The 19 Best Horror Movies About Scarecrows

Ranker Film
Updated April 28, 2024 19 items
Voting Rules

Vote on these horror movies that predominately feature a scarecrow or scarecrows.

Stitched together from tattered clothes and straw, scarecrows stand sentinel in fields, their eerie silhouettes casting long shadows at dusk. It's no wonder that these farm guardians are muses for many spine-chilling stories. Movies about scarecrows tap into that primal unease, transforming these inanimate figures into menacing entities. Whether they're brought to life with a sinister twist, possessed by demons, or manifest as ghosts, scarecrow movies promise to deliver a healthy dose of horror.

Assembled by movie buffs with an appetite for the macabre, this collection of fear-inducing films puts the spotlight on the iconic scarecrow. From the fields of corn to the dark recesses of the imagination, these features have one thing in common: they're bound to scare the bravest of souls. The list also serves as a platform for horror enthusiasts to weigh in on these scarecrow centered tales, with an invitation to vote for the best.

The compilation includes a wide array of scarecrow horrors, loosely ranked by their popularity or critical reception. Titles range from classics like Jeepers Creepers 2 to darker takes such as 1988's Scarecrows. Each entry is ripe for debate and discussion, allowing viewers to reorder the list according to their own preferences—whether it's a leaning towards old-school horror or a penchant for modern-day chillers.

Eager to crown the king of crop-field terror? Cast a vote for the favorites and partake in shaping this anthology of scarecrow-centered scares. The next time a scarecrow sways in the breeze, it just might be remembering the collective verdict of its haunted audience.

  • Jeepers Creepers
    1
    10 VOTES

    Jeepers Creepers

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Monster movie
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: The first installment in the acclaimed horror series introduces viewers to the fearsome Creeper, a supernatural creature that uses scarecrow imagery as part of its stealthy hunting techniques. With a gripping plot and relentless tension, Jeepers Creepers offers an inventive spin on the scarecrow motif that's sure to leave you squirming in your seat.

    In Jeepers Creepers, brother and sister duo, Trish (Gina Philips) and Darry Jenner (Justin Long), find themselves ensnared in a heart-pounding struggle for survival against an ancient creature known as The Creeper. While returning home from college on a seemingly innocuous country road, they encounter the beast, awakening their worst nightmares. Director Victor Salva skillfully crafts this horror film into a chilling exploration of primal fear. The movie's unsettling tone is further enhanced by Francis Ford Coppola's role as the executive producer. As the plot unfolds, the siblings' courage and resourcefulness are tested to their limits. This film stands out for its unique fusion of terror and suspense, drawing upon traditional horror tropes while delivering unexpected twists.
    10 votes
  • Trick 'r Treat
    2
    9 VOTES

    Trick 'r Treat

    For Fans Of: Horror, Comedy, Anthology, Supernatural
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: This horror anthology film features a memorable Halloween tale involving a murderous scarecrow-like creature named Sam, who comes to life and terrorizes the citizens of a small town. With atmospheric visuals and an eerie ambiance, Trick 'r Treat is perfect for those looking to enjoy some spine-tingling scarecrow scares during the spooky season.

    In the anthology-style horror movie Trick 'r Treat, we are served a chilling banquet of Halloween-themed stories. The film, directed by Michael Dougherty, interweaves multiple narratives that unfold on the same eerie All Hallows' Eve in an unnamed town. Rhonda (Samm Todd), a reserved young girl, uncovers her bullies' cruel prank, while Principal Wilkins (Dylan Baker) harbors a gruesome secret hobby. Meanwhile, Laurie (Anna Paquin), a woman looking for her first, encounters a dangerous predator. Elsewhere, an elderly recluse Mr. Kreeg (Brian Cox) gets an unexpected visitor with sinister intentions. The characters cross paths in a darkly humorous and blood-curdling exploration of traditions and lore surrounding the most haunted night of the year.
    9 votes
  • Rise of the Scarecrows: Hell on Earth
    3
    6 VOTES

    Rise of the Scarecrows: Hell on Earth

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Action, Monster movie
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: This independent horror film delivers an intriguing premise that sees a group working together to survive against an army of undead scarecrows brought back by sinister forces. Combining elements from both zombie flicks and supernatural thrillers, Rise of the Scarecrows: Hell on Earth showcases how versatile and menacing these timeless symbols can be when given new life.

    6 votes
  • Jeepers Creepers 3: Cathedral
    4
    6 VOTES

    Jeepers Creepers 3: Cathedral

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Monster movie, Supernatural
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: As part of the popular Jeepers Creepers franchise, this thrilling sequel further explores the enigmatic Creeper monster – which often disguises itself as a terrifying scarecrow-like figure to stalk its prey. The movie's intense action scenes and chilling encounters between humans and their relentless pursuer demonstrate why these sinister symbols continue to fascinate and terrify audiences.

