The 2010s marked a significant period for horror cinema, with a resurgence of creativity and innovation that redefined the genre. From psychological thrillers to supernatural horrors and everything in between, the decade offered a diverse range of terrifying experiences that captivated audiences worldwide. In this detailed guide, we delve into the best horror movies of the 2010s, highlighting their unique qualities, impact on the genre, and why they continue to haunt viewers long after the credits roll.
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Best Horror Movies Of The 2010s
1. Get Out (2017)
Get Out directed by Jordan Peele, is a groundbreaking horror film that blends social commentary with spine-chilling suspense. The story follows Chris, a young African-American man who visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, only to uncover a sinister conspiracy that targets black people. Through its masterful storytelling, brilliant performances, and thought-provoking themes on racism and identity, Get Out became a cultural phenomenon and a critical success, earning Peele an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
2. The Babadook (2014)
The Babadook, directed by Jennifer Kent, is a psychological horror film that explores grief, motherhood, and the supernatural. The story revolves around Amelia, a single mother struggling to raise her troubled son, who becomes haunted by a malevolent entity called the Babadook from a mysterious children’s book. Known for its atmospheric tension, powerful performances, and deep emotional resonance, The Babadook received widespread acclaim for its innovative approach to horror storytelling.
3. Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary, directed by Ari Aster, is a chilling tale of family secrets and supernatural terror. The film follows the Graham family as they unravel sinister and increasingly disturbing events following the death of their secretive grandmother. Known for its unsettling imagery, intense performances (notably by Toni Collette), and a narrative that delves into themes of grief, trauma, and inherited fate, Hereditary received praise for its atmospheric horror and unsettling narrative twists.
4. A Quiet Place (2018)
A Quiet Place, directed by John Krasinski, redefined the horror genre with its unique premise centered around sound-sensitive creatures that hunt by sound. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the film follows a family struggling to survive in silence. Known for its innovative use of sound design, emotional depth, and suspenseful storytelling, A Quiet Place became a critical and commercial success, spawning a sequel and solidifying its place as a modern horror classic.
5. It Follows (2014)
It Follows, directed by David Robert Mitchell, revitalized the supernatural horror genre with its original concept and atmospheric execution. The film centers on Jay, a young woman pursued by a malevolent entity after a sexual encounter. Praised for its eerie soundtrack, cinematography, and metaphorical exploration of sexually transmitted trauma and paranoia, It Follows garnered acclaim for its innovative take on classic horror tropes.
6. The Witch (2015)
The Witch, directed by Robert Eggers, is a period horror film set in 17th-century New England, exploring themes of isolation, religious fanaticism, and paranoia. The story follows a Puritan family exiled to the edge of a remote forest, where they encounter malevolent forces that threaten their faith and sanity. Known for its historical accuracy, slow-burn tension, and unsettling atmosphere, The Witch received praise for its authenticity and meticulous attention to detail.
7. Parasite (2019)
Parasite, directed by Bong Joon-ho, defies traditional genre boundaries but incorporates elements of psychological horror and suspense. The film follows the impoverished Kim family as they infiltrate the lives of the wealthy Park family, leading to unexpected and chilling consequences. Known for its social commentary on class disparity, brilliant storytelling, and unexpected twists, Parasite won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, and resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.
8. Midsommar (2019)
Midsommar, also directed by Ari Aster, is a folk horror film that takes place during a midsummer festival in rural Sweden. The story follows a grieving woman who, along with her boyfriend and friends, becomes entangled in the disturbing rituals of a pagan cult. Known for its stunning visuals, unsettling atmosphere, and exploration of grief and toxic relationships, Midsommar divided critics but garnered attention for its bold and visceral storytelling.
9. The Conjuring (2013)
The Conjuring, directed by James Wan, revitalized the haunted house subgenre with its terrifying portrayal of real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film follows the Warrens as they confront supernatural entities terrorizing a family in their secluded farmhouse. Known for its effective scares, tense atmosphere, and strong performances, The Conjuring spawned a successful franchise and became a modern horror classic.
10. Annihilation (2018)
Annihilation, directed by Alex Garland, blends science fiction with elements of cosmic horror. The film follows a group of scientists who enter “The Shimmer,” a mysterious phenomenon that distorts reality and mutates life forms. Known for its thought-provoking themes, stunning visuals, and existential dread, Annihilation garnered praise for its ambitious storytelling and psychological intensity.
