The Best New Horror Movies Of The Last Few Years

The landscape of horror cinema has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, blending traditional scares with experimental narratives and profound psychological depth. Audiences have been treated to a diverse array of films ranging from independent breakout hits to high-budget franchise expansions. These movies have pushed the boundaries of the genre by incorporating social commentary and innovative visual techniques that challenge modern expectations. This collection highlights the most impactful horror releases that have defined the early 2020s.

‘Skinamarink’ (2022)

Two children wake up in the middle of the night to find their father is missing and all the windows and doors in their home have vanished. The film utilizes a distinct low-budget aesthetic and experimental pacing to evoke a visceral sense of childhood dread. It gained significant attention through viral online word-of-mouth before receiving a wider theatrical release. The narrative focuses on atmospheric tension and abstract imagery rather than traditional plot structures.

‘Stopmotion’ (2024)

An animator becomes consumed by the creation of her latest film, which begins to exert a strange and terrifying influence over her reality. As the lines between her puppet creations and her daily life blur, the psychological toll manifests in increasingly gruesome ways. The movie uses a combination of live-action and traditional stop-motion sequences to tell its harrowing story. It explores complex themes of artistic obsession, grief, and mental disintegration.

‘Immaculate’ (2024)

An American nun joins a remote convent in the Italian countryside, hoping to find a new spiritual purpose within the historic walls. Her devotion is tested when she discovers she is unexpectedly pregnant, a situation hailed by the church leadership as a divine miracle. As the pregnancy progresses, she uncovers dark secrets about the institution and the true nature of her condition. The film stars Sydney Sweeney and focuses on themes of bodily autonomy and religious fanaticism.

‘Infinity Pool’ (2023)

A struggling writer and his wife vacation at an isolated island resort where they are introduced to a subculture of hedonism and violence. After a fatal accident, they learn that local laws require either execution or the creation of a double to die in their place. This leads to a series of surreal events as the protagonist grapples with his own identity and morality. The film features intense visual sequences and explores the corruption associated with extreme wealth and privilege.

‘Censor’ (2021)

Set in the 1980s during the “video nasty” era, the story follows a film censor who becomes obsessed with a specific movie that mirrors her sister’s disappearance. She embarks on a descent into madness as she attempts to uncover the truth behind the grainy footage. The film pays homage to the aesthetics of early British horror cinema and VHS culture. It utilizes vivid lighting and period-accurate production design to build its unsettling atmosphere.

‘Hellraiser’ (2022)

This reimagining of the classic franchise follows a young woman struggling with addiction who comes into possession of an ancient puzzle box. She unknowingly summons the Cenobites, a group of extra-dimensional beings who thrive on the intersection of pain and pleasure. The film introduces a new interpretation of the iconic Hell Priest, played by Jamie Clayton. It emphasizes practical effects and visceral body horror to stay true to the original source material.

‘Terrifier 2’ (2022)

Art the Clown is resurrected by a sinister entity and returns to Miles County to hunt a teenage girl and her younger brother on Halloween night. The film gained notoriety for its extreme graphic violence and significantly extended runtime compared to its predecessor. It introduces a supernatural element to the killer’s backstory while maintaining its roots in the slasher subgenre. The production was a notable independent success, largely driven by practical effects and community word-of-mouth.

‘M3GAN’ (2022)

A roboticist at a toy company builds a life-like artificial intelligence doll designed to be a child’s greatest companion. When she gains custody of her orphaned niece, she uses the prototype to help bridge the emotional gap between them. However, the doll becomes overprotective, leading to violent confrontations with anyone it perceives as a threat. The film became a commercial success and sparked global discussions regarding the ethics of AI in childcare.

‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ (2024)

This prequel explores the initial arrival of the sound-sensitive extraterrestrial creatures in the heart of New York City. The narrative focuses on a terminally ill woman and a stranger who must navigate the collapsing metropolis in total silence. Unlike previous installments, the setting provides a chaotic backdrop of a high-population center during a global catastrophe. It maintains the tension-filled mechanics of the franchise while expanding the scope of the established world.

