Best and Worst Horror Movies
Living in a world of butterflies, cupcakes, and safety isn’t always the most exciting thing in the world. That’s probably why so many of us love to go see a good ol’ fashion horror movie from time to time (or nearly nightly). Watching someone else go through hell and back is prime entertainment. Why? Probably because we know we’re relatively safe in a theatre and not being hunted by some demonic serial killer.
There are tons of horror movies out there and a scare available for just about anyone. That doesn’t make them all winners. Some make us scream for other reasons. Thankfully, you don’t have to go through all of that guesswork! We’ve found the best and worst horror movies around! Get scrolling and be sure to keep the lights on.
BEST: The Cabin in the Woods
You don’t need to make a movie scary for it to be a successful horror flick. Sometimes all you need is something so self-aware that it can’t be anything but great. The Cabin in the Woods is one of those films. It starts as most horror classics do: a cliche group of late teens/early-twenty-somethings decide to go to a cabin for the weekend. Why? Who cares? It doesn’t matter this time around.
Once everyone gets nice and comfy in their dilapidated weekend getaway, weird things start happening. This is all pretty standard. What shakes things up is that this time around the monsters and villains all have a purpose, and also aren’t really in control (or are they)?
WORST: The Bye Bye Man
Zoinks, there’s something spooky happening at the old college dormitory! Grab your bros and let’s go investigate! We heard it might have something to do with The Bye Bye Man. Does that name drive terror into your heart? No? Sometimes horror movie villains have fun or innocent names that hide a darker persona: Candyman, Michael Meyers, there are quite a few. What makes them scary is that their movies are horrifying or thrilling. Unfortunately, Bye Bye Man isn’t one of those stars.
The movie is so formulaic that anyone and any villain can be copied and pasted into the script. Unlike other classics, they probably aren’t interested in a crossover. Despite its success at the box office, audiences, critics, and random viewers seem to agree that this one is less horror-filled and more confusing.
BEST: The Thing
You just don’t mess with the classics. Modern horror movies (and other genres) love to utilize high-end special effects. Computers, rendering, mocap, all of that is super common in cinema today. A lot of it is fairly new, too. One of the scariest movies ever made had none of that nonsense. Back in 1982, all you needed was some committed acting and home supplies to make a gory and gruesome movie that nobody would be able to forget.
The Thing is one of John Carpenter’s best films. Not only is the monster incredibly detailed and alive, but it’s shown in a way that makes viewers feel both physically uncomfortable as well as a bit mentally off-kilter. It takes a very special type of director to manage a feat like that.
WORST: The Nun
Movies inspired by other movies is a slippery slope if you’re looking for quality. Sometimes a movie tries to establish an entire cinematic universe instead of focusing on making a solid single title. The Conjuring, based on somewhat true first-hand accounts of paranormal stuff, is the current modern-day horror favorite. The first film was groundbreaking and terrifying. The spin-offs? Well, they’re movies. Some are great and others are The Nun.
This attempt at religious horror has an amazing set and backstory to work with. The execution isn’t really held in the highest of graces. Something about the flow and failure to rise to the level of the other films really held this movie back. It had the potential to be both amazing as well as a stand-alone title, but it couldn’t deliver.
BEST: Alien
Not all movies age with grace. Even less can completely withstand the ravages of time and pop culture. Thankfully, we can all breathe a sigh of relief that Alien is still considered one of the scariest sci-fi franchises ever. Sigourney Weaver and the rest of the crew knocked the original film out of the park (and into space).
We got some tense moments with clever practical special effects and strobe lighting. The best part is, since this takes place in the future, it could still possibly happen! If you ever wanted to be terrified of going into space then this movie is for you. It has everything to keep you firmly grounded on Earth.
WORST: Veronica
There’s a reason why people are so terrified of Ouija boards and other types of supernatural “tools”. The mysteries surrounding these items have created a massive ecosystem of superstition that has influenced entire cultures and their beliefs towards the unknown. Veronica was Netflix’s attempt at showing the darker side for these things while still trying to remain “factual”. Veronica isn’t just your standard horror flick. It’s based on real events that took place in the early 90s!
The issue is, just because something occurred, doesn’t mean it was directly caused by a board game. A filmmaker would have to have a strong enough plot to keep people interested. Unfortunately, despite a couple of really terrifying scenes, a lot of Veronica was pretty mundane for people to sit through.
