TOP HORROR WORLD
BY ” LE MEILLEUR ESCAPE GAME “
Updated in October 2023
What are the scariest HORROR escape rooms in the world?
Thrill-seekers, horror aficionados, this list is tailored for you. Discover the ranking of the scariest escape rooms in the world. Over time, we’ve become true enthusiasts of the horror genre. We’ve discovered that horror can be spectacular and breathtaking to behold. Gradually, we’ve encountered escape rooms that grew increasingly terrifying, continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
We’ve also curated immersive and horrifying experiences that blur the lines with escape rooms.
This personal ranking attempt of horror rooms worldwide isn’t ordered from the most terrifying to the least. Indeed, we’re more interested in the beauty of a horror room rather than the intensity and adrenaline it provides. Our preference leans towards atmospheric and cinematic escape rooms, rather than experiences that constantly terrorize players.
We offer a subjective measure of fear intensity on a scale from 0 to 10. Don’t blindly rely on our SCAREMETER, as fear mechanics are personal and can vary greatly from one player to another.
Finally, we emphasize our position against physical violence and extreme player humiliation. We believe it harms the Horror genre. Aside from being unnecessary for the spectacle, it could potentially traumatize unprepared players for life. As a precaution, we always communicate in advance with owners to avoid such things. If the escape room offers different play modes (adventure, suspense, terror, etc.), choose the mode most suitable for your team or request a customized experience to avoid what you’d prefer to steer clear of.
We have no words to describe the masterpiece of Lockhill… Is this the 3rd generation of escape room? The space is huge and could easily contain 3 or 4 traditional escape rooms. The set and atmosphere are stunning… Count on perfectly orchestrated appearances and stunts, just like the rest of the rooms of Athens. Actors also give some amazing roleplay and excitement moments. The story of Chapels and Catacombs perfectly completes the trilogy that precedes it. It might be wise to play the first adventures before playing here.
Here, we are close to an immersive adventure like the Secret Cinema or the Live Thriller. And you may know that we love it. It is more than advisable to watch the movie “Don’t breath” before playing this room. Indeed, fidelity to the feature film is close to perfection. Forget the puzzles and let yourself be carried by the action.
Like “Don’t Take a Breath”, The Live Thriller is more of an immersive experience than a traditional escape room. Realism is pushed as far as it can. We sometimes wonder whether everything we see is pure fiction or is really happening… Moreover, the creators warn you on his website with this message: “All you risk is believing in it”.
#4
LA POSESIÓN
Arcanum Escape Room
@Sant Sadurni D’Anoia/Spain
SCAREMETER
9/10
La Posesión takes its inspiration from the horror film “Insidious.” The beginning of the game is phenomenal with spectacular special effects. The actors have perfect control over the interventions, which are acrobatic and subtly performed. It’s the climax of cinematic horror rooms that will make you believe what you see is supernatural… A wonder to play.
#5
DEMISE OF THE GRICERS
Entered
@As/Belgium
SCAREMETER
8/10
“Demise of the Gricers” is undoubtedly one of the most memorable immersive experiences of our lives. We booked a very late slot, it was past midnight, and it immediately immersed us in a horror movie atmosphere. The game takes place in an immense railway site with indoor and outdoor sections. The game design is superb, restricting players in their movements, creating an absolutely inexhaustible tension. The narrative, the result of two years of thoughtful work, revolves around several strong personalities that we discover through ultra-realistic audio recordings. Therefore, “Demise of the Gricers” is not an escape room in the traditional sense of the term, but an experience that is likely one-of-a-kind.
Do you like playing Last of Us? Are you a fan of Alien? Drop your console or your TV and discover with your own eyes an apocalyptic world at Panik Room! Cobayes is a world-class experience, perfect on every level. Congratulations to its creators who once again showed a crazy inventiveness.
