Horror is a genre I feel often goes unappreciated and overlooked in many different mediums of entertainment. I’m always looking for ways to share my passion for the art of thrillers with anyone who is willing to listen. I’ve dedicated a lot of time to watching as many scary movies as I can, be it creature feature or straight-up slasher. This list is just a few, in no particular order, that I consider necessary for anyone who wants a good scare!
- The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
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This film is so self-aware and the entertainment factor is off the charts from the get-go. There are times that tropes can become exhausted, but The Cabin in the Woods has such a unique edge about it that sets it apart. I don’t want to spoil much for those who haven’t seen it, but the twist is still one of the greatest in any script I’ve seen.
- Alien (1979)
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As pretty much the first film to seamlessly blend sci-fi and horror, there aren’t enough wonderful things to say about Alien. The practical effects of the xenomorph remain evidence that CGI isn’t everything, and it will have you on the edge of your seat throughout its entirety. Also, Sigourney Weaver is a badass as Ripley.
- The Evil Dead (1981)
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Not to be confused with the 2013 remake, this cult classic is necessary on the watch list if you truly wish to be a horror connoisseur. It’s exceptionally campy and has had such an impact on the history of film making that you can still see its influence today.
- Hereditary (2018)
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I’m certain everyone has heard the buzz about Hereditary. It is terrifying and the cinematography is worth the watch in itself. However, Toni Collette is the entire reason the film made it onto my list. She gives an unreal performance that is overwhelming and disorienting in the best way. She deserves all the awards.
- You’re Next (2013)
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This film is just downright fun. It’s a great mix of humor, gore and familiar tropes that left me feeling like I knew the writer personally. It’s a bonus when the actors in horror films put a lot of work into the characters, and that shows in You’re Next. If you’re a fan of a good final girl, it will not disappoint!
- Sean of the Dead (2004)
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Edgar Wright is one of my favorite directors, and Sean of the Dead gives off a hilarious zombie sitcom vibe…which I did not know was a thing. The writing is brilliant and Simon Pegg really delivers as the hero of this backyard zombie apocalypse.
- It Follows (2015)
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This movie is quite visually appealing and while lots of thrillers are very fast-paced, this film maintains a slower, unnerving, melancholy tempo of creepiness throughout. I didn’t expect to be so enthralled by the simplicity, but it really worked. It will leave you feeling anxious.
- Get Out (2017)
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Jordan Peele is an astonishing writer and director and Get Out is so exceptional in the way that it is able to portray the uncomfortable reality that is racial envy and how it still is very much discriminatory. It is a real terror that people deal with every day, and that’s why it’s frightening. The movie is so well made and it has such excellent cinematography, acting, wit, satire…I could go on, but just watch it.
- The Witch (2016)
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I really enjoyed this film as a whole as the overall atmosphere leaves you feeling chilled and claustrophobic, in a way. It really brings you into the terrifying world of the supernatural. The acting is also phenomenal, and Anya Taylor-Joy really shines in this feature.
- Crawl (2019)
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I put this one in here for fun. It’s not a groundbreaking film, but I will say that it was fun to watch a horror movie that takes place where I’m from! It follows the story of a girl and her dad as they find themselves trapped during a hurricane and alligators start infiltrating their house. There were some good jump scares, I’ll admit. It was a fun movie to watch as a Floridian, but it’s not a gold star horror film by any means.
I hope that at least one of these films catches your attention as something worth looking into, or if you’ve seen them all, maybe it’ll inspire you to rewatch some of your favorites. Either way, it was really fun to look back on some of the movies that have impacted me the most!