BEST: The Exorcist
Classics are classics for a reason. The Exorcist isn’t just an amazing book, it’s also a film that traumatized millions when it premiered in 1973. This is religious horror done in a timeless and shockingly “realistic” way. The effects are pretty explicit, even by today’s standards. And pay attention to the dialogue and sets, this entire production was carefully planned and painstakingly shot!
All of that attention to detail shows in the final product. What audiences got to experience is still considered to be one of the scariest things to ever premiere in cinema! While all of the Exorcist films have merit, none of them hold a holy candle to the original that started it all.
WORST: In The Tall Grass
Being lost and disoriented is not an enjoyable experience when it’s happening to us. Watching someone else try to figure out where they are is kind of fun when it’s in a movie. That’s basically the premise of In The Tall Grass. Some people wander into a field and get lost. Then spooky things happen. It’s every person’s greatest fear of being stranded alone in some deserted countryside. While the story lends itself to some huge moments, this tale will lose your attention fast.
Stephen King’s stories are always hit-or-miss when adapted. Unfortunately, with the casting choices and weird plot twists, this one is a bit more of a miss. We’re not saying the movie should get lost, but maybe some basic lawn care could have helped make this a bit more presentable to people.
BEST: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Great horror movies don’t need to rely on jump scares and darkness. One of the most famous in the entire genre actually takes place during the day for a lot of its scarier moments. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a masterclass in seventies horror. Despite technology and effects not being what they are today, this movie is pretty gruesome in its own way. It relies on its environment just as much as the villain chasing these kids through it.
The motives for the villain don’t matter. Nobody can hear you scream. It doesn’t matter where you run. All that matters is that you better be faster than a chainsaw-wielding maniac. Classic horror. Other movies are great, but none can cut through the nonsense like Leatherface can.
WORST: Tusk
The comedy and horror genres have a weird relationship. They’re nearly at opposite ends of the entertainment spectrum but also have a lot of things in common. Both try to elicit a strong emotional response from the viewer. The methods to doing that may be different, but magic can happen when they meet. Sometimes magic also fails. Kevin Smith demonstrated that with Tusk. This cult hit didn’t do well with critics.
There’s a special group of people that love weird animal/human hybrid horror and slapstick. It’s a great thing Kevin Smith speaks their language because the taste of such fans can be pretty specific. If weird fake-walrus/man combos being tortured for a while is your thing, then Tusk will surely become a staple in your cinema library.
BEST: Sinister
Are you afraid of the Boogeyman? Probably not, but some people still do. When that happens we get Sinister. This is not a film for the faint of heart. Considered one of the scariest movies of all time, some critics put a warning out about how terrifying this film is. It also lives up to the hype!
The imagery is jarring and the ending is both a classic horror done in a very modern and spine-tingling way. Sinister pushes all the right buttons without giving the audience a chance to catch their breath. While the sequel isn’t anything to write home about, the first installment will make you question ever watching home movies again.
WORST: The Strangers
Having someone break into your house is such a nuisance. It takes time out of our days. Plus, all the screaming and uncertainty that comes with having a stranger in your home is never worth it. What happens when instead of one there’s a whole bunch of strangers? Congratulations, you’ve just envisioned The Strangers in your head. The entire movie follows a couple in Texas experiencing one of the worst nights ever.
While the motives for the villains are pretty twisted, the execution of their plan wasn’t as chilling. In the modern age, simple technology could thwart most of what goes on in the film. Of course, like any scary flick, common sense is out the window. Does that make the movie better or worse? No clue, but check it out for yourself and don’t be a stranger.
BEST: The Ring
There’s no list of modern horror classics that doesn’t include The Ring. While it may not be the most original story, this is a horrifying film that still makes people afraid of VCRs to this day. Following a cursed videotape, this movie shows us all what happens when children are scorned. It also reminds us that horses aren’t great swimmers. Every moment of this movie is either filled with symbolism, dread, or screaming.
That sounds bad for most movies. When a horror film is being discussed, those are all excellent endorsements. The Ring is a timeless movie with some dated tech that still feels relevant, modern, and just as scary being watched during the day as it is in the middle of the night. Be kind, rewind, and don’t answer the phone when watching this one alone.
