WORTHWHILE HORROR FILMS (in my opinion)
Not all of them are perfect films--many aren't--but all of them have elements that make them stand out among the rest: strong, original stories; believable acting; decent scares, etc.
I'm not easily frightened, and I'm a harsh judge of horror in general, so I don't hand out praise lightly. These stood out for different reasons.
Note of caution: Gore porn, which typically uses blood and guts to cover weak plot and a lack of actual creepiness, isn't anywhere on this list, but some of the titles are still quite gory. Tread carefully if you're squeamish.
I'm not easily frightened, and I'm a harsh judge of horror in general, so I don't hand out praise lightly. These stood out for different reasons.
Note of caution: Gore porn, which typically uses blood and guts to cover weak plot and a lack of actual creepiness, isn't anywhere on this list, but some of the titles are still quite gory. Tread carefully if you're squeamish.
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- DirectorPerry BlackshearStarsMacLeod AndrewsEvan DumouchelMargaret Ying DrakeSuspecting that people around him are turning into evil creatures, a troubled man questions whether to protect his only friend from an impending war, or from himself.This is character-driven horror at its finest. The film is slowly paced but plays with tension like a master. In some ways, it's genre-defying--one of the few horror movies I think could be described as "heartwarming." Part slice of life, part drama, part paranoia horror. If you like complex, thoughtful horror that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this one is worth a watch.
- DirectorAlex TurnerStarsHenry ThomasPatrick FugitNicki AycoxA group of Confederate soldiers hole up in an abandoned plantation after robbing a bank and find themselves at the mercy of supernatural forces.One of my favorite horror movies and the film that made me realize I prefer indie horror. Another slow-ish build, but more creepy and horrific parts. There's a little silliness at the beginning with a head blowing up (lol), but after that, it's a strong film, especially on a limited budget.
- DirectorJustin G. DyckStarsSheila McCarthyJulian RichingsKonstantina MantelosA bereaved Satanist couple kidnap a pregnant woman so they can use an ancient spellbook to put their dead grandson's spirit into her unborn child but end up summoning more than they bargained for.I was told to go into this blind, and you probably should too. Typically I'm not a fan of satanic themes, mostly because they're cheesy and seldom actually scary, but the film doesn't rely on the very basic premise. I had a good time throughout. Mixed feelings on the ending, but the fact that it could shock and surprise me without jump scares is a big plus.
- DirectorDrew GoddardStarsKristen ConnollyChris HemsworthAnna HutchisonFive college friends head out to a remote cabin for a getaway, but things don't go as planned when they start getting killed. They soon discover that there is more to the cabin than it seems.This film is a love song to horror fans. I couldn't stop smiling for the last twenty minutes. Like literally, my face was hurting, but I was just so stoked. This movie gets an A+ for marketing. No one could have guessed what it was actually about. Fantastic, funny, and sad because you actually care about these people. But it's a must-see for any horror fan.
- DirectorAndy MuschiettiStarsBill SkarsgårdJaeden MartellFinn WolfhardIn the summer of 1989, a group of bullied kids band together to destroy a shape-shifting monster, which disguises itself as a clown and preys on the children of Derry, their small Maine town.I didn't think I would, but I absolutely loved this film. The child actors were phenomenal, and it was a genuinely scary movie. Unfortunately, the second film was not so great, even with my beloved Bill Hader and the interesting things they did with his character. It was very cartoonish and relied more on gory child deaths to carry the horror. Plus, did their budget die or something? The CGI was just off-putting, and the finale was... I mean, it was hard not to laugh. Also I picked a fight with this lady in the audience who brought her terrified four-year-old to the movie, so that did sour my feelings surrounding it.
- DirectorNicholas McCarthyStarsCaity LotzCasper Van DienMark StegerAs a woman struggles to come to grips with her past in the wake of her mother's death and the disappearance of her sister, an unsettling presence emerges in her childhood home.This has got to be one of my favorite horror films of all time. It's so smart and creepy, and I loved the ending. I can't say too much else, but you have to be able to enjoy a slow build to appreciate this one.
- DirectorMike FlanaganStarsKaren GillanBrenton ThwaitesKatee SackhoffA recently released inmate from a mental asylum learns from his sister that the murders he was convicted of committing were actually orchestrated by a supernatural entity, the Lasser Glass mirror.This felt like an indie film, and it was both frustrating and thrilling. You spend the whole film trying to picture how you would solve this thing. Either way, it was creative and creepy, which is all you can really ask for.
