I've probably watched over 100 horror films in this lifetime, and it's pretty clear that they tend to be a hit-or-miss. They're either incredibly cliche, with an overused storyline and horrible acting, or they actually do the job and scare the living hell out of you. Here is a list of some of the best horror movies I've seen (so far).
Hereditary
This film is something different, to say the least. A combination of drama, thriller, and horror, Hereditary will give you post-film chills. The movie is about a woman who, after her mother's death, discovers her family's dark secrets and how her ancestry might be destined for a series of unfortunate events.
Hush
Regarded by Netflix as a "hidden gem," Hush is a unique film that centers around a deaf woman- living in isolation- and her battle with a psychotic man that threatens her life from the outside. Because the film has few characters and the main character is deaf, there is little dialogue and the viewer is forced to be engaged at all times.
Dead Snow
If you're into gore and guts, Dead Snow is a must-watch. The movie is about a group of Norwegian students who accidentally awaken zombie Nazis on a ski trip and must fight them off while running for their lives. While the film has many brutal and bloody deaths, it actually has a few comedic scenes that make the film less intense.
Train to Busan
This Korean film centers around a man and his daughter as they try to escape a zombie outbreak in their hometown. The audience is able to watch as characters grow and strengthen emotional bonds, making the film incredibly intense and heartbreaking.
Goodnight Mommy
Another foreign film, Goodnight Mommy is guaranteed to give you the creeps. After a mother comes back from facial reconstructive surgery and is shown wearing a mask at all times, her two sons begin to question her true identity. The film also involves beetles, super glue, and arson.
It Follows
This film is literally about a curse that is passed on through sexual intercourse. Though the plot seems raunchy and cliche, the movie is beautifully written, exploring themes of sexually transmitted diseases and common social perceptions of sex.
Sinister
This movie revolves around a writer's findings in his new home's attic: snuff films that show a string of family murders. He discovers that the killings took place in his current home, and vows to solve the murders and move his family out of the house before it's too late.
Scream
Scream is a classic that defies my standards on what makes a good horror movie. Sure, the acting is subpar and the lines are a little cheesy, but it's an iconic movie that you've got to watch at least once.