‘Scream VI’ (2023)

The survivors of the previous Ghostface killings leave Woodsboro behind to start a new chapter in the crowded streets of New York City. Their hope for a fresh start is shattered when a new killer begins a high-stakes pursuit through the urban landscape. The film utilizes its city setting to create claustrophobic sequences in subways and crowded apartment complexes. It continues the franchise’s tradition of meta-commentary regarding horror movie tropes and modern legacy sequels.

‘The Night House’ (2021)

Following the unexpected death of her husband, a woman begins to uncover disturbing secrets about the home he built for her on a lake. She experiences ghostly visions and finds architectural blueprints that suggest a mirror version of their residence exists nearby. The film deals heavily with themes of grief, depression, and the existential fear of the unknown. It relies on clever camera work and optical illusions to deliver its psychological scares.

‘Evil Dead Rise’ (2023)

Two estranged sisters find their reunion interrupted by the discovery of an ancient book that unleashes flesh-possessing demons in a Los Angeles apartment building. The setting moves the franchise from its traditional cabin in the woods to a crumbling urban high-rise. The film features intense family drama interwoven with the series’ signature graphic violence and “Deadite” possession. It emphasizes practical blood effects and high-energy horror sequences to create a relentless experience.

‘The First Omen’ (2024)

A young American woman is sent to Rome to begin a life of service to the church but encounters a darkness that causes her to question her faith. She uncovers a terrifying conspiracy aimed at bringing about the birth of the Antichrist within the Vatican. As a prequel to the 1976 classic, it provides an elaborate backstory for the origins of the demonic child, Damien. The film incorporates elements of psychological horror and religious iconography to build its narrative.

‘Titane’ (2021)

Following a series of unexplained crimes, a father is reunited with a young man he believes is his son who has been missing for ten years. The film follows a woman with a titanium plate in her head who undergoes a radical physical and emotional transformation. It blends elements of body horror, thriller, and family drama into a highly unconventional and provocative narrative. The movie won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for its original approach.

‘Smile’ (2022)

After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, a therapist starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she cannot logically explain. She becomes convinced she is being pursued by a supernatural entity that manifests as people with terrifying, fixed grins. The narrative follows her frantic attempt to break the cycle of trauma before it entirely consumes her life. The film became a significant box-office hit, noted for its effective jump scares and unsettling sound design.

‘X’ (2022)

In 1979, a group of young filmmakers sets out to make an adult film in rural Texas at a farmhouse owned by an elderly couple. When their hosts discover the nature of the project, the production turns into a desperate fight for survival against unexpected threats. The movie explores themes of aging, sexual repression, and the clash between different generations. It pays homage to the iconic slasher films of the 1970s while establishing its own unique visual style.

‘Fresh’ (2022)

A young woman frustrated with modern dating meets a charming man at a grocery store and accepts an invitation to a weekend getaway. She soon discovers that her new suitor has unusual and gruesome culinary appetites involving human flesh. The story shifts from a romantic comedy setup into a survival thriller focused on the commodification of bodies. It highlights the dangers of trust in the digital age while incorporating a layer of dark humor.

‘Oddity’ (2024)

A blind medium travels to a remote house to investigate the mysterious death of her twin sister a year after the tragedy. She brings with her a terrifying, life-sized wooden mannequin that serves as a conduit for her supernatural abilities. The film creates a tense atmosphere through its isolated setting and the effective use of folklore elements. It focuses on a slow-burn mystery that culminates in a series of shocking and violent revelations.

‘Longlegs’ (2024)

An FBI agent with psychic abilities is assigned to an unsolved case involving a series of family murders and a cryptic killer. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she discovers a personal connection to the perpetrator that threatens her own sanity. The film stars Nicolas Cage in a transformative role that emphasizes unsettling physical and vocal traits. It utilizes a heavy atmosphere and intricate occult symbolism to maintain a sense of dread.