- DirectorJames WanStarsPatrick WilsonVera FarmigaRon LivingstonParanormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse.As far as mainstream movies go, this was a solid film. It didn't fall to the foibles of many other pictures in its league, never banking on a nonsensical twist or trying to hide poor story with jump scares and gore.
- DirectorDanny PangOxide Chun PangStarsAngelica LeeChutcha RujinanonLawrence ChouA blind girl gets a cornea transplant so that she will be able to see again. She gets more than she bargained for upon realizing she can also see ghosts.Don't watch the stupid remake that totally missed the damn point. Very creepy with several surprises. If you don't pay careful attention, there's an important detail you'll miss regarding the ending. But even so, it's a good film.
- DirectorColin MinihanStuart OrtizThe Vicious BrothersStarsBenjamin WilkinsonSean RogersonAshleigh GryzkoFor their ghost hunting reality show, a production crew locks themselves inside an abandoned mental hospital that's supposedly haunted - and it might prove to be all too true.Found footage films are done to death, but this one was quite freaky. It had a clever concept and actually freaked me out without loud noises to startle me. It has some typical "why did you do that" moments, but it's a good, creepy movie.
- DirectorAdam RobitelStarsJill LarsonAnne RamsayMichelle AngAn elderly woman battling Alzheimer's disease agrees to let a film crew document her condition, but what they discover is something far more sinister going on.My roommate and I are split on whether or not the ending ruins the movie or is actually scary. I liked it, but she thought it was comical, so who knows. Up to that point, it's a very interesting, creepy film, and another good shot at the found footage genre.
- DirectorAdam WingardStarsSharni VinsonJoe SwanbergAJ BowenWhen the Davison family comes under attack during their wedding anniversary getaway, the gang of mysterious killers soon learns that one of the victims harbors a secret talent for fighting back.This is definitely a new take on the typical home invasion theme. I find most slasher sort of films to be boring, but this one kept me fairly entertained--more so after the film takes a surprising turn midway through.
- DirectorJustin BensonAaron MoorheadStarsPeter CilellaVinny CurranEmily MontagueA man imprisons his estranged junkie friend in an isolated cabin in the boonies of San Diego to force him through a week of sobriety, but the events of that week are being mysteriously manipulated.This is a strange film that not everyone will like. It's experimental and odd, with themes that don't fully make sense until the end. Honestly, even by the end they don't entirely make sense. But it's creepy and interesting. If you like slow burns and mystery, you might enjoy it.
- DirectorJaume BalagueróPaco PlazaStarsManuela VelascoFerran TerrazaJorge-Yamam SerranoA television reporter and cameraman follow emergency workers into a dark apartment building and are quickly locked inside with something terrifying.There are several reasons why this film is better than its American remake, Quarantine. The most obvious is that it's a shorter movie overall. There's nothing superfluous about REC. We get nonstop action, right up to the bitter end, and it fits. There's no random time to sit and chat, no attempt to insert a bunch of backstory to explain what's happening. The information is given, and the audience is left to figure the rest out on their own. The 45 and a half sequels may not be so great, however.
- DirectorFrancis LawrenceStarsKeanu ReevesRachel WeiszDjimon HounsouSupernatural exorcist and demonologist John Constantine helps a policewoman prove her sister's death was not a suicide, but something more.This is a film that strongly benefited from cutting some scenes. I watched the deleted sections after seeing it in theaters, and I'm not sure why they were filmed in the first place. Thankfully, what we see is what we get. Creepy, action-packed, and very different from a lot of what's out there.
- DirectorRobert EggersStarsAnya Taylor-JoyRalph InesonKate DickieA family in 1630s New England is torn apart by the forces of witchcraft, black magic and possession.Another very slow burn, more about making the viewer question what's happening than throwing abrupt scares in our faces. When it reaches the climax, all hell breaks loose, but the first half is mostly atmosphere and paranoia. However, if you enjoy horror that makes you frantically fill in the blanks as the truth unfolds, this is one to see.
- DirectorAdam MacDonaldStarsLaurie HoldenNicole MuñozChloe RoseA frustrated, angst-ridden teenage girl awakens something in the woods when she naively performs an occult ritual to evoke a witch to kill her mother.We watched this expecting it to be hilariously bad. Let me tell you, that summary isn't doing it any favors. Minus a really frustrating character choice moment and a dash of cheese here and there, this was quite the surprise. Genuinely creepy, tells a solid story with a small budget. The abrupt ending might annoy some people, but for me it worked. Just go in with an open mind.
