After 10 years of murder, monsters, and mayhem (and that's just in the real world), we are finally nearing the end of the decade. It's safe to say that the past 10 years have been monumental for horror cinema, with the genre moving away from the remake-centric days of the 2000's, and towards more bold and original tales of terror. Over the past decade, horror has continued to push boundaries in terms of its treatment of social issues, depiction of sex and violence, and a renewed sense of inclusivity both in front of and behind the camera. We've had films from all around the world, made by people off all races and nationalities, while more women have also been given the chance to step behind the camera as well. After a lot of contemplation and wittling down some numbers, I have managed to compile a list of my top 100 horror films of the decade. So sit back and take a gander, and enjoy.
100. Piranha 3D (Alexandre Aja, 2010)
During the height of the modern 3D craze, this sleazy creature feature came swimming out raring its razor-sharp teeth. High Tension director Alexandre Aja took the basic premise of Joe Dante's original Piranha and turned up the gore and nudity to 11, resulting in a balls to the wall B-movie to kick off the decade. Topping it all off is a bloody brilliant ensemble cast including a badass Elisabeth Shue, and a hilarious Jerry O'Connell as dirtbag porno director Derek. Once again, it no longer felt safe to go back in the water.
Scariest Moment:
The various gory set pieces once the hungry piranha are let loose on the oblivious spring breakers.
99. Oculus (Mike Flanagan, 2013)
The film that really put Mike Flanagan on the map, Occulus laid the groundwork for what to expect from Flanagan's future films. Revolving around the conflict between two siblings and a cursed mirror, there are plenty of mind-bending psychological scares here that force the audiences to question their own perceptions as well. However it's the domestic drama at the heart of the horror that elevates Occulus above its contemporaries, something that would be mirrored in much of Flanagan's later works such as the highly acclaimed Haunting of Hill House.
Scariest Moment:
Young Kaylie discovers her mother chain
Young Kaylie discovers her mother chain
98. It Comes At Night (Trey Edward Shults, 2017)
One of the various indie-horror efforts from A24 in the 2010's, It Comes at Night took a more subtle and isolated approach to the post-apocalyptic subgenre. Reveling in the paranoia surrounding a mysterious contagion, the film delves deep into the protagonists internal fears in some truly nightmarish ways. Grim dream sequences and highly tense set pieces dominate the film and result in a truly unique take on the end of the world. It might not be as well remembered as some of A24's other recent efforts, but it certainly warrants a rewatch nonetheless.
Scariest Moment:
Travis has a nightmare about his recently deceased grandfather.
Travis has a nightmare about his recently deceased grandfather.
97. The Final Girls (Todd Strauss-Schulson, 2015)
While it's far from the first film to take a tongue-in-cheek approach to the slasher genre, The Final Girls goes that extra step further by literally putting its protagonists in the movie, a la The Last Action Hero. The film has a lot of fun poking fun at the genre while also displaying a genuine affection too, embodied by the relationship between Taissa Farmiga's Max and her ex-scream queen mother Amanda played by Malin Akerman. It's a surprisingly tender homage to the 80's slasher craze, and one that's worth a watch for anyone who enjoys those films.
Scariest Moment:
96. Sinister (Scott Derrickson, 2012)
On the surface Sinister seems like your fairly standard supernatural horror, however its clever use of home video footage and a strong performance from Ethan Hawke allow this low-budget effort to stand out among its contemporaries. Orchestrating the terror is the sinister Bughul, a child-snatching pagan deity who dresses like a member of Slipknot in formal wear. His grungy, ghoulish aesthetic has made him an icon among modern horror monsters, and his modus operandi is even more unsettling than that blank face of his. Grossing nearly $88 million compared to its budget of $3 million, Sinister was one of Blumhouses many early successes of the past decade.
Scariest Moment:
A particularly chilling home movie involving a lawn-mower. You know the one.
95. The Void (Jeremy Gillespie & Steven Kostanski, 2016)
Playing out like a lovechild of HP Lovecraft and John Carpenter, The Void delves into all the cosmic horror of the former while borrowing heavily from the aesthetics of the latter's filmography. The film was lauded (rightly so) at the time for its incredible practical effects that are reminiscent of Carpenters The Thing, and those ooey gooey Lovecraftian creatures are still spoken about in the horror community today. It's an 80's horror fans wet dream, that isn't afraid to go to some darker places than some of the other nostalgia-driven horrors of the 2010's.
Scariest Moment:
Daniel discovers a murderous Beverly in one hospital ward.
94. The Invitation (Karyn Kusama, 2015)
Taking a page from the works of Ira Levin, The Invitation is a thrilling exercise in paranoia that takes great pleasure in leaving its audience in anticipation. Preying on the age old fears of mistrust and loneliness, The Invitation is a slow burner that is in no rush to reveal anything juicy too soon. However, once things start to unravel it becomes fast-paced adrenaline rush of nail biting proportions, meticulously crafted by director Karyn Kusama. The less that is said about the films many twists and turns, the better.
Scariest Moment:
The true motives behind the dinner party are revealed.
93. Ready or Not (Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett, 2019)
Samara Weaving is quickly becoming a favourite among fans of the horror genre, and Ready or Not is another standout role from the rising scream queen. A more violent take on hide and seek sees Weaving face off against a family of greedy rich folk who obsess over a mysterious family curse, and chaos rightly ensues. Packed full of action, comedy, suspense, and at times even romance, Ready or Not is a fun romp with a phenomenal performance from Weaving at the center of all the madness. Most importantly however, it highlights how awful rich people really are.
Scariest Moment:
The explosive finale in which the truth behind the family curse is revealed.
92. The Woman in Black (James Watkins, 2012)
Hammer Horror return to what they do best in this high gothic horror based on the novel by Susan Hill. Oozing in gorgeous gothic atmosphere, The Woman in Black harkens back to the golden age of British horror by focusing on old school scares and lavish production design. I could honestly talk for ages about all the misty moores and moody mansions of The Woman in Black, but this is going to be a long list and unfortunately I don't have that time. While it's a shame that Hammer didn't start making more gothic horror films after The Woman in Black, the film did manage to help distance Daniel Radcliffe from his Harry Potter days, and set his career off to more mature films in the years to come.
Scariest Moment:
The woman reveals herself to Arthur in a room full of creepy toys.
91. A Dark Song (Liam Gavin, 2016)
Pagan rituals are frequent in horror, often used as plot devices in order to attract or expel evil spirits and the like. However, A Dark Song subverts these tropes by pouring meticulous detail into the films central ritual. This seemingly grounds the film in reality and almost lulls us into a false sense of security, all before the supernatural terror kicks off in the final act. It's a subtle, slow-burning horror film that gradually unfolds into something much more sinister and cathartic. Much like The Exorcist did decades ago, A Dark Song could very well convince even the most skeptical of viewers to believe in the supernatural.
Scariest Moment:
Sophia finds herself plagued by demons in the films final act.
90. The Headhunter (Jordan Downey, 2019)
A triumph of low-budget horror cinema, The Headhunter blends medieval fantasy and monster movies to create a unique and unpredictable experience right from the start. It's a simple premise of man vs monster, crafted in a really clever way that defies the need for any massive budgets or CGI. Instead Jordan Downey uses shadows, limited practical effects, and clever editing to craft a gripping tale of fantasy and terror. It's a must see for aspiring filmmakers.
Scariest Moment:
Our heroes final encounter with his monstrous adversary.
89. Let Us Prey (Brian O'Malley, 2014)
Hell comes to a small Scottish police station one night in the form of a mysterious man played by Liam Cunningham. Throw in genre favourite Pollyana McIntosh and plenty of religious allusions that would make even Ken Russell blush, and you've got an action packed exercise in thrills and horror that delves into the darkest reaches of human sin. It's a blood-soaked farce that becomes gradually more relentless as things continue to heat up, and amidst all of the glorious gore it also delves into themes such as police brutality and institutionalised sexism. And also, Liam Cunningham is super cool.
Scariest Moment:
The deranged Macready snaps and turns on his fellow officers.
88. Hounds of Love (Ben Young, 2016)
It's unfortunate that this film has nothing to do with the Kate Bush album of its namesake (not even a single track), however, Hounds of Love is still worth a watch regardless. A similar affair as previous ozsploitation films like The Loved Ones, and Wolf Creek, this is a nasty little kidnapping tale that revolves around an extremely toxic relationship, and how that reaches into the surrounding world and pulls in a young girl in the wrong place at the wrong time. Grim, grounded, and hard to stomach at times, Hounds of Love may be a far cry from Kate Bushes iconic album, but for lovers of more realistic tales of terror then this will be right up your street.
Scariest Moment:
Vicki's first escape attempt.
87. The Devils Candy (Sean Byrne, 2015)
And speaking of The Loved Ones, the brain behind that lovable little torture porn returned in 2015 for something a little different. This time Sean Byrne gave us a heavy-metal fuelled psychological horror about a family, their new home, its old resident, and satan himself. Initially it's like one of those satanic panic oddities from the 1980's, but the usual tropes become gradually subverted as the film progresses. Byrne adds surprising levels of nuance to his central protagonists and allows us to almost be apart of their family. So when the bloodshed finally does ensue, our hearts are well and truly pumping out of our chests. It's metal af to the max.
