The UK's 10 Best-Selling Horror Films of All Time: The Movies That Keep Us Up at Night
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Halloween is the perfect excuse to revisit the films that have made generations jump behind the sofa, sleep with the lights on and question every strange noise in the house. But which horror films have proved the most popular with British film fans? The answer might surprise you. From zombie apocalypses and alien encounters to a rather unusual comedy about the undead, these are the ten biggest-selling horror films in the UK's official DVD and Blu-ray sales chart.
Quick Answer
According to the Official Charts Company's published all-time UK horror DVD and Blu-ray ranking, I Am Legend takes the number one spot, followed by Shaun of the Dead and Van Helsing. The top ten also features Alien, Cloverfield, 28 Days Later and Monster House, proving that British horror fans have a taste for everything from classic monsters to modern-day nightmares.
Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Chart source | Official Charts Company |
| Chart | All-time UK best-selling horror DVDs and Blu-rays |
| Number one | I Am Legend (2007) |
| Number two | Shaun of the Dead (2004) |
| Number three | Van Helsing (2004) |
| Number of films featured | 10 |
The UK's 10 Best-Selling Horror Films
The ranking below follows the Official Charts Company's published all-time DVD and Blu-ray chart. It's worth noting that this is a historical physical-sales ranking, rather than a live 2026 sales chart.
1. I Am Legend (2007)
Starring Will Smith, I Am Legend takes the top spot with an impressive 2.35 million UK DVD sales reported by the Official Charts Company.
Set in a post-apocalyptic New York, the film follows Robert Neville, seemingly the last surviving human after a devastating virus transforms much of the population into dangerous creatures.
Combining science fiction, horror and a gripping survival story, it's easy to see why this one became such a huge home entertainment favourite.
2. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
A British comedy-horror classic that has become a firm favourite with film fans.
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost star in Edgar Wright's brilliant take on the zombie apocalypse, following two ordinary blokes attempting to survive an extraordinary situation.
With its unmistakable British humour, memorable characters and plenty of zombie action, Shaun of the Dead has earned its place as one of the most loved horror comedies ever made.
The film had sold 2.28 million DVDs and Blu-rays in the UK at the time of the Official Charts report.
Buy Shaun of the Dead on Blu-ray
3. Van Helsing (2004)
Hugh Jackman takes on the role of legendary monster hunter Gabriel Van Helsing in this action-packed supernatural adventure.
Featuring Dracula, Frankenstein's monster and the Wolf Man, the film brings together some of literature's most famous horror characters in one spectacular monster movie.
Kate Beckinsale also stars, making this a hugely entertaining throwback to the classic Universal monster films.
Buy the Collectors Edition of Van Helsing
4. Cloverfield (2008)
A monster attack on New York City, captured through the eyes of a group of friends trying to survive.
Produced by J.J. Abrams and directed by Matt Reeves, Cloverfield brought a fresh approach to the giant-monster movie, using found-footage filmmaking to put audiences right in the middle of the chaos.
Its combination of mystery, suspense and spectacular destruction helped make it a major home entertainment success.
5. Alien Quadrilogy (2003)
Few science-fiction horror franchises have had the lasting impact of Alien.
The original 1979 film introduced audiences to Ellen Ripley, the Nostromo spaceship and one of cinema's most terrifying creatures.
The Alien Quadrilogy collection brought together the first four films in the franchise, giving fans the chance to revisit the series that helped redefine science-fiction horror.
From the claustrophobic tension of the original to the action-packed sequel Aliens, it's a collection that deserves its place in the top five.
Buy Alien Quadrilogy on Blu-ray
6. Alien vs Predator (2004)
What happens when two of cinema's most recognisable extraterrestrial monsters meet?
Alien vs Predator brought together the terrifying Xenomorphs and the formidable Predators in a battle beneath the Antarctic ice.
Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the film combined two hugely popular franchises and gave fans the crossover they'd been waiting for.
Buy Alien vs Predator on Blu-ray
7. Monster House (2006)
Not all horror films need to be rated 18.
Monster House takes a slightly different approach, delivering an animated supernatural adventure that blends scares, humour and childhood imagination.