11. Sinister (2012)
Sinister, directed by Scott Derrickson, follows true crime writer Ellison Oswalt as he discovers disturbing home movies depicting grisly murders. As he investigates further, supernatural forces begin to haunt his family. Known for its chilling atmosphere, eerie soundtrack, and unsettling imagery, Sinister became a standout in psychological horror.
12. Insidious (2010)
Insidious, directed by James Wan, centers on a family whose son falls into a mysterious coma, leading them to uncover supernatural entities and a realm known as “The Further.” Praised for its effective scares, atmospheric tension, and innovative use of paranormal themes, Insidious spawned a successful franchise.
13. Don’t Breathe (2016)
Don’t Breathe, directed by Fede Ălvarez, follows a group of thieves who break into a blind man’s house to rob him, only to find themselves trapped and hunted by a terrifying secret within the house. Known for its suspenseful atmosphere, tense sequences, and unexpected twists, Don’t Breathe became a sleeper hit.
14. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
The Cabin in the Woods, directed by Drew Goddard and co-written by Joss Whedon, deconstructs horror tropes as a group of friends encounter supernatural forces during a getaway in a remote cabin. Known for its meta commentary, clever plot twists, and blend of horror and humor, The Cabin in the Woods garnered critical acclaim.
15. It (2017)
It, directed by Andy Muschietti, adapts Stephen King’s novel about a group of children terrorized by Pennywise, a malevolent entity that preys on their fears. Known for its eerie portrayal of Pennywise by Bill SkarsgĂ„rd, coming-of-age themes, and nostalgic 1980s setting, It became a box office phenomenon.
16. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
The Autopsy of Jane Doe, directed by AndrĂ© Ăvredal, follows father-and-son coroners as they uncover increasingly disturbing secrets while examining an unidentified woman’s body. Praised for its atmospheric tension, strong performances, and supernatural mystery, The Autopsy of Jane Doe gained a cult following.
17. The Conjuring 2 (2016)
The Conjuring 2, directed by James Wan, continues the paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren as they confront malevolent spirits terrorizing a family in London. Known for its chilling atmosphere, effective scares, and compelling performances, The Conjuring 2 further solidified the franchise’s success.
18. Lights Out (2016)
Lights Out, directed by David F. Sandberg, expands on his acclaimed short film, following a family haunted by a malevolent entity that only appears in darkness. Known for its inventive premise, tense sequences, and exploration of psychological horror, Lights Out became a sleeper hit.
19. Annabelle: Creation (2017)
Annabelle: Creation, directed by David F. Sandberg, serves as a prequel to The Conjuring universe, exploring the origins of the haunted doll Annabelle. Known for its atmospheric scares, creepy doll imagery, and ties to the larger franchise, Annabelle: Creation was a commercial success.
20. Train to Busan (2016)
Train to Busan, directed by Yeon Sang-ho, revitalizes the zombie genre with its intense survival tale set aboard a speeding train during a zombie outbreak in South Korea. Known for its thrilling action sequences, emotional depth, and social commentary, Train to Busan became a global sensation.
21. Hush (2016)
Hush, directed by Mike Flanagan, follows a deaf woman who must defend herself from a masked intruder at her isolated home. Known for its suspenseful premise, innovative use of silence, and strong lead performance by Kate Siegel, Hush garnered praise as a taut thriller.
22. The Lighthouse (2019)
The Lighthouse, directed by Robert Eggers, explores psychological horror as two lighthouse keepers on a remote New England island descend into madness. Known for its striking black-and-white cinematography, surreal atmosphere, and powerhouse performances by Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, The Lighthouse earned critical acclaim.
23. Us (2019)
Us, directed by Jordan Peele, follows a family confronted by their doppelgĂ€ngers during a vacation, leading to a terrifying confrontation with their own identities. Known for its ambitious storytelling, social commentary, and dual performances by the cast, Us cemented Peele’s reputation in horror.
24. The Invisible Man (2020)
The Invisible Man, directed by Leigh Whannell, reimagines H.G. Wells’ classic tale with a modern twist, as a woman escapes from her abusive partner, only to be tormented by his invisible presence. Known for its tense atmosphere, Elisabeth Moss’s gripping performance, and thematic exploration of gaslighting, The Invisible Man was a critical and commercial success.
25. The Ritual (2017)
The Ritual, directed by David Bruckner, follows a group of friends who encounter a malevolent presence while hiking in the Scandinavian wilderness. Known for its atmospheric dread, creature design, and exploration of guilt and trauma, The Ritual became a standout in folk horror.
