The 20 Best Horror Movies of the 21st Century

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - August 2nd 2025, 17:00 GMT+2

Cropped the host — The Host (2006)

Imagine a monster movie where the real horror isn’t just the creature lurking in the water – it’s the way it disrupts an entire family’s life. In *The Host*, a grotesque mutated creature emerges from the Han River in Seoul, dragging the people of the city into a desperate battle for survival. But what makes this film stand out is the focus on the dysfunctional family who must band together to rescue a loved one taken by the beast. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, the film blends dark humor, intense family drama, and gripping horror, creating a monster movie with a soul. The fantastic performances, especially from Song Kang-ho, ensure that *The Host* doesn’t just scare you – it makes you care. | © Chungeorahm

Martyrs msn — Martyrs (2008)

This unrelenting French horror film takes the viewer into the deepest corners of human suffering and psychological torment. *Martyrs* is not just about jump scares or gory images; it’s a relentless exploration of pain, vengeance, and the darkness of the human psyche. The film centers on two women, Lucie and Anna, as they uncover the horrifying truth behind a secret society bent on creating martyrs through extreme torture. The performances of Mylène Jampanoï (Lucie) and Morjana Alaoui (Anna) elevate the chilling atmosphere, turning the movie into an unforgettable, albeit brutal, experience. A blend of psychological horror and gory revenge, *Martyrs* isn’t for the faint of heart, but for those brave enough to endure it, it’s a mind-bending journey into the nature of suffering. | © The Weinstein Company

Cropped Pulse 2001 — Pulse (2001)

In this haunting Japanese film, the line between the living and the dead blurs as ghosts invade the digital realm. The story unfolds through two parallel narratives: one follows Michi, a plant shop worker who discovers a colleague's eerie death is linked to a mysterious disk, while the other centers on Ryosuke, a university student who encounters disturbing images on his computer. As both characters delve deeper, they uncover a chilling truth about the afterlife's intersection with technology. The film's minimalist style and slow-building tension create an atmosphere of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. With standout performances and a haunting score, *Pulse* is a standout in the J-horror genre. Its exploration of isolation and the digital age's potential to connect – and disconnect – makes it a timeless piece. | © Daiei Film

Cropped it follows — It Follows (2014)

The horror genre doesn’t often get credit for being sleek, stylish, and smart all at once, but *It Follows* proves that it can do all three. This supernatural thriller taps into one of the most primal fears: being constantly pursued by an unseen force. The twist? The entity follows its victim at a slow, deliberate pace, and it’s a relentless horror that only stops when it finds its target. The film’s haunting score, paired with Maika Monroe’s standout performance, delivers a unique kind of suspense that feels fresh even in an overstuffed genre. The film's retro 80s aesthetic and eerie atmosphere keep the tension high, and the sense of unease lingers long after the credits roll. *It Follows* redefines how dread can be executed with a simple but terrifying concept. | © Radius-TWC

Cropped Train to Busan — Train to Busan (2016)

Zombies have never been this emotional – or this fast! *Train to Busan* combines thrilling, heart-pounding action with a deeply emotional story of survival during a zombie apocalypse. The film follows a father and his young daughter as they struggle to survive a train journey from Seoul to Busan while the country is overrun by a sudden outbreak. What sets *Train to Busan* apart from other zombie films is its focus on relationships and sacrifice, making the horror all the more impactful. The tight pacing, unforgettable characters, and gut-wrenching moments make it a standout entry in the genre, proving that zombie films can pack an emotional punch alongside the scares. | © Next Entertainment World

Cropped 28 days later 2002 — 28 Days Later (2002)

When the world is suddenly plunged into chaos, and the zombies are not your average slow-moving shamblers, *28 Days Later* raises the bar for what a zombie film can be. Directed by Danny Boyle, this film explores the outbreak of a virus that turns people into fast, rabid "infected," and it’s up to Cillian Murphy’s character, Jim, to navigate a devastated London and figure out how to survive. The tension is palpable, and the sense of urgency is unrelenting. Boyle’s vision turned zombie lore on its head, with his fast-paced, nerve-racking approach to the infected. With a stellar cast, including Naomie Harris and Brendan Gleeson, *28 Days Later* gave a modern spin on the genre, offering one of the most exciting, adrenaline-pumping horror movies of the century. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped Nosferatu — Nosferatu (2024)

The 2024 *Nosferatu* is an eerie, stylish reimagining of the silent classic that brought the vampire genre to prominence. While this version retains much of the atmosphere and dread of the original, it introduces a modern lens through which we experience the haunting tale. Starring a chilling performance by Bill Skarsgård (best known for his portrayal of Pennywise in It), this *Nosferatu* brings a dark, gothic world to life with impeccable cinematography and a sense of mounting dread that lingers with you. The film’s minimalist soundscape, along with a deliberate pace, builds a sense of isolation, much like the original 1922 film. With the vampire Count Orlok’s terrifying presence looming over every scene, *Nosferatu* delivers a visually stunning experience that combines the eerie charm of classic horror with modern filmmaking. | © Focus Features

