How to Make a Good Jump Scare [& 15+ Scary Examples]

Jump scares are a crucial ingredient in the recipe for a successful horror film. They’re the unexpected moments that make audiences jump out of their seats, scream and gasp.

But what makes a good jump scare? How can you effectively create one in your own screenplay or horror movie?

As a horror writer and horror filmmaker myself, I’ve written and filmed many jump scares in my works. I love great horror elements, and I’m so happy to be able to share my thoughts and experiences with you here!

In this article, we’ll look at some of the most terrifying events in film and explore what makes them so effective. We’ll look at some of the most iconic jump scare moments in horror history and provide you with expert tips and tricks for creating your own spine-tingling moments of terror!

So get ready to be scared and thrilled as we jump right into the world of jump scares in horror films.

What is a Jump Scare?

Jump scares can be used to evoke a variety of emotions, from fear and shock to laughter and surprise. And while they’re typically used in the horror genre films, they can also be used in other genres such as comedy and sci-fi.

How To Write a Jump Scare in A Movie

Writing effective jump scares in screenplays for movies requires careful consideration of pacing, timing, and the element of surprise. Here are some tips:

1. Build Tension Before the Scare

Establish a sense of unease or tension leading up to the jump scare. You can do this by setting a foreboding atmosphere, creating suspenseful situations, or using subtle cues that something is not quite right.

One way to build suspense is to use sounds, such as a ticking clock or a creaking door. Building tension makes the eventual scare more impactful.

2. Use Misdirection

Misdirect the audience’s attention to create surprise. Set up a situation that makes the audience focus on something else or anticipate a different outcome.

Then, subvert their expectations by introducing the scare from an unexpected direction or timing!

3. Timing and Pacing

Timing is really important for a surprising jump scare. Consider the rhythm and pacing of your screenplay to maximize the scare’s impact.

I recommend slowing the pace down right before the scare. For example, you could use moments of silence or quieter scenes to lull the audience into a false sense of security before hitting them with the scare.

4. Use A Sudden Loud Noise

Use sound design to enhance the jump scare further. Sudden loud noises or sharp sound effects can startle the audience.

Use silence effectively to create tension and then punctuate it with a jarring sound. A well-executed audio cue can significantly enhance the jump scare.

5. Change the Visuals Suddenly

Pay attention to the visual composition of the scene. Manipulate lighting, camera angles, and framing to create a sense of claustrophobia, isolation, or vulnerability.

Sudden changes in lighting or revealing something unexpected within the frame can intensify the scare.

6. Use Subtle Foreshadowing

Foreshadow the scare in subtle ways earlier in the screenplay. This can create a sense of anticipation or unease in the audience’s subconscious, making the eventual scare feel more connected and satisfying.

7. Use Genuine Character Reactions

Pay attention to how your characters react to the jump scare. Their genuine fear or shock can be contagious and heighten the audience’s response. Use their reactions to further amplify the impact of the jump scare.

8. Don’t Overuse Jump Scares!

While jump scares can be effective, using them excessively can desensitize the audience to horror elements and make them predictable.

Balance them with other horror elements, such as atmospheric tension, psychological horror (the subgenre that gets the highest approval rating among horror film viewers!), or well-crafted suspense.

Types of Jump Scares

There are a few different types of jump scares in movies and video games, and we will look at the three main types here.

Type 1: Unexpected & It Happens

One of the most classic and effective types of jump scares in movies is when the viewer is caught entirely off guard by the sudden appearance of the monster. This type of jump scare can be incredibly powerful, leaving the audience feeling vulnerable and scared.

• Lay the Groundwork: Start with something ordinary. Maybe a character is just rummaging in the kitchen or reading a book. The key? Don’t let the audience see it coming.

• It’s All About the Mood: Drop little hints. Maybe a creaky floorboard here, a gust of wind there. Use dim lights or a lone candle. And hey, don’t underestimate the power of a creepy tune or even just… silence. Let the audience lean in, straining their ears, waiting…

• BOO! The Big Moment: Now, hit them with the unexpected! Have that monster pop out from the least expected corner. Amplify the shock with a sudden loud noise or a dramatic music shift. Remember, it’s all about the surprise.