Scariest Moment:
The murderous Ray violently claims the life of a young boy.
86. Clown (Jon Watts, 2014)
Born out of a fake trailer that caught the attention of producer Eli Roth, Clown is the body horror film that coulrophobes have dreading their whole life. The concept of a man turning into a monstrous clown after acquiring a cursed clown suit sounds ridiculous on paper, but Watts and his co-writer Christopher Ford manage to go to some really dark places. Ultimately Clown manages to be fairly terrifying at times, with sprinklings of pitch-black humor and an always wonderful Peter Stromare as a seasoned ehh.. clown-hunter? Trust me, it makes sense when you watch it.
Scariest Moment:
Kent heads to a children's play area in order to feed his hunger and break the clown-curse, and thus the bloodshed ensues.
85. American Mary (Jen & Sylvia Soska, 2012)
Another Canadian body-horror, this time focusing on the world of extreme body modification, American Mary is the film that made the Soska Sisters ones to watch in the horror community. Blending body horror with elements of the rape-revenge genre, its refreshing to get a female take on those old familiar tropes, and the Soskas take great care in ensuring that this was not just some by the numbers torture porn. The result is a grizzly, yet nuanced character study anchored by Katherine Isabelle's best performance since Ginger Snaps. At the time of writing this article I've heard news of the Soska's working on a remake of David Cronenberg's Rabid, and I can't think of any other filmmakers who would be better for the job.
Scariest Moment:
The result of Mary's gruesome vengeance on the man who assaulted her.
84. Spring (Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead, 2014)
The nice thing about Spring is that it's got a bit of everything, drama, romance, and ingenious Lovecraftion horror. Set in a stunning part of Southern Italy the film chronicles the romance between a young American man, and a woman who is not exactly what she seems. I don't want to give too much away because there are some wonderful revelations throughout, but let's just say the film boasts some truly wonderful creature designs that Guillermo Del Toro even praised. If you're looking for the perfect horror date movie, then look no further than Spring.
Scariest Moment:
Louise's encounter with the American tourist.
83. Terrifier (Damien Leone, 2016)
Art the Clown has become something of a cult horror icon over the past few years, since his first appearance in Leone's other film All Hallow's Eve. However, it's Terrifier that really put the malevolent mime on the map. While the plot of Terrifier is your standard slasher fare of a killer hunting young women on Halloween night, it's David Howard Thornton's performance as Art that really brings the dread. He's got such an intense physicality about him that makes every waking moment of his screen time goosebump-inducing, and that's before he even begins his dastardly acts of depravity. Even if you've never found yourself being freaked out by clowns, Art is bound to send chills down your spine.
Scariest Moment:
Art makes use of his trusty chainsaw on an unfortunate young victim
82. Veronica (Paco Plaza, 2017)
Paco Plaza, one half of the directorial team behind iconic zombie romp REC returned to give us goosebumps yet again with this Spanish supernatural horror. Plaza puts extreme care into his creepy set pieces, injecting a more reserved level of dread that's just as effective as his previous efforts. Taking some usual tropes like ouija boards and creepy nuns, Veronica also adds an underlying psychological element to its eerie tale, inviting audiences to question the reality and reliability of our protagonists narrative. When you're not hiding behind your hands that is.
Scariest Moment:
Veronica and her siblings are terrorised by the shadowy figure.
A gothic romance oozing with ghosts and ghouls, Crimson Peak marked Del Toro's return to this particular realm of the supernatural, akin to his much praised The Devil's Backbone. Skeletal crimson ghosts roam the halls of the films lavishly designed manor, making this without a doubt one of Del Toro's most eye-catching films to date. The reliance on more old-school scares and abundance of gorgeous gothic imagery hearkened back to the good ol' days of Mario Bava and Roger Corman, making for a more refreshing supernatural chiller at a time when ghosts and demons were coming back into fashion.
Scariest Moment:
Young Edith receives an eerie warning from her dead mothers ghost.
Scariest Moment:
Veronica and her siblings are terrorised by the shadowy figure.
81. Crimson Peak (Guillermo Del Toro, 2015)
Scariest Moment:
Young Edith receives an eerie warning from her dead mothers ghost.
80. Doctor Sleep (Mike Flanagan, 2019)
With Doctor Sleep, Mike Flanagan managed to do what many believed was impossible by finding a middle ground between Stephen King's novel of The Shining, and Stanley Kubrick's film adaptation. This works as both an adaptation of King's own Shining sequel, and a direct follow up to Kubrick's film as well, taking the best elements of both and finally reconciling the two. While both versions of The Shining where about trauma and succumbing to addiction, Doctor Sleep is a film about recovery, and finally putting those (literal) ghosts of the past to rest. With its stellar cast, respect for both versions of The Shining, and plenty of suprises for fans of the novel and film, Doctor Sleep once again proved that Mike Flanagan is a master of modern horror.
Scariest Moment:
Danny Torrance is reunited with the woman from Room 237.
79. Creep 2 (Patrick Brice, 2017)
We will come to the first Creep film later on in this list, but this highly impressive follow up deserves an almost equal amount of praise as well. Much in a similar vein as Evil Dead 2, this found-footage-follow-up takes a more tongue-in-cheek approach to horror and has a lot of fun in subverting its predecessor. Mark Duplass is once again a pleasure to watch, this time as a serial killer facing a mid-life crisis. This new take, along with the dynamic between Duplass and his co-star Desiree Akhavan, save Creep 2 from becoming just another derivative sequel. God only knows what will happen in Creep 3.
Scariest Moment:
Sara is chased through the woods by 'Aaron'.
Sara is chased through the woods by 'Aaron'.
78. The Neon Demon (Nicolas Winding Refn, 2016)
Delving into the dark underbelly of LA's fashion scene, The Neon Demon follows a rising model played by Elle Fanning as she navigates the sinister new world around her. Soaked in a gorgeous neon glow and accompanied by a catchy soundtrack courtesy of Cliff Martinez, this is by far Winding Refn's most stylish film yet. While it may not appear overtly scary at first, things gradually devolve into a grizzly and gruesome horror-show that culminates in a bloody farce. Looks certainly can kill in the warped world of The Neon Demon.
Scariest Moment:
Jenna Malone gets jiggy with it down at the morgue.
77. Hell Fest (Gregory Plotkin, 2018)
Slasher films aren't as common as they used to be, which is why Hell Fest made for such an enjoyable horror. It's not a sequel or remake, nor is it a cheap imitation of Screams sense of self-irony, it's just a straight up slasher flick that knows what it is and has a lot of fun doing what it does. The scary amusement park setting sets the film up for a funhouse ride of gore-soaked thrills and spills, with a surprisingly crafty killer at the centre of it all. Throw in some memorable death scenes and a Tony Todd cameo, and you've got yourselves a future cult classic.
Scariest Moment:
The killer decides to test his strength on poor Gavin's head.
76. Krampus (Michael Dougherty, 2015)
Having already tackled all hallows eve with his now iconic Trick r Treat, Michael Dougherty decided to bring the terror to a more festive setting with his Christmas creepshow, Krampus. Here a dysfunctional family that could rival Home Alone's McCallister clan, are pitted against the literal devil of Christmas himself, who begins to pick them off one by one. Finding a balance between comedy and horror that's not too dissimilar from Gremlins, Dougherty crafts an all round festive frightfest full of some particularly unique creature designs. To top it all off, Toni Collette plays a mother, which will be a frequent trend on the remainder of this list.
Scariest Moment:
The evil toy ambush in the attic.
75. Southbound (Various, 2015)
A desert-set anthology horror that takes the audience to hell and back again, Southbound is a clever little horror that's full of enough twists and turns to elevate it above similar anthologies of the modern era. Each segment seamlessly flows into the next with a new breed of terror waiting behind every corner, it's as unpredictable as it is unsettling. Fans of The Twilight Zone and the 1945 classic Dead of Night will be sure to revel in Southbounds twisty nature, but the less said about that the better. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Scariest Moment:
The mysterious winged creatures descend upon one of their latest victims near the opening of the film.
74. The Hole in the Ground (Lee Cronin, 2019)
Irish mythology has and endless list of stories and creatures that are ripe for the big screen, and Lee Cronin manages to scratch the surface of this countries folklore with his psychological horror The Hole in the Ground. Following a young mother who believes that her son was replaced by something sinister, it's a familiar premise for anybody who knows a bit about Irish mythology. However, Cronin injects the story with a healthy dose of dread and ambiguity to put a more modern take on the changeling mythology. The result is a rather gripping film with an incredibly strong performance from rising Irish actress Seanagh Kearslake. It's also nice to see a horror film finally make use of The Rattlin' Bog.
Scariest Moment:
Sarah descends into the titular hole in the ground to finally save her son.
