15 Horror Movies Worth Watching

In a world that often feels like a horror show itself, the horror genre has found a golden period, delivering a diverse range of spine-chilling experiences. From Lovecraftian horror to alien invaders and killer dolls, the horror landscape in recent times has been nothing short of thrilling. Let’s take a haunting journey down memory lane and explore the best horror films that made waves this year.

Table of Contents

Suitable Flesh: Capturing Lovecraft’s Spirit

Suitable Flesh, directed by Joe Lynch, accomplishes the daunting task of capturing the spirit of the legendary Stuart Gordon, renowned for Lovecraft adaptations like Re-Animator. Lynch, while maintaining his unique style, delves into Lovecraftian horror. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Heather Graham, Barbara Crampton, and Judah Lewis, delivering a hornier twist reminiscent of ’90s erotic thrillers.

Huesera: The Bone Woman – Elevating Supernatural Tropes

Directed by Michelle Garza Cervera, Huesera: The Bone Woman rises above the common supernatural tropes. The film revolves around a woman whose pregnancy seems haunted by a relentless entity, creating a narrative that blurs the lines between supernatural horror and the challenges of motherhood, leaving room for reasonable doubt and unsettling the audience.

No One Will Save You: Brian Duffield’s Alien Invasion

Brian Duffield, known for the splat-tastic romance Spontaneous, surprises with No One Will Save You, an alien invasion thriller infused with home invasion elements. Despite a wordless yet compelling performance by Kaitlyn Dever, the film keeps audiences on the edge of their seats as a traumatized young woman battles against both human and extraterrestrial threats.

Saw X: A Worthy Prequel

Saw X, directed by Kevin Greutert, breathes new life into the Saw franchise by offering a prequel that delves into the character of Jigsaw. Focusing more on character development, the film provides a personal edge to Jigsaw’s brutal justice, offering a glimpse into his life before becoming the iconic villain. It adds depth to the franchise, reminiscent of the emotional resonance seen in Spider-Man 2.

Hell House LLC Origins: Returning to Found-Footage Roots

Hell House LLC: The Carmichael Manor, directed by Stephen Cognetti, surprises audiences by returning to the found-footage roots of horror. Shifting away from the Abbadon Hotel, the film builds unease and dread, proving that the found-footage sub-genre still has the power to deliver immersive and intense experiences.

M3GAN: A Fun Take on Killer Dolls

In a genre dominated by Chucky and Annabelle, M3GAN, directed by Gerard Johnstone, takes a different approach to killer dolls. Despite its overcooked modern tropes, the film embraces its limitations and delivers a surprisingly fun experience. The visual design of M3GAN, teetering on the edge of the uncanny valley, adds to its unsettling charm.

When Evil Lurks: Rugna’s Nasty Demon Tale

Demián Rugna’s When Evil Lurks presents demonic possession in a fresh light. The film treats demons as a multipurpose disease, intertwining apocalyptic despair with the malicious intent of supernatural entities. Rugna doesn’t shy away from showcasing the devastating consequences of a deadly outbreak, pushing the boundaries of horror.

Birth/Rebirth: Moss’ Modern Spin on Frankenstein

Birth/Rebirth, directed by Laura Moss, offers a modern, womanhood-centered take on the Frankenstein story. Marin Ireland’s portrayal of Dr. Rose Casper, a modern Dr. Frankenstein, and Judy Reyes as nurse Celie Morales, brings dark humor, heartbreaking tragedy, and abhorrent behavior. The film surprises with its fresh perspective on the iconic tale.

Godzilla: Minus One – A Reimagined Origin

Godzilla: Minus One, directed by Takashi Yamazaki, reimagines the origin of Godzilla, taking audiences back to post-war Japan. The film explores the destructive force of Godzilla as it reacts to a changing world. Yamazaki’s approach revitalizes the classic monster, presenting a compelling narrative of a creature annoyed by the encroachment of humans.

Infinity Pool: Cronenberg’s Body Horror

Brandon Cronenberg, known for his surreal and violent style, explores body abuse in Infinity Pool. The film, centered around two couples meeting at a resort, takes a sadistic turn with Alexander Skarsgard’s naive performance and Mia Goth’s menacing manipulations. Cronenberg continues to carve his unique path as a director, delivering a film that lingers on the edge of the uncanny.

Enys Men: Jenkin’s Low-Fi Folk Horror

Mark Jenkin’s Enys Men stands out as a low-fi folk horror, showcasing the filmmaker’s commitment to experimental storytelling. The film follows a wildlife volunteer isolated on an uninhabited island, unraveling her life in a dreamlike fashion. Enys Men represents a modern-day experimental horror, challenging conventional storytelling and inviting divisive reviews.

Brooklyn 45: Unorthodox Ghost Story

Brooklyn 45, directed by Ted Geoghan, takes a theatrical approach to horror, presenting an unorthodox ghost story set in the aftermath of World War II. The film brings together a group of wartime friends, unraveling their personal grief and trauma in a supernatural reunion. Despite its minimal cast, Brooklyn 45 packs a punch with its twisty narrative.

Evil Dead Rise: Blood-Splattered Adventure

A decade after the last Evil Dead installment, Evil Dead Rise, directed by Lee Cronin, returns to the gore-soaked roots of the franchise. While contained within an apartment block, the film successfully channels the traditional Evil Dead setup. Alyssa Sutherland’s unhinged demonic performance adds to the film’s blood-splattered adventure.

Talk to Me: Phillipou Brothers’ Breakout Hit

Talk to Me, directed by Danny & Michael Phillipou, emerges as a breakout horror hit, offering a fresh take on possession, curses, and teenage tomfoolery. The film’s mean streak propels it into unsettling territory, blending interpersonal drama with the consequences of a possession gone wrong. The Phillipou brothers showcase that old horror ideas can be revitalized with a contemporary touch.

Dark Harvest: Strange Tone and Chaotic Charm

David Slade’s Dark Harvest presents a strange tone and chaotic charm, making it difficult to categorize. Set in a small town, the film follows boys competing against a supernatural scarecrow, delivering dark humor and just the right kind of chaos. Despite its unconventional nature, Dark Harvest has the potential to become a cult favorite in the years to come.

Conclusion

The horror genre continues to evolve, offering a diverse array of experiences that push boundaries and challenge traditional storytelling. From Lovecraftian horrors to demonic possessions and experimental folk tales, these fifteen horror movies from various sub-genres have left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape. As we navigate the terror-filled realms of these films, we find that horror, in its many forms, remains a captivating and thrilling genre, ensuring that the nightmares persist on both the screen and in our minds.

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