The 12 Best Horror Movies of the Last 10 Years

What makes it great: One of the most impressive parts of the Insidious movies is the invention of the "Further," an entire ghost dimension that houses the most sinister forces of the supernatural world. Some of the scares may feel run-of-the-mill, but once the main characters descend into this underground universe, it's nothing but chills.

What makes it great: Anyone with a fear of darkness will find the imposing blackness of this film to be utterly uncomfortable. Even more interesting is the fact that the entire narrative takes place over the course of one very long shot. This lends a sort of heightened realism and dread to the piece: we really feel like we're living every second with our protagonist.

What makes it great: V/H/S doesn't necessarily tell one horrifying story — it links a bunch of creepy tales together. Each story has a different flavor — a woman who turns out to be a monster, a series of steadily more horrifying Skype sessions, a paranormal force in the woods — thereby insuring that at least one of them will scare the sh*t out of you.

What makes it great: With a vast history of monsters in the horror universe, it's hard to come up with new additions. Granted, villain Bagul definitely pulls from various other demons and creatures like the boogeyman, but he comes across as a fresh evil. Also, all those film reels are downright unsettling.

What makes it great: This is one film that surprises you at every turn. The fact that it's set in the 1970s gives it a certain charm, but the rest of the horror therein is anything but charming. You know you're watching something good when one part — and you'll know exactly which one we're talking about — makes you scream out loud in surprise and terror.

What makes it great: This is, by far, one of the smartest horror films of the new millennium. It's high in concept, quite psychological, and unpredictable at every turn. The Babadook doesn't just introduce a new kind of monster into the world, it makes clear how this monster bleeds into all areas of your life.

What makes it great: One of the strongest features of The Visit is its seamless blend of horror and humor. For some odd reason, the funny parts make the horrific parts twice — if not thrice — as disturbing. The unpredictable, uncomfortable behavior of the grandparents is enough to make your skin crawl, and there's a seriously stellar — and nearly unpredictable — twist to boot.

What makes it great: Speaking of unique monsters, It Follows crafts one of the most original creatures we've seen in decades. This film feeds off our fear of the unknown. We don't actually know what "it" looks like. We don't even know what form it might take next. All we know is that it follows you until it can kill you. It's thrilling and shocking all at once to watch the beast do its work.

What makes it great: The Witch is an immersive experience and a disturbing one at that. You know you're in for a f*cked-up ride when you see a fully nude old witch mashing a baby to a bloody pulp in the first 10-15 minutes. What's more, the sequences of possession, perceived witchcraft, and indescribable evil are unpleasant enough to stick with you for weeks on end.

What makes it great: What can we say about Get Out that hasn't already been said? Jordan Peele's directorial debut is a master class in social commentary. With twists and turns that are at once thought-provoking and chilling, it upped the ante in terms of what's expected from a truly great horror film.

What makes it great: If there are two names on the horror marquee at the end of the decade, next to Jordan Peele is Ari Aster. The director hit us with a one-two punch in 2018 and 2019, starting with the visually haunting Hereditary. Toni Collette should have won an Oscar for her portrayal of an emotionally disturbed mother, and there are some scenes from this movie that we'll never be able to unsee.

What makes it great: One year later, Aster released Midsommar. It's one of the only horror movies to take place almost entirely in the light of day, proving that horror doesn't only lurk in the shadows. So much attention has been put into every detail of the scenery that Midsommar begs to be watched again and again (that is, if you can handle it).