73. A Quiet Place (John Krasinski, 2018)
The first of several films on this list that focuses highly on a specific human sense, A Quiet Place uses sound, or the lack thereof, as its own weapon of choice. A family are stalked by alien creatures with hypersensitive hearing, meaning that almost every loud noise is essentially a death warrant. It's a survival film at heart, and we get a great insight into the methods of survival in a world without noise. On top of that, the family dynamic allows for a surprising amount of emotional stakes as well. Word of a sequel has recently been passed around, so fingers crossed that it can still manage to capture the suspense of the original.
Scariest Moment:
Emily Blunt goes into labour at the worst time possible, as one of the creatures enters her home.
72. Ghost Stories (Andy Nyman & Jeremy Dyson, 2018)
Another anthology horror, this time based on Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson's stage play of the same name. Taking ques from old-school British horror, Ghost Stories delves into three tales of the supernatural, all connected by a compelling wraparound involving skeptical professor Phillip Goodman (Nyman). While the individual tales are each equal parts scary and funny in their own right, it's the wraparound that really sets this apart from other modern anthology horrors. Not everything is as it seems in Ghost Stories, and watching this macabre tale of terror unfold is only half the fun.
Scariest Moment:
Car troubles become the least of Alex Lawther's worries when he is confronted by a sinister demon.
71. Starry Eyes (Kevin Kolsch & Dennis Widmyer, 2014)
Before she was filling Shelly Duvall's shoes as Wendy Torrance in the aforementioned Doctor Sleep, rising scream queen Alex Essoe began with acclaimed Indie horror about a struggling actor trying to make a name for herself. A psychological body-horror against the backdrop of a Los Angeles not too far removed from David Lynches Mulholland Drive, this was an extremely impressive indie horror that packs in more terror than plenty of bigger-budget efforts. This is mainly due to Essoe's phenomenal performance and the dynamic duo of Kolsch and Widmyer behind the camera. If you have ever considered going into acting, this might make you want to reconsider..
Scariest Moment:
Taking refuge in a dirty bathroom cubicle, a disturbd Sarah begins to vigorously yank out her hair.
70. Hush (Mike Flanagan, 2016)
Who's that at the door? Oh look, it's Mike Flanagan again! This time around he delved into the colourful world of home invasion movies, only this one is from the perspective of a deaf woman played by his frequent collaborator (and wife) Kate Siegel. It's a unique take on home invasion films that toys with the senses and brings a new layer of vulnerability to our protagonist. Once things kick off, Flanagan does not hold back and it becomes a balls-to-the-wall survival horror for the ages. It's easily hist most suspense-driven film thus far.
Scariest Moment:
The super tense final confrontation between Maddie and the killer.
69. It (Andy Muschietti, 2017 & 2019)
Tim Curry's performance as Pennywise in the original adaptation of Stephen King's IT is one of the most recognisable in horror history, and easily one of Curry's finest roles. Bill Skarsgard thus had some big clown shoes to fill in this two-part adaptation of the epic novel, and my god did he fill them with ease. Giving a career-defining performance, Skarsgard brought new dimensions of terror to the iconic clown by completely making the role his own. Much like Curry, he is easily the star of this ensemble piece. Capturing the nostalgic spirit of the source material and introducing Pennywise to a new generation of cinemagoers, It has marked a new era for R-rated studio horror, and issued in a new wave of Stephen King adaptations upon the world.
Scariest Moment:
Little Georgie Denborough's faithful encounter with Pennywise at the storm drain.
68. Child's Play (Lars Klevberg, 2019)
I am the last person who wanted a Child's Play remake, especially considering how Don Mancini's original franchise is still alive and well. However, I will be the first to admit that I really enjoyed this new take on the iconic killer doll. What makes the Child's Play remake is the dynamic between the films new versions of Chucky and Andy Barclay, and how this hi-tech doll will go to extreme lengths for his 'best friend'. Aubrey Plaza and Bryan Tyree Henry rounding off the cast is also an added bonus. Full of all the hardcore violence and tongue-in-cheek humor that Child's Play is known for, this remake proved that perhaps there is room for two versions of Chucky. Although I can't help but think it could have worked better as a remake of Small Soldiers.
Scariest Moment:
A pervy maintenance man gets his comeuppance when he crosses paths with Chucky.
67. Halloween (David Gordon Green, 2018)
Scariest Moment:
An ill-fated reported finds herself cornered by Myers in a grungy toilet cubicle.
66. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (André Øvredal, 2019)
Based on Alvin Schwartz' iconic book series, Scary Stories took several of Schwartz' better known tales of terror and incorporated them into this family friendly horror where fantasy meets reality. Seeping with spooky autumnal atmosphere, and boasting some fantastic practical effects that bring to life the eerie illustrations of Stephen Gammell, Scary Stories is the perfect film for the whole family to enjoy once Halloween comes around. Its witty characters and tamer nature will have a lot of appeal with younger horror fans, while older viewers will appreciate it for its creepy creatures and more complex themes. Also, any film that plays Donovan's 'Season of the Witch' over the opening credits should go down well with people of all ages.
Scariest Moment:
Blemishes are the least of a young girls worries when an army of spiders begin to crawl out from a spot on her face.
65. A Serbian Film (Srđan Spasojević, 2010)
The mere mention of this films name brings with it an unprecedented sense of notoriety, as it is hailed as one of the most depraved films of the decade. While there is much debate over whether it's just an exploitation film, or if deeper meanings lie beneath it, there's no denying that it's a really well-made film nevertheless. The cinematography is gorgeous, the performances are stellar, and for the most part there are some really-well crafted moments of psychological terror. But the film understandably becomes too much for some when it descends into all the graphic violence and sexual depravity. Regardless of your opinion on A Serbian Film, it was refreshing to see a film garner such a reaction as it did, in a world where almost all of the taboos in cinema appeared to already have been broken.
Scariest Moment:
Milos discovers the identity of the people under sheets, after being forced to carry out depraved actions on them.
64. Suspiria (Luca Guadagnino, 2018)
I wasn't too enthusiastic about a Suspiria remake considering how much the original means to me, so I was pleasantly surprised when Luca Guadagnino managed to do a really good job at reimagining Dario Argento's classic. Stripping away all the candy-colours of the original film for a more glum and brutalist world, the film is a far cry from its namesake, but there are a multitude of moments where it proves to be a refreshing take on that age old tale of witchcraft and ballet. Topped off with a triple-threat performance from Tilda Swinton, and Thom Yorke's beautiful score, the film managed to become a successful reimagining of a beloved classic. While it never matches the sheer sense of terror of its source material though, it comes incredibly close.
Scariest Moment:
Olga dances herself to death, quite literally, in a mirrored room.
63. The Hallow (Corin Hardy, 2015)
An ingenious blend of home invasion films, creature features, and Irish folklore, The Hallow pulls from a multitude of inspirations to craft something wholly unique. Corin Hardy begins his dark fairy tale as a slow-burning suspense thriller, before kicking things into full throttle in a practical-effects-driven woodland nightmare. The creatures of The Hallow really are awe-inspiring, and even gained praise from the master of modern monster movies himself, Guillermo Del Toro. But amidst all the monsters and horror, The Hallow is really a film about the lengths we go to protect what we love, be it our children or our homes. As well as that, I have a real soft spot for any sort of Irish horror, so I can't recommend The Hallow enough.
Scariest Moment:
Claire finds herself trapped at the hands of one of the creatures, in a moment that is reminiscent of that door scene from Lucio Fulci's Zombie Death Eaters.
62. Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich (Sonny Laguna & Tommy Wiklund, 2018)
A soft reboot of Charles Band's killer toy franchise (or one of them at least), The Littlest Reich reached new levels of violence that are sure to make even the most passionate of gore-hounds wince. Writer S. Craig Zahler gets extremely creative with the kills, which range from decapitations into toilet bowls, to a darkly comical mid-coitus massacre, these murderous marionettes have never been so relentless. Besides all that, Thomas Lennon rounds off a memorable ensemble cast which includes horror icons such as Barbara Crampton and Udo Kier. Whether you're a lover of gore, a fan of the underlying social messages, or you just like hearing Udo Kier talk (I'm personally all three), Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich has something for everyone.
Scariest Moment:
A pregnant woman and her unborn child meet a nasty demise at the hands of a killer puppet.
61. Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil (Eli Craig, 2010)
Ever since Gunnar Hansen picked up that chainsaw back in '74, killer rednecks have been a common trope in the horror genre. Tucker and Dale gleefully flips this trope on its head however, pitting a duo of kindhearted hillbillies against a gang of erratic and paranoid teenagers who believe that their lives are in danger. Not since the Evil Dead films had horror so seamlessly blended slapstick humor with backwoods gore, and Labine and Tudyk make for the perfect comedic duo to tie the film together. A blood-soaked farce with its tongue firmly planted in its cheek, Tucker and Dale was the perfect comedy horror to mark the turn of the decade.
Scariest Moment:
A bloody flashback detailing the events of the fictional 'Memorial Day Massacre'.
