were captivated by the challenge it provided, along with the classic horror touch Konami is known for.
9 Planescape: Torment (91)
Planescape: Torment is a bit strange, to say the least. While it is interesting that out of all the games in the world, this one made the list, we can't discount the fact that it is a true horror. With the revolving theme of death, Planescape: Torment had an engaging story with characters who were clearly well-fleshed out and creatively written.
With its classic RPG style, it's easy to see how many fans were hooked, even if it wasn't the most popular game at the time. The downfall of this game was, unsurprisingly, the combat style, but its story and driven character development made up for it that in everything it lacked. With a solid balance of mild gore and a great story, this game rounds in at number seven.
8 Resident Evil (91)
Now, this one is not much of a surprise. While some may believe that it should have ranked higher, there's no denying that fans are happy to see it on the list, period. Considering the fact that Resident Evil games are still being made and remade to this day, it's likely one of the greatest horrors of all time, and not just in terms of Metacritic's list.
Boasting a brilliant story with characters who are interesting and dynamic, this game outranks many others still to this day. Its above-average gore and creation of monsters only upstaged by Silent Hill, Resident Evil is a solid addition to the top ten greatest horror games out there.
7 Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem (92)
For those who aren't familiar with Eternal Darkness, it was a horror game that came out originally for GameCube. With that being said, it's arguably one of the scariest games to come out for the console. Whether or not that's true depends on personal opinion... we're not here to make that call.
What we are here to do is discuss the games that have earned the top places, and this one has a surprisingly high rating indeed. This was a game that got into a player's head and threw more psychological punches than many of us were ready for, complete with sounds and gruesome graphic tricks that were seemingly beyond any that had previously been witnessed.
6 Demon's Souls (92)
Demon's Souls, exclusive for PlayStation 3, has definitely earned its rights as a horror game, but it also follows suit as one rooted in fantasy. This game had an intriguing plot, consisting of demons who were essentially soul-eaters, throwing the inhabitants of this totally creepy island in peril 24/7.
Some may argue that this horror isn't nearly as scary or 'horror-themed' as many others on the list, but it still counts with its decent spooks and creepy backstory.
5 The Last Of Us Part 2 (93)
Many people lambasted The Last of Us Part 2 for having a weaker narrative than its predecessor whose themes feel too simplistic given the allure of the series. However, this is one of the few faults in an otherwise solid experience.
The realistic feel of the combat in this game and the amazing characters elevate this experience to a whole new level. Naughty Dog's experience in developing titles with excellent gameplay absolutely shines in this amazing title.
4 Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night (93)
Perhaps it's not too surprising that Castlevania made it to this list, likely because it is a true classic in the nature of horror games. This is one that should be on everyone's list, if not for the nostalgia, then for the story. In Konami's heyday, Castlevania was revolutionary for the time it was created. Set in Dracula's castle, this unusual yet intriguing game broke the mold of traditional horror and gave fans what they craved: Something new and innovative.
It was so popular, in fact, that it has since inspired a Netflix show which has generated new interest in this classic series. Symphony of the Night is arguably still the best Castlevania game to date, especially in the eyes of fans.
3 The Last Of Us (95)
The Last of Us was a landmark video game that pushed the PS3 to its very limit and showed precisely why Naughty Dog had become masters of third-person action-adventure games. Zombies is a concept that should've led to a combined sigh from the fanbase, but it's the innovative spin that is put on this concept that makes The Last of Us such an amazing game.
It helped that the duo of Joel and Ellie are two of the best characters in gaming history. The sheer backlash that arose when people found out about Joel's fate in The Last of Us Part 2 shows just how passionate people were about this duo.
2 Resident Evil 4 (96)
Commonly referred to as one of the best in the series, if not the best in the series for some, Resident Evil 4 had outranked its predecessors with monsters that gave players a run for their money. Pushing all the limits to create something truly disturbing, this survival horror continued to revolutionize the way people viewed shooters.
It also paved the way for similar zombie games to follow, quickly generating a horror-shooter-survival genre that is still thriving to this day.
1 BioShock (96)
It's not surprising to see Bioshock make the top ten list. However, it is a being surprising to see that it claims the number one spot. That's not to say that it doesn't shine in the horror genre, but with competition from so many games in the same category, BioShock is clearly the most beloved amongst horror fans.
With an enraptured story and characters whom one just can't help but question and analyze, the setting of the dystopian world of Rapture takes first place on this wild ride of a countdown. It goes without saying that this game's major plot twist had all of our hairs standing on end.