Cropped The Witch — The Witch (2015)

In a world where the forests hold dark secrets, *The Witch* takes the viewer on a slow descent into paranoia and dread. Set in 1630s New England, a devout Puritan family is forced to survive in isolation after being banished from their community. As strange events begin to unfold around them, the family's religious beliefs and fears become their undoing. Anya Taylor-Joy shines in her breakout role as Thomasin, a young girl caught between the terrifying supernatural forces and her family's unraveling sanity. Director Robert Eggers uses atmospheric tension, period-accurate language, and haunting visuals to make *The Witch* one of the most disturbing and memorable horror films of recent years. | © A24

Cropped Florence Pugh Midsommar — Midsommar (2019)

When you think of horror, daylight probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, but *Midsommar* proves that terror can thrive in broad daylight. The film transports you to a remote Swedish village, where a group of friends attends a seemingly idyllic midsummer festival. What begins as an unsettling trip soon escalates into a nightmare of pagan rituals and psychological terror. Florence Pugh delivers a standout performance as Dani, a woman grappling with grief while trying to make sense of the increasingly disturbing events around her. Ari Aster's follow-up to *Hereditary* brings horror out of the shadows, turning a bright, picturesque landscape into the perfect setting for dread. | © A24

Cropped Hereditary — Hereditary (2018)

In *Hereditary*, the scariest thing isn't just the supernatural – it’s the terrifying realization that trauma and secrets run in the family. When the matriarch of the Graham family passes away, her death begins to unravel layers of dark and disturbing truths. Ari Aster’s chilling directorial debut features Toni Collette in a career-defining performance, portraying a mother who’s slowly losing her grip on reality as her family is pulled into a web of psychological and supernatural horror. With its eerie atmosphere, slow-burn tension, and shocking moments, *Hereditary* becomes a haunting exploration of grief and the horrors that can be passed down through generations. | © A24

Cropped The Conjuring — The Conjuring (2013)

What makes *The Conjuring* so terrifying isn’t just its creepy supernatural entities, but the palpable tension it builds from the moment the Warrens (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) step onto the scene. Based on the true story of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the film follows them as they try to help a family plagued by an evil force in their farmhouse. Director James Wan brings an expert touch to the scares, crafting scenes that are both suspenseful and chilling without relying on excessive gore. With its eerie atmosphere and haunting villain, *The Conjuring* reminded audiences that the scariest horrors are often the ones lurking in the unseen. | © New Line Cinema

Cropped the babadook 2014 — The Babadook (2014)

*The Babadook* doesn’t just give you a monster to fear – it makes you fear your own mind. This psychological horror film tells the story of Amelia, a mother struggling to cope with the loss of her husband while raising her troubled young son, Samuel. When a mysterious book about a terrifying creature called the Babadook appears, their lives spiral into a terrifying descent as they confront an entity that might be more than just a figment of their imagination. Jennifer Kent’s direction is masterful in creating an atmosphere of isolation and dread, and Essie Davis’ portrayal of Amelia is both heartbreaking and terrifying. This isn’t just a film about grief – it’s about the monsters we all carry inside. | © FilmDistrict

Cropped the house that jack built — The House That Jack Built (2018)

If you’re ready to venture into dark, disturbing territory, *The House That Jack Built* is not for the faint of heart. Lars von Trier’s controversial film follows Jack, a brilliant but deeply disturbed serial killer, as he recounts his crimes over the course of twelve years. Played chillingly by Matt Dillon, Jack’s perspective on his violent acts is both horrifying and strangely philosophical. Von Trier’s typical blending of art and violence makes the film an unsettling experience, with its cold, calculated storytelling laced with moments of black humor. It’s a challenging watch, but for those brave enough to stick with it, *The House That Jack Built* is a masterclass in psychological horror. | © Zentropa

Cropped a girl walks home alone at night — A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)

What happens when you blend a vampire story with an Iranian neo-noir thriller? You get *A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night*, a unique and atmospheric film that follows the journey of a young woman who secretly preys on the men of a ghostly town. Directed by Ana Lily Amirpour, this genre-bending film combines elements of horror, westerns, and romance, with stunning black-and-white cinematography that amplifies its eerie, otherworldly tone. The titular girl, played by Sheila Vand, is both a mysterious figure and a tragic antihero, embodying the film's themes of isolation, revenge, and vulnerability. With its haunting atmosphere and striking visuals, this film is an unforgettable exploration of loneliness and vengeance. | © VICE Films

