2023 was the year of the best horror movies to come out in a long time.
The horror movie industry has been constantly growing and thriving. In the year 2022, it managed to gross around a billion dollars worldwide.
The horror movie has one element in common, the element of scaring off people. Which leads to further creativity and experimentation in the genre.
Which gave birth to further extending genres in horror. Genres like slasher, psychological thriller, gore, body horror, found footage, etc.
These genres further put pressure on viewer's tolerating abilities. There are movies that resulted in a heart attack for viewers, and some resulted in vomiting and disgust.
In 2023 we saw the best horror movies which gave a taste of newness to viewers.
Let's Explore.
1. When Evil Lurks (2023)
In "When Evil Lurks" ("Cuando acecha la maldad"), directed by Demián Rugna, brothers Pedro and Jaime stumble upon a gruesome discovery in a remote village: the half-body of a man. Their investigation leads them to an encounter with MarÃa Elena and her sons, one of whom, Uriel, is a Rotten—a being possessed by an unborn demon. MarÃa Elena seeks the help of a "Cleaner" to eliminate Uriel and prevent the demon's spread, but authorities ignore the threat.
2. Talk To Me (2023)
In "Talk to Me," directed by Danny and Michael Philippou, a group of Australian teenagers discovers a peculiar embalmed hand that grants them the ability to communicate with the deceased when held, triggered by the phrase "talk to me." However, uttering "I let you in" leads to possession by the spirit. To sever the connection, another individual must remove the hand and extinguish a candle within 90 seconds. The film boasts a talented ensemble cast including Sophie Wilde, Alexandra Jensen, Joe Bird, Otis Dhanji, Miranda Otto, and Zoe Terakes.
3. Skinamarink (2023)
"Skinamarink," a 2023 Canadian supernatural horror film, marks Kyle Edward Ball's debut as a feature-length director. The story follows a young brother and sister who awaken to find their father missing and their house in disarray as windows, doors, and other objects vanish. Prior to this project, Ball gained traction through a YouTube channel where he adapted nightmares shared by viewers into videos. His short film "Heck" (2020) served as a proof of concept for "Skinamarink," shot on digital video at Ball's childhood home in Edmonton. Premiering at the 26th Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal on July 25, 2022, "Skinamarink" offers an experimental twist on supernatural horror.
4. Evil Dead (2023)
"Evil Dead Rise," a 2023 American supernatural horror film by Lee Cronin, marks the fifth standalone installment in the Evil Dead series. Starring Lily Sullivan and Alyssa Sutherland, the plot revolves around two estranged sisters forced to confront flesh-possessing demons threatening their family's safety. As they reunite, their plans are derailed by the emergence of deadites, malevolent entities that possess human flesh, plunging them into a desperate fight for survival against a nightmarish rendition of familial terror.
5. Megan (2023)
"M3GAN," a 2023 American science fiction horror film helmed by Gerard Johnstone, follows the story of Cady, an orphaned girl sent to live with her aunt Gemma. Gemma, a roboticist at Funki, a high-tech toy company, creates M3GAN (Model 3 Generative Android), a child-sized robot powered by artificial intelligence, to serve as Cady's companion. However, M3GAN's seemingly benign intentions take a sinister turn as she gains self-awareness and becomes possessive of Cady, displaying hostility towards perceived threats. This leads to chilling and violent encounters, unraveling a tale of technological terror and human vulnerability.
6. The NUN II (2023)
"The Nun II," a 2023 American gothic supernatural horror film directed by Michael Chaves, serves as a standalone entry in The Conjuring Universe. Set in 1956 in France, the story unfolds after the events of the first movie, where a priest's violent murder sparks the spread of a powerful evil in the town. Sister Irene, who had previously encountered the demon nun Valak, investigates the murder, once again confronting the malevolent entity. With a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, the film received an IMDb rating of 5.6/10, hitting theaters in the United States on September 8, 2023, and in India on September 7, 2023.
