Horror movies have been thrilling audiences for over a century, providing a safe space to explore the darkest aspects of the imagination through suspense, mystery, and supernatural elements. The genre, encompassing feature films, documentaries, and TV shows—including notable Netflix originals—boasts a rich history from classics like “Dracula” and “Hellraiser” to recent releases such as “His House” and “Candyman”. Each film offers a unique experience of terror, allowing viewers to confront their fears from the safety of their seats.
While horror often intertwines with the thriller genre, it distinctively focuses on evoking fear, whereas thrillers might elicit excitement and anticipation. Regardless, both genres immerse viewers in a world of unknown and unseen dangers lurking at every turn. With a variety of sub-genres each presenting unique characteristics, the expansive world of horror continues to grow with new releases consistently refreshing the roster of must-watch films for enthusiasts.
10. All Fun and Games (2023)
“All Fun and Games” is a horror film directed by Ari Costa and Eren Celeboglu. Starring Asa Butterfield and Natalia Dyer, the film showcases a group of teens battling an evil spirit in a series of frightening games. The cursed knife that unleashes the demon plays a significant role in the story.
Diving into the various horrors haunting the teens, they encounter different entities such as monsters and witches. The film effectively uses jump scares to build suspense and create a spine-chilling atmosphere.
Though bloodthirsty elements are present in the movie, it avoids schlock to maintain the frightening yet captivating scenes. The story cleverly integrates elements like vampires and horns, adding a touch of classic horror motifs.
9. They Live 35th Anniversary (2023)
In 2023, the 35th anniversary of the classic horror film, “They Live,” was celebrated. Directed by horror master John Carpenter, the movie was a heart-pounding thriller. The story revolves around aliens who gain control of Earth by masquerading as humans and one man’s determination to stop them.
This sci-fi action film was a unique departure from the prototypical horror movies of the 1980s, like Nightmare on Elm Street and Wes Craven films. They Live appealed to a broader audience due to its mix of genres and distinctive concept.”
8. Christine 40th Anniversary (2023)
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of “Christine,” horror movie enthusiasts will have the opportunity to revisit this classic film. Based on a novel by Stephen King, “Christine” tells the horrific tale of a 1957 Plymouth bought by a misfit student, Keith Gordon. As the vehicle is refurbished, it begins to take on human characteristics.
Much like other Stephen King classics, such as The Shining, Christine delves into the dark and twisted aspects of human nature, while also presenting supernatural phenomena that add to the suspense and terror. Though not as well-known as other horror movie franchises, like Scream, Christine holds its own as an electrifying movie that has left a lasting impression on the genre.
7. The Nun II (2023)
“The Nun II,” released in 2023, is an American gothic supernatural horror film directed by Michael Chaves. The screenplay was created by Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, and Akela Cooper. This sequel follows Sister Irene as she confronts the demon nun, Valak, once again in 1956 France when a priest is murdered.
Similar to other notable horror films like Evil Dead and The Thing, The Nun II employs supernatural elements to create an eerie, suspenseful atmosphere that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With ghostly apparitions and demonic possessions, the film skillfully evokes the fear of the unknown.
In comparison to iconic slasher films like Michael Myers from the Halloween series, “The Nun II” relies more on supernatural scares than gory, physical violence. This approach allows for a more psychological horror experience, playing on the audience’s imagination and uncertainty about the nature of the evil that witnesses.
6. Satanic Hispanics (2023)
“Satanic Hispanics” is a horror anthology film directed by Alejandro Brugués, Mike Mendez, Demián Rugna, Gigi Saul Guerrero, and Eduardo Sánchez. The movie, which runs for 1h 45m, features Latino myths and monsters.
The story begins with the police raiding a house in El Paso, where they find numerous dead Latinos. There is only one survivor, known as “The Traveler.” He is taken to the police station for questioning, where he recounts tales of horrors from his life. These include themes of portals leading to other worlds and mythical beings.
