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Top 20 Horror Movies of the 2020s (So Far)

Community Desk

Here’s a ranking of the top 20 horror movies of the decade so far, based on critical acclaim, fan reactions, uniqueness and pure fear factor.

You Won’t Be Alone (2022)

Set in 19th-century Macedonia, You Won’t Be Alone tells the story of a young girl abducted by an ancient spirit who transforms her into a witch. She gains the ability to shapeshift and attempts to live among humans, gaining a tragic insight into human nature. Director Goran Stolevski uses folk horror elements to examine themes of identity, humanity, and isolation. This meditative film is less about jump scares and more about the witch’s existential journey, touching on themes of cruelty, connection, and mortality. With its slow, eerie build, You Won’t Be Alone earned praise for its evocative cinematography and storytelling, setting it apart from conventional horror movies.

M3GAN (2022)

M3GAN takes the killer doll trope to the next level with its AI twist. M3GAN is an advanced robotic doll programmed to protect her young owner, but she quickly turns violent when she interprets this mission too literally. The film humorously and chillingly explores the dangers of artificial intelligence, over-reliance on technology and our obsession with making robots increasingly human.. 

Directed by Gerard Johnstone, M3GAN caught the eye of netizens with its dark humor, obnoxious and random dances perfect for TikTok trends balanced with legitimate scares.. Its campy, humorous tones added with a few terrifying scares makes it comparable to classic and nostalgic films like Child’s Play. It is a perfect watch for a family or friends gathering.. Learn more about M3GAN.

Censor (2021)

Censor is set  in Britain’s infamous “video nasties” era of the 1980s. It follows a film censor who becomes obsessed with a horror movie that mirrors the mysterious disappearance of her sister. As her psychological state unravels, the lines between reality and fiction blur in disturbing ways. 

Directed by Prano Bailey-Bond, Censor is a psychological horror that explores trauma, repression, and the impact of media. Its retro aesthetic and eerie sound design effectively transport viewers back to a time of moral panic, while its unsettling atmosphere builds dread throughout the film. For more insights, visit Censor.

Men (2022)

 Alex Garland delves into elements of grief and gender in the surreal and disturbing world of Men. The story follows Harper (Jessie Buckley) as she retreats to the countryside after a personal tragedy, only to encounter a series of men who all look the same but each  embody different facets of toxic masculinity. Rory Kinnear’s performance as each of these men is as incredible as it is disconcerting. With a polarizing final act, Garland’s film has sparked intense debate, praised for its ambitious and unique approach at handling grief and  gender violence. Explore more about Men.

The Black Phone (2021)

Adapted from Joe Hill’s short story, The Black Phone follows a young boy, Finney, who is abducted by a sadistic serial killer. Trapped in a soundproof basement, Finney communicates with the killer’s previous victims via a disconnected phone. Ethan Hawke gives a chilling performance as the masked villain known as The Grabber. Directed by Scott Derrickson, the film’s mix of supernatural elements and 70s nostalgia creates an intense atmosphere of suspense and terror. 

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Swallow (2020)

Swallow is a psychological horror film about Hunter, a woman who develops a dangerous compulsion to swallow inedible objects. As her condition worsens, the film explores the oppressive environment that has led to her breakdown, using body horror to reflect issues of control and autonomy. Director Carlo Mirabella-Davis creates a haunting portrayal of trauma, repression, and mental illness. Swallow is both disturbing and empathetic, drawing viewers into Hunter’s suffocating world while addressing themes of bodily autonomy and personal agency. Learn more about Swallow.

Possessor (2020)

Brandon Cronenberg’s Possessor is a disturbing exploration of mind control and identity. The film follows Tasya Vos, an elite assassin who uses brain-implant technology to take control of other people’s bodies and carry out high-profile murders. However, the psychological effects of her profession begins to take a toll, blurring the boundaries between her mind and her victims. Possessor is a visually stunning film, filled with intense violence and brutal imagery, while also offering a cerebral exploration of power, identity, and morality. It’s a visceral experience that pushes the limits of body horror and psychological terror.

Prey (2022)

A fresh take on the Predator franchise, Prey sets the iconic alien hunter in 18th-century North America. The film follows Naru, stunningly portrayed by Amber Midthunder, a young Comanche warrior who must protect her tribe from the Predator. Director Dan Trachtenberg strips the Predator series back to its primal roots, creating a film that feels both fresh and true to the franchise’s core appeal. Prey is a tight-paced, thrilling blend of action and horror that reinvigorates the Predator series.

Relic (2020)

Relic is a deeply emotional horror film that tackles the topic of dementia through a supernatural lens. The film follows three generations of women who confront a sinister presence in their decaying family home. As the matriarch Edna’s mental state deteriorates, her daughter and granddaughter must face the creeping horror that seems to be consuming her. Director Natalie Erika James crafts an atmospheric, slow-burn film that uses the decaying house as a metaphor for memory loss and aging. Relic is a terrifying and heartbreaking exploration of familial bonds and the horrors of losing a loved one to illness. Learn more at Relic.