- DirectorKevin KölschDennis WidmyerStarsAlexandra EssoeAmanda FullerNoah SeganA hopeful young starlet uncovers the ominous origins of the Hollywood elite and enters into a deadly agreement in exchange for fame and fortune.A film about how far we'll go to achieve our dreams. The premise itself isn't all that original, but the execution is solid. Very atmospheric, all leading up to its fucked up climax. Fans of indie stuff should check it out.
- DirectorJoel SchumacherStarsJason PatricCorey HaimDianne WiestAfter moving to a new town, two brothers discover that the area is a haven for vampires.One of the best closing lines in horror movie history. This film stands out among vampire films, and it's managed to stay solid all of these years later. Even with the hilarious '80s aesthetic. A forced love interest as a subplot weakens the film, but it's so awkwardly inserted that you could ignore it completely and change nothing relevant in the film. Otherwise, this is a fun romp reflective of the time period without being painfully dated.
- DirectorPatrick BriceStarsKatie AseltonPatrick BriceMark DuplassA young videographer answers an online ad for a one-day job in a remote town to record the last messages of a dying man. When he notices the man's odd behavior, he starts to question his intentions.If you had to describe it in one word, it would be "unsettling." Most of the horror comes from not understanding what's happening, surviving only on clues and paranoia. The human side of the film is quite creepy, knowing what kind of person we're dealing with and never being sure just what he's capable of.
- DirectorMichael DoughertyStarsAdam ScottToni ColletteDavid KoechnerA boy who has a bad Christmas accidentally summons a festive demon to his family home.Horror comedies are typically a win, and when that's combined with demented, Christmas-themed monsters, it's hard not to enjoy yourself. This film, too, has its moments that weaken it (The gingerbread man thing? Really?), but overall, it's a fun film, even if you aren't impressed with the plot. (I didn't think it was bad.)
- DirectorJordan BarkerStarsMartin DonovanGina GallegoSakis RouvasHaunted with nightmares of his wife's recent suicide and struggling to mend the relationship with his only daughter, Richard is caught as a witness to the violence of Abner Solvie. He finds himself at the mercy of a charismatic killer and plagued by his involvement in the city's recent murders. As Abner's new found protégé, Richard is forced to adopt the mind of his sociopathic mentor in order to protect the one he loves. Richard must decide if he's willing to kill in order to keep his daughter alive.In order to enjoy this film, you may have to suspend your disbelief just a little. Yes, things might fall into a place a bit too easily, but ultimately I was impressed by the thought and care that went into building the plot. Also, I didn't see the twist miles away, which is a huge plus for me. I've seen so many horror films, and it's not often I can't immediately guess the ending.
- DirectorDavid Robert MitchellStarsMaika MonroeKeir GilchristOlivia LuccardiA young woman is followed by an unknown supernatural force after a sexual encounter.Not the best movie I've ever seen, but still a good film. There's a lot to unpack in this slow burner, but the building dread and uncertainty is great. Plus some of the forms are quite terrifying.
- DirectorDanny BoyleStarsCillian MurphyNaomie HarrisChristopher EcclestonFour weeks after a mysterious, incurable virus spreads throughout the UK, a handful of survivors try to find sanctuary.Gotta love one of the best zombie movies of the 2000s. I heavily prefer the US ending to the dark and hopeless UK ending. But yeah, this movie is a classic.
- DirectorBruce McDonaldStarsStephen McHattieLisa HouleGeorgina ReillyA radio host interprets the possible outbreak of a deadly virus which infects the small Ontario town he is stationed in.Definitely one of the weirder entries on this list. The idea of something spreading like a virus isn't new, but the sheer mystery of what causes the outbreak, along with the very unusual method of transmission, sets the movie above others of its kind. Interesting setting, good acting, and a truly disturbing film throughout. Weird ending, but whatever. It's an enjoyable film.
- DirectorEdgar WrightStarsSimon PeggNick FrostKate AshfieldThe uneventful, aimless lives of a London electronics salesman and his layabout roommate are disrupted by the zombie apocalypse.Horror comedy tends to be more successful, because it laughs at itself and doesn't have to try as hard to be scary. This film isn't particularly scary, just gory, but it is very funny.
