Unsettling cinema: the best horror movies of the last decade
Dive into a curated list of recent horror masterpieces. These films redefine fear, delivering scares that linger long after the credits roll.



Horror, as a genre, is constantly evolving, reflecting our deepest anxieties and societal fears. The last decade has witnessed a resurgence of intelligent horror films that rely less on jump scares and more on psychological torment and complex narratives. This new wave of horror often tackles social issues, explores grief and trauma, and crafts deeply unsettling atmospheres that burrow under your skin.
Titles like 'Hereditary' and 'The Babadook' use the horror genre to explore themes of family trauma and mental illness, while films like 'Get Out' and 'Us' offer sharp social commentary on race and class. Then you have foreign horrors like 'Train to Busan' and 'Parasite', where the social commentary goes hand in hand with a very well-made visual and sound experience that is impossible not to watch until the end.
What makes these movies so effective is their ability to create a sense of dread and unease that stays with you long after the credits roll. They remind us that true horror isn't always about what goes bump in the night, but about the darkness that lies within ourselves and the world around us.
12. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Tobe Hooper's The texas chain saw massacre is a ground breaking and relentlessly terrifying film that redefined the horror genre. The film follows a group of young friends who become stranded in rural Texas and fall prey to a family of cannibalistic psychopaths, including the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface. With its raw, gritty realism and shocking violence, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a truly unforgettable and disturbing cinematic experience. Despite its reputation for gore, the film actually contains very little on-screen violence, relying instead on atmosphere and suggestion to create a sense of dread.

11. The Conjuring (2013)
The conjuring, directed by James Wan, is a chilling tale based on the real-life experiences of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film follows the Warrens as they investigate a family terrorized by a dark presence in their secluded farmhouse. With its classic horror tropes, suspenseful atmosphere, and strong performances, The Conjuring is a crowd-pleasing and genuinely scary movie that spawned a successful franchise. The filmmakers consulted with Lorraine Warren during the production of the film to ensure accuracy and authenticity.

10. Sinister (2012)
Sinister preys on primal fears. Ethan Hawke plays a true-crime writer who moves his family into a house with a dark past, only to uncover a series of disturbing home movies that unleash a terrifying evil. The film's unsettling atmosphere, combined with its shocking imagery and suspenseful plot, makes it a truly frightening cinematic experience. The super 8mm film reels featured in the movie were intentionally made to look as disturbing and authentic as possible, with director Scott Derrickson drawing inspiration from real-life crime scene footage.

9. It Follows (2015)
It follows is a unique and terrifying horror film that puts a fresh spin on the slasher genre. The film follows a young woman who is stalked by a supernatural entity after a sexual encounter. With its haunting atmosphere, chilling score, and clever concept, It Follows is a must-see for horror fans looking for something different. Director David Robert Mitchell drew inspiration from John Carpenter's 'Halloween' in creating the film's distinctive visual style and suspenseful atmosphere.

8. Us (2019)
Jordan Peele's Us is a complex and unsettling horror film that explores themes of identity, privilege, and the dark side of the American dream. Lupita Nyong'o delivers an incredible dual performance as a mother who must protect her family from a group of menacing doppelgangers. The film is visually stunning, intellectually stimulating, and deeply disturbing, cementing Peele's status as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary horror. The rabbits in the film, which play a significant symbolic role, were chosen for their unsettling appearance and their association with both innocence and danger.

7. The Invisible Man (2020)
Leigh Whannell's The invisible man is a modern reimagining of the classic tale, told from the perspective of the victim. Elisabeth Moss delivers a tour-de-force performance as a woman who believes she is being stalked by her abusive ex-boyfriend, even after his apparent death. The film is a suspenseful and terrifying exploration of gaslighting, control, and the invisible scars of abuse. With its clever plot twists, stunning visuals, and powerhouse performance from Moss, The Invisible Man is a must-see for horror fans and anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking cinematic experience. The filmmakers used innovative camera techniques and sound design to create the illusion of the Invisible Man's presence, often leaving empty spaces in the frame to heighten the sense of dread.

6. Train to Busan (2016)
Train to busan isn't your typical zombie flick; it's a high-octane, emotionally charged thrill ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Set aboard a speeding train during a zombie outbreak, the film follows a father and daughter as they fight for survival against hordes of the undead. With its fast-paced action, compelling characters, and surprisingly poignant moments, Train to Busan is a must-see for zombie fans and anyone looking for a thrilling and unforgettable cinematic experience. The film's success led to a sequel, 'Train to Busan: Peninsula,' though with a different cast and storyline.

5. A Quiet Place (2018)
A quiet place delivers a masterfully crafted exercise in suspense, where silence is survival. John Krasinski directs and stars alongside Emily Blunt as parents desperately trying to protect their children from terrifying creatures with ultra-sensitive hearing. The film's innovative concept, combined with its nail-biting tension and emotional depth, creates a truly unique and unforgettable horror experience. The minimal dialogue and emphasis on sound design amplify the sense of dread, making every creak and rustle a potential death sentence. Krasinski cast his wife, Emily Blunt, after she read the script on a plane and told him she would leave him if he didn't give her the part.

4. Midsommar (2019)
Another Ari Aster gem, Midsommar plunges viewers into a disorienting and disturbing world of Swedish midsummer rituals. Florence Pugh delivers a captivating performance as a grieving young woman who accompanies her boyfriend and his friends to a remote commune, where they become entangled in bizarre and increasingly violent ceremonies. The film's bright, sun-drenched setting creates a sense of unease, while its unsettling imagery and shocking plot twists will leave you breathless. Midsommar is a visually stunning and deeply disturbing horror film that will stay with you long after you've seen it. The intricate tapestries and artwork featured in the film were created by Swedish artists and designed to foreshadow the events of the story.

3. Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele's directorial debut, Get Out, is a game-changing horror film that seamlessly blends social commentary with suspenseful thrills. Daniel Kaluuya delivers a star-making performance as a young Black man who uncovers a horrifying secret when he visits his white girlfriend's family estate. The film is a sharp and insightful exploration of race, privilege, and the insidious nature of racism in contemporary society. With its clever plot twists, sharp wit, and terrifying imagery, Get Out is a must-see for horror fans and anyone interested in thought-provoking cinema. Peele originally conceived the idea for 'Get Out' over a decade before the film was released, drawing inspiration from his own experiences with racial microaggressions and the anxieties of being a Black man in America.

2. The Babadook (2014)
Jennifer Kent's The Babadook is a chilling exploration of grief, motherhood, and the monsters that lurk within. Essie Davis gives an incredible performance as a widowed mother struggling to cope with her troubled son and a mysterious pop-up book that unleashes a terrifying entity into their lives. What sets The Babadook apart is its clever use of symbolism and its ability to tap into the primal fears of parenthood. The film is as emotionally resonant as it is scary, making it a truly unforgettable horror experience. The Babadook monster was inspired by classic silent horror films like 'Nosferatu,' with its tall, gaunt figure and exaggerated features.

1. Hereditary (2018)
Ari Aster's directorial debut, Hereditary, isn't just a horror movie; it's a masterclass in psychological torment. Toni Collette delivers a powerhouse performance as a woman grappling with grief, family secrets, and a sinister presence that slowly unravels her sanity and the lives of her loved ones. The film's unsettling atmosphere, coupled with its shocking and disturbing imagery, creates a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. From its unsettling sound design to its haunting score, every element of Hereditary is meticulously crafted to create a truly unforgettable and deeply disturbing cinematic experience. Did you know that the miniature houses in the film were actually built by the production designer, Grace Yun, who spent months crafting them to perfectly replicate the family's home?
