It’s no secret that horror movies have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The influx of new styles and the return of slasher classics have helped bridge the gap between old and new generations of horror fans. While some may denounce the influx of remakes and reboots, it’s easy to see that the genre is more alive than ever as legacy sequels pave the future of horror.

Movies like Ari Aster’s Hereditary and Midsommar, and similar horror films produced by A24, broke new ground in the genre at the turn of the decade, and it’s clear that viewers love these slow-burn, psychological films that touch on our deepest fears. These movies are in stark contrast to some cheaper jump scare films that have plagued cinemas over the last decades. While these films still have their place in the genre, it’s clear that filmmakers are pushing boundaries and exploring new territory.

However, even amidst this new era of elevated horror, there are numerous films that stand out as being truly terrifying. Through a mix of new and classic styles, these films have managed to send chills down our spines and keep us up at night. Let’s take a look at the scariest horror movies of the decade (so far) to build your watch list and get a taste of what to expect in the coming years.

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8 The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It

     Warner Bros. Pictures

Released in 2021, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It follows the trial of a man who claims that he was possessed by the devil. Staying true to previous entries in the franchise, Ed and Lorraine Warren are called in to help investigate the case. During their investigation, they uncover a series of dark secrets that could prove to be deadly.

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Like many of James Wan’s other films, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is a slow-burner that builds tension with jump scares and psychological scares until it explodes in the final act. Wan is a master of the horror genre, and this film is a perfect example of why he’s one of the most successful directors working today.

7 Host

     Vertigo Films

Released in 2020, Host is a unique film where friends hold a séance over a virtual Zoom meetup. When they connect with a malevolent spirit, they have no idea of the horrors that will soon unfold. The spirit slowly begins to take over their lives throughout the movie, driving them to commit unspeakable acts.

What makes Host so terrifying is the sense of realism that Rob Savage brings to the film. By grounding the story in a technology that many of us use every day, he creates an atmosphere of unease and terror. Coupled with solid performances from the cast, Host is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

6 Texas Chainsaw Massacre

     Netflix

Netflix’s production of Texas Chainsaw Massacre was first released in 2022 and was met with much critical acclaim. Much like previous entries in the franchise, a group of young adults travels to an abandoned town where they are hunted down by the chainsaw-wielding maniac known as Leatherface.

What makes this take on the Texas Chainsaw Massacre story so successful is how it embraces the campiness of the original film while also adding new layers of terror. With an excellent cast and a script that doesn’t shy away from the violence, Texas Chainsaw Massacre is sure to please any gore-loving horror fan.

5 Halloween Kills

     Universal Pictures

Released in September 2021, Halloween Kills is one of the latest installments in the Halloween franchise and serves as a direct sequel to the original 1978 film. Essentially, the film picks up right where the original left off and follows the Haddonfield survivors nearly 40 years later, as Michael Myers returns for another round of terror.

While the Halloween franchise has had its ups and downs over the years, Halloween Kills is a return to form for the series. It serves as a middle ground between Halloween (2018) and the highly anticipated Halloween Ends (2022). With strong performances from the cast and extreme violence from Myers, Halloween Kills will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

4 Scream

     Paramount Pictures

Nearly a decade after Ghostface attacked the small town of Woodsboro, California, a new group of teenagers finds themselves in a string of murders with the iconic masked killer. With numerous sequels and a TV series, Scream is considered one of the most successful horror franchises of all time, and this fifth entry is arguably the best since the original.

What makes Scream so enjoyable is its mix of comedy and horror, and its dedication to the legacy cast members. Sidney Prescott, Gale Weathers, and Dewey Riley all return in this latest Scream installment to face off against a new Ghostface. With exceptional performances from new cast members and the typical twists and turns that the franchise is known for, Scream (2022) is a must-watch.

3 The Boy Behind the Door

     Shudder

Shudder’s The Boy Behind the Door is an unsettling and under-seen film released in 2020. Two young boys, Bobby and Kevin, are kidnapped and taken to a desolate home where a terrifying cat and mouse pursuit ensues. The tension and claustrophobic feeling of the film continue to escalate as the boys try to find a way out.

What makes The Boy Behind the Door so compelling is how it builds tension, thanks to the incredible acting from the young cast. Lonnie Chavis and Ezra Dewey give sensational performances that will send chills down your spine.

2 X

     A24

Written and directed by Ti West in his first horror movie in nearly a decade, X is a 2022 film that pays homage to classic slasher films of the 1970s. After a group of filmmakers arrives at a rural farm to shoot an adult film, they quickly find themselves in the middle of a nightmare. With a cast of young, up-and-coming actors like Jenna Ortega and Mia Goth (in an amazing dual role), X is a disturbing film that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

What makes X so special is its mix of retro slasher elements with modern sensibilities. Ti West has a clear love and understanding of the genre, and it shows in this film. With solid performances and buckets of blood, X is one film you wouldn’t want to miss.

1 The Dark and the Wicked

     RLJE Films

Released in 2020, The Dark and the Wicked is a scary movie you don’t want to watch alone. After two siblings return to their Texas home to support their dying father, they quickly realize that something is wrong. Harboring an aura filled with dread and terror, The Dark and the Wicked is one film that takes viewers through a nightmare of psychological terror.

The Dark and the Wicked takes a chilling and slow-burn approach to horror. Director Bryan Bertino takes his time in building suspense, and it pays off in a big way. With fantastic performances from Marin Ireland and Michael Abbott Jr., it’s truly one of the scariest movies of the decade.