Happy Tuesday, dear readers! Each week, we’ll rank the top 10 films in a specific category. While we aim to tie these lists to big releases, that won’t always be the case. Our goal? For you to enjoy, share your own lists, and join in on a lively, friendly debate. This is an interactive space to build community here at The Contending.
No fancy intros, no long essays – just a category and a list. Sound good? Good.
This weekend, Final Destination: Bloodlines hits theaters. The sixth film in the franchise that began in 2000, Bloodlines promises to deliver the unique blend of suspense, horror, and creative death sequences fans crave.
To mark the occasion, we’re ranking the ten best Teen Horror films of all time. Our criteria are straightforward: films must center on teen or young adult protagonists (high school or college age). Prequels, sequels, and remakes qualify, provided they meet this rule. Iconic horror films like The Exorcist (Regan is 12) or Night of the Living Dead (lacking teen leads) were excluded, despite their genre-defining impact.
As the Final Destination series reminds us, you can’t outrun death – you can only brace for what’s coming. Join us as we unveil the ten greatest Teen Horror films, and let’s see if your favorites make the cut!

10. Friday the 13th (1980)

9. The Evil Dead (1981)

8. Suspiria (1977)

7. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

6. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

5. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

4. The Lost Boys (1987)

3. Carrie (1976)

2. Scream (1996)

1. Halloween (1978)
What do you agree/disagree with? What is the best Teen Horror film of all-time?