60. The Greasy Strangler (Jim Hosking, 2016)
Grease-covered serial killers, disco-walking-tours, and giant willies only begin to scratch the surface of Jim Hosking's debut trash-o-rama. The Greasy Strangler revels in its own disgusting depravity, and takes great pleasure in testing its audiences patience between this and its deadpan dialogue. So get your sick bags ready, and prepare for an onslaught of sex, slaughter, and various fluids, because grease is well and truly the word.
Scariest Moment:
Any time Big Ronnies giant penis is onscreen.
59. Upgrade (Leigh Whannell, 2018)
Cyberpunk body-horror is a genre ripe for the picking in our modern world, and Leigh Whannell clearly realised this when he first started writing Upgrade. Logan Marshall-Green goes on a murderous odyssey of vengeance across a near-future cyberpunk landscape, armed with a brand new cybernetically-implanted upgrade. Thus ensues a series of increasingly bloodier events, anchored by underlying social commentary that bears echoes of Robocop and the likes, that is sure to tickle the fancies of both sci-fi and horror buffs alike. The future is now old man.
Scariest Moment:
Amidst all the bloody violence, it's the final moments when Grey learns the truth about his STEM implant that leaves the most lasting impact.
Scariest Moment:
Amidst all the bloody violence, it's the final moments when Grey learns the truth about his STEM implant that leaves the most lasting impact.
58. Prevenge (Alice Lowe, 2016)
Horror cinema has made way for a number of highly talented female filmmakers over the past decade, one of which was Garth Marenghi's Darkplace alum Alice Lowe. Not only did Lowe write, direct, and star in her female-driven slasher Prevenge though, she did it all while pregnant! Lowe proves herself as a true force to be reckoned with as she takes on the role of the unstable Ruth, whose unborn child is commanding her to carry out a series of grisly murders. It's a great concept that warrants an equal amount of hilarity and nastiness, and Lowe really excels in all departments here. Garth Marenghi would be proud.
Scariest Moment:
Ruth neuters one of her victims.
57. Insidious (James Wan, 2010)
Insidious was the first in a series of highly successful horror efforts from James Wan this decade, who had already made a name for himself with the likes of Saw and Dead Silence. Here he turns to a darker brand of supernatural horror as a plethora of inter-dimensional demons descend upon the soul of a young comatose boy. Insidious lays the foundations of Wan's signature formula that would influence almost all of his films since. Meticulously-crafted jumpscares, strong central characters, and Patrick Wilson, are all now staples of Wan's filmography. 'Tiptoe Through the Tulips' also became 100% creepier after this film as well. If Wan wasn't already considered a modern horror master before, then Insidious more or less cemented this position.
Scariest Moment:
Renai takes a glimpse at Elises camera in the films final moments.
56. Don't Breathe (Fedé Alvarez, 2016)
Not the first film on this list that focuses heavily on the use of sound, but arguably the best, Don't Breathe is an incredibly exercise in suspense horror that puts another new spin on the home invasion subgenre. This time it's the invaders who become hunted, as a group of would-be thieves become prey for Stephen Lang's blind war veteran whose visual impairment has left the remainder of his senses extremely heightened. Alvarez really proved himself as a master of suspense with Don't Breathe, creating a claustrophobic and nailbitingly suspenseful atmosphere from the moment out protagonists step inside the house. Truly edge-of-your-seat stuff.
Scariest Moment:
Jane Levy finds herself cornered in a car by a vicious dog out for blood.
55. The Transfiguration (Michael O'Shea, 2016)
A grim vampire tale set against the backdrop of an urban apartment block, The Transfiguration follows young horror fan Milo who believes himself to be a vampire. It plays out like a modern update of George Romero's Martin as we follow this disturbed young boy going about his vampire business by slaughtering and feeding upon unsuspecting victims regularly. It soon becomes an internal struggle for Milo's own humanity, as he attempts to fight these urges and change his ways. It's a series of increasingly more bleak events that will make you want to curl up in a ball and weep for several hours after. But isn't that what makes horror so fun?
Scariest Moment:
Milo encounters a young child upon entering an apartment while on the prowl.
54. Berberian Sound Studio (Peter Strickland, 2012)
Sound is a highly important component of horror and often contributes to some of the scariest shocks in various films. It was therefore only a matter of time until somebody decided to make a film about the use of sound in horror, and that particularly process of post-production. It's a simple set up, with Toby Jones playing a struggling British sound editor working on a giallo film, only things soon begin to take their toll on him as he slowly falls down a rabbit hole of violence and terror. It has an interesting mix of psychological horror and offbeat humor, as we get a glimpse into how foley-work was done back in the day through the use of watermelons, mallets and the like. For anybody looking to get into sound editing, maybe you should skip this one just in case.
Scariest Moment:
Gilderoy targets Elisa in the recording studio as he becomes increasingly unhinged.
53. One Cut of the Dead (Shin'ichirô Ueda, 2017)
Zombie movies have experienced a bit of a fatigue over the last decade, thanks to The Walking Dead and the like seemingly bleeding things dry. However, films like this prove that there are still unique and original stories to tell about zombies, and trust me, they don't come more creative than this. The less said about the many twists and turns of One Cut of the Dead the better, but the basic setup is that a film crew shooting a low-budget zombie horror come under attack by real zombies. What follows is a highly entertaining and surprisingly warm film that details the trials and tribulations of low-budget filmmaking.
Scariest Moment:
The 'real' zombies attack!
The 'real' zombies attack!
52. Let Me In (Matt Reeves, 2010)
A remake of the much beloved Swedish film Let the Right One In, based on the book of the same name, this compelling romantic horror follows the friendship between a lonely young boy and his vampiric new neighbour. Considering how iconic the source material and original film both are, it came as a relief when Matt Reeves managed to craft an American version that was just as nuanced and melancholic as its predecessors. Reeves manages to capture all the emotion that made the original so great, but tweaked a couple of things in all the right ways to make his own version feel warranted. So if you fell in love with Tomas Alfredson's film, get ready to fall in love with this vampire love story all over again.
Scariest Moment:
Abby rescues Owen from his bullies at the school swimming pool, in a sequence that's just as thrilling even for those who have seen the Swedish version.
51. The Blackcoat's Daughter (Oz Perkins, 2015)
Before she was Sabrina, Kiernan Shipka faced down a whole other breed of supernatural horror in this snow-capped satanic panic film. Focusing on two plotlines involving a trio of girls and the dark forces culminating around their lives, director Oz Perkins takes the time to slowly bring both arcs together. Once they collide however, the slow burn turns into a roaring flame of blood and terror, with three powerful performances from Shipka, Emma Roberts, and Lucy Boynton at the core of it all. With Perkins' next film Gretel and Hansel set for release next year, now is the perfect time to watch The Blackcoat's Daughter.
Scariest Moment:
Rose makes a grim discovery on the stairwell.
Scariest Moment:
Rose makes a grim discovery on the stairwell.
50. Overlord (Julius Avery, 2018)
An action-packed wartime thriller from JJ Abrams' Bad Robot Productions, Overlord is a cross-breed of pulpy second world war thrills and nazi-sploitation horror. Playing out like some sort of Wolfenstein-esque video game, the film follows a group of allied soldiers as they discover a series of bizarre nazi experiments while stuck behind enemy lines. It's a ton of fun and manages to showcase some nice and grizzly body horror and gore. Game Of Thrones baddie Pilou Asbaek also has the time of his life playing ruthless SS Captain Wafner, who probably would've got on great with Hans Landa and the like. Sometimes all you need is a fun little B-movie to enjoy with ease, and Overlord is just that film.
Scariest Moment:
Boyce attempts to rescue his colleague and witnesses a series of horrific nazi experiments on the way.
Scariest Moment:
Boyce attempts to rescue his colleague and witnesses a series of horrific nazi experiments on the way.
49. The Conjuring (James Wan, 2013)
As mentioned earlier on this list, James Wan has been one of the leading names in horror over the past decade. Nothing however, has highlighted his talents as a horror filmmaker as well as The Conjuring franchise has. The first film showcases Wan's keen attention to detail when it comes to crafting jumpscares, nothing feels rushed or forced and he makes sure that every one counts. Here he proves that when done right, jumpscares can be really effective. This was also the first outing for Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as real life demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, and the duo have gained acclam for their nuanced performances. Perfecting everything that Insidious laid the groundwork for, The Conjuring not only ensured audiences of Wan's capabilities of a horror filmmaker, but also allowed him to branch off into other genres as well.
Scariest Moment:
The Perron kids notice something hiding atop their wardrobe.
48. Deathgasm (Jason Lei Howden, 2015)
Once upon a time New Zealand was renowned among horror fans for its gory and grotesque breed of horror, pioneered by Peter Jackson with films like Braindead. Writer/director Jason Lei Howden thus took inspiration from Jackson's early work for this metal-infused kiwi gorefest. It's a simple setup involving a heavy-metal band playing a cursed hymn that invokes wicked demons, leading to all sorts of violent chaos. While the practical effects are wonderful and the heavy-metal soundtrack is easy on the ears, it's Howden's attention to characters and their humorous interactions that really makes Deathgasm such an enjoyable film. Did I mention there's also a dildo fight scene? If anyone can bring New Zealand horror back to its roots, it's Howden.
