Twenty First Century Horror Standouts (Another list of... Post)

Reddit user ScarletBegonias79 posted a list of the top horror films of the 2010s and asked users for theirs. I decided to expand mine into a blog post.

Kill List

Kill List (2011) - My number one choice whenever people ask for horror recommendations. If you have not seen it, watch it.

Let the Right One In (2008) I am including this because I did not see it until 2010. Extremely creepy movie for all the wrong reasons.

It Follows (2014) This is a very divisive film in the horror community but it has an original premise and was terrifying as can be. You will either hate it or love it.

The Witch (2015) A beautiful and thought provoking film that should not be missed.

Hereditary (2018) One of the most powerful horror films in recent memory. Watch it with your emotional support animal.

Midsommar (2019) Ari Aster’s follow up to Hereditary. The ending was the most emotionally gripping climax I have ever seen.

Mandy

Mandy (2018) Panos Cosmatos’ films need to be taken in slowly or your brain may explode. Imagine the Four Gospels of the New Testament rewritten as a revenge thriller by Alejandro Jodorowsky.

Get Out (2017) What makes a good horror movie? Beyond the thrills and chills, the best horror movies are opportunities to examine things. Not only was Jordan Peele's Get Out a fun ride, but it also offered plenty of food for thought. The same can be said for Us (2019).

Suspiria (2018) The same can be said of Luca Guadagnino’s reimagining of Dario Argento’s 1977 visually lush movie as Get Out. There is so much to unpack in this movie that I cannot even begin! Then there is the amazing witches ceremony at the end that is as beautiful as it is terrifying!

Climax (2018) I just watched this and cannot wait to watch it again. Going to Hell never looked this good.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night (2014) Unique take on the vampire genre.

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night

The Babadook (2014) Excellently made film with a terrifying climax.

Under the Shadows (2016) The rare movie about malevolent djinn (genies). No blue skinned, wish granting, harem pants wearing friendly wish granters.

Prevenge (2016) This flew under many people’s radar, which is a shame because it is so much fun, in a horrifying way, to watch.

The Love Witch (2016) DIY, Jill-of-all trades Anna Biller masterfully hand-made a time bending masterpiece.

Border

A Dark Song (2016) Beautiful story about the pursuit of one's deepest wishes and how seeking them out can change us. A great movie to watch with people who don't like horror movies.

The Border (2018) Another great movie to watch with people who are uncomfortable with watching horror films.

Raw (2016) A terrifying movie about the horrifying passions of teen age girls.

Honorable Mentions - More thrills and chills, less food for thought. Each is excellent in their story telling and other hallmarks of quality film making.

The Void (2016) A modern, practical effects Lovecraftien horror film? Christmas came twice in 2016.

Baskin (2015) & Housewife (2017) Can Evrenol is clearly a guy to watch for quality horror.

Incident in a Ghostland (2018) Another excellent entry in Pascal Laugier’s Teen Girls in Peril series. Almost like a kinder, gentler Martyrs.

The Blackcoat's Daughter (2015) This movie inspired me to write. Well executed and intriguing story. Probably the only movie on this list I would call a slow burn. The payoff was worth the wait.

Housebound (2014) & What We Do in the Shadows (2014) Who doesn’t love a good horror comedy? 2014 was a great year for New Zealand horror comedy.