Ciaran Foy's 'Sinister 2' continues the story of the Bughuul, a demonic entity that preys on families. While not as critically acclaimed as its predecessor, the film delivers a decent dose of scares and expands on the mythology of the 'Sinister' universe. 'Sinister 2' focuses on a new family who finds themselves targeted by Bughuul, and the film explores themes of child endangerment and the cycle of violence. Although it relies heavily on jump scares, the film offers some genuinely creepy moments and provides further insight into the sinister world established in the first film. The film's use of Super 8 footage adds to its unsettling atmosphere, reminiscent of the original 'Sinister'.

David F. Sandberg's 'Annabelle: Creation' serves as a prequel to 'The Conjuring' universe and delves into the origins of the creepy Annabelle doll. The film follows a group of orphan girls who are terrorized by the possessed doll in a remote farmhouse. 'Annabelle: Creation' delivers plenty of jump scares and creepy atmosphere, making it a solid entry in the franchise. While the plot may be somewhat predictable, the film's effective use of horror tropes and its connection to the larger 'Conjuring' universe make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the series. The film benefits from strong performances by its young cast, who effectively portray the fear and vulnerability of their characters.

Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson's 'Ghost Stories' is a British anthology horror film that delivers a series of chilling and unsettling tales. Andy Nyman stars as a professor who is tasked with investigating three unsolved paranormal cases. The film's use of practical effects, creepy atmosphere, and unexpected twists keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. 'Ghost Stories' is a well-crafted and entertaining horror experience that pays homage to classic anthology films like 'Dead of Night'. The film's structure allows for a variety of scares and unsettling moments, making it a treat for horror fans. The film began as a successful stage play before being adapted for the screen.

Edgar Wright's 'Last Night in Soho' is a stylish and visually stunning psychological thriller that blends elements of horror, mystery, and nostalgia. Thomasin McKenzie stars as a young fashion student who becomes obsessed with the 1960s and finds herself transported back in time, where she experiences the glamorous and dark side of London's Soho district. The film's soundtrack is a major highlight, featuring classic songs from the era that enhance the film's atmosphere. While the plot may be somewhat convoluted, 'Last Night in Soho' offers a visually arresting and entertaining cinematic experience. Anya Taylor-Joy's performance as a 1960s singer is particularly memorable.

Parker Finn's 'Smile' offers a disturbing exploration of trauma and its lingering effects. Sosie Bacon delivers a compelling performance as a therapist haunted by a smiling, malevolent entity. 'Smile' uses unsettling imagery and psychological tension to create a creepy atmosphere. The concept is simple yet effective: a contagious curse passed through witnessing a suicide. The film plays with perception and the fear of losing one's mind, making it a suspenseful watch. While 'Smile' may tread familiar horror ground, its commitment to creating unease and the lead performance make it a worthy addition to the genre.

Leigh Whannell's 'The Invisible Man' is a thrilling and suspenseful reimagining of the classic H.G. Wells story. Elisabeth Moss delivers a powerful performance as a woman who believes she is being stalked by her abusive ex-boyfriend, even after his apparent death. The film's clever use of sound design, camera angles, and negative space creates a palpable sense of paranoia and dread. 'The Invisible Man' is a timely and relevant thriller that explores themes of gaslighting, abuse, and female empowerment. The film's success lies in its ability to blend classic horror elements with modern social commentary. The director, Leigh Whannell, is known for his work in the horror genre, including writing and starring in the 'Saw' franchise.

James Wan's 'The Conjuring' is a terrifying and effective haunted house film based on the real-life cases of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga deliver compelling performances as the Warrens, who are called upon to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. 'The Conjuring' relies on classic horror tropes, such as jump scares, eerie atmosphere, and a sense of impending doom, to deliver a truly frightening cinematic experience. The film's success launched a successful franchise and solidified its place as a modern horror classic. The true story behind 'The Conjuring' has been a source of debate and fascination, with many questioning the authenticity of the Warrens' claims. However, the film's effectiveness as a horror experience is undeniable.