Scariest Moment:
It's actually so hard to pinpoint a standout moment amidst the almost non-stop gore, but there's a particularly vile eyeball scene that you won't forget any time soon.
It's actually so hard to pinpoint a standout moment amidst the almost non-stop gore, but there's a particularly vile eyeball scene that you won't forget any time soon.
47. The Guest (Adam Wingard, 2014)
Fresh off his stint on Downton Abbey, Dan Stevens went onto do something completely different in a film that can only be described as the lovechild of Halloween and John Wick. Stevens takes on the role of David, a mysterious ex-soldier who comes to stay with the family of one of his former colleagues. What unfolds is an incredibly tense suspense thriller set against the backdrop of a rural town in the run up to Halloween. With plenty of tension, and enough tributes to John Carpenter and the Halloween franchise to warrant a drinking game, The Guest is the perfect film to watch in preparation for October 31st. While there's probably some debate over whether or not it counts as horror, The Guest is a must watch for anyone with a love for Carpenter or the Halloween films.
Scariest Moment:
David stalks the Peterson siblings at the Halloween scare maze set up in their school gym.
46. mother! (Darren Aronofsky, 2017)
mother! is a tough film to categorise genre-wise, but you cannot deny how horrific Darren Aronofsky's surreal parable is. The film begins as a story of a woman and her husband, an acclaimed poet whose fame often attracts visitors and admirers to their large and secluded house. What follows is a gradual descent into nightmarish hysteria, as Jennifer Lawrences nameless protagonist is forced to endure an anxiety-induced journey through increasingly bizarre events. Aronofsky manages to capture the exact feeling of anxiety we often associate with nightmares, and does everything within his power to make the audience feel as uncomfortable as possible. It's safe to say that he succeeds with flying colours, as mother! is sure to leave you panting in exhaustion and sheer terror by the end of it all.
Scariest Moment:
The disturbing moments that follow the birth of Jennifer Lawrence's child.
45. Bone Tomahawk (S. Craig Zahler, 2015)
Writer/director S. Craig Zahler broke onto the horror scene in 2015 with this slow-burning tale of wild west terror, and we're still recovering from that last act. What makes Bone Tomahawk so impactful is how Zahler paces his story, placing the characters in a very grounded setting and sending them off on this journey into unknown terrors. What begins as a gritty western slowly devolves into something much more sinister, and by the time we finally reach the last act we are thrown into a much more unpredictable, and downright terrifying film. Think along the lines of Apocalypse Now but with cowboys and cannibals.
Scariest Moment:
That cave scene. If you know, you know.
44. Goodnight Mommy (Veronica Franz & Severin Fiala, 2014)
Your mother is often a figure who you rely and depend on for most of your life, someone who is there to protect you and love you unconditionally. So what happens when the monster you're facing off is your mother? This is the premise of this chilling Austrian horror film about a pair of twins who begin to suspect that their mother is not who she says she is, following her facial reconstruction surgery. The appearance of the titular mother is very creepy, with her expressionless bandaged face making her almost ghost-like. However, the plethora of grim twists and turns throughout Goodnight Mommy are what make it such an effective psychological horror film, and one that will instantly warrant a re-watch. Just don't watch it with your mam maybe.
Scariest Moment:
The twins begin interrogating the woman claiming to be their mother.
43. Gerald's Game (Mike Flanagan, 2017)
The final entry from Mike Flanagan on this list, and by far his best, Gerald's Game is an adaptation of Stephen King's novel that was previously deemed unfilmable. However, through a combination of Flanagan's expert direction and an incredibly powerful performance from Carla Guigino, the film delves into the psychology of its main character Jessie with ease. From its isolated location, the film finds horror within the visions of Jessie's fractured psyche, as well as dealing with some tough subject matters through a series of flashbacks as well. It's how Flanagan deals with such sensitive topics amidst all the horror that really elevates the film, bringing a much needed sense of nuance to the matters at hand. In a world that seems to be experiencing a renaissance of Stephen King adaptations, Gerald's Game is by far one of the very best.
Scariest Moment:
Jessie finally slipping out of her handcuffs, but at a grim cost.
42. Mandy (Panos Cosmatos, 2018)
It's safe to say that Mandy gained an instant cult status upon its release, and it's easy to see why. With everything from chainsaw-duels, to demon bikers, and one of Nic Cage's strongest performances in years, Mandy is an absolute mind trip that feels like the equivalent of dipping and old 80's VHS into LSD. Costmatos seeps the film in a gorgeous neon glow, that goes nicely against all the blood and chaos that ensues. Beneath all the violence and anarchy however, Mandy really is love story at heart, and maybe you should take it into consideration when next Valentine's Day comes around.
Scariest Moment:
Nic Cage is forced to watch a horrific deed committed by Linus Roache's sinister cult leader Jeremiah Sands.
41. Trollhunter (André Øvredal, 2010)
By the turn of the decade found-footage films were all the rage, and this Norwegian mockumentary is by far one of the best. A group of students set out to document a supposed bear poacher in rural Norway, only to discover that he actually hunts trolls. It's a thoroughly engrossing experience that delves into a lot of detail of troll lore and how to defend against the gigantic beasties, taking a tongue-in-cheek approach similar to films like Behind the Mask. It also showcases a variety of monstrous trolls with their own unique appearances, although the films real highlight is the titular hunter played by Otto Jespersen. Even if you're not a found-footage fan, Trollhunter is a tough film not to like.
Scariest Moment:
The first troll encounter with the three-headed troll.
40. The Canal (Ivan Kavanagh, 2014)
A troubled film archivist finds himself the prime suspect in his wives murder while also learning about the violent history behind his house, thus setting up the nightmarish odyssey that is The Canal. Blurring the lines between fantasy and reality, the film takes a psychological approach to the traditional ghost story, while also borrowing elements of noir as well. As David attempts to prove his innocence and uncover the truth behind the seemingly supernatural events at hand, the audience are treated to some increasingly nightmarish setpieces which culminate in one of the most disturbing scenes I have seen in recent horror cinema. The Canal will keep you awake for weeks.
Scariest Moment:
David finds himself in a blackened tunnel where he is faced by a ghostly apparition.
39. Happy Death Day (Christopher Landon, 2017)
A slasher with a Groundhog Day-esque twist, Happy Death Day sees popular college girl Tree Gelbman repeating the same day over and over again, only at the end of each day she is killed by a masked murderer. It's a fun and fresh take on the slasher genre that never fails to reach the potential of its ludicrous premise, going as far as having a darkly comedic death montage in one of the funnier moments. However, the film would be nowhere near as good without the hilarious yet sincere performance from Jessica Rothe as Tree, one of slasher cinemas more unconventional final girls. With fresh takes like this on the genre, the future looks bright for slasher films once again.
Scariest Moment:
The first murder under the tunnel.
38. Fright Night (Craig Gillespie, 2011)
Remaking a classic is no easy feat, however Craig Gillespies modern take on Tom Holland's 80's vampire feature ticks all the right boxes. The film digs deeper into the themes of masculinity and manhood established in the original, while also giving more depth to its central characters as well. The late, great Anton Yelchin brings to life a very likeable, but flawed version of unlikely protagonist Charlie Brewster, while Colin Farrell has a lot of fun slipping on Jerry Dandridges fangs. Rounding off the ensemble are the likes of Toni Collette (playing a mother again), Imogen Poots, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and the wonderful David Tennant as a more goth Peter Vincent. As far as remakes go, Fright Night is a very bloody good one.
Scariest Moment:
Charlie, his mother, and Amy are pursued through the desert in their minivan by feral vamp Jerry.
37. Scream 4 (Wes Craven, 2011)
While it seemed like the Scream franchise had been killed off long ago with the mediocre Scream 3, Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson proved that all it took was a little time and a little patience to make the franchise fresh again. The horror genre had changed a lot between the third and fourth installments, with the age of remakes rising between the two in the mid-2000s. Thus Scream 4 had something new to talk about, and the opening scene that satirises bloated horror franchises sums this up perfectly. Seeing the original cast come back was a treat, as well as newcomers to the franchise such as Rory Culkin and Alison Brie. However, it's the witty, more up to date social commentary on horror that really makes Scream 4 a return to form for the franchise.
Scariest Moment:
Ghostface springs at a victim from the closet, but which closet?
36. The Conjuring 2 (James Wan, 2016)
The crown jewel of the Conjuring franchise, this superior sequel looks at a fictionalised account of the infamous Enfield Haunting, putting the Warrens at the centre of the action as they face off against a demonic nun. Wan proves once again that he is a modern master of the jumpscare, making each one count and rarely making them feel cheap or forced. He also further develops his duo of protagonists and surrounds them with a very likeable supporting ensemble led by Frances O'Connor as the matriarch of the Hodgson family. The real highlight of this particular entry however is demonic nun Valak played by Bonnie Aarons, who is by far one of the most terrifying horror movie monsters of the decade. It's just a shame her own spinoff The Nun couldn't capture the black magic of this film.
