A few months ago, I asked for some horror movie recommendations. I received a little over 250. Over the course of the past little while, I have watched 100 of your suggestions (and do eventually plan to get around to watching a few more). I’d say about 25 were good movies. The rest ranged from average to terrible. I took that solid list of 25 and applied a five point criteria to each movie:
Did this movie entertain me?
Was it scary?
Did it make sense?
Was it unique?
Did it surprise me?
After weighing them accordingly, I narrowed down the list.
Here are my Horror Marathon Top 10 Movies…
#10. Caveat (2020) – Ireland
A lone drifter suffering from partial memory loss accepts a job to look after a psychologically troubled woman in an abandoned house on an isolated island.
My thoughts: Once you get past the somewhat preposterous set-up, it’s a deliciously diabolical descent into Irish gothic horror.
#9. Cam (2018) – United States
When her account is stolen by a look-alike, a cam girl sets out to unmask the mysterious woman and get her identity back.
My thoughts: A surprisingly smart psychological thriller that explores the disturbingly vulnerable aspects of our online lives.
#8. Thelma (2017) – Norway
A college student starts to experience extreme seizures while studying at a university in Oslo, Norway. She soon learns that the violent episodes are a symptom of inexplicable, and often dangerous, supernatural abilities.
My thoughts: Incredible performances in this character-driven coming-of-age tale that proves both haunting and heartbreaking. The horror is a slow build, more surreal than visceral, but some of the imagery is shockingly inventive. Ultimately ambiguous, but satisfying nevertheless.
#7. Tumbbad (2018) – India
A man and his son encounter a legendary demon while searching a decaying castle for hidden treasure in 19th-century India.
My thoughts: Visually rich and refreshingly unique, this Indian gothic tale mines some spooky mythology in its exploration of greed, family, and colonialism. Well worth a watch.
#6. Once Cut of the Dead (2017) – Japan
Things go badly for a hack director and film crew shooting a low budget zombie movie in an abandoned WWII Japanese facility, when they are attacked by real zombies.
My thoughts: 30 minutes in, I was dubious – and then it all comes together in surprisingly clever fashion. I laughed out loud several times. Loads of fun.
#5. The Innocents (2021) – Finland
During the bright Nordic summer, a group of children reveal their dark and mysterious powers when the adults aren’t looking. In this original and gripping supernatural thriller, playtime takes a dangerous turn.
My thoughts: A terrific little that film confirms my long-held conviction that kids are creepy and inherently evil. A little slow off the top but fantastic once it gets going. And it really sticks its landing. Docking it a half mark for animal abuse though.
#4. Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016) – United States
In 1967 Los Angeles, a widowed mother and her daughters add a new stunt to bolster their seance scam business by inviting an evil presence into their home, not realizing how dangerous it is.
My thoughts: Smart and scary with a standout performance by a young Lulu Wilson as a chaotically creepy kid. Jeff Howard and Mike Flanagan at their absolute best.
#3. Saloum (2021) – Senegal
In 2003, a trio of mercenaries escaping a coup in Guinea-Bissau take refuge in a hidden region on the Saloum river of Senegal. But something from beyond the grave awaits them there.
My thoughts: Action and adventure, rogues and revelations, suspense and the supernatural – this movie has it all. An absolute blast.
#2. Speak No Evil (2022) – Denmark
A Danish family visits a Dutch family they met on a holiday. What was supposed to be an idyllic weekend slowly starts unraveling as the Danes try to stay polite in the face of unpleasantness.
My thoughts: A slow-burn gem that quietly and creepily builds from disquieting to disturbing to deeply dark.
#1 Atterados/Terrified (2017) – Argentina
Paranormal researchers investigate strange events in a neighbourhood in Buenos Aires.
My thoughts: Ho-ly! This one doesn’t pull any punches, delivering some great jump scares in a shocker that dares go where most Western horror fears to tread.
***
Honorable Mentions: The Autopsy of Jane Doe, The Belko Experiment, The Devil’s Backbone, Happy Death Day, Impetigore, The Last Matinee, The Sadness, Sleep Tight.
So, seen any good horror films you would recommend?
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