The Best New Horror Movies Of The Last Few Years

Horror movies have changed a lot recently, moving beyond simple scares to tell more complex and thought-provoking stories. We’ve seen everything from low-budget surprises to big-budget sequels, and these films are pushing the genre forward with social messages and fresh visuals. This is a look at some of the most important and memorable horror films of the early 2020s.

‘Skinamarink’ (2022)

In this unsettling film, two children wake up one night to discover their father is gone and their house has no doors or windows. Made with a unique, low-budget style and an unconventional rhythm, the movie creates a deeply felt sense of childhood fear. It initially gained popularity through online buzz and then played in theaters. The story prioritizes a creepy atmosphere and strange visuals over a straightforward plot.

‘Stopmotion’ (2024)

A filmmaker working on a new stop-motion animation project slowly loses touch with reality as the dark themes of her film begin to affect her life. The movie blends live action with the unique look of stop-motion animation to tell a disturbing story about the dangers of obsession, the pain of loss, and a mind falling apart. It’s a visually striking and unsettling exploration of these difficult subjects.

‘Immaculate’ (2024)

A young American nun travels to an isolated Italian convent, seeking spiritual fulfillment. However, her faith is shaken when she unexpectedly becomes pregnant, an event the church quickly declares a miracle. As her pregnancy advances, she begins to uncover unsettling truths about the convent and the real reason behind her condition. The film, starring Sydney Sweeney, explores themes of personal freedom and the dangers of religious extremism.

‘Infinity Pool’ (2023)

A writer facing creative difficulties and his wife escape to a remote island resort, only to discover a hidden world of excess and brutality. When a tragic accident occurs, they find themselves trapped by a bizarre local law: either face execution, or allow a ‘double’ to die in their stead. This sets off a strange and unsettling chain of events as the writer questions who he is and what he believes. The film is visually striking and examines the damaging effects of immense wealth and power.

‘Censor’ (2021)

This movie, set in the 1980s during the height of the “video nasty” panic, centers on a film censor who becomes fixated on a disturbing movie that reminds her of her sister’s vanishing. As she tries to solve the mystery hidden within the film’s grainy images, she begins to lose her grip on reality. The film is a loving tribute to classic British horror and the look and feel of VHS tapes, using striking visuals and detailed sets to create a truly creepy mood.

‘Hellraiser’ (2022)

This new take on the classic horror series centers around a woman battling addiction who finds an old puzzle box. Opening it accidentally unleashes the Cenobites – terrifying creatures from another dimension who feed on the connection between pain and pleasure. The film features a fresh portrayal of the lead Cenobite, played by Jamie Clayton, and relies heavily on realistic effects and gruesome imagery to honor the spirit of the original movies.

‘Terrifier 2’ (2022)

I was completely disturbed by the new Art the Clown movie! It turns out he’s brought back to life by something seriously evil and he’s back in Miles County on Halloween, targeting a teen girl and her little brother. It’s way more graphic and much longer than the first film. They’ve added a supernatural backstory to explain how Art became this monster, but it’s still firmly a slasher movie at its core. What’s really amazing is that it was made independently, relying on incredible practical effects and spread through fans just talking about it – it’s a real testament to the power of word-of-mouth.

‘M3GAN’ (2022)

A toymaker who specializes in robots creates an incredibly realistic AI doll meant to be a child’s best friend. After becoming the guardian of her niece, she uses the doll to help them connect. But the doll becomes overly protective and starts acting aggressively towards anyone it sees as a danger. The movie was a hit and raised important questions around the world about using AI to care for children.

‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ (2024)

This new story reveals how the creatures first came to Earth, landing right in the middle of New York City. It follows a woman with a serious illness and a mysterious man as they try to survive in the city, which is falling apart, and they have to do it without making a sound. This film is different from others in the series because it takes place in a busy city during a worldwide disaster. It keeps the suspenseful gameplay fans love, but also shows us more of the creatures’ world.

‘Scream VI’ (2023)

Having escaped the Ghostface killings, the characters move to New York City hoping for a new beginning. But their peace is quickly broken by a new killer who starts chasing them through the city. The movie uses the busy New York setting – like subways and apartment buildings – to create intense, confined scenes. Like previous films in the series, it also playfully comments on horror movie clichés and what it means to continue a long-running story.