Tú También Flotarás lives up to the overwhelming expectations that preceded our test. The room’s sucess is based on the interactions you can have with the clown. An incredible actor’s performance that will stay with us for a long time. You will explore 320m2 of surface and several floors. You will continue to progress inside the mansion and discover ever more terrifying rooms.
Again, having seen the movie is a plus to fully savour the adventure. Here, it is the performance of the actors that is fabulous. Moments when you can only stand still and contemplate the beauty of the choreographies. A horror film, but in real life…
Nathael is a kind of evil jumanji. A game in which you are forced to perform terrifying challenges. Supernatural scenery and movie scenes await you in this dark house.
#10
THE SACRIFICE
Disappear Escape Rooms
@Athens/Greece
SCAREMETER
8/10
A gigantic and magnificent reproduction of a small Scottish village. The set is superb, as often in Athens. Fog dominates and easily creates the illusion of being outside. We can criticize one or two puzzles on which we have had trouble understanding the logic. But this in no way removes the fact that you can’t miss “The Sacrifice”.
#11
MALUM
Krematorium
@Barcelona/Spain
SCAREMETER
9/10
When high-quality horror room and set design go hand in hand, you’re definitely in for a must-see experience. In “Malum,” you’ll have to exorcise the Evil that has taken over the place. The actors are absolutely incredible, especially in the sounds they’re able to produce without any special effects. You’ll also witness several high-quality cinematic scenes where the goal is simply to contemplate the “thing” walking around you.
In the FunHouse, the immersion largely relies on brilliantly staged immersive theater segments. We came out of there, fleeing at full speed, but with one thought in mind: “How absolutely thrilling it was!” We highly recommend choosing the “Full Experience” when making a reservation, to combine this room with “The Magician of Paris.”
We repeat ourselves but Woman in Black is also inspired by the eponymous film with Daniel Radcliffe. Here puzzles are harder what is rarely the case of horror experiences. The quality of the choreographed appearances is once again both remarkable and frightening.
We didn’t know much about this escape game by reserving it. In the end, this immersive adventure is a real treasure. The intention is not to spread terror among the players, but to play hide and seek with a wandering soul. The interactions are memorable. Richard Teunen and his father Anthony Teunen (our actors on the day of the test) deliver a remarkable performance. The post-apocalyptic atmosphere immediately makes a strong impression. Icing on the cake: the scenario will give you a gorgeous twist at the end of the game. Do not hesitate to debrief with the game-masters to understand all the specificities of the story line.
The Slaughterhouse is a thrilling chase against a psychopath. However, this seemingly classic scenario shines due to the quality of the game master’s interventions. A significant portion is dedicated to improvisation. They will also grant you a certain freedom in how you react to events. As a result, the end of the story will depend on your choices.
That’s not the story you’re waiting for when you book the room. That’s why we’re not going to reveal any element of it. The special feature of Wake Up is that it gives moments of madness that few designers have dared before.The level of fear is quite high but creates a special link with the actors. Once accustomed to the jump-scare, the fear turns into a laugh. You have never experienced anything like this in an escape room, so breath slowly and go for it!
#17
STAY IN THE DARK
DarkPark
@Vlaardingen/Netherlands
SCAREMETER
7/10
This is probably the biggest escape room we’ve ever visit. Located in a huge industrial area, Stay in the Dark is a mix between urbex and escape room. The interactions with the game-master are as frightening as they are entertaining, even if our actor sometimes seemed tired of his work.
#18
KENOS
Kenos Escape Room
@Barcelona/Spain
SCAREMETER
9/10
The area in Kenos is really big, allowing for substantial interactions with the actors. This is Kenos’ great strength, as they will call you to meet its terrifying hosts one by one. This leads to memorable interactions based on a game of cat and mouse. During the cinematic sequences, you’ll also witness one or two particularly well-executed acrobatics.
