From pseudo-snuff films to artsy horror films, the 2010’s brought on some groundbreaking horror films. Some of these are so scary, they rattle your bones. Others are just gross and the gore will leave you gagging.
Here are the best films that were released between 2010 – 2019, in no particular order.
Black Swan (2010)
This is more of a suspense film, but it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole film! I always appreciate films that take a new spin on a popular genre. I always found ballet beautiful and I love Tchiakovsky. And seriously, Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis? What more could you want in one film?
You’re Next (2011)
You’re Next is a combination of brutal, unique, and addictive. This isn’t the typical intruder film. Rather, the film empowers unlikely characters and keeps the viewer engaged throughout the whole film. You’re Next is also a great horror film for both seasoned veterans and newbies.
VHS (2012)
VHS is one of the most unique horror films of the century. While found footage films are becoming way too common, this film takes a different twist on the genre. It also contains the perfect amount of violence without being overly cheesy.
VHS 2 (2013)
A lot of people didn’t like this sequel but I liked it. Making a horror sequel is difficult but the VHS makers got it down well. The creepy themes are there and I honestly enjoyed these clips more than the previous film.
American Mary (2012)
Seriously one of my favorite films of all time. The Soska sisters killed it with this incredible film. Seriously, the disfigured man hanging by hooks will haunt me forever (in a good way). And this is coming from someone who wrote a novel about a woman murdering men. I’m also into body modification (not to the extent that the people in this film had) so it also hit a little close to home.
The Purge (2013)
This is another film that people didn’t like but I liked. It’s an interesting concept — a day out of the year where murder is legal. What could happen? How would you react? As a writer, I learned to put the “I” in many situations and scenarios. It makes everything creepier. That’s what I did with The Purge. I think that’s why I enjoyed this movie so much.
The Babadook (2014)
Did you read creepy books as a kid? I did. That’s why I think I really liked this film. If one of the characters came to life (I’m looking at you, Jenny from “The Girl With the Green Ribbon”). That’s why this story is unforgettable. It’s beyond a creepy story — all horror fans can relate to this film, especially if you loved horror from a young age.
Deathgasm (2015)
As well as a big horror fan, I’m also a big metal fan. I love all films inspired by metal, so I immediately became interested in Deathgasm. The only thing that bothers me is the metal dude falls for the stereotypical popular girl. And then she becomes a metal chick at the end of the film. Bro, it don’t happen like that.
Hush (2016)
One of the many factors I love about modern horror is how unique these films are. This includes Hush. And this movie is one of the many reasons why I’m terrified of living out in the middle of nowhere, even though I’m a writer like the main character.
Hereditary (2018)
Everyone has said it and I will say it — Toni Collette deserves an Oscar for her role. Hereditary is one of the few films that truly shocked me. The only thing I will say is the film is completely different than what the trailers entail. Which is a good and bad thing. Good because it shocked me more. But bad because I expected it to be a stereotypical haunted child film until my roommate forced me to watch it. And I’m glad she did.
Mandy (2018)
I have to say it. I was never a Nicholas Cage fan. But I am now after seeing Mandy. No film has intrigued me recently more than Mandy. I think it’s the 70’s Manson-like cult vibe. I’m not sure what it is but I’m entranced by crazy hippies. Anyway. The film was disturbing but Nic Cage kicked ass and the whole movie was awesome!
Ready or Not (2019)
I have a funny story about Ready Or Not. I was a vendor for a horror convention and was given a free ticket for this premiere. I thought the movie looked interesting so I watched it. Wow. It was awesome! A very unique take on the stereotypical “newlywed’s family is crazy” theme.
The Perfection (2019)
I actually walked into my roommate watching this movie. I saw a horror director friend of mine posting about it and had wanted to watch it anyway. I walked in on the part where the girl chopped off her hand and made my roommate rewind to the beginning. Still one of my favorite modern horror films.
The Devil and the Blacksmith (2017)
I actually stumbled upon this film while hanging out with a friend one night. We wanted to watch a good horror film but his collection was pretty weak and this was the next one I found on Netflix. It was extremely well done and very interesting.
American Guinea Pig Saga (too many to decide)
There are technically a few films in this saga. I’m focusing on three: Bouquet of Guts and Gore, Bloodshock, and Song of Solomon. Bloodshock is my favorite. I actually talked to the writer, Stephen Biro, about this film and he gave me a lot of good insight about the story. I love the really fucked up horror films so I took a liking to this one. Bouquet is for those who prefer the Japanese Guinea Pig films (specifically Flower of Flesh and Blood) and Song is more for someone who really wants a more fucked up Exorcist film.
Deathscort Service 3:Eat Me (2018)
There are three films in Sean Donohue’s Deathscort Service saga. My favorite was the third and newest one, Taste Me (no, not because I’m in it — I’m also in the second one by the way). The story is more complex and the acting is just amazing.
Chaos A.D. (2016)
Chaos A.D. will always have a place in my heart. This was the first film set I ever worked on. Not only that, but I absolutely love this film and it didn’t receive the credit it deserves. The story is awesome and it’s super brutal.
Flowers (2015)
An actor friend of mine turned me onto Flowers. It follows murder victims in almost a purgatorial state. It’s frightening and disturbing but also abstract. I usually hate artsy films (no dialogue, very little character and plot development, etc.) but the atmosphere the film conveys is so eerie it stuck with me for years.
Amerikan Holokaust (2013)
I’m a sucker for pseudo-snuff films. Amerikan Holokaust should be one on your list. First, this is the prime example of Bob Glazier’s and Jules Sceiro’s acting. It’s hilarious but also fucked up. Sure, it’s brutal and graphic like many other pseudo-snuff films. But the writing in this film is excellent, which makes it stand out from the rest.
Here’s to another decade of badass horror films!