‘The Night House’ (2021)

After her husband’s sudden death, a woman starts to discover unsettling secrets about their lakeside home. She has eerie visions and finds plans that hint at a hidden, mirrored house nearby. The movie explores themes of loss, sadness, and the fear of what we don’t understand, creating psychological tension through smart filming techniques and visual tricks.

‘Evil Dead Rise’ (2023)

When two long-separated sisters reconnect, their reunion is shattered by the discovery of an old book that unleashes terrifying demons into their Los Angeles apartment building. This installment of the series moves the action from a remote cabin to a rundown high-rise, and blends a powerful family story with the franchise’s trademark gore and demonic possession. The film delivers a non-stop, thrilling horror experience through its use of realistic special effects and fast-paced, energetic sequences.

‘The First Omen’ (2024)

A young American woman travels to Rome intending to dedicate her life to the church, but she soon discovers a disturbing evil that makes her doubt her beliefs. She finds herself caught up in a frightening plot within the Vatican to unleash the Antichrist. This movie serves as a prequel to the 1976 film ‘The Omen,’ explaining the origins of the demonic child, Damien. It uses psychological thrills and religious imagery to tell its story.

‘Titane’ (2021)

A father unexpectedly reconnects with a young man he thought lost ten years ago, amidst a string of strange crimes. The film also centers on a woman whose life is dramatically changed, both physically and emotionally, due to a titanium plate in her head. It’s a unique and unsettling story that combines elements of horror, suspense, and family relationships. The film’s innovative style earned it the top prize, the Palme d’Or, at the Cannes Film Festival.

‘Smile’ (2022)

As a huge cinema fan, I was completely gripped by this film! It centers around a therapist who sees something truly disturbing with a patient, and then weird, unexplainable things start happening to her. She quickly feels like she’s being hunted by something… well, something not of this world, and it appears as people with these horrifying, frozen smiles. The whole movie is her desperate struggle to stop a terrifying pattern before it destroys her. It was a massive success, and rightly so – the jump scares were brilliantly done, and the sound design was genuinely unsettling. It really gets under your skin!

‘X’ (2022)

A group of aspiring filmmakers heads to a remote Texas farmhouse in 1979 to shoot an adult film. But when the elderly couple who own the property discover what they’re doing, things quickly turn dangerous, and the filmmakers find themselves struggling to survive. The film delves into issues like getting older, hidden desires, and the differences between generations. It’s a throwback to the classic horror films of the 1970s, but with its own distinctive look and feel.

‘Fresh’ (2022)

A woman tired of dating apps meets a seemingly perfect man at the grocery store and excitedly agrees to a weekend trip with him. However, she quickly discovers his disturbing secret: he has a gruesome appetite for human meat. The story takes a dark turn, shifting from a lighthearted romance to a terrifying fight for survival, exploring how people can be exploited and the risks of trusting others, especially when connections start online. Despite the horror, the story also includes moments of dark, unsettling humor.

‘Oddity’ (2024)

Okay, so I just finished watching this really creepy movie, and let me tell you, it got under my skin. It’s about a psychic who’s also blind, and she goes to this incredibly isolated house to figure out what happened to her twin sister a year after she died. She’s not going alone, though – she brings this huge, unsettling wooden doll that actually helps her connect with the spirit world. The whole thing is super atmospheric, really leaning into old folklore and building tension slowly. It’s not a jump-scare fest; it’s more of a slow burn that eventually explodes with some seriously shocking and violent twists. Definitely one that stays with you.

‘Longlegs’ (2024)

A psychic FBI agent investigates a disturbing series of family murders, chasing a mysterious killer. As she gets closer to the truth, she uncovers a shocking personal link to the perpetrator, pushing her to the brink. Nicolas Cage delivers a captivating and unsettling performance, completely transforming his appearance and voice. The film builds a constant feeling of dread through its dark atmosphere and complex use of occult imagery.