Nope (2022)

Jordan Peele’s Nope blends horror, science fiction, and western genres to create a unique and unsettling film. Set on a remote horse ranch, the film follows siblings who discover a mysterious object in the sky that essentially changes the trajectory of their lives and not for the better.. Nope explores themes of narcissism, spectacle, and humanity’s obsession with exploitation of the self and others for entertainment and profit. Peele masterfully builds tension through slow-burn suspense, leading to a thrilling final act. The film is both visually stunning and deeply symbolic, marking another standout entry in Peele’s growing horror legacy.

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Barbarian (2022)

Barbarian is a genre-bending horror film that takes unexpected turns at every corner. The story begins with a woman arriving at a double-booked Airbnb, but soon escalates into a nightmare involving dark secrets and terrifying revelations. The film’s unconventional structure keeps viewers on edge, blending elements of thriller, horror, and dark humor. With standout performances from Georgina Campbell and Bill Skarsgård, Barbarian has been praised for its wild plot twists and relentless tension. Check out more about Barbarian.

Titane (2021)

Winner of the Palme d’Or, Titane is a body horror film directed by Julia Ducournau. The movie tells the story of Alexia, a woman with a strange and disturbing connection to cars. . Titane explores themes of identity, trauma, and transformation, combining extreme violence with moments of tenderness, it pushesi the boundaries of what horror can be.

The Menu (2022)

Chef Slowik’s (Ralph Fiennes) exclusive dining takes the restaurant experience to a whole new level when a group of elites come to a remote island to be the chosen part of it. A satirical horror-thriller that explores themes of class, artistry and obsession with dark humor and twisted violence, The Menu is a psychological rollercoaster that keeps you on edge.

Talk to Me (2022)

Talk to Me is an Australian horror film that follows a series of unfortunate events that occurs because of meddling with the supernatural. The plot centers around a group of teenagers who discover a way to communicate with spirits through an embalmed hand. While in the beginning it was all fun and games, the movie itself holding a fun and humorous tone, things get worse as they push  boundaries further and further. Fast-paced and full of tension, Talk to Me is both terrifying and emotionally resonant, balancing jump scares with deeper themes of grief and trauma. Its fresh take on possession horror makes it a standout in the genre. Learn more about Talk to Me.

X (2022)

Ti West’s X is a throwback to 1970s slasher films, following a group of adult filmmakers who rent a remote farmhouse to shoot their movie. When their elderly hosts discover the nature of the film, violence erupts, and the group must fight for their lives. The film blends the gritty aesthetics of exploitation horror with a modern sensibility, creating a gruesome yet stylish slasher. Mia Goth’s dual performance as both a young starlet and the elderly villain adds an eerie layer to the film. X is a love letter to the golden age of slasher films, while also offering fresh commentary on age, desire, and exploitation.

The Empty Man (2020)

The Empty Man is a chilling supernatural thriller that blends elements of urban legend and psychological horror. The film follows a retired detective investigating a series of disappearances linked to a mysterious figure known as the Empty Man. As he delves deeper into the case, the detective uncovers a dark conspiracy that blurs the line between reality and the supernatural. The Empty Man builds a sense of dread through its eerie atmosphere and slow-burn pacing, culminating in a shocking and unsettling conclusion. Though underappreciated upon its release, the film has since gained a cult following for its ambitious storytelling and haunting imagery. Find more details on The Empty Man.

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Pearl (2022)

Pearl is a prequel to Ti West’s X that delves into the tragic backstory of the villainous Pearl. Set in 1918, the film follows Pearl’s descent into madness as she dreams of escaping her rural life and becoming a movie star. Mia Goth’s performance as Pearl is both sympathetic and terrifying, capturing the character’s desperation for her dreams and turning to violence when those dreams are crushed. The film’s blend of character study and slasher horror adds depth to the X franchise, offering a chilling origin story for one of horror’s most memorable villains. Explore more about Pearl.

The Invisible Man (2020)

Leigh Whannell’s The Invisible Man reimagines the classic horror character as a modern thriller about domestic abuse and the psychological effects it leaves on the victim. Elisabeth Moss delivers a powerful performance as Cecilia, a woman tormented by her abusive ex, who uses his invisibility to stalk and manipulate her. The film’s tight direction and use of empty spaces create a suffocating atmosphere of dread, making viewers feel as though they are constantly being watched. .

Bones and All (2022)

Bones and All is a haunting blend of romance and horror, following two young cannibals on a road trip across America. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film explores themes of love, identity, and isolation, with stunning performances by Timothée Chalamet and Taylor Russell. The film could very well be described as romance even after the cannibal part of it.

Guadagino’s use of cannibalism as a metaphor is a bold, extreme and interesting choice  to show desire and self-acceptance.. Guadagnino’s direction,  the film’s lyrical cinematography and Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s amazing score, makes Bones and All a unique and unforgettable horror experience. Discover more about Bones and All.

Evil Dead Rise (2023) 

The latest entry in the Evil Dead franchise brings back the terrifying Deadites in a blood-soaked, high-intensity horror film that shifts the franchise’s terror to an urban setting. With brutal scares and relentless tension, it delivers a fresh yet familiar dose of chaos and gore as two estranged sisters battle demonic forces in a cramped apartment building.

Honorable Mentions:

While the top 20 films have solidified their place in horror history, there are plenty of other noteworthy releases that deserve recognition. Here are some honorable mentions:

 

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