The best way to give yourself the chills is to watch a good horror movie late at night. And not just any horror movie, but one that will make you feel like something is definitely going to crawl out from under your bed as soon as you go to sleep.
Over the past 20 years, tons of film stock have been used to scare us with horror movies. There’s plenty to choose from. If you’re a fan of the horror genre, AdmiGram.com has specially curated a selection of the best horror films from recent years that will definitely keep you up at night.
The 10 best horror movies of recent years
It Follows
Director: David Robert Mitchell
Starring: Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Olivia Luccardi
The main feature of the film is its fresh idea. For the horror genre, this is essential to revive and rekindle interest in such films. Is the film scary? Definitely. Especially if you like when fear slowly and oppressively builds up. Fear, elevated to the absolute, primarily by the idea, musical design, and skillful camerawork.
The Ring
Director: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, Brian Cox
This film set the standard for a new direction in the horror genre. But it’s worth noting that this is a remake of the Japanese film of the same name, which is just as terrifying as the Hollywood version. Overall, both the American and Japanese films are true gems of the genre. The story’s plot is truly captivating, and the dark atmosphere of unknown fear and mystery lingers long after watching. A true cult horror film.
The Babadook
Director: Jennifer Kent
Starring: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, Hayley McElhinney
First and foremost, this is an auteur horror film, not aimed at wide distribution. And thus, it is incredibly valuable for true genre fans. The film starkly differs from canonical horror movies. Rather, it’s a unique and complex experiment in the genre, where the filmmakers reveal the intricacies of the human subconscious. A film about how our fears, nightmares, and traumas give birth to true inner monsters.
Sinister
Director: Scott Derrickson
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance, Fred Thompson
Perhaps, this film is one of those bright examples when it seems like we’ve seen it all before, but at the same time, the filmmakers keep us on the edge of our seats throughout the entire runtime. From start to finish, the film is very intriguing and doesn’t allow a minute for the viewer to get bored or relaxed. The main charm of the film is its true old-school horror vibe from the 90s and the incredible intrigue of the ending, which even seasoned horror fans won’t be able to guess.
Train to Busan
Director: Yeon Sang-ho
Starring: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok
Another wonderful example of how you can rethink the tired clichés and turn them into a real masterpiece. The story of zombies and a deadly virus unfolds in mounting horror, even if at the outset it might elicit a smile from hardened and cynical genre fans. The filmmakers masterfully blend the familiar horror with existential questions about the essence of humanity. What could be scarier than zombies? It’s you facing death itself.
Final Destination
Director: James Wong
Starring: Devon Sawa, Ali Larter, Kerr Smith
A classic horror film from the 2000s, where movies were just beginning to scare the audience with interesting concepts and a looming sense of irreversibility. Many consider the film to be cult. And there’s no wonder, because the film has the perfect balance of tension and suspense. The main idea of the film is to instill in the viewer the idea of their own vulnerability in absolutely any harmless situation. After watching the film, you’ll definitely be afraid to turn on the coffee maker or toaster for a couple of days.
The Conjuring
Director: James Wan
Starring: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Ron Livingston
What sets this film apart from other horrors? Clear and consistent storytelling. Step by step, the viewer, along with the actors, is immersed in what’s happening. The ‘living,’ well-developed characters are exactly as they should be. They experience understandable human emotions that the viewer can relate to. So besides fear, which is abundant in the film, we’re also treated to a gripping story. That is, if you dare to watch this film all the way through.
28 Days Later
Director: Danny Boyle
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston
A genre classic, and it’s capitalized. Arguably the most realistic post-apocalyptic world, close to reality. The film is infused with deep emotions and moral dilemmas, while its dynamic plot and gripping action scenes keep you on the edge until the very end. It’s not just a movie — it’s an unforgettable journey into the world of apocalypse, leaving the audience thrilled by its hopelessness, intensity, and depth.
Get Out
Director: Jordan Peele
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford
It’s refreshing to realize that in today’s world, the horror genre hasn’t gathered dust. A bold screenplay, addressing deep sociocultural issues, intriguing characters, and a suspenseful plot twist make “Get Out” not just a movie but a true cinematic revelation, leaving the audience amazed by its depth and cunning. The film literally juggles with our emotions, immersing us in the world of its main character.
El Orfanato
Director: J. A. Bayona
Starring: Belén Rueda, Fernando Cayo, Roger Príncep
The film is genuinely frightening. Primarily because of its ending, but if you think about it, it’s scary not only because of its triple somersault of ‘reality-fairytale-reality,’ but also because of the details — findings, hints for the thoughtful, attentive viewer who wasn’t just led where they were taken but tried to find their own answer through signs and hints. An unequivocal and rare masterpiece in the genre of true horror.
image on top: 28 Days Later / DNA Films, Train to Busan / RedPeter Film, The Ring / MacDonald/Parkes Productions