- DirectorJordan PeeleStarsDaniel KaluuyaAllison WilliamsBradley WhitfordA young African-American visits his white girlfriend's parents for the weekend, where his simmering uneasiness about their reception of him eventually reaches a boiling point.Interesting social commentary, definitely creepy and sad. I guessed the twists early on, but that didn't stop it from being enjoyable. Very solid first film for Jordan Peele, though I think I was overhyped and too excited for his sophomore picture. Us just didn't have the same impact. I blame the trailers for giving so much away, including the final twist.
- DirectorEli CraigStarsTyler LabineAlan TudykKatrina BowdenAffable hillbillies Tucker and Dale are on vacation at their dilapidated mountain cabin when they are mistaken for murderers by a group of preppy college students.To me, this film is kind of ruined by the final line, which drives me nuts. I've seen a few movies like that, where an uncharacteristic throwaway kills the tone. Beyond that, though, this is very inventive and funny. The concept of someone seeming like the stereotypical murderous hillbilly in the woods is very original and very well executed.
- DirectorRoxanne BenjaminMatt Bettinelli-OlpinDavid BrucknerStarsChad VillellaMatt Bettinelli-OlpinKristina PesicFive interlocking tales of terror follow the fates of a group of weary travellers who confront their worst nightmares - and darkest secrets - over one long night on a desolate stretch of desert highway.This is an anthology film, which I love to watch but rarely find any of decent quality. This is another weird one, but it's definitely off-putting and creepy. As far as horror anthology films that I've seen, this does stand out, but be prepared for the weird tie ins and concepts.
- DirectorKaryn KusamaStarsLogan Marshall-GreenEmayatzy CorinealdiMichiel HuismanWhen a man accepts an invitation to a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, the unsettling past reopens old wounds and creates new tensions.This one is all about the tension and uncertainty. There's not much to say, just go in knowing as little as possible, and watch yourself fall into a paranoid spiral with the main character.
- DirectorAndré ØvredalStarsBrian CoxEmile HirschOphelia LovibondA father and son, both coroners, are pulled into a complex mystery while attempting to identify the cause of death of a young woman who was apparently harboring dark secrets.I was actually among the very first people to see this film. We watched it unfinished, and there was a part that made me laugh unintentionally, but once we reached the ending, I actually liked a lot of what happened. It was quite clever once you saw how all of the pieces were placed.
- DirectorCiarán FoyStarsAneurin BarnardJames CosmoWunmi MosakuAn agoraphobic father teams up with a renegade priest to save his daughter from the clutches of a gang of twisted feral children who committed an act of violence against his family years earlier.Another imperfect but solid enough film. Attempts to solve what the things are ruined it a tiny bit, but honestly, it's fast paced and freaky, so it worked for me. It didn't spend a ton of time on pondering, but I do question a few of the character choices.
- DirectorGerard JohnstoneStarsMorgana O'ReillyRima Te WiataGlen-Paul WaruA young woman is forced to return to her childhood home after being placed under house arrest, where she suspects that something evil may be lurking.A horror comedy, a little on the gross side. The less I say about this film the better, but it's worth a watch. Only a few parts really stood out as creepy, but if you like horror with heart, this is for you.
- DirectorOren PeliStarsKatie FeatherstonMicah SloatMark FredrichsAfter moving into a suburban home, a couple becomes increasingly disturbed by a nightly demonic presence.This film was over-hyped, and it tainted my view just a bit. I was promised real scares, but as usual, it was nothing more than creepy. However, I did find the film to be well made overall. The more I thought about it, the more I liked it, even if it didn't make me wet myself. Not crazy about the ending (all three fell flat), but hey, those 3000 sequels aren't going to shoehorn themselves.
- DirectorJames DeMonacoStarsEthan HawkeLena HeadeyMax BurkholderA wealthy family is held hostage for harboring the target of a murderous syndicate during the Purge, a 12-hour period in which any and all crime is legal.Not as good as the sequel, which is incredibly rare, but still an interesting experiment regarding morality and the idea of things being "the way they are" purely because it's what we're used to. It's not as action-packed as one might hope, but it sets the stage, so it's worth a look. It doesn't have to be seen to appreciate the follow ups, though, as it's much more self-contained and less ambitious than all the films that followed.