Cropped The Wailing — The Wailing (2016)

What begins as a simple investigation into a series of mysterious deaths in a small Korean village quickly spirals into something far more sinister in *The Wailing*. This supernatural thriller, directed by Na Hong-jin, follows a police officer as he uncovers an evil force that has overtaken the village, resulting in madness, violence, and death. As the officer struggles to protect his family, the film delves into themes of fear, guilt, and the unknown. The eerie atmosphere, coupled with a stunning performance by Kwak Do-won, makes *The Wailing* a tense and haunting experience. Its blend of horror, mystery, and supernatural elements leaves you questioning what is truly at the heart of the terror. | © 20th Century Fox Korea

Cropped bring her back — Bring Her Back (2025)

Grief, obsession, and supernatural terror collide in *Bring Her Back*, a chilling tale that explores the dangerous lengths one will go to in order to bring back the dead. After the tragic loss of their father, siblings Andy and Piper are placed into the care of their new foster mother, Laura, played by Sally Hawkins. When they begin to suspect that Laura’s attempts to resurrect her deceased daughter involve dark and sinister rituals, the family is thrust into a terrifying series of events. As the tension builds, the film weaves a haunting narrative around loss, identity, and the desperate need for closure. Directed by Danny and Michael Philippou, *Bring Her Back* promises to deliver an emotional rollercoaster, blending supernatural horror with deeply personal stakes. | © A24

Cropped The Substance — The Substance (2024)

In *The Substance*, the quest for eternal youth takes a horrifying turn, blending body horror with a social critique on vanity and aging. The story follows Elisabeth, a former TV star (played by Demi Moore), who discovers a mysterious drug that lets her swap bodies with a younger version of herself. As she becomes more addicted to the drug, the consequences grow darker, and she begins to lose control of her identity. The film's unsettling exploration of self-obsession and the commodification of youth feels like a chilling cautionary tale for our age of image-driven society. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, *The Substance* mixes sci-fi with horror, delivering a striking visual experience and a thought-provoking narrative. With standout performances from Moore and Margaret Qualley, the film delivers a fresh take on body horror that’s as thought-provoking as it is terrifying. | © Working Title Films

Cropped Under The Skin — Under the Skin (2013)

There are horror films that make you jump, and then there’s *Under the Skin*, which unsettles you in ways you can’t quite explain. Starring Scarlett Johansson as an alien who roams Scotland, luring men to their doom, the film is as much a meditation on identity and isolation as it is a chilling horror experience. Jonathan Glazer’s direction is deliberately slow and eerie, allowing the tension to build with every frame. The film’s minimalist score and stark visuals add to the sense of dread, creating a feeling of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a movie that defies typical genre conventions, offering a haunting, atmospheric look at the alien experience from the inside out. | © A24

Cropped let the right one in — Let the Right One In (2008)

In the world of vampire films, *Let the Right One In* stands apart with its chilling mix of horror, romance, and melancholy. Set in a quiet Swedish town, it follows a young boy named Oskar who befriends a mysterious girl, Eli, only to discover she is a centuries-old vampire. What makes this film so haunting isn’t just its exploration of the supernatural, but its quiet meditation on loneliness, friendship, and the pain of growing up. With stunning performances, especially from Kåre Hedebrant (Oskar) and Lina Leandersson (Eli), *Let the Right One In* is a slow-burn masterpiece that beautifully combines gothic horror with the tenderness of youth. | © EFTI (Ett Filmteam)

Cropped Get Out — Get Out (2017)

If you thought horror films couldn’t be socially relevant, *Get Out* will prove you wrong. This genre-defining thriller from Jordan Peele blends satirical social commentary with heart-pounding tension. The film follows Chris, a Black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family, only to uncover a nightmarish secret. Peele uses the horror genre as a lens to explore racism, privilege, and the fear of being commodified, all while keeping the audience on the edge of their seat. With a breakout performance from Daniel Kaluuya, *Get Out* isn’t just a terrifying watch – it’s a cultural touchstone that speaks to broader societal issues while delivering a story that is both unsettling and thought-provoking. | © Blumhouse Productions

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The 21st century has ushered in a new era for horror, with films that blend terror, creativity, and groundbreaking storytelling. From supernatural thrills to psychological suspense, the genre has flourished with an array of styles that push boundaries and redefine what horror can be. Whether it’s a chilling atmosphere, unforgettable monsters, or a shocking twist, these 20 films stand out as the best of the century, leaving an indelible mark on both horror fans and cinema as a whole. If you're looking for the most terrifying, thought-provoking, and innovative films to watch, look no further – this list has you covered. Prepare to be scared, intrigued, and amazed.