26. Veronica (2017)
Veronica, directed by Paco Plaza, is a Spanish supernatural horror film inspired by true events, following a teenage girl who attempts to contact her deceased father with a Ouija board, leading to terrifying consequences. Known for its chilling atmosphere, strong performances, and effective scares, Veronica gained international acclaim on Netflix.
27. Creep (2014)
Creep, directed by Patrick Brice, is a found footage horror film following a videographer hired to document a man’s life in a remote cabin, only to uncover unsettling truths about his client. Known for its unsettling tone, improvised dialogue, and Mark Duplass’s eerie performance, Creep spawned a sequel and a cult following.
28. The Invitation (2015)
The Invitation, directed by Karyn Kusama, blends psychological thriller elements with horror as a man suspects sinister motives behind a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife and her new husband. Known for its slow-burn tension, ambiguous storytelling, and exploration of grief and paranoia, The Invitation received critical acclaim.
29. Gerald’s Game (2017)
Gerald’s Game, directed by Mike Flanagan and based on Stephen King’s novel, follows a woman handcuffed to a bed during a romantic getaway, forced to confront her traumatic past and a sinister presence in the room. Known for its claustrophobic atmosphere, Carla Gugino’s performance, and psychological horror elements, Gerald’s Game was well-received.
30. Ready or Not (2019)
Ready or Not, directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, combines horror with dark comedy as a bride’s wedding night turns into a deadly game of hide-and-seek with her wealthy, eccentric in-laws. Known for its satirical tone, suspenseful sequences, and standout performance by Samara Weaving, Ready or Not became a surprise hit.
31. Under the Shadow (2016)
Under the Shadow, directed by Babak Anvari, is a Persian-language horror film set during the Iran-Iraq War, following a mother and daughter haunted by a malevolent djinn in their Tehran apartment. Known for its cultural and historical context, atmospheric tension, and supernatural scares, Under the Shadow received critical acclaim.
32. The Wailing (2016)
The Wailing, directed by Na Hong-jin, is a South Korean horror film following a police officer investigating a series of mysterious deaths in his village, leading to encounters with supernatural forces and ancient rituals. Known for its complex narrative, atmospheric horror, and exploration of fear and paranoia, The Wailing became a cult favorite.
33. Goodnight Mommy (2014)
Goodnight Mommy, directed by Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz, is an Austrian psychological horror film following twin brothers who suspect their mother, who returns home after facial surgery, may not be who she seems. Known for its chilling atmosphere, psychological tension, and thematic exploration of identity and perception, Goodnight Mommy gained international acclaim.
34. The Neon Demon (2016)
The Neon Demon, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, blends psychological horror with dark fantasy as it explores the cutthroat world of fashion through an aspiring model who becomes entangled in a world of envy and obsession. Known for its striking visuals, surreal atmosphere, and social commentary, The Neon Demon divided critics but garnered attention for its bold storytelling.
35. Tigers Are Not Afraid (2017)
Tigers Are Not Afraid, directed by Issa LĂłpez, is a Mexican dark fantasy horror film following a group of orphaned children who navigate the dangers of a crime-ridden city haunted by supernatural forces. Known for its poignant storytelling, blending of real-world horrors with fantasy elements, and emotional depth, Tigers Are Not Afraid received critical acclaim for its powerful narrative and thematic depth.
36. The Perfection (2018)
The Perfection, directed by Richard Shepard, is a psychological horror thriller following two cello prodigies whose paths intertwine in unexpected and disturbing ways. Known for its twists and turns, intense performances by Allison Williams and Logan Browning, and subversion of genre expectations, The Perfection garnered attention for its unpredictable plot.
37. Apostle (2018)
Apostle, directed by Gareth Evans, combines horror with period drama as a man infiltrates a remote island cult to rescue his kidnapped sister, uncovering dark secrets and supernatural horrors. Known for its atmospheric tension, brutal violence, and Gareth Evans’ trademark action sequences, Apostle offered a unique blend of horror and thriller elements.
38. Oculus (2013)
Oculus, directed by Mike Flanagan, intertwines psychological horror with supernatural elements as siblings confront a haunted mirror that once caused their parents’ deaths. Known for its non-linear narrative structure, eerie atmosphere, and strong performances, Oculus showcased Flanagan’s talent for blending psychological depth with supernatural terror.