- DirectorJames DeMonacoStarsFrank GrilloCarmen EjogoZach GilfordThree groups of people intertwine and are left stranded in the streets on Purge Night, trying to survive the chaos and violence that occurs.I actually liked this one a lot more than the first. While the third devolved into an awkward, flat attempt at horror-comedy ("I want my candy bar!" like bitch, you couldn't swing by 7-11?), the second film in the franchise takes the brief social implications of the first movie and expands on them. Still has its questionable moments, but the emphasis on class warfare and the very literal purging of the lower class and impoverished only strengthened the movie. I feel like more could have happened with the rich folks, but it was a decent movie otherwise.
- DirectorDavid Guy LevyStarsBrittany SnowJune SquibbJeffrey CombsDesperate to help her ailing brother, a young woman unknowingly agrees to compete in a deadly game of "Would You Rather," hosted by a sadistic aristocrat.Filed under movies I won't watch again, but not for the reasons you'd think. I thought it would be just another torture porn type of film, but it actually had some creative, though bleak, allegories woven in among the madness. The ending line perfectly summed up the entire point of the film, simultaneously crushing your heart, haha.
Overall, not a ton of this film stands out among the rest, but the few things that did step outside of the box really worked for me. As far as gore goes, I've seen much worse, and it wasn't even as bad as what you'd see in the Saw franchise. The reason I can't watch it again is that I actually found myself liking most of the characters right away. Typically they're all just pawns to be slaughtered, but their impending deaths really bummed me out, especially when there was so much kindness among the victims right up to the end. - DirectorToby WilkinsStarsShea WhighamJill WagnerPaulo CostanzoTrapped in an isolated gas station by a voracious Splinter parasite that transforms its still-living victims into deadly hosts, a young couple and an escaped convict must find a way to work together to survive this primal terror.Very short, very odd, but I enjoyed it. The characters are interesting for something so abrupt, but you don't have time to sit and wonder when the pace keeps you on your toes. Nothing groundbreaking, but it's a solid film.
- DirectorMike FlanaganStarsJohn Gallagher Jr.Kate SiegelMichael TruccoA deaf and mute writer who retreated into the woods to live a solitary life must fight for her life in silence when a masked killer appears at her window.This is more of a thriller than a horror movie, but it plays with some tropes in an enjoyable way. There are a few weird inconsistencies with the fact that the character is deaf, but I can forgive them because they aren't offensive. Overall, an interesting idea, if not overall groundbreaking.
- DirectorFrancis LawrenceStarsWill SmithAlice BragaCharlie TahanYears after a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters, the sole survivor in New York City struggles valiantly to find a cure.This one only counts with the original ending. The theatrical end eschewed two hours worth of careful foreshadowing for a cliche, obvious ending. I left the theater feeling confused, because somehow it felt like they never addressed the things that they were implying throughout. When I found the real ending sometime later, it all made sense.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsSigourney WeaverMichael BiehnCarrie HennDecades after surviving the Nostromo incident, Ellen Ripley is sent out to re-establish contact with a terraforming colony but finds herself battling the Alien Queen and her offspring.People argue that this one is more sci-fi than horror, but given the nature of the film and just how much of it is about survival, I'd say it fits just fine. Very oozy and gross, but a great film overall.
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsSigourney WeaverTom SkerrittJohn HurtThe crew of a commercial spacecraft encounters a deadly lifeform after investigating a mysterious transmission of unknown origin.Slower, darker, and much more dated in some ways. But this is a classic, and despite the space setting, it's definitely a horror film.
- DirectorM. Night ShyamalanStarsJames McAvoyAnya Taylor-JoyHaley Lu RichardsonThree girls are kidnapped by a man with a diagnosed 23 distinct personalities. They must try to escape before the apparent emergence of a frightful new 24th.I went into this film ready to be disappointed, partly because I'm an advocate for mental health awareness, and films like this can put people with disassociation disorders at risk from a public that sees them as dangerous. (In truth, they're more likely to have violence inflicted upon them, but I digress.)
Some people may still find it offensive, but I was pleased to see that the situation was treated as more of a supernatural thing that defied typical symptoms and alters. It wasn't the best film I've ever seen, but it was better than I'd expected. Plus I liked the lead girl, who took this up a notch from the typical "girls being tortured" vibe. - DirectorAlejandro AmenábarStarsNicole KidmanChristopher EcclestonFionnula FlanaganIn 1945, immediately following the end of Second World War, a woman who lives with her two photosensitive children on her darkened old family estate in the Channel Islands becomes convinced that the home is haunted.Slow but suspenseful, this dark film was playing with twists and turns in a ghost story before it was cool. Bit by bit, the full picture is revealed, and ultimately this is a solid film.