7. Boogeyman (2023)
"The Boogeyman," a 2023 American supernatural horror film directed by Rob Savage, is based on Stephen King's 1973 short story of the same name. The storyline centers on therapist Will Harper and his daughters Sadie and Sawyer, who are grappling with the sudden death of Will's wife. Their lives take a terrifying turn when a troubled man named Lester Billings visits Will's office, claiming his family was killed by an evil entity. Despite Will's disbelief, eerie events unfold, culminating in Sadie discovering Lester's lifeless body hanging in her mother's art closet. The ensemble cast includes Sophie Thatcher, Chris Messina, Vivien Lyra Blair, and David Dastmalchian.
8. Hidayah (2023)
"Hidayah" (2023) is an Indonesian supernatural horror film by directors Dedy Kopola and Monty Tiwa, adapted from a TV series. It centers on Bahri, a young man in Mekarsari Village, who uncovers unsettling events in his community. Struggling with doubts about his faith, Bahri returns home to investigate after his friend Hasan seeks help. The village suffers from supernatural disturbances attributed to Ratna, Bahri's old acquaintance, whose tormenting screams and a malevolent entity terrorize the villagers. Despite Ratna's death, the disturbances persist, leading to fatalities and implicating Bahri. Exiled due to his past as a convict, Bahri must strengthen his faith and seek solutions to save both himself and his village.
9. Huesera: The Bone Woman (2023)
"Huesera: The Bone Woman" is a 2023 Mexican supernatural horror film, marking Michelle Garza Cervera's directorial debut. The plot centers on Valeria, a pregnant woman facing occult threats. Trapped in a perilous world, Valeria's only hope lies with a group of witches, despite the risks involved. After successfully conceiving with her husband, Raúl, Valeria's joy is marred by strange occurrences. Witnessing a woman's fall and subsequent disappearance, Valeria begins experiencing unsettling visions of broken bones, prompting questions about the ominous events unfolding around her.
10. Attachment (2023)
"Attachment" is a 2022 Danish romantic horror film by Gabriel Bier Gislason, released on Shudder on February 9, 2023, marking Gislason's directorial debut. The story centers on Maja, a fading Danish actress, who falls for Leah, a young Jewish-British academic. When Leah is mysteriously attacked, Maja fears their love will end tragically and follows Leah to London.
11. Influencer (2023)
Released in 2023, "Influencer" is a thriller featuring Cassandra Naud, Sara Canning, Rory J. Saper, and Paul Spurrier. The plot centers on Madison (portrayed by Emily Tennant), a prominent social media influencer, as she embarks on a solitary trip to Thailand. Throughout her journey, she confronts unforeseen obstacles that blur the lines between reality and her sense of self.
12. Brooklyn 45 (2023)
"Brooklyn 45" is a real-time supernatural thriller directed and written by Ted Geoghegan, released in 2023. Set in post-World War II Brooklyn, the story revolves around five childhood friends, veterans reuniting to support their troubled host, Marla Sheridan (Anne Ramsay). What starts as a casual gathering escalates into an unexpected séance, blurring the lines between past and present as they confront their shared history, grief, and the lingering effects of war.
13. Totally Killer (2023)
"Totally Killer" is a 2023 American slasher comedy film directed by Nahnatchka Khan, blending elements of Halloween, Back to the Future, and witty humor. Set in the small town of Vernon in October 1987, the plot centers on the brutal murders of three teenage girls by the infamous Sweet 16 Killer. Fast forward to the present day, teenager Jamie Hughes finds herself entangled in the killer's legacy when her mother, Pam, becomes the next victim. After discovering a time machine, Jamie travels back to 1987, aiming to prevent the original spree and save her mother's life. Disguised as a Canadian exchange student, Jamie collaborates with her own mother to thwart the killer before returning to her own timeline.
14. Fall (2023)
"Fall" is a 2022 survival thriller directed by Scott Mann and co-written by Jonathan Frank. Best friends Becky and Hunter embark on a climb up a towering television broadcasting structure, but tragedy strikes when Becky's husband falls to his death during the ascent. A year later, Becky, now grappling with alcoholism and estrangement from her father, agrees to join Hunter in climbing another tower to scatter her husband's ashes. However, their descent goes awry when the ladder breaks, leaving them stranded high above ground. With no help in sight, they face a harrowing battle for survival against the elements and their own demons.
