20 Modern Horror Movies That Will Shake You to Your Core
You Won't Be Alone
Set in an isolated mountain village in 19th century Macedonia, "You Won't Be Alone" explores the chilling transformation of a young feral witch who accidentally kills a peasant and assumes her shape. This dark curiosity to experience life in others' bodies offers a fresh take on identity and humanity. Released on April 1, 2022, it's a mesmerizing journey into supernatural horror with a solid average rating of 3.3. Watch it here.
Saint Maud
"Saint Maud," released on October 9, 2020, follows the spiritual and psychological unraveling of nurse Maud, who becomes dangerously obsessed with saving the soul of her patient, Amanda. This unsettling narrative reveals more about Maud’s sinister past and spirals into a terrifying crescendo. With an average rating of 3.5, this film masterfully combines psychological and supernatural horror. Watch it here.
Hereditary
Released June 7, 2018, "Hereditary" is a terrifying tale of familial secrets and supernatural forces. Following the death of the family matriarch Ellen Leigh, her daughter Annie and other family members uncover disturbing truths about their heritage, leading them to a horrifying and inescapable fate. This movie's average rating of 3.8 showcases its impact and effectiveness in invoking genuine terror. Watch it here.
Midsommar
"Midsommar," released on July 3, 2019, takes viewers to a seemingly idyllic Swedish festival that quickly turns nightmarish. The journey of several friends to this festival unearths the horrors hidden within the mysterious rituals of the locals. A visual and psychological feast, this film has an average rating of 3.4. Watch it here.
Sinister
"Sinister," released on March 29, 2012, follows true-crime writer Ellison Oswald as he stumbles upon a collection of eerie snuff films. Moving his family into the house where these murders occurred, he uncovers hints of a supernatural presence, leading him into a fatal trap. The film boasts an average rating of 3.5, solidifying its place in the horror canon. Watch it here.
The Descent
On July 8, 2005, "The Descent" plunged audiences into a claustrophobic nightmare. Six friends on a caving expedition find themselves trapped underground and hunted by sinister creatures. The tension and terror are amplified as friendships fracture and survival becomes paramount. With an average rating of 3.5, it remains a must-watch for horror aficionados. Watch it here.
The Wailing
"The Wailing" dropped on May 12, 2016, drawing viewers into a mystifying sickness spreading through a small village. As a policeman delves into the mystery to save his daughter, the film unfolds a chilling and complex supernatural thriller. This South Korean gem holds a high average rating of 3.9. Watch it here.
The Witch
Transporting audiences to 1630, "The Witch" (released February 19, 2016) unnervingly portrays a family's disintegration due to creeping paranoia and supernatural influences at their remote farmstead. Its unsettling atmosphere and an average rating of 3.3 make it a haunting exploration of early American folklore. Watch it here.
The Dark and the Wicked
On October 29, 2020, "The Dark and the Wicked" enticed horror enthusiasts with its tale of a family gathering at a secluded farm as the patriarch nears death. The palpable dread and waking nightmares hint at a malevolent force enveloping the family. This eerie narrative, with an average rating of 3, stays with you long after the credits roll. Watch it here.
The Strangers
Released May 29, 2008, "The Strangers" presents a terrifying scenario of a couple's serene getaway turning into a night of sheer terror when masked intruders invade. This relentless psychological horror showcases a panic-inducing realism, reflected in its average rating of 3.3. Watch it here.
The Lodge
"The Lodge," released on January 16, 2020, traps its characters and viewers in a storm-beset remote cabin. With their father away, siblings Aidan and Mia face ominous events with their new stepmother, Grace, whose dark history resurfaces. This film, with an average rating of 2.9, intrigues and terrifies. Watch it here.
Evil Dead
"Evil Dead," which hit screens on April 5, 2013, adds a new jolt to the classic horror franchise. As Mia and her companions retreat to a remote cabin for her drug withdrawal, they inadvertently summon an ancient demon, unleashing unspeakable horror. With an average rating of 3.2, this reboot stands strong in the annals of horror. Watch it here.
The Ritual
On October 11, 2017, "The Ritual" brought forth a tale of college friends' ill-fated forest reunion, where they encounter an ominous entity. The chilling ambiance and psychological tension earned this film an average rating of 3.1. Watch it here.
Barbarian
"Barbarian," released on September 8, 2022, centres around a young woman who arrives at her Airbnb to find it mistakenly double-booked. Choosing to stay the night with a strange man already there leads to a suspense-filled narrative. This film, with an average rating of 3.8, captures unexpected horror in everyday scenarios. Watch it here.
The Autopsy of Jane Doe
Released December 21, 2016, "The Autopsy of Jane Doe" delves into the eerie discoveries of a father-son coroner duo as they investigate a mysterious corpse. Creeping dread builds as bizarre findings reveal a dark history. This film has an average rating of 3.5, making it a must-watch for fans of supernatural mysteries. Watch it here.
Get Out
"Get Out," released February 24, 2017, masterfully blends social critique with horror. Chris's visit to his girlfriend’s seemingly benign family turns nightmarish as he discovers disturbing truths. With a high average rating of 4, this film is not only terrifying but also thought-provoking. Watch it here.
It Follows
Released on February 4, 2015, "It Follows" introduces a terrifying curse transmitted through sexual encounters. The relentless and unseen force chasing its latest victim creates a sense of perpetual fear, reflected in its average rating of 3.5. Watch it here.
Creep
On June 23, 2014, "Creep" brought a unique horror experience, detailing Aaron’s encounter with the unsettling Josef after responding to a cryptic online ad. The film's unnerving realism and gradual reveal of Josef's true nature give it an average rating of 3.1. Watch it here.
The Babadook
"The Babadook," released on May 22, 2014, explores a mother and son’s descent into madness prompted by a sinister presence in their home. The haunting narrative and psychological depth resonate with an average rating of 3.5. Watch it here.
Train to Busan
Released on July 20, 2016, "Train to Busan" injects fresh vitality into the zombie genre with its high-paced narrative of passengers battling the undead on a speeding train. This thrilling and emotional journey boasts an impressive average rating of 4. Watch it here.
From supernatural mysteries and psychological thrillers to paranormal entities and survival horrors, these modern films explore the genre with inventive narratives and spine-tingling twists. Whether you’re a dedicated horror aficionado or a casual viewer looking for a scare, these 20 movies are sure to haunt your thoughts and keep you on the edge of your seat. Happy watching!