Scariest Moment:
Lorraine is haunted by the sinister nun in the hallways of her own home.
35. Apostle (Gareth Evans, 2018)
Folk horror is another subgenre that received a renewed sense of popularity in the 2010's, and Apostle is just one example of how much potential it has. Taking a similar setup to folk horror supreme The Wicker Man, a man travels to a remote island in search of his missing sister who is being held at ransom by a mysterious cult. However, what awaits Dan Stevens' protagonist is a very different sort of terror than what once awaited Sergeant Howie on Summerisle, something we gradually discover as the truth behind the sinister cult slowly reveals itself. Dealing with complex themes such as religious fanaticism and loss of faith, the film is a lot more beneath its brutal violence and Lovecraftian horror. Although, that stuff is also very fun to watch too.
Scariest Moment:
Poor Jeremy is framed for murder and punished for his 'sins' in a public ritual involving a hand-crank.
34. The Love Witch (Anna Biller)
In the years since its release, The Love Witch has become a staple of modern feminist horror, and its lead protagonist played by Samantha Robinson is now something of a figurehead for female genre fans. Rightly so, as Anna Biller's technicolour masterpiece takes a much deeper and nuanced look at gender inequality and sexism in both the world of our protagonist, and our own world as well. The style and substance are equally balanced here with the films 60's gothic aesthetic akin to those classic AIP films with Vincent Price and such. It's a film that looks like it could've stepped right out of the past, but its themes and subject matter are as contemporary as they come.
Scariest Moment:
Elaine is pursued by the angry townsfolk.
Scariest Moment:
Elaine is pursued by the angry townsfolk.
33. The Wailing (Na Hong-jin, 2016)
South Korea have been a powerhouse of horror cinema in the 21st century, and The Wailing is a K-horror of biblical proportions. Beginning with the story of a strange outbreak plaguing the residents of a small rural village, the film gradually snowballs into something of a much greater scale across its near 3 hour runtime, packing in a plethora of supernatural chills along the way. The film is oozing with atmosphere right from the start, and weaves a complex tale of terror that will play in your mind for a long time after the credits finish rolling. It's also a very funny film as well, when it's not giving you goosebumps that is.
Scariest Moment:
The hunter recounts his encounter with the Japanese stranger to officer Jong-goo.
32. Under the Skin (Jonathan Glazer, 2013)
Jonathan Glazer films don't come around very often, but Under the Skin proves that when they do, the wait is more than worth it. Loosely adapting the novel of the same name by Michael Faber, the film sees Scarlett Johansson take on the role of an alien dressed in human skin, who picks up and kills various men across modern Scotland. It's not your typical sci-fi horror though, as Glazer takes a much more ambiguous approach to Johansson'c characters and her intentions. On top of this, Glazers almost guerilla-style of filmmaking gives the film a strange sense of realism, with Glazer and his team shooting many scenes unscripted with hidden cameras. It's an impressive feat of modern filmmaking, shrouded by a consistently uncomfortable and unsettling atmosphere right until the end.
Scariest Moment:
The first time The Female brings a man home.
31. A Field in England (Ben Wheatley, 2013)
Another unconventional British horror film from 2013, A Field in England is Ben Wheatley's nightmare trip through a sprawling field during the English Civil War. Feeling like some sort of nightmarish ode to the likes of Alejandro Jodorowski, it's a hard film to categorise and can best be summed up as the equivalent of dropping acid in the 17th century. Blending elements of folk-horror with historical fiction, the film slowly develops into a monochrome nightmare trip packed full of kaleidoscopic visuals. It's mind-melting in the best way possible, and with the likes of Reece Shearsmith and Michael Smiley rounding off the cast, you can expect some bonkers performances as well.
Scariest Moment:
Reece Shearsmith's bizarre mushroom trip.
30. Curse of Chucky (Don Mancini, 2013)
It had been nearly a decade since everyone's favourite foul-mouthed killer doll graced our screens, and with 2004's Seed of Chucky garnering mixed responses it looked as if Charles-Lee Ray was gone for good this time. Thankfully however Curse brought Chucky back and badder than ever, in a Hitchcockian tale of terror set in an old, dark house. The film reinvigorates the sense of mystery and suspense that had slightly dwindled since the first film, and makes Chucky a more menacing threat again. It was also a stroke of genius in casting Fiona Dourif (daughter of Chucky's voice actor Brad Dourif) as the films protagonist Nica, bringing some great inter-generational conflict to the franchise. It was refreshing to see series creator Don Mancini finally continue the franchise instead of just going for a remake. Even though a remake has since been done, Mancini's original franchise is still going strong thanks to this film and its sequel Cult of Chucky. At the end of the day, who could say no to two Chuckies?
Scariest Moment:
Barb heads to the attic where she discovers the truth about Chucky.
Scariest Moment:
Barb heads to the attic where she discovers the truth about Chucky.
29. In Fabric (Peter Strickland, 2019)
A giallo-inspired dress-sploitation from the mind of Peter Strickland, In Fabric is the story of the various unfortunate victims of a killer dress bought from a mysterious department store. It's a bonkers idea that might not work in the wrong hands, but thankfully Strickland manages to weave a nicely effective tale about the horrors of consumerism. "Dimensions and proportions transcend the prisms of our measurements" utters the witchy employee of Dentley & Sopaers, the coven-like department store where the Three Mothers themselves probably do their shopping. It's dialogue like this, and the films unique style that feels like if Dario Argento holidayed in Croydon, that really sets In Fabric ina world of its own. A spellbinding horror show shrouded in ambiguity, In Fabric is another future classic from Strickland, whose filmography is absolutely begging for a straight up giallo film at this stage.
Scariest Moment:
Sheila's late-night drive to the charity shop.
28. Dream Home (Pang Ho-cheung, 2010)
This understated Hong-Kong horror delves in to the very real terror of housing crises, and how such instances will push people to their very limits. Here we follow the deeply disturbed Cheng Lai-sheung, who finds herself over the edge and on a killing frenzy as a result on a lifetime of poverty and the current mortgage crisis. What follows is an ultraviolent slasher extravaganza that sees a variety of people fall victim to Lai-sheung's DIY murder methods. Hoovers and bongs become some of the lethal weapons at her disposal, and the film displays immense creativity when it comes to its murder scenes. It's definitely not for the fain-hearted, but its commentary on the US mortgage crisis of the late-200's and its ripple effects make it more than just an exploitation. But if exploitation is your thing, you'll enjoy this without question.
Scariest Moment:
A vaccum cleaner becomes Lai-sheung's latest weapon when she sets her sights on an unsuspecting pregnant woman.
27. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (André Øvredal, 2016)
I've mentioned André Øvredal a couple of times already on this list, but this isolated suspense horror is by far his best work to date. Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch play a father-son duo of coroners who are tasked with performing an autopsy on a mysterious female corpse, who may or may not have some supernatural abilities of its own. Øvredal manages to create this incredible sense of dread through a combination of slow-built, suggestive scares and the pair of lead performances. The jump scares and gore are sparse, but when they do occur Øvredal manages to make every one count. Cox and Hirsch also bounce off each other quite well, and their characters are easy to become invested in. A grim and unrelenting suspense horror, The Autopsy of Jane Doe somehow manages to make morgues even more macabre.
Scariest Moment:
Cornered in an elevator, Tommy and Austin fend off what they think is a reanimated corpse.
26. The Loved Ones (Sean Byrne, 2010)
I mentioned The Loved Ones earlier on this list as well, so it's my absolute pleasure to finally talk about the most terrifying woman in horror of the decade, Lola Stone. Played with extreme menace by Robin McLeavy, Lola Stone is the nightmare hybrid of Annie Wilkes and MTV's My Super Sweet Sixteen, a spoiled brat with incredibly violent tendencies. Kidnapping our protagonist Brent after he rejects her prom proposal, Lola and her eerie father take great pleasure in torturing poor Brent and subjecting him to various sick games in aid of Lola's personal dream prom. McLeavy is an absolute delight to watch and since its release, Lola has gone on to be one of the most recognisable female villains in recent horror history. So be nice to her, or she might just slaughter you.
Scariest Moment:
Brents *ahem* member is threatened by Lola with a hammer and nail.
25. Under the Shadow (Babak Anvari, 2016)
Blending supernatural terror with the real horrors of war, Under the Shadow follows a young mother who must protect her daughter from a wicked Djinn against the backdrop of war torn Tehran. Babak Anvari's takes a subtler approach to the Djinn from Arabian folklore, allowing the being to blend in and hide in its environment. This makes for some truly unsettling scares, and the Djinn from Under the Shadow is by far one of the creepiest villains on this list. However, it's the political context and surrounding conflict that brings a real sense of tension to the film, and at times it almost makes the Djinn seem like a lesser threat. Anvari approaches the subject matter with maturity and sensitivity, creating a strong level of political subtext beneath the films overt sense of dread. A powerful film in more ways than one, Under the Shadow is sure to get under your skin.
