The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It takes the franchise in a slightly different direction, focusing on a court case where the defendant claims demonic possession. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as Ed and Lorraine Warren, investigating a disturbing case. While it has its moments, this installment doesn't quite capture the same level of suspense and scares as the earlier Conjuring films. It relies more on typical horror tropes. However, the performances are solid, and it provides another glimpse into the Warrens' case files.

The fifth installment in the Scream franchise, simply titled Scream, brings the series back with a fresh take while still honoring the original. With the original cast back and a new generation of potential victims, Ghostface returns to terrorize the town of Woodsboro. While it delivers some good scares and clever meta-commentary on the horror genre, it doesn't quite reach the heights of the original Scream. Still, it's a solid slasher flick that's sure to please fans of the franchise. Try to guess who is the killer.

Edgar Wright's Last Night in Soho is a stylish and visually striking psychological horror film that blends elements of giallo and classic British thrillers. Thomasin McKenzie stars as Eloise, a young fashion student who is transported back in time to the 1960s, where she experiences the life of a glamorous singer named Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy). However, Eloise's dreams quickly turn into nightmares as she uncovers a dark secret about Sandie's fate. The film is a feast for the eyes, with stunning visuals and a killer soundtrack. While the plot may be somewhat predictable, Last Night in Soho is a fun and entertaining ride that pays homage to classic horror films. The cinematography is amazing.

Run is a suspenseful thriller about a homeschooled teenager who begins to suspect her mother is hiding a dark secret. Kiera Allen delivers a strong performance as Chloe, a resourceful and determined young woman who is confined to a wheelchair. Sarah Paulson is chilling as Diane, Chloe's seemingly devoted but increasingly sinister mother. The film is a tightly plotted and suspenseful ride that will keep you guessing until the very end. It's a great example of how to create tension and suspense without relying on excessive gore or jump scares. It's full of twists!

James Wan's Malignant is a batshit crazy horror film that is unlike anything else on this list. The movie starts off as a fairly standard supernatural thriller, but it quickly descends into a gloriously campy and over-the-top spectacle of violence and gore. Annabelle Wallis stars as Madison, a woman who is plagued by visions of gruesome murders. The film's plot is convoluted and absurd, but Wan's masterful direction and the sheer audacity of the film make it a wildly entertaining experience. Malignant is not for everyone, but if you're looking for a horror film that is completely bonkers, this is it. The practical effects are amazing.

A Quiet Place Part II expands upon the world established in the first film, delivering another tense and suspenseful thriller. The Abbott family must continue to navigate a post-apocalyptic world overrun by creatures with hypersensitive hearing. Millicent Simmonds shines as Regan, who takes on a more prominent role in this installment. While it may not be as original or groundbreaking as its predecessor, A Quiet Place Part II offers plenty of thrills and scares, and it further explores the themes of family, sacrifice, and survival. The opening scene is particularly intense.

Nia DaCosta's Candyman is a direct sequel to the 1992 film of the same name, tackling themes of race, trauma, and systemic violence. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stars as an artist who becomes obsessed with the legend of Candyman, inadvertently unleashing the supernatural killer upon his community. The film is visually stunning, with striking imagery and a chilling atmosphere. While it may not be as outright scary as some other entries on this list, Candyman is a thought-provoking and socially relevant horror film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. The use of shadow puppetry to depict Candyman's story is particularly effective.

Leigh Whannell's The Invisible Man is a modern reimagining of the classic H.G. Wells story, told from the perspective of a woman being gaslit and terrorized by her abusive ex-boyfriend. Elisabeth Moss delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Cecilia, a woman who is fighting to prove her sanity and protect herself from an enemy no one else can see. The film is a suspenseful and unsettling thriller that explores themes of domestic abuse, gaslighting, and the difficulty of escaping a toxic relationship. Whannell uses innovative camera work and sound design to create a sense of paranoia and claustrophobia, putting the audience in Cecilia's shoes as she is stalked by her invisible tormentor. This version is much more terrifying than the original.

The Night House is a psychological horror film that explores grief, loss, and the secrets we keep from each other. Rebecca Hall delivers a tour-de-force performance as Beth, a widow who begins to uncover disturbing truths about her recently deceased husband. The film's strength lies in its atmospheric tension and its exploration of the unknown. As Beth delves deeper into her husband's past, she is confronted with unsettling visions and a growing sense that she is not alone in her house. Director David Bruckner masterfully creates a sense of dread and paranoia, leaving the audience questioning what is real and what is not. Its a slow burn type of movie.

Following up Hereditary was no easy task, but Ari Aster delivered another uniquely disturbing vision with Midsommar. This folk horror film takes place in the bright, sun-drenched landscapes of rural Sweden, where a group of friends attend a midsummer festival that quickly descends into a nightmare. Florence Pugh gives a powerful performance as Dani, a young woman grappling with grief and trauma. Midsommar is visually stunning, but the beauty of the scenery is juxtaposed with increasingly unsettling rituals and violence. The film explores themes of grief, toxic relationships, and the allure of cults, creating a sense of unease that permeates every scene. The maypole dance scene will be forever burned in your memory.

Barbarian is a wild and unpredictable ride that subverts expectations at every turn. Zach Cregger's horror film starts with a seemingly simple premise: a young woman arriving at her Airbnb finds it double-booked. However, what begins as an awkward situation quickly spirals into a nightmarish scenario as she discovers the house holds sinister secrets. The movie blends elements of home invasion thrillers, creature features, and dark comedy to create a truly unique and unsettling experience. Georgina Campbell gives a strong performance as the protagonist, and the film's clever twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I suggest you watch it without knowing much about it.

Smile takes a simple but terrifying concept – a sinister smiling entity that drives its victims to suicide – and executes it with relentless intensity. Sosie Bacon delivers a compelling performance as a therapist haunted by a traumatic encounter with a patient. The film effectively uses jump scares and disturbing imagery to create a constant sense of unease, and the mystery surrounding the entity's origins keeps viewers engaged. While some may find the premise somewhat familiar, Smile elevates itself through its commitment to its unsettling atmosphere and its exploration of trauma and mental health. The director Parker Finn really nailed the feeling of constant paranoia.

Rose Glass's directorial debut, Saint Maud, is a deeply unsettling psychological horror film that explores religious fanaticism and the fragility of the human psyche. Morfydd Clark delivers an exceptional performance as Maud, a young nurse who becomes obsessively devoted to her patient and convinced she has a divine calling. The film's strength lies in its ambiguity, leaving the audience questioning the reality of Maud's visions and the true nature of her faith. The atmospheric cinematography and unsettling score contribute to the film's pervasive sense of dread and unease. Saint Maud isn't about cheap thrills; it's a slow-burn descent into madness, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable questions about faith, isolation, and the dangers of unchecked belief. Pay attention to the way Rose Glass subtly uses light and shadow to reflect Maud's internal turmoil, it's pure art.

Ari Aster's Hereditary isn't just a horror movie; it's a masterclass in dread. Released in 2018, this film burrows deep under your skin with its unsettling atmosphere and exploration of grief, trauma, and familial curses. Toni Collette's performance is nothing short of phenomenal, portraying a mother unraveling in the face of unimaginable loss. The film's deliberate pacing allows the tension to build slowly, culminating in scenes of shocking and unforgettable horror. Aster's use of unsettling imagery and sound design creates a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. Hereditary isn't about jump scares; it's about the slow, creeping realization of a terrifying fate, making it a truly disturbing and unforgettable cinematic experience. Watch out for the excellent score by Colin Stetson, adding another layer of disturbing soundscapes.