- DirectorRuben FleischerStarsJesse EisenbergEmma StoneWoody HarrelsonA shy student trying to reach his family in Ohio, a gun-toting bruiser in search of the last Twinkie and a pair of sisters striving to get to an amusement park join forces in a trek across a zombie-filled America.Few movies managed to stand out among the zombie craze like Zombieland. Like Shaun of the Dead, it used humor to approach the story, which made the whole thing more entertaining. Interesting cast of characters, imaginative zombies, and the only film that ever made me scream in theaters. (That toilet clown, wtf! And yes, everyone in the theater laughed at me.)
- DirectorJames GunnStarsNathan FillionElizabeth BanksMichael RookerA small town is taken over by an alien plague, turning residents into zombies and all forms of mutant monsters.Potentially one of the grossest films on this list (though there's no topping Alien/Aliens), this is another horror comedy that dishes out action while reeling in the viewer with its well-timed humor. If you like your horror serious, look elsewhere, as this is one of the sillier pictures on the list.
- DirectorWes CravenStarsNeve CampbellCourteney CoxDavid ArquetteA year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a masked killer who targets her and her friends by using scary movies as part of a deadly game.Scream is known for its deconstruction of the horror genre, and the twist of comedy throughout might be what made the franchise what it is. Because the entire thing is essentially a satire of horror tropes, you can forgive the foolish decisions of the characters, and ultimately it's just a fun experience.
- DirectorMary LambertStarsDale MidkiffDenise CrosbyFred GwynneAfter tragedy strikes, a grieving father discovers an ancient burial ground behind his home with the power to raise the dead.Yes, it's cheesy as hell, but a classic is a classic. Maybe it's only on this list because my babysitter made me watch it when I was six, and it traumatized me. Ultimately I think it's here because despite how corny it can be at times, it leaves a sick, unsettled feeling in your gut from start to finish.
- DirectorJon WattsStarsAndy PowersLaura AllenPeter StormareA loving father finds a clown suit for his son's birthday party, only to realize that it's cursed.Some people loathed this movie, and apparently having children doesn't help, but I thought it was interesting and funny. I found the child-eating hilarious, so I guess I should just toss out my uterus now.
Definitely a little gross, and certainly not a happy film by any means, it's entertaining and definitely creepy. And maybe I'm alone here, but I enjoyed the mythos and the background of the clown suit. - DirectorAri AsterStarsFlorence PughJack ReynorVilhelm BlomgrenA couple travels to Northern Europe to visit a rural hometown's fabled Swedish mid-summer festival. What begins as an idyllic retreat quickly devolves into an increasingly violent and bizarre competition at the hands of a pagan cult.In a lot of ways, this isn't really a horror movie. It had horrific parts, certainly, but more than anything, it's a complex, psychological drama, focusing on grief and the toxic things we cling to for security. Some might find it a little too weird, but I really enjoyed the creative editing and perspectives. Plus, I was inwardly hoping the film would end exactly the way that it did, and that final shot was just perfection.
- DirectorJeremy SaulnierStarsAnton YelchinImogen PootsAlia ShawkatA punk rock band is forced to fight for survival after witnessing a murder at a neo-Nazi skinhead bar.If you're in the market for subversive horror, why not try this one? Nothing supernatural here, just people being horrible. It's more like a dark, traumatic drama than anything, but it's definitely on the horror spectrum. Be prepared to cry if you're a big baby, like me. This is another film that's heavy on the social commentary.
- DirectorDavid BrucknerStarsRafe SpallArsher AliRobert James-CollierA group of old college friends reunite for a trip to a most dangerous country in Europe - Sweden, encountering a menacing presence there stalking them.I almost hesitate to put this one on here, because I feel like it starts to fall apart a little over halfway through. It had a lot to offer in the beginning, but I have mixed feelings about the climax. The moments leading up to the end are powerful, though, and there is a sort of catharsis that comes with a story like this. I also REALLY loved the symbolism and eerie effect leading up to the ending. Not the best movie ever, but it was entertaining. You could do worse.