Scariest Moment:
As Shideh and her daughter Dorsa attempt to escape for good, the Djinn begins to mess with her head.
24. 10 Cloverfield Lane (Dan Trachtenberg, 2016)
A spiritual successor to Matt Reeves' found-footage monster movie, 10 Cloverfield Lane scales things down to the cellar of a secluded farmhouse, where a young woman awakens amidst a supposed chemical fallout. More claustrophobic in comparison to the grand scale of its predecessor, the film relies heavily on atmosphere and mystery, more in line with Hitchcock than Kaiju films. The small ensemble of actors play off each other extremely well, with Mary Elizabeth Winsteads resourceful protagonist clashing against a sinister and secretive John Goodman. Not since Barton Fink has Goodman been so terrifying. Smart, suspenseful, and a worthy follow-up to the first film, 10 Cloverfield Lane set a new standard for the franchise that seems hard to beat.
Scariest Moment:
Michelle and Emmett's attempted escape from Howard's cellar.
23. Annihilation (Alex Garland, 2018)
It's a shame that this didn't get a theatrical release over here because as far as modern sci-fi horror goes, this takes the cake. Adapting Jeff VanderMeer's novel, the film can only be described as if HP Lovecraft wrote Heart of Darkness (but with less racism on both parts) as a group female scientists venture into a quarantined area contaminated by alien radiation. Garland's production team manage to craft this almost otherworldly environment that's very close to our own, with various colourful cosmic mutations around the landscape. Much like the aforementioned Under the Skin, Garland takes a more subtle and ambiguous approach to the source material, delving much deeper into the more surreal elements particularly in the films climax. Topped off by a cast including the likes of Natalie Portman and Tessa Thompson, Annihilation is a modern masterpiece of cosmic horror.
Scariest Moment:
The skull bear, obviously.
22. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (Ana Lily Amirpour, 2014)
Taking inspiration from the spaghetti westerns of Sergio Leone and the expressionist films of Weimar Germany, Ana Lily Amirpour gave us a more feminist take on the age-old vampire story with A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night. Labelled as Iran's first vampire-western, the film follows a nameless vampire who skateboards around the fictional town of Bad City, feeding on various criminals and thugs. At the heart of it all is a love story between our antiheroine and meek young man Arash, whose paths cross one night causing their lives to change. The film plays around with common tropes such as the dynamic between our protagonists, while also delving into both themes of masculinity and femininity. A complex, and breathtakingly stylish gothic horror, A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night made vampires cool again.
Scariest Moment:
The woman feasts on criminal Saeed.
Scariest Moment:
The woman feasts on criminal Saeed.
21. What We Do in the Shadows (Taika Waititi, 2014)
2014 was evidently a good year for vampires as down in New Zealand, Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement unleashed their now iconic mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows. Undoubtedly the greatest horror spoof since Young Frankenstein, the film follows a documentary crew as they document the lives of a group of vampires living in Wellington. Hilarity ensues as everything from found-footage, to Nosferatu fall victim to playful parody. Having already spawned 2 television spin-offs and with a sequel supposedly in the works, What We Do in the Shadows has a laugh a minute, with enough references to vampire lore and culture to please even the horror purists.
Scariest Moment:
The would-be victims run into ghastly vampire Petyr.
20. I Saw the Devil (Kim-jee woon, 2010)
Scariest Moment:
The chilling opening in which Jang Kyung-chul murders Jang Joo-yun.
19. Black Swan (Darren Aronofsky, 2010)
Rightly earning Natalie Portman an Oscar for best actress, this psychological horror from the mind of Darren Aronofsky deals with the real-life horrors that result from extreme artistic perfection, and the sacrifices people make for their art. Portman plays troubled ballerina Nina, whose psyche slowly begins to crack as she vies for the role of the Black Swan in a production of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. The film delves deep into the psychological effects of Nina's dedication, and the violence that ensues as she begins to embrace her darker side. Taking elements from the likes of Perfect Blue and Suspiria, this is another fine example of Darren Aronofsky's uncompromising talent for making audiences uncomfortable. It works like a charm every time.
Scariest Moment:
Nina hallucinates the drawings in her room coming to life.
18. Evil Dead (Fede Alvarez, 2013)
How do you remake something as iconic as The Evil Dead you ask? Well you don't exactly, you give it a soft reboot instead. The fourth installment in the Evil Dead franchise follows recovering addict Mia and her group of friends, who arrive at the iconic woodland cabin to become the latest victims of the deadites. Toning down some of the comic elements of the original trilogy, the film opts to turn the violence up to 11 with some an incredibly mix of practical effects and CGI. While Bruce Campbell might have taken a step back for this one, Jane Levy proves herself worthy of lifting the chainsaw in a career best as ex-addict Mia. While the franchise has since returned to its roots with the critically-acclaimed TV series Ash vs Evil Dead, we still hold onto the hope that Mia and Ash will cross paths in the future.
Scariest Moment:
Mia faces the same fate that Cheryl Williams once did as she falls victims to the evil in the woods.
17. Us (Jordan Peele, 2019)
Beginning the decade as a noteable comedic talent fresh off his stint on Mad TV, Jordan Peele has since made a name for himself as one of the leading figures in modern horror. Us is a prime example of his talents, displaying his penchant for subverting genre tropes and sprinkling clever social commentary into his works. What starts off as a home invasion film with doppelgangers soon develops into something much more complex, and as we gaze over that final shot of the wall of tethered across America, we're left with a lot to digest. Aside from the clever writing and social themes, Us gave us a career-best performance from Lupita Nyong'o in a dual role as both protective mother Adelaide and her tethered double Red. Both characters are equally as captivating, and Nyongo's performance alone warrants an instant re-watch. Oh, and the orchestral version of I Got 5 On It still slaps.
Scariest Moment:
The Wilson's tethered dopplegangers invade their summer home.
16. Creep (Patrick Brice, 2014)
In a time when found-footage films had seemingly run their course, Creep proved that there was still a bit of life in that almost tired subgenre. Mark Duplass is an absolute treat to watch as Josef, the murderous creep who befriends videographer Aaron and slowly becomes obsessed. Duplass blurs the lines between funny and downright disturbing, and the more time we spend with Josef, the more dangerous and insidious his behaviour becomes. The setup of two men and a video camera is as simple as it gets, but the films sense of realism and Duplasses incredible performance show that you don't need a big budget or big ideas to make good horror. Some times all you need is a wolf-mask and an axe.
Scariest Moment:
Anytime Josef puts on his Peachfuzz mask.
15. Green Room (Jeremy Sauliner, 2015)
The greatest punk horror since Return of the Living Dead, this grim affair from Jeremy Sauliner follows a punk band who go toe to toe with violent neo-Nazis after witnessing a murder at their club. Unrelenting and nihilistic, the film is soaked with dread-fuelled hopelessness as we watch these protagonists desperately attempt to survive against incresingly unlikely odds. Due to its increasing bleakness and grim violence, Green Room can be difficult to watch, but the hardcore thrills and Sauliner's flawless direction make it even harder to look away. With Patrick Stewart at his most sinister, and Anton Yelchin in one of his final roles, Green Room is by far one of the defining horror films of the past 10 years.
Scariest Moment:
Patrick Stewart sets his hungry dogs on our heroes.
14. You're Next (Adam Wingard, 2011)
The final girl has been a staple of horror films for almost have a century now, but You're Next spins this trope on its head by making its heroine a skilled survivalist, who is more than a match for her murderous adversaries. When her in-laws are slowly picked-off by men in animal masks, Sharni Vinson's protagonist Erin puts her training to the test as she begins fighting back against the clumsy killers. Using her skills in combat, and setting up traps against the killers, Erin has become an icon among women in horror, and is without a doubt one of the most powerful final girls in horror history. She is one woman that you don't want to cross paths with.
Scariest Moment:
The first arrow through the head at the dinner table.
13. It Follows (David Robert Mitchell, 2014)
Paying homage to John Carpenter and various other midnight movies of the 1980s, this supernatural horror film sees a young college student pursued by a murderous entity that she can only get rid of by passing on the curse through sex. Stylistically and thematically It Follows could have stepped straight out of the 80's, but its more subtle and insidious scares have been extremely influential on the modern horror landscape. The closer reliance on suspense than shock which made the film so effective has since become more commonplace in popular horror yet again, and It Follows is one of the prime contributors to this change. Many films have since attempted to replicate its retro style and tense atmosphere, but very little have managed to pull it off so perfectly.
Scariest Moment:
Greg becomes the latest victim of the entity, who takes the form of his mother.