#19
LA SANTA
Shock Creations
@Madrid/Spain
SCAREMETER
8/10
This escape room is gigantic, with a monumental ceiling height. It’s arguably the most beautiful reproduction of a church ever seen. The level of fear is quite high, with frequent apparitions and remarkable special effects. Despite all these positive points, we left Santa with a rather mixed impression. Numerous translation oversights disrupt our progress. Furthermore, the clues given through the speakers were barely audible. We ended up stuck for a good 10 minutes on a puzzle, unable to understand what the game master was telling us. To top it off, player safety isn’t optimal. One of us ended up with a small wound on his face due to a game element falling on his head…
#20
THE LITCHVER WOODLAND
Ban Bang Theory
@Athens/Greece
SCAREMETER
7/10
It is probably one of the most beautiful forest scenery we have ever seen. The owner even told us that he actually planted trees inside his room to make his own wood. Although the interactions with the actors can be repetitive, the team showed us all the future improvements that will be made to the acting. Please note that the room is not automatically offered in English. Indeed, you will have to hire a translator to play the room with you, for a small additional fee.
#21
HAUTED HOUSE 2: POLTERGEIST
The Chamber
@Prague/Czech Republic
SCAREMETER
7/10
We’re dealing with a high-quality immersive and horrifying adventure. The immersion is total in a frighteningly realistic setting. The acting is precisely choreographed and respect the players, with no physical contact involved. Fans of spectacular horror will be more than satisfied with Poltergeist.
#22
THE SANATORIUM (NIGHT MODE)
Lockhill
@Athens/Greece
😱
SCAREMETER
10/10
3rd part of the “Lockhill” story, Sanatorium is an essential step to understand the screenplay of the brand. You will be immerse into a level of smoke never seen elsewhere. Therefore, it is difficult to know where the actors are, and when they will jump on you! Spare shoes may be helpful.
Panik Room is a unique and revolutionary concept. Only one player at a time can explore this haunted mansion blindfolded, in order to minimize attracting spirits. Thanks to a camera mounted on the head of the player on a mission, the rest of the team guides the explorer via walkie-talkie from the Panik Room headquarters. It’s an immersive experience with a very successful level of immersion and storyline.
#24
THE MADMAN IN THE ALLEY
Skp Room
@Valencia/Spain
SCAREMETER
5/10
Skp Room previously had three different escape rooms in a large venue in Valencia. However, for the delight of its players, owners decided to destruct its three rooms and create an entirely new concept in the same location. The sets are very well done, and the pace is fast. The level of fear is moderate, allowing players to warm up gently before facing more terrifying experiences.
#25
LA CASA
Insomnia Corporation
@Berga/Spain
SCAREMETER
9/10
Until the last minute, you won’t know exactly where this escape room is located. Lost in the Pyrenean countryside, the location plays a significant role in the uniqueness of the adventure. So yes, it’s terrifying… but we will remember our stay in Berga forever.
#26
THE SCHOOL OF THE BURNING SOULS
Lockdown Escape Rooms
@Athens/Greece
😱
SCAREMETER
10/10
There are some very good ideas in School of the Burning Souls. The theme is quite unique. The original set really gives the feeling of visiting a burnt school, literally. However, the scenario and its twists are expected and predictable. Puzzles lack fluidity, which breaks immersion. The final effect is supposed to mark the apotheosis of the room. However, we found it risky for the security of the players (probably forbidden in France) and not bringing any real added value to the game.
The game-master plays a significant role in the success of this room. Portraying multiple characters, he has all the qualities of an excellent actor. Impressive in the range of emotions from anger to fear. He can even produce the strangest sounds without a voice changer. His interventions are inspired by the most frightening video games (such as The Last Of Us).
“The Woman in White” is everything you expect from a great room. Innovative, and created with passion and meticulousness. But perhaps you won’t have the time to fully appreciate the beauty of the set. Because inside this house, tormented souls wander with purpose. There’s a good dose of adrenaline if you happen to cross paths with them. “The Woman in White” knows how to balance fear and adapt to each group.
The performance of our game master, Ilan, is masterful. It’s surely one of the finest performances we’ve witnessed in France. The interactions with the puppeteer are subtle and perfectly executed. We easily let ourselves be manipulated like real disjointed puppets. We love this kind of acting that is completely outside of what we usually see.