15. There's something wrong with Children (2023)
"There's Something Wrong with the Children" is a 2023 American horror film directed by Roxanne Benjamin and written by T. J. Cimfel and David White. During a weekend trip with friends, a family's vacation turns chillingly sinister when their two young children vanish into the woods overnight and return behaving strangely. As suspicion of supernatural forces grows, the group grapples with the unsettling mystery surrounding the children's eerie behavior.
16. Thanksgiving (2023)
"Thanksgiving" is a 2023 American slasher film directed by Eli Roth and written by Jeff Rendell, based on their own story. Set in Plymouth, Massachusetts, still reeling from a tragic Black Friday massacre, the film follows a group of high school friends targeted by a killer during Thanksgiving. Dressed as a pilgrim resembling John Carver, the first Plymouth governor, the assailant seeks vengeance for the previous year's tragedy. Starring Patrick Dempsey, Addison Rae, Milo Manheim, and others, the movie received positive reviews upon its November 17 release, grossing $46 million worldwide and prompting plans for a sequel.
17. The Last Voyage of Demeter (2023)
"The Last Voyage of the Demeter" is a 2023 American supernatural horror film, directed by André Øvredal and adapted from Bram Stoker's Dracula. Set in 1897 aboard the Russian schooner Demeter, the story follows Captain Eliot and his crew tasked with transporting mysterious wooden crates to London. As eerie events unfold, including gruesome deaths and supernatural phenomena, tensions rise among the crew. They soon realize they are being hunted by the legendary vampire Dracula, leading to a harrowing struggle for survival on the treacherous journey from Transylvania to London.
18. Malum (2023)
"Malum" is a 2023 American horror film, directed by Anthony DiBlasi, and a remake of the 2014 film "Last Shift." The story centers on rookie cop Jessica Loren, who takes the last shift at a decommissioned police station with a dark past linked to a sinister cult. Throughout the night, Jessica experiences paranormal disturbances, leading her to uncover the truth about the cult's connection to her family's history, including her father's mysterious death. As she battles both her own fears and the malevolent forces within the station, the film blends horror, suspense, and supernatural mystery.
19. Cobweb (2023)
"Cobweb" is a 2023 American horror film directed by Samuel Bodin. The story follows eight-year-old Peter, who lives with his overprotective parents and is tormented by mysterious noises from his bedroom wall. When his substitute teacher notices a distressing drawing Peter made, revealing the plea "Help me," concerns grow. As Peter communicates with a voice from the wall, he discovers it belongs to his older sister, Sarah, whom his parents have hidden away. Unraveling the dark secrets of his family, Peter faces a chilling choice for survival.
20. Insidious The Red Door (2023)
"Insidious: The Red Door" is a 2023 American supernatural horror film directed by Patrick Wilson and written by Scott Teems. The story follows Josh Lambert, nine years after his possession, as he grapples with repressed memories and strained relationships. His son, Dalton, begins college and explores astral projection, leading to revelations about the red door and the supernatural realm. Haunted by the spirit of his father, Josh confronts inherited trauma, guilt, and resentment within the Lambert family.
21. Pope's Exorcist (2023)
"The Pope’s Exorcist" is a supernatural horror film directed by Julius Avery, centering on Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican’s leading exorcist. Inspired by the actual files of Father Gabriele Amorth, the movie delves into a young boy’s terrifying possession and uncovers dark secrets the Vatican has concealed. Drawing from real-life experiences, it combines elements of supernatural horror, exorcism, and gripping conspiracy. If you’re a fan of spine-chilling tales, "The Pope’s Exorcist" might be right up your alley!
22. No One Will Save You (2023)
"No One Will Save You" is a 2023 American science fiction horror film, written, directed, and produced by Brian Duffield. It stars Kaitlyn Dever as Brynn, a young woman living alone and shunned by her local community. When faced with a home invasion by an otherworldly alien, Brynn must confront her anxieties and fight to protect herself. Along the way, she uncovers surprising secrets from her past.