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Type 2: Expected But Nothing Happens

Another type of jump scare that can be used in movies is the fake-out scare, where the viewer is led to believe that something terrifying is about to happen, but instead, something innocent or unexpected happens.

• Classic Fake-Outs From Movies:
  • Innocent interruptions: A cat dashing by or a child’s unexpected question. These unexpected moments can add a touch of humor or surprise.
• Mix and Match:
  • Combine fake-outs with traditional jump scares for a roller-coaster of emotions. Keep the audience on their toes, never letting them feel too safe.
• Setting the Stage:
  • Use sound effects, like a heartbeat or suspenseful music, to heighten anticipation. Camera tricks, like slow zoom-ins or shaky cam, can also build tension.
• The Big Twist:
  • Just when the audience is bracing for a scare, switch to a lighthearted or unexpected moment. This sudden shift can create relief, laughter, or even more suspense as viewers wait for the “real” scare.
• Remember the Audience:
  • A well-executed fake-out can be as memorable as a genuine scare. It’s all about keeping viewers engaged and playing with their expectations!

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Type 3: Expected & It Happens

One of the most common types of jump scares in movies is when the viewer is anticipating the appearance of a monster or other terrifying creature, and that monster does indeed make its entrance. Let’s look at how to create this classic scare tactic!

• Build the Suspense:
  • Use shadowy lighting to create an eerie atmosphere. Ominous music sets the tone, making viewers’ hearts race in anticipation.
  • Clever camera angles can tease the monster’s presence, showing just enough to keep viewers on edge.
• The Grand Entrance:
  • When the monster finally shows up, it should be a moment of pure terror. The reveal should be sudden and jarring, even if it’s expected.
  • The right timing makes all the difference here.
• Sound is Key:
  • Amplify the scare with sudden sound effects or a dramatic shift in music. The right sound at the right moment can make the difference between a mild shock and a heart-stopping scare.
• Remember the Details:
  • Don’t just think about your monster – consider the entire scene. Everything from the setting to other characters’ reactions can heighten the scare. The more believable the scene, the more effective the jump scare will be.

Examples of Iconic Jump Scares

Let’s take a look at some of the most effective jump scares in movies. Each of these moments in horror film has left an indelible mark on audiences and contributed to the lasting popularity of the horror genre.

Type 1 (Unexpected)

Psycho (1960)

The infamous shower scene in the Hitchcock classic, with its quick cuts, piercing violin score, and the sudden appearance of the killer, subverts the feeling of safety in one’s own bathroom.

With no time to react, Marion is as caught off-guard as the audience in this moment of sheer terror.

Insidious (2010)

The demon’s face suddenly appearing behind Patrick Wilson’s Josh when he’s talking with his mother in the dining room creates a startling visual and a shocking reveal.

James Wan performs a fantastic bit of misdirection here, as we expect something to jump out at a different moment or near a different character, so when it does appear, it’s utterly off-putting.

Signs (2002)

The birthday party scene, where Joaquim Phoenix’s Merrill watches TV, riveted by the reports of strange sightings coming from across the globe, so when the grainy handheld news footage taken at a kids’ birthday party in Brazil reveals the first full picture of an alien, the audience recoils as much as poor Merrill.

A Quiet Place (2018)

The nail on the stairs scene, as Evelyn steps barefoot on a nail while trying silently evade the monster in the house, combines the physical pain of the moment with the sudden shock of noise and imminent danger.

At that moment, the audience wants to scream out as much as she does, but though they jump, most people watching this scene force themselves to stay as quiet as does our heroine.

Type 2 (Expected But Innocent)

The Sixth Sense (1999)

The girl under the bed scene, as young Cole enters a deceased girl’s bedroom full of dolls and toys.

As he slowly walks toward some slightly moving marionettes, a hand grabs him from under the bed. As he falls back, we see the ghost of a young girl, surprising viewers for the second time in as many seconds with its unexpected presence and eerie visuals.

Halloween (1978)

This is another classic film with multiple jump scares. One great example is the closet scene, when Michael Myers unexpectedly bursts out from behind the closet door, playing on the fear of being trapped in a confined space with a relentless killer.

The other is a great fake out when Dr. Loomis is outside the Myers house, scaring some kids away from the place, when a hand appears on his shoulder, leading us to believe Michael is there – only for it to be the Sheriff.