12. The Lords of Salem (Rob Zombie, 2012)
Rob Zombie is sort of like the marmite of horror in that you either love him or hate him, but even some of his harshest critics were impressed by his veering towards more psychological territory with The Lords of Salem. Moving away from his usual grindhouse, white-trash shtick, Zombie offers up a more reserved film that relies heavier on atmosphere as opposed to gore and swearing. What results is a surreal and suspenseful horror about addiction and the devil, set against the backdrop of a gloomy modern Salem. With its nightmarish imagery, and dream sequences that could've walked straight out of a Ken Russell film, this is by far Zombies most unique film to date, and boasts a career best performance from his wife and frequent collaborator Sheri. It's severely underrated, and had it been released a couple of years later then perhaps it would have gained a bigger audience than it did at the time.
Scariest Moment:
Heidi's surreal visions that follow after giving herself in to the coven.
11. The Lighthouse (Robert Eggers, 2019)
I was lucky enough to catch an advanced screening of this a few weeks ago, so seeing as it's not due to be released here until the end of January then I'll keep this one short and sweet. A psychological horror confined to a small island in a sprawling sea, The Lighthouse pits two powerhouse performances against each other in Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe. Full of bizarre imagery, a constant atmosphere of discomfort, and sailor-talk a plenty, The Lighthouse is a nautical nightmare for the ages, and I implore that you all go and see it when it's officially released.
Scariest Moment:
The cathartic showdown between Winslow and Wake.
10. Climax (Gaspar Noé, 2018)
Kicking off the top 10 is this mind-bending dance-sploitation film from French provocateur Gaspar Noé. The film follows the chaos that ensues when members of a dance troupe unknowingly consume sangria laced with LSD, and when I say chaos I'm putting it lightly. Breaking a plethora of taboos and doing everything in his power to get under the audiences skin, Noé crafts an uncompromising nightmare trip that will leave your head spinning by the end of it all. Noé wears his influences on his sleeve (literally showing us his VHS collection at the beginning), but its his own specific brand of twisted direction and distorted camerawork that makes Climax such a uniquely terrifying affair.
Scariest Moment:
The cruel fate of little Tito after being locked in the electrical room.
9. Train to Busan (Yeon Sang-ho, 2016)
While the zombie genre has become severely fatigued over the past decade, there comes a film every now and then that breathes a little life into the undead. Train to Busan is one of those films, and is by far the defining zombie film of the decade. Set during a mass zombie epidemic across South Korea, the film follows the passengers of a train from Seoul to Busan as they attempt to survive the outbreak. These zombies are very much in a similar vein to those of 28 Days Later, fast, feral, and ferocious. However, the clever social commentary and emotional depth provided to the characters is very reminiscent of George Romero's original dead trilogy. Encapsulating all the best things about zombie movies, Train to Busan made the undead scary again.
Scariest Moment:
The passengers arrive at Daejeon Station.
Scariest Moment:
The passengers arrive at Daejeon Station.
8. Kill List (Ben Wheatley, 2011)
Beginning as a thriller about two hit men coming out of retirement for one last job, Kill List gradually descends into something much more sinister. For the majority of the film we follow Neil Maskell and Michael Smiley as contract killers Jay and Gal. As they make their way through the titular kill list, director Ben Wheatley slowly teases that there is far more at stake, before culminating in an unexpectedly terrifying finale. Kill List not only marks a career best for Ben Wheatley, but the slow burning psychological horror is partially responsible for the increase in popularity of folk horror over the past decade. A highly influential, but strangely understated film.
Scariest Moment:
The identity of the mysterious hunchback is revealed.
7. The Babadook (Jennifer Kent, 2014)
Speaking of influential horror films, I don't think any film has really helped shape the past half-decade better than The Babadook has. Jennifer Kents psychological monster movie came at a time when jump-scare-heavy horror films were all the rage, offering something subtler and spookier than its contemporaries. The story of a mother struggling to protect her son from supernatural horror, as well as her own personal demons, has resonated with countless people and the film has been heavily praised for its depiction of mental illness. Thanks to The Babadook, studios have since put more faith in smaller horror films with more ambitious storytelling, offering something fresh for a new generation of terror.
Scariest Moment:
Mr. Babadook crawls on Amelia's ceiling.
6. Hereditary (Ari Aster, 2018)
Following a series of successful short films like Munchausen and The Strange Thing About the Johnsons, Ari Aster made himself a household name thanks to his feature debut Hereditary. Focusing heavily on themes of grief and loss, Hereditary revolves around a family who are terrorised by supernatural forces after experiencing a great loss. Within the first half hour, Aster shocked us to the core and showed us how unpredictable he could really be. As the sinister events surrounding the Graham family slowly reveal themselves and we learn the truth about these dark forces, we soon realise that it's too late. Hereditary became an instant classic due to Asters script and direction, as well as an extremely powerful performance from Toni Collette. We're still pissed that she was snubbed at The Oscars.
Scariest Moment:
Peter makes a shocking discovery in the attic.
5. The Cabin in the Woods (Drew Goddard, 2012)
From the mind of Joss Wheadon came this ultimate love letter to the horror genre, that picks apart and pays homage to various horror tropes on levels that had not been reached since the original Scream. Taking that age old story of a group of college students heading to a spooky cabin in the woods, the film flips this concept right on its head by following a parallel plot taking place in a mysterious underground facility. When the two plot lines finally collide, all hell literally breaks loose and we are treated to the most epic monster mash that has ever been put to screen. Full of laughs, thrills, and a menagerie of violent movie monsters, The Cabin in the Woods is the ultimate homage to the horror genre that subverts all the tropes in the book.
Scariest Moment:
The creatures in the facility are let loose.
Scariest Moment:
The creatures in the facility are let loose.
4. Midsommar (Ari Aster, 2019)
Coming fresh off the success of Herediatry, Ari Aster set his sights on folk-horror in a twisted tale of pagan cults and toxic relationships. While the concept of innocent people falling victim to a pagan cult is nothing new to horror, the sensitive approach to themes of grief, as well as the mind-bending visuals make this a highly unique take on that old trope. Florence Pugh puts her heart and soul into the character of Dani, providing one of the most accurate depictions of anxiety in the history of horror. In a genre that doesn't have the best history with portrayals of mental illness, Midsommar marks a welcome change in approach. Aster manages to get further under our skin than he did with Hereditary too, lulling us into a false sense of security with the films cheery sun-soaked atmosphere, before catching us completely off-guard with all the head-bashing, mind-melting madness. Midsommar is a true triumph for modern folk horror, and further proof that Ari Aster is a force to be reckoned with.
Scariest Moment:
The grim opening sequence that could work just as well as a short film on its own.
3. Raw (Julia Ducournau, 2017)
A film that gained instant notoriety, supposedly causing people to pass out in shock during a screening at TIFF, Raw is without a doubt the definitive cannibal movie of the decade. While there is no doubt that the film has its fair share of cannibalistic violence, with a couple of instances of finger-chewing and leg-eating, there is more to Raw than just violence. At the heart of it all is a tale of two sisters and their growing bond between them during their time together at university. Garance Marillier and Ella Rumpf share great sisterly chemistry onscreen, and bring a profound sense of humanity to otherwise animalistic characters. It's a similar vibe to films like Ginger Snaps, and finds the perfect balance between grotesque violence and domestic drama. To top it all off, it's also stylish as hell. Raw may have gained initial attention due to its violent tendencies, but it has enough substance to sink your teeth into that justifies all of the gory bits.
Scariest Moment:
Justine hides in a cubicle to sort out her *ahem* bad hair day.
2. Get Out (Jordan Peele, 2017)
The film that really put Jordan Peele on the map as a modern master of horror, Get Out takes a satirical look at modern race relations in the US and the 'post-racial myth'. What begins as the story of a young black man going to meet his white girlfriends family soon descends into something much more sinister as Peele delves deep into the anxieties experienced by black people in modern America. It's an incredibly sharp social horror that finds a brilliant balance between psychological scares and humor, without the latter every undermining the important themes. Daniel Kaluuya also gives a stand out performance as our protagonist Chris, making it impossible not to empathise regardless of your race. A groundbreaking social horror with incomparable wit, Get Out has already cemented itself as a modern classic and skyrocketed Jordan Peele's career in the years since its release.
Scariest Moment:
Run rabbit, run rabbit, run, run, run...
Scariest Moment:
Run rabbit, run rabbit, run, run, run...
1. The Witch (Robert Eggers, 2016)
A supernatural folk tale set in a rural part of 17th century New England, Robert Eggers' debut feature is the defining horror film of the decade in my personal opinion. Solidifying the horror landscapes shift to subtler, more suspense-driven scares, The Witch is a masterclass in tension that utilises clever editing and its spine-tingling score by Mark Korven to get under the audiences skin. Aside from excelling in the scare department however, The Witch is just a really brilliant film in general. From Eggers' incredibly detailed script, to the incredibly realistic production design, and stellar performances, you can tell that so much effort and attention to detail went into the film. It's also got one of the most unique depictions of the devil in recent cinema, with mischievous goat Black Phillip stealing the spotlight from his human co-stars. An instant classic through and through, The Witch will continue to send shivers down your spine for years to come.
Scariest Moment:
The witch gets her hands on unfortunate newborn Sam.
No comments:
Post a Comment