    A sergeant and his task force embark on a mission to destroy the Creeper on its last day of feeding. The Creeper soon fights back when they get close to discovering its mysterious and dark origins.
    6 votes
  • Dark Night of the Scarecrow
    5
    25 VOTES

    Dark Night of the Scarecrow

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: As one of the earliest and most influential films to feature a scarecrow as its central antagonist, Dark Night of the Scarecrow offers a rich exploration of fear and vengeance set within rural America. The movie masterfully weaves elements of psychological terror, dark folklore, and supernatural suspense while showcasing the power and allure of scarecrows as symbols of retribution.

    Dark Night of the Scarecrow is a 1981 American made-for-television suspense horror film directed by veteran novelist Frank De Felitta, from a script by J.D. Feigelson. Feigelson's intent had been to make an independent feature, but his script was bought by CBS for television; despite this, only minor changes were made to the original screenplay.
    25 votes
  • Husk
    6
    24 VOTES

    Husk

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Supernatural
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: This atmospheric horror film centers on a group of friends who find themselves stranded near a desolate cornfield, only to realize that the scarecrow residing there is more than just an ordinary farm decoration. With harrowing visuals and a tension-filled storyline, Husk presents a sinister twist on the traditional scarecrow mythos, making it perfect for those seeking an eerie take on the classic figure.

    Husk is a 2011 American horror film. It is a remake of the 1988 film Scarecrows. It stars Devon Graye, CJ Thomason, Tammin Sursok and Ben Easter. It was directed by Brett Simmons and was released as part of the After Dark Films series.
    24 votes
  • Scarecrows
    • Photo:
      • Scarecrows
    7
    30 VOTES

    Scarecrows

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Suspense
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: A thrilling blend of action and horror, Scarecrows follows a group of criminals who encounter murderous living scarecrows after parachuting from their hijacked plane. The film delves into themes of greed and betrayal while providing visceral scares through its nightmarish portrayal of animated scarecrows that hunt down their human prey.

    Bank robbers parachute from a hijacked plane into a field full of killer scarecrows.
    30 votes
  • Scarecrow Slayer
    8
    10 VOTES

    Scarecrow Slayer

    For Fans Of: Horror, Action, Suspense
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: This low-budget horror film puts an interesting spin on the classic scarecrow motif by presenting it as both victim and villain – possessing people who cross its path with deadly consequences. Scarecrow Slayer offers fans not only gruesome displays but also showcases how deeply rooted these figures can be in our collective psyche's darkest recesses.

    Scarecrow Slayer is a 2004 low-budget horror film, which is a sequel to the 2002 film Scarecrow. The film was a direct-to-video release, as well as its predecessor, and its 2004 sequel Scarecrow Gone Wild. The film was directed by David Michael Latt. Latt also wrote the screenplay for the film. The film starred Tony Todd, Nicole Kingston, and David Castro.
    10 votes
  • Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
    9
    8 VOTES

    Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Supernatural, Anthology
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: Though not exclusively focused on scarecrows, this adaptation of Alvin Schwartz's beloved book series showcases Harold, one of the most iconic scarecrow characters in literary history. The film brings Harold to life with chilling accuracy, offering viewers a glimpse into the haunting power that these seemingly innocuous figures can possess when given sinister intent.

    In the chilling movie Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, a group of teenagers stumbles upon a haunted house, only to discover a book filled with terrifying tales. It is penned by Sarah Bellows (Kathleen Pollard), a tortured young girl whose dark secrets have lived on through her sinister stories. As Stella Nicholls (Zoe Colletti) and her friends begin reading, they realize that these aren't just stories; they're real-life nightmares coming alive. This horror film, based on Alvin Schwartz's popular children's book series, weaves together multiple narratives into one spine-tingling feature, delivering scares that linger long after the credits roll.
    8 votes
  • Jeepers Creepers 2
    10
    29 VOTES

    Jeepers Creepers 2

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Monster movie, Action
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: While not a scarecrow-centric film, Jeepers Creepers 2 includes a memorable scene where the Creeper disguises itself as a scarecrow to hide from its prey. This chilling moment highlights the inherent eeriness of scarecrows and demonstrates how easily they can serve as vessels for horror – perfect for fans who appreciate their potential as agents of terror.

    After his son is set upon by a scarecrow that seems to have come alive, farmer Jack Taggart Sr. (Ray Wise) and his son, Jack Taggart Jr. (Luke Edwards), go looking for an explanation. Meanwhile, a bus carrying high-school students breaks down nearby, and a creature known as the Creeper (Jonathan Breck) starts a killing spree. The elder Taggart soon realizes that the killings and the attack on his son are connected, and, after alerting the community to be on guard, he aims to pummel the Creeper.
    29 votes
  • Messenger of Wrath
    11
    16 VOTES

    Messenger of Wrath

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Supernatural, Suspense
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: For those interested in exploring the darker side of human nature through the lens of scarecrow-themed horror, Messenger of Wrath provides ample opportunity. The story follows three siblings who challenge an urban legend surrounding a malevolent scarecrow-like entity and suffer the grim consequences, painting an unsettling portrait of obsession and consequence.

    16 votes
  • Scarecrow Gone Wild
    12
    10 VOTES

    Scarecrow Gone Wild

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Slasher
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: In this horror-comedy hybrid, an ancient curse brings a college's beloved mascot – a burlap-clad scarecrow named Kilcrop – to life with murderous intentions. Scarecrow Gone Wild offers a lighter take on the genre, incorporating humor into its scarecrow-related scares while still providing ample frights for lovers of supernatural horrors.

