- Army of the Dead
“Army of the Dead” is a 2021 horror-action film directed by Zack Snyder, blending the heist and zombie apocalypse genres. Set in a quarantined Las Vegas overrun by zombies, the story follows Scott Ward (Dave Bautista) and his team as they venture into the city to retrieve $200 million from a casino vault before the area is nuked. The film introduces various classes of zombies, including intelligent and organized “Alpha” zombies, adding a unique twist to the genre. Known for its intense action, striking visuals, and a blend of horror and thriller elements, “Army of the Dead” received mixed to positive reviews and led to further expansions in its universe with a prequel and an animated series.
2) His House
“His House” is a 2020 horror film directed by Remi Weekes, which follows Bol (Sope Dirisu) and Rial (Wunmi Mosaku), refugees from South Sudan who are granted asylum in a small English town. As they try to adjust to their new life, they are haunted by a sinister force lurking within their new home, which seems to be connected to the traumas and horrors they escaped. The film masterfully blends supernatural horror with poignant social commentary, exploring themes of guilt, grief, and the refugee experience. Praised for its atmospheric tension, powerful performances, and thought-provoking narrative, “His House” stands out as a significant and chilling entry in contemporary horror cinema.
3) Malignant
“Malignant” is a 2021 horror film directed by James Wan, centering on Madison Mitchell (Annabelle Wallis), who begins experiencing shocking visions of grisly murders. As the terror escalates, she realizes these waking dreams are terrifyingly real and connected to a dark past. The film combines elements of supernatural horror and psychological thriller, marked by Wan’s signature style of intense scares and inventive storytelling. With its blend of mystery, gore, and a twist that subverts typical genre expectations, “Malignant” received praise for its originality and Wan’s audacious direction, solidifying it as a bold and memorable addition to modern horror.
4) Insidious
“Insidious” is a 2010 horror film directed by James Wan, centered on the Lambert family whose son, Dalton (Ty Simpkins), inexplicably falls into a coma. Soon after, the family begins to experience disturbing paranormal events in their home. They discover that Dalton’s consciousness has been trapped in a dark, supernatural realm known as “The Further,” and malevolent entities are attempting to use his comatose body as a vessel to enter the physical world. With the help of paranormal investigators, including a psychic named Elise (Lin Shaye), the family must venture into The Further to rescue Dalton. The film is acclaimed for its spine-chilling atmosphere, innovative scare tactics, and a compelling story, establishing itself as a modern horror classic and spawning a successful franchise.
5) Bird Box
“Bird Box” is a 2018 post-apocalyptic horror film directed by Susanne Bier, based on the novel by Josh Malerman. The story follows Malorie (Sandra Bullock), who must navigate a world where unseen entities drive people to suicide upon sight. Accompanied by her two children, Malorie embarks on a perilous journey to reach a sanctuary while blindfolded to avoid the deadly gaze of these creatures. The film interweaves intense suspense with themes of survival and motherhood, offering a gripping narrative that explores human resilience in the face of an invisible threat. “Bird Box” became a significant cultural phenomenon upon its release, known for its tense atmosphere and strong performances.
6) Creep
“Creep” is a 2014 found footage horror film directed by Patrick Brice, who also stars in it alongside Mark Duplass. The film follows Aaron (Brice), a videographer who answers a cryptic online ad to document the last messages of Josef (Duplass), a man purportedly dying of a terminal illness. As the filming progresses, Josef’s behavior becomes increasingly unsettling, revealing his true, sinister nature. The film builds tension through its minimalist approach, unsettling atmosphere, and Duplass’s disturbing performance, effectively delivering a chilling and suspenseful experience. “Creep” is noted for its innovative take on the found footage genre and its ability to evoke genuine fear through psychological manipulation and character-driven horror.
7) Lights Out
“Lights Out” is a 2016 horror film directed by David F. Sandberg, based on his 2013 short film of the same name. The story centers on Rebecca (Teresa Palmer) and her younger brother Martin (Gabriel Bateman), who are tormented by a malevolent spirit named Diana that only appears in the dark. As the sinister entity’s connection to their mother, Sophie (Maria Bello), becomes clearer, Rebecca must confront her family’s dark past to protect her loved ones. Known for its effective use of lighting and shadows to create suspense, “Lights Out” received acclaim for its innovative scares, tight pacing, and the emotionally resonant performances of its cast, establishing Sandberg as a notable director in the horror genre.
8) Apostle
“Apostle” is a 2018 horror film directed by Gareth Evans, set in 1905 and starring Dan Stevens as Thomas Richardson, a man who infiltrates a remote island’s mysterious cult to rescue his kidnapped sister. As Thomas delves deeper into the cult led by the charismatic Prophet Malcolm (Michael Sheen), he uncovers dark secrets and a terrifying supernatural presence that holds the island in its grip. The film is noted for its atmospheric tension, graphic violence, and a compelling blend of historical and supernatural horror. “Apostle” received praise for its intense storytelling, strong performances, and its exploration of themes such as faith, fanaticism, and sacrifice.
9) Cam
“Cam” is a 2018 psychological horror film directed by Daniel Goldhaber, which delves into the dark world of online sex work. The story follows Alice (Madeline Brewer), a cam girl striving for popularity on a streaming website. However, her quest takes a terrifying turn when she discovers that someone who looks exactly like her has taken over her channel and is living her life online. As Alice’s reality blurs with the digital realm, the film explores themes of identity, autonomy, and the dangers of online obsession. With its intense atmosphere, gripping performance by Brewer, and unsettling exploration of technology’s influence on modern identity, “Cam” offers a chilling and thought-provoking journey into the horrors of the digital age.
10) Day Shift
“Day Shift” is an upcoming horror-comedy film directed by JJ Perry, set to release in 2022. The story revolves around a skilled blue-collar worker, played by Jamie Foxx, who leads a double life as a vampire hunter in Los Angeles. As he juggles his responsibilities as a single father and his nocturnal exploits, he finds himself facing off against a powerful vampire coven threatening his city. With a blend of humor, action, and horror, “Day Shift” promises to deliver a fresh and entertaining take on the vampire genre, anchored by Foxx’s charismatic performance and Perry’s direction.