#30
HAUNTED HOUSE 1
The Chamber
@Prague/Czech Republic
SCAREMETER
3/10
This is the first episode of the Haunted House diptych. Although we didn’t quite understand the connection with Poltergeist, Haunted House 1 is a fantastic experience. The originality of the adventure lies in a unique object that allows you to trace the history of the places you explore. The intensity of fear is much lower than in Poltergeist, which can serve as a good warm-up before playing episode 2.
#31
OUTLINE
Outline Escape Room
@Barcelona/Spain
😱
SCAREMETER
10/10
Outline is a globally renowned horror room and probably one of the scariest we’ve tested. It’s an immense labyrinth constructed in such a way that you constantly feel vulnerable. The sound accompanying each appearance is particularly well-done in the first part. Unfortunately, a slightly too forceful contact with one of our players likely took us out of the immersion fairly early on. We also regret that the second part is less immersive and less carefully crafted. The storyline, on the other hand, deserves more details and depth. Finally, we missed a superb choreography of actors or a wow effect that is often found in the best horror rooms in Spain or Athens.
Artimus is one of those Parisian establishments that places immersion at the core of their rooms. Their team of skilled decorators once again manages to surprise us. While Shining inspired the setting of this escape room, the comparison with the film ends there. The plot is completely disconnected from the original work but is nonetheless extremely well-crafted.
#33
IT’S BACK
The Code Agency
@Düsseldorf/Germany
SCAREMETER
6/10
After importing Poltergeist from Prague, The Code Agency is launching its own horror adventure. The narrative and visual ambiance bear a resemblance to the film “It,” which clearly serves as inspiration for this escape room. The set design is of high quality and quite faithful to the movie. There are several well-executed contemplative and theatrical scenes throughout. The final sequence is skillfully staged, providing a visually remarkable conclusion to the adventure.
In the Evil Twins, The Hostel took great care in decorating this mansion with a lot of detail and finesse. The atmosphere is ultra-immersive and gloomy. The size of the play area is significant. In addition to this, there’s a maze-like effect with constant back-and-forths between the rooms.
#35
SLASHER PARTY
Open Mind Room Escape
@Barcelona/Spain
SCAREMETER
5/10
A vibrant tribute to the great classics of horror movies. The atmosphere alternates between satire and mild scares. An ideal escape room for those looking to gently explore the horror genre.
Hotel Sedaine is a concept halfway between an escape room and an immersive experience. In “The Forbidden Exploration,” you embody a group of urban exploration enthusiasts, on a quest to visit abandoned places. Jump scares punctuate the adventure, inevitably creating a surprising effect.
#37
EDGAR LE POSSÉDÉ
La Maison Hantée
@Corcelles-près-Payerne/Switzerland
SCAREMETER
8/10
Edgar the Possessed offers a rare horror immersion experience in Switzerland with the presence of actors and high-quality sets. However, its exorbitant price is not justified, even when considering the cost of living in Switzerland. Additionally, the excessive amount of smoke ruined the entire first part of the game. Finally, let’s mention laborious puzzles primarily based on basic searching.
#38
THE HOUR OF THE BEASTS
Katharsis
@Mataro/Spain
SCAREMETER
3/10
An escape room loosely inspired by the movie American Nightmare. The sets are astonishingly realistic. You truly get the sensation of being in real abandoned streets. However, the game design is catastrophic and leaves us with disillusion.
#39
THE DIAMOND OF SOULS
Inmortal Room
@Barcelona/Spain
SCAREMETER
6/10
A standard beginning that leads to a realy good horror scene. An original escape room, but not a must-see.
#40
OVERLOOK HOTEL
Maximum Escape
@Barcelona/Spain
SCAREMETER
4/10
Undoubtedly the most faithful escape room to Kubrick’s film sets. The room isn’t very scary but is rather enjoyable to play.