‘Mad God’ (2021)

This unique stop-motion film, a labor of love by visual effects master Phil Tippett over three decades, tells a story through stunning visuals instead of words. It follows a character called the Assassin as he journeys into a dark and frightening world filled with monsters and machines. The film delves into themes of decline, brutality, and the disturbing, creating a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

‘Bones and All’ (2022)

The film follows a young woman struggling to find her place in the world who discovers a disturbing and dangerous compulsion. She sets out on a road trip to find her father, and along the way, connects with another person who understands her unique and terrifying struggle. Their shared experience creates a powerful, yet heartbreaking, connection. The movie is a mix of a coming-of-age story and intense horror, exploring themes of loneliness and what it means to be an outcast.

‘Nope’ (2022)

In the California desert, two siblings who run a horse ranch spot a strange object in the sky – something that seems to hunt and defend its territory. They team up with a tech expert and a filmmaker to try and get clear video proof of what they’re seeing. The movie mixes sci-fi and horror elements, and also explores how much people crave dramatic events. It’s known for its original creature design and stunning, wide-open shots of the desert landscape.

‘Late Night with the Devil’ (2023)

In 1977, a desperate late-night talk show host tries to save his show from cancellation with a live Halloween special featuring the occult. But the broadcast goes horribly wrong when actual demons seem to appear on screen. The movie is presented as a recently discovered recording of the original, disastrous broadcast, including footage of what happened behind the scenes. It’s designed to look like a 1970s TV show, but offers a fresh take on possession horror.

‘Barbarian’ (2022)

A woman arrives at her rented house late at night and discovers another person has been booked into the same place. Though hesitant, she agrees to share the house for the night, only to realize the stranger isn’t the biggest of her problems. The story quickly shifts from a tense psychological thriller to a terrifying creature feature, exploring themes of a city falling apart and how the past can repeat itself.

‘Pearl’ (2022)

This movie, a prequel to ‘X’, tells the story of a young woman stuck on her family’s farm who longs to be famous. Feeling trapped and desperate, she turns to shocking and deliberate violence. The film uses vibrant, colorful visuals to highlight the disturbing darkness within her. It’s a detailed look into the mind of a truly unforgettable and complex horror villain.

‘When Evil Lurks’ (2023)

Okay, so I just saw this movie, and it’s seriously messed up! It’s set in this tiny, isolated village, and these two brothers stumble across a guy who’s basically got a demon baby growing inside him. They try to get rid of the body, thinking they’re doing the right thing, but it just makes everything way worse, spreading this horrible infection all over town. What’s really cool is the movie has its own rules for how this demonic stuff works – it’s not your typical possession movie at all. And be warned, it’s brutal. Like, really brutal. But it’s also incredibly tense – you feel this constant dread that something terrible is about to happen, and it doesn’t let up.

‘Talk to Me’ (2022)

A group of teens stumble upon a way to summon spirits using an old embalmed hand, and it quickly becomes a risky online challenge. One girl pushes things too far, unintentionally opening a connection to the spirit world that she can’t break. The movie uses a supernatural possession story to examine themes of loss and addiction. Critics especially liked its realistic special effects and the natural acting from the teenage cast.

‘The Menu’ (2022)

A select group of the ultra-rich ventures to a secluded island for a unique dinner created by a famous chef. However, the evening quickly descends into something sinister as they discover the meal isn’t what it seems – it includes disturbing revelations and dangerous psychological tests. The movie is a biting commentary on the lifestyles of the wealthy, blended with the tension of a survival story, and explores the complex relationship between those who serve and the privileged class.

‘Alien: Romulus’ (2024)

A team of young colonists exploring a deserted space station encounters the universe’s most frightening creature. The film goes back to the series’ original horror style, emphasizing a feeling of being trapped and the basic fear of the alien. It uses real sets and practical effects to make the danger feel incredibly real within the station’s industrial setting. The story builds on established lore from previous films while also introducing fresh characters and expanding the overall story.

‘The Substance’ (2024)

A once-famous actress undergoes a dangerous, illegal medical procedure hoping to regain her youthful looks. The treatment creates a younger duplicate of herself, but she must switch between her original and new bodies weekly to stay healthy. When she stops following these rules, her body begins to drastically deteriorate in terrifying ways. The film is a commentary on unrealistic beauty standards and the entertainment industry’s relentless pursuit of youth.

Let us know in the comments which recent horror movies you found most memorable or impactful.

2026-02-10 07:26