Ari Aster's 'Midsommar' is a visually stunning and deeply unsettling folk horror film set in a remote Swedish village. Florence Pugh delivers a captivating performance as a young woman grappling with grief and trauma who joins her boyfriend on a trip to a midsummer festival that quickly descends into madness. 'Midsommar' is a disturbing exploration of relationships, mental health, and the dark side of tradition, filled with shocking imagery and unsettling rituals. The bright daylight setting only amplifies the film's sense of dread, making it a truly unique and unforgettable horror experience. The film's intricate set design and use of Swedish folklore add to its authenticity and unsettling atmosphere.

James Wan's 'Insidious' revitalized the haunted house subgenre with its creative scares and compelling story. Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne star as a couple whose son falls into a mysterious coma and becomes a vessel for malevolent spirits. 'Insidious' distinguishes itself with its imaginative world-building, creepy creature designs, and emphasis on atmosphere over gore. The film's success spawned a franchise, solidifying its place as a modern horror classic. The use of practical effects and inventive cinematography contributes to the film's unsettling and memorable scares. One of the most memorable aspects of 'Insidious' is the character of Elise Rainier, played by Lin Shaye, who became a fan favorite and appeared in multiple sequels.

David Robert Mitchell's 'It Follows' is a stylish and unsettling horror film that puts a unique spin on the slasher genre. Maika Monroe stars as a young woman who finds herself stalked by a supernatural entity after a sexual encounter. The film's retro-inspired synth score, dreamlike visuals, and deliberate pacing create a palpable sense of dread. 'It Follows' is a terrifying exploration of paranoia, vulnerability, and the consequences of our actions. The ambiguous nature of the monster and its relentless pursuit make it a truly unforgettable horror experience. The film's unique premise was inspired by director David Robert Mitchell's childhood nightmares.

André Øvredal's 'The Autopsy of Jane Doe' delivers a chilling and suspenseful horror experience centered around a mysterious corpse with no apparent cause of death. Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch star as a father-son coroner duo who find themselves unraveling a series of increasingly bizarre and supernatural secrets as they perform an autopsy on the enigmatic Jane Doe. With its claustrophobic setting, expertly crafted atmosphere, and genuinely creepy scares, 'The Autopsy of Jane Doe' offers a refreshing take on the haunted house formula. Fun Fact: Olwen Catherine Kelly, who plays Jane Doe, had to remain still for hours during filming, a challenging feat that added to the film's realism.

Jennifer Kent's 'The Babadook' is a deeply disturbing and emotionally resonant horror film that explores the themes of grief, depression, and single motherhood. Essie Davis delivers a tour-de-force performance as a widow struggling to cope with her son's behavioral problems and a sinister presence that invades their home. The Babadook itself is a nightmarish creation, brought to life through practical effects and shadow play, adding to the film's unsettling atmosphere. More than just a monster movie, 'The Babadook' is a poignant and terrifying exploration of the darkness that can consume us when we're at our most vulnerable. The film started as a short film called 'Monster', and its success led to the feature-length adaptation.

Robert Eggers' 'The Witch' is a chilling and atmospheric period piece that delves into the dark heart of religious paranoia and superstition in 17th-century New England. Shot with meticulous attention to detail and featuring authentic dialogue, the film transports you to a world where fear and suspicion reign supreme. Anya Taylor-Joy shines in her breakout role as a young woman accused of witchcraft, and the film's unsettling score and use of natural lighting create a palpable sense of dread. 'The Witch' is not a typical jump-scare horror film; it's a slow-burn descent into madness that explores the psychological toll of isolation and religious extremism.

Ari Aster's directorial debut is a masterclass in psychological horror. 'Hereditary' burrows deep under your skin, exploring grief, trauma, and family secrets with an unrelenting intensity. Toni Collette delivers a powerhouse performance as a mother grappling with immense loss and a creeping sense of dread. The film's unsettling atmosphere, combined with its shocking imagery and disturbing sound design, creates a truly unforgettable and deeply unsettling cinematic experience. 'Hereditary' doesn't rely on cheap jump scares; instead, it builds a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll, cementing its place as a modern horror classic.