    Scarecrow Gone Wild is a low-budget film released in 2004 about a group of college co-eds who are hunted down by a killer Scarecrow after a hazing ritual sends one male student into a coma. The film is the third in a series of films about Scarecrows who kill people. The first two are Scarecrow and Scarecrow Slayer. The film was directed and written by Brian Katkin. Ken Shamrock, former NWA World Heavyweight Champion, appears in the film as the coach. Despite portraying a secondary role, Shamrock received top billing.
    10 votes
  • Scarecrow's Revenge
    13
    5 VOTES

    Scarecrow's Revenge

    For Fans Of: Horror, Action, Supernatural
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: As a revenge-driven horror flick, Scarecrow's Revenge blends elements of supernatural terror with traditional slasher thrills as it delves into themes of vengeance and justice through its titular protagonist. The movie showcases the abilities of an unearthly scarecrow seeking retribution against its tormentors, making it an ideal choice for fans who want to see just how terrifying these seemingly innocuous figures can be when driven by pure rage.

    5 votes
  • Night of the Scarecrow
    14
    21 VOTES

    Night of the Scarecrow

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Supernatural, Suspense
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: As a supernatural horror film, Night of the Scarecrow dives deep into the mythology surrounding these enigmatic figures. When a malevolent spirit possesses a town's scarecrow, the resulting chaos and terror force residents to confront their darkest fears and secrets – making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more complex examination of scarecrows' cultural significance.

    During a vacation to a viking location, Muriel is mistaken as the leader of a group of vikings! Courage now has to retrieve her before the battle against the trolls. One of the trolls and the valkyries get married and peace is settled between the 2 groups. Courage and Muriel attend the wedding.
    21 votes
  • Scarecrow
    15
    3 VOTES

    Scarecrow

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: This Syfy original movie takes the fear factor up a notch by focusing on a legendary killer scarecrow brought back from the dead, hell-bent on reaping souls in its path. With suspenseful action sequences and gruesome imagery featuring the relentless scarecrow antagonist, Scarecrow offers adrenaline-pumping excitement that'll satiate any fan's thirst for blood-curdling chills.

    Scarecrow is a 2002 direct-to-video horror film B movie, directed by French director Emmanuel Itier. It stars B movie scream queen Tiffany Shepis and Tim Young as Lester among others, including director and cofounder of Oingo Boingo Richard Elfman. The film is described as "so bad it's good", due to its poor acting, writing, and overall story.
    3 votes
  • Dark Harvest
    • Photo:
      • user uploaded image
    16
    4 VOTES

    Dark Harvest

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Supernatural
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: A quintessential late '90s low-budget horror flick, Dark Harvest follows a group of friends trapped by deadly sentient scarecrows during a road trip gone awry. Its eerie atmosphere combined with gruesome depictions of malevolent straw men makes it ideal for fans who enjoy watching ordinary objects turn nightmarish when given sinister intent.

    Dark Harvest is a 2004 slasher horror film, written and directed by Paul Moore.
    4 votes
  • Jeepers Creepers: Reborn
    • Photo:
      • Jeepers Creepers Reborn
    17
    4 VOTES

    Jeepers Creepers: Reborn

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Monster movie, Supernatural
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: As the latest installment of the popular franchise, Jeepers Creepers: Reborn promises fans even more terrifying encounters with the dreaded Creeper – who frequently masquerades as a sinister scarecrow-like figure. This entry is perfect for those interested in seeing how filmmakers continue to innovate and expand upon the bone-chilling potential of scarecrows within contemporary horror cinema.

    Chase and Laine head to the Horror Hound Festival, where Laine begins to experience unexplained premonitions and disturbing visions associated with the town's past, and in particular, local legend the Creeper. As the festival gets underway and the blood-soaked entertainment builds to a frenzy, Laine believes that something unearthly has been summoned and that for the first time in 23 years, the Creeper is back.
    4 votes
  • Dark Harvest II: The Maize
    18
    9 VOTES

    Dark Harvest II: The Maize

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Supernatural, Suspense
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: As the sequel to Dark Harvest, this installment delves deeper into the terrifying story of a group trapped within a maze-like cornfield, hunted by vengeful and murderous scarecrows. With its unsettling atmosphere and unnerving visuals featuring these straw-stuffed antagonists, Dark Harvest II: The Maize provides an atmospheric journey into darkness that'll keep fans on their toes.

    9 votes
  • Dark Harvest 3: Scarecrow
    • Photo:
      • Dark Harvest 3: Scarecrow
    19
    1 VOTES

    Dark Harvest 3: Scarecrow

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Supernatural
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Scarecrows: This third chapter in the Dark Harvest series sees protagonist Sean encountering demonic possession and supernatural forces while investigating a mysterious scarecrow with frightening implications. Featuring chilling visuals and heart-pounding suspense, Dark Harvest 3: Scarecrow delves into themes of obsession and redemption while exploring how these seemingly innocuous farm guardians can transform into horrifying agents of darkness.

    1 votes