If you’re looking for the newest horror movies to add to your watchlist, you’re in luck. Here’s a rundown of the best horror movies to watch right now, featuring everything from acclaimed art-house jewels to frightfully fun slashers.
Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Nobody can forget the classic Nightmare on Elm Street series. The original, directed by Wes Craven, hit theaters in 1984 and follows a group of teenagers who are haunted in their dreams by a disfigured murderer, Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund). Craven’s dark humor and Wes Johnson’s iconic costume design come together to provide a horror-comedy classic and one of the best horror movie of all time.
Silence of the Lambs (1990)
Jonathan Demme’s acclaimed adaptation of Thomas Harris’ novel of the same name is a kind of horror film, including thrilling car chases, eerie music, and giant insects. Fans of psychological thrillers, especially, will appreciate the deliberate, slow-burn pace of this one. Anthony Hopkins won an Oscar for his chillingly defined portrayal of Hannibal Lecter– the film’s villain– who helps Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) track down another serial killer.
The Ring (2002)
Gore Verbinski’s adaptation of the Japanese film of the same name is a hit among horror fans. Starring Naomi Watts and taking place in the Pacific Northwest, The Ring follows a journalist (Watts) as she investigates other cases of people who died suddenly after watching a certain cursed video, leading her to an unsettling conclusion. Verbinski composes an unforgettable horror that continues to haunt audiences years after its release.
Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, Get Out, was both a critical and financial success, grossing over 250 million worldwide. The groundbreaking horror movie follows the story of an interracial couple, Rose (Allison Williams) and Chris (Daniel Kaluuya). Their relationship is put to the test when they visit Rose’s family during their annual get-together, and their true intentions are revealed. The film’s social commentary also makes it a unique experience.
A Quiet Place (2018)
Horror and sci-fi fans around the world will enjoy A Quiet Place, directed by John Krasinski and starring Emily Blunt. Exquisitely intense, the film follows a family living in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by terrifying creatures that hunt by sound. With no alternative but to remain silent and keep still, a family’s character arcs appear in the midst of a psychologically gripping tale; full of surprise, turns and heart-stopping suspense.
It Follows (2014)
Looks can be deceiving – this one isn’t your typical slasher movie. David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows follows a girl, Jay (Maika Monroe), who’s pursued by a mysterious supernatural entity. What makes this movie so original is the indescribable “it” that follows the characters. The movie ingeniously uses Hitchcockian suspense to imbue the entity with a sense of dread and make supernatural horror accessible.
The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
Whether you consider yourself a fan of horror films or not, you should make sure to add The Cabin in the Woods to your list immediately. It’s one of the most unique films in the genre, merging horror with a science fiction meta-narrative. Written by Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard, the film follows five college students who come across an isolated cabin in the middle of the woods, only to find a sinister force lurking within.
The Conjuring (2013)
One of the most successful horror franchises in recent years, The Conjuring follows the story of real-life supernatural investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. The movie, directed by James Wan, centers on an incident at the Perron family farmhouse in Rhode Island, with the family plagued by a spirit. Paranormal activity in the home goes beyond the typical bump in the night -– creating an eerie atmosphere with nods to the classic haunted house trope.
Suspiria (2018)
For horror fans who like something a little more high-concept, Suspiria is the film to watch. Directed by Luca Guadagnino and based on the 1977 cult classic from Dario Argento, the film follows a young American dancer named Susan as she seeks out a famous European dance academy entrance. As she steps foot into the eerie and strange academy, she soon discovers a dark, occult-like secret that begins to haunt her waking and sleeping hours.
The Witch (2015)
Robert Eggers’ directorial debut is a slow-burn horror film that takes place in a New England village in the 17th century. The Witch follows a Puritan family who reluctantly abandons their colonial settlement, only to be cursed by a witch lurking in the nearby woods. This film is a truly chilling treat, combining meticulous visual detail and a haunting score to create a tense atmosphere.
The Babadook (2014)
The psychological thriller/horror film The Babadook, directed by Jennifer Kent, follows widowed mother Amelia (Essie Davis) and her 6-year-old son Samuel (Noah Wiseman). The two find a mysterious and creepy book in their home called “Mister Babadook” with a figure that is haunting them. Without revealing too much of the plot, the film builds suspense with rich shadows, subtle effects and a powerful performance from Essie Davis.
Hereditary (2018)
The 2018 horror masterpiece from writer-director Ari Aster will haunt you long after you watch it – this is one of the most disturbing films to come out in a while. After the death of the matriarch of a family, strange things begin to occur and they understand she has passed them down a demonic curse. The movie’s slow-burn reveals and unrelenting tension create an uneasiness that will leave you glued to your seat – an unforgettable horror experience.
These are some of the latest horror movies you should add to your watchlist. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or just looking for a good scare, these are some of the best horror films released in the past few years. So, take a few hours off from your social distancing quarantine, dim the lights and turn up the volume, and get ready for an unforgettable horror experience.