The story follows three youngsters who discover that a neighbouring house is actually a living, breathing monster.
A popular choice for younger horror fans and families looking for something spooky without going too far.
8. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Johnny Depp and director Tim Burton brought Stephen Sondheim's dark musical to the big screen in this macabre tale of revenge.
Depp plays Benjamin Barker, a barber who returns to Victorian London as Sweeney Todd, determined to take revenge on those who destroyed his life.
With Helena Bonham Carter alongside him, the film combines gothic horror, dark comedy and unforgettable musical numbers.
9. Constantine (2005)
Keanu Reeves stars as John Constantine, a supernatural investigator who can see the forces of Heaven and Hell at work in the human world.
Based on the DC Comics character, the film mixes supernatural horror, action and dark fantasy.
Featuring demons, angels and a wonderfully atmospheric take on the battle between good and evil, Constantine has developed a loyal following over the years.
Buy Constantine on 4K Ultra HD
10. 28 Days Later (2002)
Danny Boyle's groundbreaking British horror film completes the top ten.
Starring Cillian Murphy, 28 Days Later follows Jim as he wakes from a coma to discover that a highly contagious virus has devastated Britain.
Shot in a raw, documentary-inspired style, the film helped reinvigorate the modern zombie genre and introduced a new generation to fast-moving, terrifying infected creatures.
Its bleak vision of a deserted London remains one of the most memorable images in British horror cinema.
Buy the 28 Days Later steelbook
What Does Britain's Favourite Horror Film Say About Us?
Looking at the list, there's a clear appetite for more than traditional horror.
Science-fiction, supernatural adventures, zombie films and comedy-horror all feature prominently. In fact, the top three are a fascinating mix of genres, with I Am Legend, Shaun of the Dead and Van Helsing each offering something very different.
It's also interesting to see how many films from the early and mid-2000s feature. That period produced some hugely successful horror and genre films, many of which have gone on to become firm favourites with collectors.
And while some of the biggest names in horror history, including The Exorcist, The Shining and Halloween, don't make the top ten, their place in popular culture is hardly in doubt.
Horror Is Still Big Business
Horror isn't just a Halloween tradition. It's a genre that continues to attract audiences throughout the year.
In fact, new research published by the British Board of Film Classification in October 2026 found that watching horror films or TV shows is the UK's favourite Halloween activity, with 27% of people choosing it over decorating the house, trick-or-treating or attending a party.
The research also highlighted a generational difference, with 49% of Gen Z saying they prefer watching horror on Halloween, compared with just 11% of Baby Boomers.
Whether it's revisiting a childhood favourite, discovering a cult classic or adding a special edition to the collection, there's clearly still plenty of appetite for a good scare.
Find Your Next Horror Classic at Chalkys
From iconic horror franchises and supernatural thrillers to cult favourites and modern classics, there's no shortage of films to revisit this Halloween.
If you're building your horror collection or looking for something to put on when the lights go out, explore the film selection at Chalkys and find your next fright.
Because some films are just too good to watch once.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UK's best-selling horror film of all time?
According to the Official Charts Company's published all-time UK horror DVD and Blu-ray chart, I Am Legend (2007) is number one, with 2.35 million UK DVD sales reported at the time.
What is the second best-selling horror film in the UK?
Shaun of the Dead (2004), starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, takes second place with 2.28 million DVD and Blu-ray sales reported by Official Charts.
Is Shaun of the Dead considered a horror film?
Yes. Although it is primarily a comedy-horror, Shaun of the Dead combines traditional zombie-film elements with British comedy, making it one of the best-known examples of the genre.
Is 28 Days Later a British horror film?
Yes. Directed by Danny Boyle and starring Cillian Murphy, 28 Days Later is a British post-apocalyptic horror film released in 2002.
What is the most popular type of horror film?
Horror audiences enjoy a wide range of subgenres, including supernatural horror, slashers, psychological thrillers, zombie films and science-fiction horror. The Official Charts ranking demonstrates just how varied British tastes can be.
Are horror films still popular in the UK?
Absolutely. BBFC research published in October 2026 found that watching horror films or TV shows was the UK's most popular Halloween activity, chosen by 27% of people surveyed.