WORST: The Last Exorcism Part II
If a movie has “The Last…” in its title then it shouldn’t have a sequel. That’s basically movie writing 101. Basically, if you can’t wrap up a story called The Last ANYTHING then your sequel is obviously doomed to fail. The Last Exorcism on its own is a pretty fantastic movie. However, this is about its confusing sequel: The Last Exorcism Part II. Poorly chosen name aside, this isn’t the type of “horror” movie that scares us for the right reasons.
We’re still creeped out. Unfortunately, critics and some fans of the original had something to say: this movie wasn’t a great one. While the plot wasn’t solid or convincing, the lead, Ashley Bell, did a great job. At least there’s a silver lining for this last film in a trilogy that was never finished.
BEST: The Descent
Sometimes the scariest things on Earth can’t be seen. No, they’re not ghosts or demons. These horrifying things are real living amongst us…under our feet. The Descent took horror in a brand-new direction when it decided to venture underground. This dimly lit, scream-filled, claustrophobic journey makes us feel uncomfortable every single time we watch it.
You don’t need massively expensive computer graphics when dim lighting and a fear of the unknown are allowed to take center stage. The Descent reminded us couch potatoes why venturing outside (and then underground) is such a poor idea. The movie doesn’t let anyone come up for air from the beginning of the trip to the twisted and suffocatingly scary ending.
WORST: Annabelle
Dolls are pretty creepy. Those dead little eyes always watching us makes our skin crawl. How do kids put up with them? Some great horror movies revolve around toys gone wrong. While Annabelle tries to revive that type of film, it falls short in more than a few places. This spin-off from The Conjuring is a great example of a good idea not being built in the best way.
Copying and pasting what made The Conjuring so good doesn’t work well. It’s hard to make inanimate objects scary without a lot of world-building. Some of it is there, but audiences just didn’t feel like playing house with this toy long enough to let the scares really do their job. Maybe they weren’t there to begin with?
BEST: Creep
Found footage movies are a fantastic way to make an unrealistic situation seem a bit more grounded. Creep does an excellent job of combining found footage with the single thought of, “What in the world could possibly happen next?”. It lives up to its name in a subtle and unnerving way. Instead of ghosts, goblins, or Thanos, we get a movie about two guys and their extremely unhealthy relationship.
Themes like stalking, silent red flags, and bad decisions are all at play in Creep. They also meld into a unique viewing experience that will ensure you never trust a neighbor again. Lock the doors, turn off the phone, and put your weird costumes away. Creep is enough of a ride to keep you entertained and horrified.
WORST: Pet Sematary (2019)
You’re never supposed to revive a loved one from the past. Isn’t that the entire point of Stephen King’s Pet Sematary? Creepy burial ground with the ability to bring back animals long gone? Once gone, they’re not supposed to come back to our plane of existence. The first movie, and the book it’s based on, did a pretty good job of telling that story.
How could it have possibly been improved upon with a remake? Spoiler: it can’t and wasn’t. The 2019 version of Pet Sematary tried to modernize a story that didn’t need any updating. With some really poorly chosen moments and dialogue, this film felt more like a fan project than something King would ever sign off on.
BEST: Green Room
Part of what makes a scary movie good is the atmosphere it helps create. Usually, you’re surrounded by other people in a quiet and dark room. Or you’re watching the film alone at home. Either way, darkness, and silence are key components in a horror film. Sometimes those are given priority over a killer soundtrack. With the right music, a so-so horror can turn into a nail-biting express ride through some of those most intense and thrilling moments EVER.
That’s what Green Room delivers. The story follows a band that has to survive some tough moments. To get through it they need to really fight. However, throughout it all, the music keeps them, us, and everyone else invested right up until the final terror-filled moments. Green lights all around for this one.
WORST: The Haunting
Liam Neeson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Lili Taylor, and Owen Wilson walk into a haunted house. This isn’t the lead-up to a dumb joke. This is how the 1999 remake of The Haunting begins. An all-star cast and solid source material should have made this movie an instant classic. Instead, we got a bizarre mix of odd cliche comic lines and some somewhat robotic performances from everyone else.
