Given the abundance of horror films that have crept onto the scene, it's tough to conceive of many ideas that are both uniquely imaginative and scary. Yet, filmmakers such as Robert Eggers, Jordan Peele, and Yeon Sang-ho have proven such movies can still be made, reinvigorating the genre with creative and bone-chillingly creepy efforts.
The 2010's, in particular, has seen a slew of examples that bring new ideas to the table and put some inventive twists on the genre in one way or another. These distinct films often invoke the imagination and get the viewer thinking, all the while setting the stage for some truly terrifying and unsettling moments.
The Invisible Man (2020)
On the surface, this reimagining of a classic Dark Universe franchise from Universal might seem fairly straightforward. Yet, director Leigh Whannell puts a creative spin on the concepts behind the famed Invisible Man, which, coupled with a gripping, emotional narrative, makes for a fun watch.
The convincing, raw performance by Elisabeth Moss, who plays the film's troubled lead, makes for a deep, ruthless tale of abuse and torment. The creepy premise of an elusive stalker boyfriend, along with some great visual effects and shocking twists, round out this memorable thrill ride.
The Blackcoat's Daughter (2015)
The Blackcoat Daughter's intrigue and unsettling aura can largely be traced to its thick sense of atmosphere and suspense, along with Emma Roberts' chilling performance as the lead. While Osgood Perkins' film is rather subdued and a slow burn, to be sure, but it's one that manages to pay off in a major way.
Along with the film's eerie, desolate settings, this psychological horror excels in its clever use of editing and narrative structure. This unconventional storytelling and editing sets the stage for a shocking, clever revelation that sufficiently ties together the film's dual plot threads.
Goodnight Mommy (2014)
Like the previous entry, this Austrian psychological horror thrives in building the tension with some creepy imagery and generally suspenseful moments that keep the viewer on edge. Neither the viewer nor the film's meek child protagonists are sure of what to make of their mother, whose recent facial surgery has led to her bandaged appearance and apparently odd behavior.
As the movie progresses, tense moments and creepy glimpses of the boys' mother continue to build and soon lead to an unanticipated ending that's both clever and chilling.
Creep (2014)
Like The Blair Witch Project before it, director Patrick Brice demonstrates that the found footage subgenre can lay the foundation for an inventive, spooky film if executed well enough.
Rather than rely on flashy visuals or loads of gore, 2014's Creep haunts its viewers with a more realistic approach, featuring just two actors—Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice—who play their roles convincingly. The film follows videographer Aaron, who's tasked with documenting the oddball cancer-stricken Josef. But, as the events are shown through Aaron's lens, it becomes increasingly clear that something isn't quite right. The tension and chills escalate as Josef begins to reveal more of his "true" self, often by way of his creepy wolf mask.
A Quiet Place (2018)
Tension and scares in horror are often produced by a feeling of vulnerability and helplessness, as John Krasinski so effectively conveys with his sci-fi thriller A Quiet Place.
In a harsh post-apocalyptic scenario, humanity must remain in virtual silence, as ominous alien monsters will be alerted to its prey with the slightest detectable noise. Naturally, this sets the stage for some heart-pounding scenes, as the Abbott family must cope and try to remain out of earshot. This borderline-silent film illustrates that minimalism and lack of dialogue can in fact be even more effective in generating spooks at times.
The Babadook (2014)
This 2014 horror by director Jennifer Kent explores the deep recesses that can occupy a dark, troubled mind, which is personified by the creepy, shadow-lurking monster comprising this title. This psychological trip manages to be both terrifying and deep in its implications.
The film hones in on a single mother (Essie Davis) pushed to the brink as she must wrestle with the stresses and personal demons that have befallen her life which literally begin to take form. Raising her young son alone proves enough of a struggle for her, but she must also ward off the creepy manifestation that terrorizes them both.
The Wailing (2016)
With this deep thriller from 2016, Korean filmmaker Na Hong-jin puts a creative twist on the zombie subgenre and helps reinvigorate a concept that seemed to be verging on decay.
In a sense, The Wailing runs with the established zombie formula, but it amps up the intensity by giving them a hyper-aggressive, demonic quality more akin to The Exorcist. Along with these creepy beings, the film excels by drawing from Eastern and Western religions and mythology to provide a dynamic backdrop. It masterfully blends in-your-face scares and gore with more nuanced, sinister themes, along with a rich sense of atmosphere.
Hereditary (2018)
This Ari Aster film is truly distinct, not just in its ghastly premise, but because of its ability to blend a dynamic family drama with spooky happenings. The film centers around the family of a deceased woman whose occult past literally comes to haunt them by way of demonic apparitions.
This is further spurred by a horrifying, life-ending accident, which sends the already troubled family into a spiral of death, darkness, and possession. Hereditary's ominous premise, slow-burning tension, and raw performances make for an emotional, heart-pounding ride that's hard to turn away from.
Train To Busan (2016)
This breakout hit from South Korea is another example of a fresh take on an arguably tired zombie formula, which manages to be both innovative and classically frightening all in one measure. Yeon Sang-ho's Train to Busan is at once simple in its premise while complex in its gruesome detail and emotional impact.
A simple trip to visit a family member in Busan soon escalates into a frantic scramble from a rapidly-growing horde of ravenous zombies. The film thrives on its authentic, believable performances, clever writing, and a particularly terrifying brand of crazy undead.
The Witch (2015)
The Witch excels in conveying creepy imagery and implications with a tinge of social commentary rather than heavy dialogue or bombast. This stands as a key reason why it's become one of the most renowned horrors of the decade. It captivates viewers with a chilling premise involving dark cults, curses, and witchcraft while immersing them with rich, authentic sets that are eerie and atmospheric.
The plot begins simply, featuring an isolated family trying to get by in 1630s England. But, the disappearance of their infant kicks off a series of increasingly dark and creepy events. This crescendo into chaos leads to a rather memorable, ethereal ending for the film's lead (Anya Taylor-Joy).