5. A Haunting in Venice (2023)
“A Haunting in Venice” is a unique addition to the horror movie genre. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the film takes place in post-World War II Venice. Branagh stars as the retired detective Poirot, who finds himself once again in the middle of a murder investigation.
The film distinguishes itself by combining elements of crime drama, horror, and traditional whodunit. While it is not as intense as movies like “The Exorcist,” it still offers thrilling moments reminiscent of “Paranormal Activity” and “The Blair Witch Project.”
4. It Lives Inside (2023)
“It Lives Inside” is a supernatural horror movie directed by Bishal Dutta, which has garnered positive reviews for its innovative horror imagery and well-constructed script. The central performances effectively hold the emotional heart of the film and convey the essential metaphor of horror as an immigrant experience.
Comparable to iconic horror films such as “Psycho”, “The Ring”, and “The Babadook”, this movie features Indian-American high school student Sam as the protagonist. Sam grapples with the challenges of fitting in and rejecting her cultural roots, akin to the themes explored in crime and drama genres.
While “It Lives Inside” shines for its fresh take on the horror genre, there are notable influences from popular filmmakers such as Leigh Whannell and James Wan. The terror induced by the antagonist shares similarities with Wan’s “Jigsaw” and the chilling nature of “The Descent”.
3. No One Will Save You (2023)
“No One Will Save You” is a 2023 American science fiction horror-thriller film, written and directed by Brian Duffield, and starring Kaitlyn Dever. This pulse-pounding cinematic experience blends suspense, horror, and action, captivating audiences from the opening scene to the closing credits. A new addition to the horror genre, it explores themes similar to other horror films such as “The Hunt” and “Midsommar.”
While not centered around the classic ghostly figures, the film presents a chilling twist on alien abductions that fans of frightening and creepy content will enjoy. A recent trailer for “No One Will Save You” hints at the revitalization of the terrifying alien abduction trope with a high-quality story.
2. Deliver Us (2023)
This horror film takes an alternate approach in telling the biblical story of the immaculate conception, with a frightening twist. The protagonist, a virgin, unexpectedly conceives not only the Messiah but also the Anti-Christ.
As the plot unfolds, the audience is left gripping their seats with intense, scary moments. “Deliver Us” successfully balances the line between gory scenes and psychological horror, creating a gripping cinematic experience without relying on excess gore.
While not particularly focused on extraterrestrial beings, the demonic presence in this film could potentially trigger thoughts of alien involvement. Elements of fantasy and supernatural occurrences intertwine with the religious themes, making for a unique and spine-chilling combination.
1. Saw X (2023)
“Saw X” stars Tobin Bell, reprising his role as the infamous John Kramer. As the latest chilling installment, “Saw X” delves into an untold chapter of Jigsaw’s most personal game.
Just like the franchise’s previous installments, this film focuses on tortuous traps and psychological terror, keeping its viewers on the edge of their seats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which horror movie franchise is the most iconic?
Several horror movie franchises have reached iconic status, such as “Halloween,” “Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Friday the 13th,” and “Scream.” Each franchise has a dedicated fan base, memorable characters, and enduring influence within the horror genre. The most iconic franchise is subjective and often depends on personal preferences.
What are the best Hollywood horror films?
Some of the best Hollywood horror films include “Psycho,” “Rosemary’s Baby,” “Alien,” “The Thing,” and classics, “The Shining” and “The Exorcist”. These films have stood the test of time, offering impactful stories, remarkable performances, and innovative filmmaking techniques that continue to influence the horror genre.
Which horror films have the highest IMDb ratings?
Horror films with high IMDb ratings include classics like “The Silence of the Lambs” (8.6), “Psycho” (8.5), and “Rosemary’s Baby” (8.0), as well as modern favorites like “Get Out” (7.7) and “The Babadook” (6.8). These films have earned their high ratings through a combination of critical acclaim, audience appreciation, and strong cinematic storytelling.