The sets and effects are pretty sweet, however, if you’re going into this movie looking for a coherent plot and fantastic twists, don’t get too excited. This is still Hollywood trying to make something successful even better and failing at it. This is definitely a horror flick to pass on.
BEST: 28 Days Later
Zombies are supposed to be undead shuffling things that are only a problem when they creep up on you. Nowhere in the rulebook does it say they’re supposed to be capable of nearly Olympic levels of track and field prowess. Obviously, 28 Days Later didn’t read the same stories we did when we were younger. This horror/thriller showed us how the apocalypse could really go down.
Instead of mindlessly wandering around for slow brains, these zombies can sprint like the best runners in the world! They can also solve problems and get somewhat organized. While that’s not the only thing that makes 28 Days Later so scary, it sure is a big part of it!
WORST: Unfriended
Part of what makes scary movies so important to our culture is that they can provide some fun social commentary while delivering scares. The message isn’t always that heavy or poignant, but it’s there to try and ground a film into reality. Unfriended tries that but for the current generation of young movie-goers. Part of the new wave of “screen horror”, the entire film takes place on the screen of some unsuspecting victim’s computer.
That’s about where the terror ends. Everything seems to fall apart really quickly and turns into a frustrating mess of a story. There are so many twists and subplots going on that it’s obvious the audience isn’t part of the group. Based on the ending, it seems everyone was unsure about where this film was supposed to go.
BEST: Martyrs
Some movies don’t need to be remade. Most great films made outside of the States are met with acclaim that few USA-based flicks get. When that happens, someone in Hollywood decides the project needs the ‘Murica treatment and a local remake is made. Martyrs, the 2015 remake, is named and styled after a highly successful and horrific French original. While the story and themes are almost identical, some of the magic just isn’t in this version.
The original though? Now there’s some no-nonsense horror that you can’t find just anywhere. The relationship between the characters, as well as their struggles, is shown in excruciatingly stark detail. Every bit of love and hope the two protagonists have for each other is only matched by the evil and darkness they have to endure throughout the run of the film.
WORST: The Babadook
The Babadook is scary. There’s no denying that. Now, is it a good movie? That’s up for a lot of debate. A lot of good horror elements make themselves present in this film. Even more realistic themes, like dealing with grief, are given the spotlight treatment. All of this makes for a good watch. What makes the film nearly uncomfortably aggravating to view has nothing to do with the monster.
The kiddo who stars in it delivered a character that only a mother could love. Most of the movie is spent watching the dynamics between them play out in a heartbreaking way. In fact, the movie itself is more of a drama with some slight horror elements. It’s not poorly done, but calling it a horror, unless you’re counting the kid, is a bit of a stretch.
BEST: The VVitch
Good horror movies aren’t always about throwing scares in your face. Those are fun in their own right, but there are more ways to terrorize people. The Witch showcases this in beautiful detail. A slowly building tale set in the 1600s, audiences are treated to a period film where terror is defined quite differently. Classic horror elements, as well as some surprising new ones, are woven into this story quite well!
The setting and story are displayed with care as well as reckless abandonment. Every moment is spent twisting the audience’s feelings. If you ever wanted to be too terrified to go outside or to experience life as a settler in the past, then light a fire and put this movie on.
WORST: Halloween (2007)
Rob Zombie makes really awesome music. He’s also delivered some of the coolest horror films of the last couple of decades. That doesn’t necessarily mean everything he touches is gold. Zombie’s take on the iconic Halloween series is a great example of that. When you have a legacy series like Halloween you have to be careful with the story you tell. Fans already know and love Michael Meyers.
Despite trying to stay true to the character, Zombie just wasn’t able to translate his own hardcore style of the original’s unsettling resilience to always somehow come out on top of any disaster. This was more like a fan’s attempt at a love letter to the series, but written in crayon.
BEST: 1408
If you’re able to produce a scary movie with a creative concept, you may have made a classic without realizing it. In 2007, 1408 was released. Since then, we haven’t been able to stay in hotel rooms without a sense of dread. It’s a bizarre film that combines horror, past decisions, regret, and an oddly fitting self-growth moment.
Even when the details get fuzzy, we can’t help but watch John Cusack try to make sense of what’s happening to him throughout the movie. It’s a clever psychological horror that bends our perception of reality. Each rewatch also feels like the first time due to how many new details come to light once you understand what you’re looking at!
