* Different sources track viewership differently: Box office numbers, streaming data, and home video sales all measure viewership in different ways.
* Viewership changes over time: What was popular decades ago might not be as widely watched today.
* Accessibility impacts viewership: Movies that are readily available on streaming services are more likely to be watched than those that are not.
However, some of the most popular and potentially highly watched horror films include:
* The Exorcist (1973): Widely considered one of the scariest films ever made, it has consistently been popular since its release and is often cited as a classic.
* The Conjuring (2013): A highly successful franchise, with the first film generating strong box office numbers and critical acclaim.
* The Sixth Sense (1999): A critically acclaimed film that generated massive box office success and sparked numerous discussions about its twist ending.
* Halloween (1978): A cornerstone of slasher horror, this film has been consistently popular and has spawned numerous sequels and remakes.
* Paranormal Activity (2007): A low-budget film that became a huge box office hit, making it one of the most successful found footage horror films.
Ultimately, the "most watched" horror movie is subjective and depends on how viewership is defined. It's worth noting that many classic and newer horror films have achieved widespread cultural impact and remain highly popular.