39. Southbound (2015)
Southbound, directed by various filmmakers including Radio Silence, Roxanne Benjamin, and David Bruckner, is an anthology horror film that weaves together interconnected stories of travelers encountering supernatural entities on a desolate highway. Known for its thematic coherence, eerie atmosphere, and creative storytelling, Southbound offered a fresh take on anthology horror.
40. The Endless (2017)
The Endless, directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, blends science fiction with cosmic horror as two brothers return to a cult they escaped years ago, only to discover unsettling truths about the cult’s beliefs and the mysterious entity they worship. Known for its ambitious storytelling, mind-bending narrative, and existential dread, The Endless gained praise for its originality and thought-provoking themes.
41. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, directed by Ana Lily Amirpour, is an Iranian vampire Western film set in a fictional Iranian ghost town called Bad City. Known for its stylish black-and-white cinematography, atmospheric soundtrack, and feminist undertones, A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night garnered critical acclaim for its genre-bending approach to horror.
42. Raw (2016)
Raw, directed by Julia Ducournau, is a French-Belgian horror film following a vegetarian student who develops a craving for human flesh after a hazing ritual at veterinary school. Known for its visceral imagery, coming-of-age themes, and exploration of primal desires, Raw gained attention for its provocative storytelling and bold filmmaking.
43. Under the Skin (2013)
Under the Skin, directed by Jonathan Glazer and starring Scarlett Johansson, blends science fiction with horror as an alien seductress preys on unsuspecting men in Scotland. Known for its haunting visuals, enigmatic storytelling, and atmospheric soundtrack, Under the Skin received critical acclaim for its artistic approach to genre filmmaking.
44. Starry Eyes (2014)
Starry Eyes, directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer, follows a young actress who makes a Faustian bargain to achieve fame in Hollywood, leading to a terrifying transformation. Known for its body horror elements, social commentary on fame and ambition, and strong lead performance by Alex Essoe, Starry Eyes gained a cult following for its disturbing portrayal of the entertainment industry.
45. The Eyes of My Mother (2016)
The Eyes of My Mother, directed by Nicolas Pesce, is a black-and-white psychological horror film following a young woman’s descent into madness and isolation after a traumatic event. Known for its atmospheric dread, minimalist storytelling, and exploration of dark themes, The Eyes of My Mother impressed critics with its unsettling imagery and psychological depth.
46. The House That Jack Built (2018)
The House That Jack Built, directed by Lars von Trier, is a psychological horror film following a serial killer’s gruesome murders over the course of 12 years, as he reflects on his actions and desires. Known for its controversial subject matter, provocative storytelling, and Matt Dillon’s chilling performance, The House That Jack Built sparked debate among audiences and critics alike.
47. Mother! (2017)
Mother!, directed by Darren Aronofsky, blends psychological horror with allegory as a couple’s tranquil life is disrupted by unexpected guests, escalating into chaos and surreal horror. Known for its biblical allegories, intense performances by Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem, and divisive reception, Mother! challenged audiences with its provocative storytelling and thematic depth.
48. The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)
The Blackcoat’s Daughter, directed by Oz Perkins, intertwines supernatural horror with psychological thriller elements as two girls at a boarding school are haunted by sinister forces during a winter break. Known for its atmospheric tension, slow-burn narrative, and haunting visuals, The Blackcoat’s Daughter impressed with its unsettling atmosphere and psychological complexity.
49. The Invitation (2015)
The Invitation, directed by Karyn Kusama, blends psychological thriller elements with horror as a man suspects sinister motives behind a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife and her new husband. Known for its slow-burn tension, ambiguous storytelling, and exploration of grief and paranoia, The Invitation received critical acclaim.
50. Spring (2014)
Spring, directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, combines romance with supernatural horror as a grieving man travels to Italy and falls in love with a mysterious woman who harbors dark secrets. Known for its genre-bending approach, atmospheric cinematography, and thought-provoking themes, Spring gained praise for its originality and emotional depth.
Conclusion
The horror movies of the 2010s demonstrated a renaissance in the genre, embracing innovative storytelling, complex characters, and profound themes that resonated with audiences globally. From psychological thrillers like Get Out and The Babadook to supernatural horrors such as Hereditary and A Quiet Place, each film contributed uniquely to the evolution of horror cinema. As we move into a new era, these movies continue to influence and inspire filmmakers, ensuring that the legacy of 2010s horror remains deeply embedded in the fabric of cinematic history.