WORST: Eli
Just because a streaming service has the means to make a movie doesn’t mean it should. Netflix has delivered a massive library of programming and millions upon millions of hours of entertainment to the world. That doesn’t mean they always produce hits…or even decent films. Eli showed the world that just because you know a thing or two about cinema that doesn’t mean you know jack about horror.
Combining elements of The Haunting and The Exorcist, Eli feels like show and tell for horror movie tropes. A lot of actors get some great screentime to practice their craft. That’s about the only redeeming factor. Aside from that, there’s not much to this movie. Don’t let the creepy thumbnail fool you, this isn’t one you have to see.
BEST: Misery
Kathy Bates is a timeless treasure and should be treated with reverence and grace. Her character in Misery on the other hand…yeah, she definitely needs to be studied or something. Misery is an immaculate horror film that doesn’t rely on anything supernatural to drive its plot. It’s the perfect example of monsters being both real and human. Taking the fanatical fan idea to the extreme, we’re basically held hostage by Bates along our lead.
It’s one of the few times a book from the horror section translated into an even more insidious film. Something about how realistic everything is, and how fragile our ankles are, drives home the notion that horror can be reali as anything. Why is that scary? Because it reminds us that we really don’t know that much about our neighbors or followers.
WORST: Mother!
Just because you have a stellar cast that can act in almost anything doesn’t mean you have a project that can deliver. Mother! features the talents of Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, and even Michelle Pfeiffer. While that’s enough for us to buy multiple tickets, it wasn’t enough for people to rewatch this unsettling movie. Critics and audiences were definitely on-board for the arrival of what ends up causing a lot of chaos in the film.
When the meaning behind their actions comes to light, that’s when audiences started tuning out. Movies heavy on metaphors and symbolism can definitely be done well. Their problem always occurs when the story seems to get lost in its own message instead of focusing on delivering something entertaining to the outside world.
BEST: Scream
Released in 1996, this scary flick left a huge cultural impact on the horror genre. Ghostface has definitely earned his place among the classic horror baddies, and the franchise spawned three sequels plus a remake. People loved seeing a strong and rational female protagonist rather than a helpless, screaming damsel in distress.
And let’s not forget the twist that left us all slack-jawed yet thoroughly impressive. Having two killers was unprecedented for horror films at the time and the final reveal took us all by surprise. It’s really no wonder this movie is considered a Halloween classic and a must-see for any fan of the genre.
WORST: Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows
Some horror films become hugely successful because they came out at the right time. It’s unlikely that The Blair Witch Project would be as successful during the age of the internet, but at the time it managed to convince everyone the events in the film were real. It’s difficult to recapture magic like that and the sequel proves it.
It ditches the found-footage genre that made the original so beloved, instead of focusing on a group that wants to tour the location of the original film. The characters are pretty one-dimensional and poorly acted, the scares are mediocre at best. This is the kind of horror flick you laugh at, it definitely doesn’t live up to the reputation of the original.
BEST: Hereditary
One of the more recent additions to the horror genre, director Ari Aster doesn’t disappoint in his directorial debut. Following a family whose lives are strangely affected by the death of their grandmother, the film explores the notion that certain disturbances can run in the family. It also includes subtle themes that hint how the family’s fate is sealed whether or not they attempt to change it.
With chilling performances from Toni Collette and Alex Wolff, there’s no question why this film became an instant classic. The visuals are terrifyingly gory, but not without purpose. The grief and anguish of the family will stick with you well after the credits have rolled.
WORST: Hostel
This film follows a group of tourists as they make their way through Europe, but one stop in a Slovakian hostel ends up going terribly wrong for the group. One of them falls victim to a business that kidnaps tourists and sells them off to be tortured for fun. While the concept is definitely scary, the execution leaves something to be desired.
Horror fans complain that the characters are unrealistically unlikeable from the very start, and many accuse the film of relying too much on pure gore. It’s easy for a horror movie to deliver nothing but blood and guts, but that’s not going to earn it a spot among the greats.
BEST: The Mist
Based on the novel by Stephen King, this movie follows the events of a group of people trapped in a supermarket while supernatural monsters wreak havoc outside. We see how the townsfolk develop a mob mentality and succumb to violence, all the while a father is just trying to make it out alive with his son.
