Top 10 Horror Movies That Were Way Better Than We Expected
Script written by Richard Bush
#10: “The Descent” (2005)
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Upon hearing the premise of a group of women discovering a nest of monsters while caving, one might be quick to label the British-made “The Descent” as just another cheap jump scare flick. True, “The Descent” has jump scares in spades, but it also has the directorial deft to go with it. Praised for its intense “claustrophobic atmosphere”, it’s unbearably intense in parts and boasts a host of bulletproof performances. Plus, for added kudos, it also features a pretty shocking twist towards the end. “The Descent” just goes to show that impressive direction and acting can reign supreme over complicated story.
#9: “Mandy” (2018)
In this movie, Nicolas Cage goes up against a crazed cult – and no, it's not “The Wicker Man”. Instead, “Mandy” sees Cage play Red Miller, a lumberjack whose wife is kidnapped by a demonic, cult-following biker gang – and Red stops at nothing to save her. A movie where Cage passionately screams down a camera lens can easily be dismissed as just another Nic Cage meltdown showcase, but its devilish characters, LSD-infused visuals and over-the-top violence, allows Cage to really explore his wild side, in all the right ways. Showing us his a huge range of emotions, and of course some of that trademark Cage-ness – “Mandy” is an awesome horror thriller with just the right amount of ridiculousness.
#8: “Ready or Not” (2019)
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Proof that there is still hope for the spooky mansion setting, “Ready or Not” makes us fear marriage and the idea of having in-laws with horrifying and hilarious precision. It’s essentially a big ol’ game of cat and mouse, with newly wed Grace being told that she has to survive a night of being hunted by her husband’s family in order to properly be initiated. It’s violent, surprisingly funny in places and leaves its hooks in you from start to finish. It also carries a smartly crafted critique on social class. It may be littered with horror cliches, but it reminds us why so many of them are so effective.
#7: “Scream 4” (2011)
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Some horror movies bank solely on the genre's well-worn cliches while adding nothing of their own. However, 1996’s “Scream” presented us a treasure trove of old-school slasher tropes laced with post-modern commentary. But, after a few of its sequels didn’t quite measure up, “Scream 4” arguably represented a return to form for Ghostface. The movie still relies heavily on a meta format of typical horror set-ups, but it does so in a more self-aware way. Instead of merely going through the motions, Wes Craven shows more of an awareness for the franchises potential staleness, mixing things up with some interesting kills and plot twists.
#6: “The Autopsy of Jane Doe” (2016)
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Featuring the inspired pairing of Emile Hirsch and Brian Cox, who star as father and son coroners, “The Autopsy of Jane Doe” is another great example of adept writing making the most out of a claustrophobic setting. Given the task of carrying out an autopsy on a mysterious woman, sinister happenings start to reveal her horrific backstory. The movie ultimately takes us somewhere completely far-fetched, but the perfectly-paced way we get there, with subtle moments of silence and rising tension – as well as some awesome performances – make this a must-see for fans of the horror thriller genre.
#5: “Hush” (2016)
deaf woman, in a house in the woods, being hunted by a guy with a crossbow. That’s all “Hush” is. But boy does it do a helluva lot with what it's got. Delivering a slightly different twist on the typical home invasion horror we’re used to seeing, “Hush” is a brilliant suspense-filled hour and a half that will have you sat perfectly still while watching, in fear of making any noise. The thrill of the hunt and the eeriness of its white-masked villain, make “Hush” a chaotic, yet calculated, slasher.
#4: “Wes Craven's New Nightmare” (1994)
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When it was announced that “The Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise was going to get a 7th addition to its line-up, there was a collective sigh in the cinema world. But what fans didn’t expect was a completely new direction, which sees Freddy Krueger step into the real world to terrorize Nancy actor Heather Langenkamp. Meta as heck and by far the most original plot line since the first movie, “Wes Craven's New Nightmare” features tons of familiar faces and horrific dream-like sequences, but in ways you’ve never seen before.
#3: “The Cabin in the Woods” (2011)
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The aforementioned “Scream” was long the go-to horror movie for poking fun of the genre’s recycled banality. But then “The Cabin In The Woods” came along and took every horror trope you can think of, blended them up together, and yet still managed to offer up an original story. In fact, its convincing horror themes and meta humor is so on point, you’re unsure when it’s being genuinely scary and when it's being ironic. And it's that guessing game that makes the movie so enjoyable to watch. Plus, it’s downright hilarious, and features Chris Hemsworth, Sigourney Weaver and Bradley Whitford, which is just gravy.
#2: “Get Out” (2017)
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Making the leap from comedy to horror can be tough. But not for writer and director Jordan Peele it would seem. In 2017 he blew everyone away with “Get Out”, a surprising hit horror about social class and racism. Those themes are strong by themselves, but the movie’s genius plot line and fleshed-out characters allow Peele to have fun with a whole host of cliches, and a heady bit of humor too. If you’re the type of person who’ll only watch a horror if it’s going to offer you something new, then look no further.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“It Follows” (2014)
“The Babadook” (2014)
“Rubber” (2010)
“Last Shift” (2014)
“Paranormal Activity” (2007)
#1: “Evil Dead” (2013)
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Some films should never be remade. However, a remake of “Evil Dead” did happen in 2013. Director Fede Álvarez is known for his smart, twisting storytelling – like 2016’s “Don’t Breathe” – and he created an all out gore fest with his “Evil Dead” remake. Fans loved it. With a host of new, modern effects, the visuals and realism in this installment is turned up to 11. It may not have the originality of the 1981 movie, but it certainly doesn't skimp on shocking content, which was what the original was all about. And it even got the seal of approval from Bruce Campbell’s Ash in the form of a post-credits cameo!