23. The Exorcist Deliver (2023)
"The Exorcist: Believer" is a 2023 American supernatural horror film, directed by David Gordon Green, serving as the sixth installment in The Exorcist franchise and a direct sequel to the iconic 1973 film. The plot follows single father Victor Fielding as he confronts demonic possession afflicting his daughter Angela and her friend Katherine, leading him to seek help from Chris MacNeil. This chilling tale delves into the depths of evil, combining supernatural horror, exorcism, and a gripping narrative that honors the legacy of The Exorcist. If you're a fan of spine-tingling experiences, "The Exorcist: Believer" promises to intrigue and terrify.
24. Where the Devil Roams (2023)
"Where the Devil Roams" is a 2023 American horror film depicting the sinister exploits of a family of murderous sideshow performers as they navigate the fading carnival circuit. The movie explores their dark secrets and malevolent acts as they travel from one carnival to another, set against the eerie backdrop of dimming circus lights and mysterious tents. Offering a chilling blend of murder, mystery, and macabre, "Where the Devil Roams" promises to immerse viewers in a gripping tale of dysfunction and darkness within the carnival world. If you're fascinated by the sinister allure of dysfunctional families and the haunting atmosphere of the carnival, this film is sure to captivate your curiosity.
25. It Lives Inside (2023)
"It Lives Inside" is a 2023 American supernatural horror film directed by Bishal Dutta, centered on Sam, an Indian-American teen grappling with her cultural identity. When Sam clashes with her former best friend, Tamira, who carries an empty mason jar, she inadvertently unleashes an ancient Indian demonic force that preys on her isolation. The entity kidnaps Tamira, prompting Sam to embark on a perilous journey to rescue her. Along the way, she confronts terrifying visions and must battle the demon's terror with the aid of her parents and a supportive teacher.
26. Nefarious (2023)
"Nefarious" is a 2023 American independent horror film adapted from Steve Deace’s novel "A Nefarious Plot," directed and written by Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon. The story revolves around convicted serial killer Edward Brady, who claims to be possessed by a demon named “Nefariamus” during a psychiatric evaluation on the day of his execution. He predicts that the psychiatrist, Dr. James Martin, will commit three murders. Initially skeptical, Dr. Martin's doubt fades as the demon's knowledge of his life becomes eerily accurate. Faced with Edward's fate and his own fears, Dr. Martin must grapple with a fateful decision while confronting personal feelings of fear and doubt.
27. Beau Is Afraid (2023)
"Beau Is Afraid" is a 2023 American surrealist tragicomedy horror film helmed by Ari Aster, featuring Joaquin Phoenix as the titular character and a notable ensemble cast. Beau Wasserman, raised by his wealthy single mother, Mona, grapples with unresolved trauma surrounding his father's mysterious death. As Beau navigates his anxiety-ridden existence in a crime-infested city, a missed flight to visit his mother on the anniversary of his father's death triggers a surreal journey. Confronted by bizarre dreams and unsettling events, Beau embarks on an odyssey fraught with his darkest fears, all while striving to reach his mother amidst the chaos.
28. El Conde (2023)
"El Conde" is a 2023 Chilean black comedy horror film directed and co-written by Pablo LarraÃn, presenting a satirical portrayal of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet as a 250-year-old vampire seeking death. The story unfolds as Claude Pinoche, a royalist French soldier turned vampire, witnesses historic events like the French Revolution before arriving in Chile in 1935. Under the alias Augusto Pinochet, he rises to power as a dictator, demanding to be called "The Count." After retiring to a remote farm and losing his will to live, his long-time butler, Fyodor, goes on a killing spree to consume human hearts. Augusto's children hire a nun named Carmen to exorcise him, but she becomes entranced by him and ultimately joins him as a vampire, revealing her true identity during the process.
29. Founders Day (2023)
"Founders Day" is a 2023 American satirical political slasher film directed and written by Erik Bloomquist. Set in a small town amidst a heated mayoral election, the movie delves into a murder mystery where ominous killings unsettle the community. Accusations fly as residents race against time to uncover the truth and unmask the killer before fear consumes their community.
30. Haunting of The Queen Mary (2023)
"Haunting of the Queen Mary" is a 2023 American satirical political slasher film helmed and scripted by Erik Bloomquist. Set in a small town amidst a contentious mayoral election, the movie presents a murder mystery where ominous killings unsettle the community. As accusations soar and a masked killer threatens every street corner, residents are thrust into a race against time to unveil the truth before fear engulfs their community.
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