Many viewers didn’t like the film’s bleak and unhappy ending, but that’s precisely what makes it such a chilling horror movie. When you sit down to watch a scary movie you can’t always expect the good guys to make it out on top. Sometimes a brutal ending is what sticks with you the longest.
WORST: House of 1000 Corpses
This is a horror movie that uses common tropes but still manages to set itself apart. It’s far from your typical horror flick. It’s filled with a cast of beyond strange characters and gruesome murders. But be warned, this movie isn’t for everyone. While it developed a cult following over the years, there are many out there who find it unappealing. One of those people is the director himself!
It’s natural for artists to be critical of their work, but Rob Zombie really hated this movie. After one watch you’ll notice it’s more style than substance. There’s not a whole lot that will draw you into this flick, not the plot, characters, and especially not the ending.
BEST: Orphan
This film takes a common trope and gives it a clever twist. We’ve seen creepy kids in movies before but Orphan stands out by having a phenomenal actress and a dark premise that’s foreshadowed throughout the movie’s run. As the audience we’re constantly rooting for our protagonist, played by Vera Farmiga, to reveal Esther’s evil actions.
Audiences describe this movie as disturbing to watch and extremely tense. There are a number of uncomfortable scenes you’ll have to sit through, it’s definitely not a film for the easily squeamish. The marketing campaign for this movie definitely got people flocking to theaters. Her expression was truly terrifying!
WORST: Maximum Overdrive
Some Stephen King books make for excellent horror films (Carrie, The Shining, and The Mist to name a few). But some of his books should’ve never been adapted for the screen. One example of a King story that should’ve been left alone is Maximum Overdrive. The movie’s bizarre premise of machines coming to life with a pension to kill was beyond believability.
Its quality may have to do with King being on a drug bender when making the film. Much of his best and worst work has been written while under the influence. While this is a great film to make fun of, it’s far from a good horror film.
BEST: Oculus
This Mike Flanagan film will have you questioning if what you’re seeing is real or an illusion. Flanagan takes a seemingly harmless household object and turns it into the stuff of nightmares. Starring Karen Gillan of Doctor Who fame, the film’s plot, pacing, and scares all hit the right notes. One aspect that audiences love about the film is the protagonist’s logical and scientific approach to the cursed object.
That combined with the supernatural horrors of the mirror creates a realistic environment that scares the pants off of viewers. While some say the ending is predictable, it doesn’t take away from the terrifying journey this movie will take you on.
WORST: Bird Box
This Netflix film managed to drum up a ton of hype and interest for this horror flick starring A-lister Sandra Bullock. But did it deliver the scares? Not really. The concept may have been original but the movie failed to deliver an interesting or engaging plot. The characters are pretty one-note, making it difficult to care about their fate as they try and survive the strange apocalypse.
It also overstays its welcome with some boring scenes that could’ve easily been cut. While the acting and cinematography are obviously good quality, the film falls short when compared to other modern horror films. It’s not the worst out there, but we expected a lot more.
BEST: Evil Dead II
You might already be familiar with the first movie in this trilogy, it’s one of the original “teens end up in a haunted cabin in the woods” stories. The sequel kicks it up a notch by adding comedic elements to the story, putting the “camp” in “Bruce Campbell”. The last surviving member of the group must fend off the evil spirits that remain.
Many people consider this film even better than its predecessor. If you’re a fan of classic horror this one might not be to your tastes, but if you want a genuine bloody gore-fest then this is definitely one to watch. It’s incredible to see what director Sam Raimi did with that bigger budget.
WORST: The Wicker Man (2006)
Remakes aren’t anything new when it comes to the horror genre. We’ve seen classics like Carrie, The Fly, and The Haunting get an update for a new audience. They have a bad reputation for completely botching some beloved films. And unfortunately, The Wicker Man remake was no exception, anyone who’s seen the original will agree.
This film was widely panned upon its release, mainly due to the exaggerated acting of Nicolas Cage as the protagonist. Moments that are meant to be intimidating come off comical, making this a so-bad-it’s-good kind of film. Whether the absurdity was intentional or not, it’d be obscene to say this is even half as good as the original.