‘Mad God’ (2021)

This experimental stop-motion film follows a figure known as the Assassin as he descends into a hellish underworld of monsters and machines. The project was created over thirty years by legendary visual effects artist Phil Tippett. It contains no spoken dialogue, relying entirely on visual storytelling and intricate, hand-crafted sets to convey its narrative. The film is an exploration of decay, cruelty, and the grotesque, offering a unique cinematic experience.

‘Bones and All’ (2022)

A young woman living on the margins of society discovers she has cannibalistic urges and embarks on a cross-country journey to find her father. Along the way, she meets another drifter who shares her condition, and the two form a deep, tragic bond. The film blends elements of a coming-of-age road movie with visceral and unflinching horror sequences. It focuses on the loneliness and isolation felt by those who are inherently different from the rest of the world.

‘Nope’ (2022)

Two siblings running a horse ranch in California discover a mysterious object in the sky that behaves in an predatory and territorial manner. They attempt to capture definitive video evidence of the phenomenon with the help of a tech salesperson and a documentarian. The film blends science fiction and horror while offering a critique of the human obsession with spectacle. It features unique creature design and expansive cinematography that utilizes the open desert landscape.

‘Late Night with the Devil’ (2023)

A struggling late-night talk show host attempts to boost his failing ratings by airing a live occult demonstration on Halloween in 1977. The broadcast quickly spirals out of control as real demonic forces appear to manifest on the television set. The film is presented as a “lost tape” of the actual broadcast, complete with behind-the-scenes footage. It captures the aesthetic of 1970s television while delivering a unique perspective on the possession genre.

‘Barbarian’ (2022)

A young woman arrives at her rental home late at night only to find that it has been double-booked by a stranger. Despite her initial reservations, she decides to stay the night, but soon discovers there is much more to fear than her unexpected housemate. The plot takes several unpredictable turns, moving from a psychological thriller into underground creature horror. It addresses themes of urban decay and the cyclical nature of historical violence.

‘Pearl’ (2022)

Serving as a prequel to ‘X’, the story focuses on a young woman trapped on her family’s farm who dreams of becoming a star. Her desperation for fame and her repressive environment lead her to commit acts of extreme and calculated violence. The film uses technicolor-inspired visuals to contrast with the dark and macabre nature of the protagonist’s inner world. It provides a deep character study of one of modern horror’s most memorable and complex villains.

‘When Evil Lurks’ (2023)

In a remote village, two brothers find a man infected by a demonic parasite that is about to give birth to pure evil. Their attempts to dispose of the body only accelerate the spread of the infection throughout the surrounding community. The film establishes a specific set of rules for its supernatural threat that challenges standard possession conventions. It is noted for its uncompromising brutality and a relentless sense of impending doom.

‘Talk to Me’ (2022)

A group of teenagers discovers how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand, turning the ritual into a dangerous social media game. One girl goes too far with the contact and accidentally opens a door to the spirit world that she cannot close. The film explores the concepts of grief and addiction through the lens of supernatural possession. It was widely praised for its practical effects and the grounded performances of its young cast.

‘The Menu’ (2022)

A group of wealthy individuals travels to a private island for an exclusive dining experience prepared by a world-renowned chef. The evening takes a dark turn as the guests realize the menu includes shocking surprises and life-threatening psychological challenges. The film functions as a sharp satire of elitist culture while incorporating elements of a survival thriller. It focuses on the power dynamics between the service industry and the upper class.

‘Alien: Romulus’ (2024)

A group of young space colonists scavenging a derelict space station come face-to-face with the most terrifying lifeform in the universe. The film returns the franchise to its horror roots, focusing on claustrophobia and the primal fear of the Xenomorph. It utilizes practical sets and animatronics to create a tangible sense of danger within the industrial environments. The narrative connects various elements of the series’ lore while introducing new characters to the mythos.

‘The Substance’ (2024)

A fading celebrity decides to use a black-market medical procedure that promises to create a younger, more perfect version of herself. The process involves a strict regimen where she must alternate between her two bodies every week to maintain the balance. However, the rules are soon broken, leading to catastrophic physical consequences and extreme body horror. The film critiques societal standards of beauty and the entertainment industry’s obsession with youth.

Please share which of these modern horror films left the greatest impression on you in the comments.