- DirectorJames Ward ByrkitStarsEmily BaldoniMaury SterlingNicholas BrendonStrange things begin to happen when a group of friends gather for a dinner party on an evening when a comet is passing overhead.This is another film that's more of a study of human nature than a horror film, though the first little bit did freak me out. You should go into this one blind as well, as the mystery of it is part of what makes it worth the watch. The ending took us a while to fully see, and we initially thought it fell flat. But if you really think about it, you'll realize it's reflective of something that was planted all along. This film was also fully improvised, so it comes across in a very realistic way.
- DirectorCarter SmithStarsScott EvansAdam FaisonLukas GageMidnight Kiss follows a group of longtime gay best friends and their straight female bestie as they head to a beautiful desert home to celebrate New Year's Eve. One of their annual traditions is to play a game called Midnight Kiss, a sexy but ultimately dangerous challenge to find that special someone to help you ring in the New Year. As friendships have grown strained with secrets, jealousy and resentment, the group faces another challenge when a sadistic killer wants in on the game. Relationships are put to the test and truths are revealed as the night turns into a fight for survival.Technically this is part of a series, but each "episode" is a feature-length film. Most of "Into the Dark" is a miss for me, sadly. I want to love it, though, and I hope they keep making more. But this was the first episode that I didn't kinda hate, so I guess that's why it made an impact.
What I didn't like? The stereotyping of the gay men--druggy sluts who cheat and can't commit, little elements here and there that didn't make sense.
What I did like? The acting, the simpleness of the story, the complexity of the characters, the insidious nature of abuse and control.
Not amazing by any means, but I'm shocked by how many people hated it. I think it's a solid slasher. - DirectorCharles HoodStarsMolly HaganNatalie HallKyle HowardThe boss of a private equity company invites a couple of his employees over to a Christmas party that turns out to be an intense competition for a promotion.This horror comedy almost lost me more than once with the repetitive back and forth, but eventually it came to a head in a delightful way. The ending made it all worth it, and knowing it has a sharp ending makes the rest of it more enjoyable. Plus, I didn't see every twist and turn right away. So that's fun too.
- DirectorTobe HooperStarsJoBeth WilliamsHeather O'RourkeCraig T. NelsonA family's home is haunted by a host of demonic ghosts.It's got that '80s cheese, but it's a classic, and they worked well with what they had. The last quarter of the movie is the best. Definitely worth a watch if you can stand the dated special effects.
- DirectorRon UnderwoodStarsKevin BaconFred WardFinn CarterNatives of a small isolated town defend themselves against strange underground creatures which are killing them one by one.I loved this movie as a little girl, but watching it with my best friend 30 years later, it honestly holds up overall. I still really enjoy it.
- DirectorMatthew HolnessStarsSean HarrisAlun ArmstrongAndy BlitheAfter returning to his childhood home, a disgraced children's puppeteer is forced to confront his wicked stepfather and the secrets that have tortured his entire life.Very strange, eerie movie, but interesting. More on the abstract side than some of the others on this list, but it's cohesive.
- DirectorScott DerricksonStarsMason ThamesMadeleine McGrawEthan HawkeAfter being abducted and locked in a basement, a boy starts receiving calls on a disconnected phone from the killer's previous victims.This isn't the most amazing movie ever, but I enjoyed it. I also liked that the male cast was treated as they would be if the cast were female. It's hard to sum up quickly, but the styling and attention really drove home what was going on here.
- DirectorShin'ichirô UedaStarsTakayuki HamatsuYuzuki AkiyamaHarumi ShuhamaThings go badly for a hack director and film crew shooting a low budget zombie movie in an abandoned WWII Japanese facility, when they are attacked by real zombies.The less said about this one, the better. Don't watch the trailer, just check out the movie!
- DirectorMark MylodStarsRalph FiennesAnya Taylor-JoyNicholas HoultA young couple travels to a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises.While there was nothing I found particularly shocking or exceptional here, it was an interesting concept, and I liked the way the ending played out. Very interesting and oddly moving.
- DirectorJoel AndersonStarsRosie TraynorDavid PledgerMartin SharpeStrange things start happening after a girl is found drowned in a lake.I spent most of this movie kind of looking down on it and wondering when it was gonna get to the point. When it wrapped up, I was deeply disturbed, which doesn't happen often. YMMV, but I got a lot out of it and even scared myself later that night thinking about myself in the girl's shoes.