The Amityville Horror (1979)

In “The Amityville Horror” (1979), a notable jump scare involves a cat suddenly appearing at a window, subverting the audience’s expectation of something more sinister.

This scene effectively builds tension, leading viewers to anticipate a horrifying reveal. The abrupt arrival of the harmless cat triggers a startled response, showcasing the classic bait-and-switch tactic of jump scares in horror films.

Type 3 (Expected And Happens)

Exorcist III (1990)

As much as the original is a horror classic, even it doesn’t have a moment that quite matches this one.

A wide shot shows a hospital hallway at night, with a nurse doing rounds. It looks so placid and mundane that when she’s followed out of a room by a knife-wielding figure clad in bedsheets, it still manages to frighten even diehard fans to this day.

The Ring (2002)

In the “I saw her face” scene, Rachel is told about discovering her dead niece, Katie, in a closet.

What makes it jarring is this two-second flashback occurs right in the middle of a low-key dialogue-driven scene and catches the audience completely off-guard, capitalizing on the fear of the unknown and the supernatural intruding into our everyday lives.

Jaws (1975)

With multiple jumps, the ones that instantly come to mind are the underwater head reveal, as a severed head suddenly appears from a sunken boat, and the chum scene, where Chief Brody absentmindedly throws chum into the water to lure the shark, only for it to appear right next to him.

These both capitalize on the fear of the unseen lurking beneath the water’s surface.

The Conjuring (2013)

In the clapping game scene, Carolyn searches for the source of a clapping sound through her home, only to become trapped in the darkness of the pitch-black cellar.

As she lights a match to try and see the source of the child’s voice at the bottom of the stairs, a pair of clapping hands suddenly emerge from the darkness behind her, creating an immediate sense of dread and imminent danger.

Alien (1979)

Alien is a great choice for multiple jump scares of all three types discussed above. The most well-known is the chest-burster scene, with the alien unexpectedly bursting out of John Hurt’s chest, which shocks audiences with its visceral and horrifying imagery.

A great fake-out happens with Jonesy, the cat, while a great expected scare is when Dallas is hunting the alien in the ducts, only to realize he’s the one being hunted, ending in a shocking way that makes audiences jump every time.

It (2017)

The projector scene, where the kids watch a slide show that takes on a life of its own.

As Pennywise’s face comes into view, they try to kick over the projector to stop it, when the evil clown’s face suddenly vanishes from the screen – only for the real Pennywise to spring forth from the screen and lunge at the children – making for an unexpected moment full of eerie visuals and a sudden burst of intensity.

The Shining (1980)

The best jump scare in The Shining is the bathtub scene, where Jack Torrance enters room 237 only to find a beautiful naked woman in the bathroom.

Lured inside, he embraces her in a passionate kiss, only to glance at the bathroom mirror, which reveals her dead and decayed form, creating a shocking moment that defies expectations and instills dread.

It Follows (2014)

The tall man scene, where Jay is convinced that the entity that has been following her is right behind the door, but when her friends open it, it’s only another of her friends.

The moment of relaxation evaporates in the next second as the form of a towering figure appears right behind her friend in the hallway, generating an eerie and unsettling image that lingers long after the moment passes.

Smile (2022)

The playback scene, where Rose listens to a patient’s audio recording and picks up on a whisper buried in the background.

As she turns up the volume and concentrates on really hearing what the voice is saying, her dead mother appears right next to her face. It’s as jarring as it is terrifying.

Final Thoughts

All in all, jump scares have become a staple of modern horror movies.

Whether intentional or unintentional, they can add an exciting level of suspense to any film, video, or other visual media.

To master the art of crafting heart-pounding moments, budding filmmakers and storytellers can gain valuable insight by dissecting the techniques that other filmmakers have used to create the best scares.

Whether it’s the perfectly timed silence, a sudden jolt of sound, or a clever misdirection, the art of crafting jump scares continues to evolve, adding new dimensions to your horror theme and the horror genre in general.

With a few of these tips in mind and the examples from videos in this post to draw from, it’s time to get creative! If you’re looking for an exciting way to engage with your audience visually and emotionally – consider giving jump scares a try!

If you’re hoping to create your own horror story, check out my list of fantastic scary story prompts to get started!

Common Questions (FAQs)

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