BEST: The Conjuring
Exorcism movies are a dime a dozen, but when director James Wan had this one in production people were definitely interested. Wan had already proven he had the ability to make a decent horror movie with Insidious, and he’d be working with Patrick Wilson yet again. Would this be a worthy addition to the genre or would it lean on the “based on a true story” trope like a crutch?
While it’s very by-the-books, audiences were genuinely thrilled and scared watching this in theaters. Wan managed to dust off the old horror tropes and make them fresh again. The Conjuring will definitely go down as a horror classic, even though the other installments in the franchise don’t quite live up to its hype.
WORST: Smiley
We think we can all agree that the movie industry can churn out some stale stuff every now and again. Sometimes we just want to see some new talent, and that’s just what Smiley was supposed to be. A group of popular YouTube creators got together to create this modern horror flick…and it fell totally flat. Some people weren’t surprised at all.
It failed to deliver scares or laughs, leaving audiences wondering how they were meant to react to the strange plot. Most people agree that it took a silly concept far too seriously, creating something that wasn’t entertaining in any way, shape, or form. There are good horror movies that utilize internet culture, but this isn’t one of them.
BEST: Candyman
Want to test if this movie really scared you? See if you’re brave enough to stand in front of your bathroom mirror and say “Candyman” five times. We don’t blame you if you can’t go through with it, this movie was a serious scare-fest. One of the best elements of this movie is Tony Todd as our supernatural killer.
That scene with the bees is enough to make us squirm, and yes those were real bees climbing all over him. Todd coupled with the fantastic score gives the whole movie a creepy and unsettling atmosphere. He makes this film an instant horror classic and an absolute must-see for any fan of the genre.
WORST: Child’s Play
This one might be a little controversial, but the internet has spoken and we promised we’d share its opinion. While it might’ve created a whole slew of sequels, the original Child’s Play wasn’t all that great. Sure it was an iconic movie with an equally memorable villain, but that’s not necessarily because it was good. And we think the creators acknowledged this by really playing into the comedic factor in sequels.
It’s hard to believe a small plastic toy can murder a bunch of adults, you’ve got to really suspend your disbelief for this one. However, if you view it as a campy horror story it’s a lot more fun to watch.
BEST: Annihilation
Annihilation is a pretty atypical horror movie. The premise alone is enough to pique your interest, and many movie-goers agree that this one delivered. It really goes the extra mile to bring the surreal and otherworldly atmosphere from the original novel by Jeff VanderMeer. This movie might not have classic scares, but it definitely succeeds in making us feel uneasy and creeped out.
The ending leaves a whole lot of questions unanswered, which might be a plus or minus depending on the kind of movies you like. But fans of the book and movie enjoy the speculation and theorizing that comes with this inexplicable and terrifying world.
WORST: IT Chapter Two
Audiences were interested to see how the reboot of Stephen King’s IT would look. The original mini-series was a low-budget production that still managed to scare and entertain. Would this remake live up to the strange and creepy story? The answer is yes…but only for one film. The first film impressed audiences with its scares and talented child actors, the sequel fell completely flat.
In all fairness, the ending in the original novel is confusing as is. We don’t think it quite translated to screen, despite everyone’s best efforts. One thing we can say for sure is that this one was a huge disappointment to fans of the first movie.
BEST: Hellraiser
This franchise brought us some of the most iconic horror villains in movie history. The Cenobites are obsessed with pleasure derived from pain, and you don’t want to let them out of their box. While the quality of the sequels was questionable, there’s no denying how compelling the original was. You’re constantly waiting to see what’s around the corner, and the effects hold up pretty well, too!
Don’t go into this expecting a typical horror film, this one is anything but. You’ve got to embrace its strangeness if you want to enjoy it. You won’t be able to get enough of the iconic villains, though fans recommend not watching past the fourth film.
WORST: Slenderman
This horror movie has some pretty interesting origins. The story of Slenderman started as an Internet legend back in 2009, who would’ve thought it would get made into a feature-length film? Unfortunately, it seems this creepy tale didn’t quite translate onto the big screen. Even fans of bad horror movies had a hard time enjoying this one.
People found it plain boring, lacking scares and comedy. This was particularly disappointing for fans of the original Internet lore who were hoping for something a little bit better. It seems there just wasn’t enough material to base a film on. Perhaps someone will expand on the Slenderman universe and create something better one day.