10 Favorite Horror Films of 2023

As the year comes to a close, we look back on all of the wonderful moments that cinema has provided. We’ve got a nice mix of films that took the box office by storm and lesser-seen gems that you really should take the time to check out yourself. From an angry pilgrim to something in the walls, all the way to rich people and the strange things they do for kicks, we’re covering them all because this is Our 10 Favorite Horror Films of 2023.
 
First off, it wouldn’t be an incredible year if I didn’t have a ton of honorable mentions. So I wanted to make sure to give a shoutout to Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls as one of the best horror comedies of the year, It Lives Inside for its Indian slant on a familiar tale, Talk to Me with its phenomenal cinematography, The Boogeyman with its wonderful performances, and finally Skinamarink as being one of the most unique films to release this entire decade. Whew! Now let’s get to the list… but beware, there are Spoilers inside.

10. When Evil Lurks
 
I always like to make sure we represent Shudder, and they had some very good releases this year but few received the praise that was given to When Evil Lurks. This Spanish-language film deals with demonic possession in such a unique and creative way that it’s a little baffling that it hasn’t been done before. There are some genuinely shocking moments that are hard to recover from. And nearly the entire runtime is just dour moment after dour moment. A common phrase when watching this film is simply “What the fuck?” Two brothers discover a demon-infected man and in the process of trying to get rid of him, spread the chaos.
 
9. Totally Killer
 
Whether its Back to the Future or even a Happy Death Day, time travel stories can run the genre gamut. And horror always manages to add a flavor that others just can’t. Kiernan Shipka is a great lead, and the time travel angle is handled well. They don’t try to make it overly convoluted and present it in a simple way. Totally Killer follows Shipka’s Jamie as she goes back in time to stop a killer who murdered three girls in the 80s. It’s fun, it’s unpredictable, and it has the right balance of laughs and murder. The Sweet Sixteen Killer is one violent dude, and I appreciated his signature look. Had a little Max Headroom vibe to him. And given the time travel angle, I appreciate the changes to the formula that the film pulls off in the end.
 
8. Thanksgiving
 
While many, myself included, were expecting a more grindhousey approach to the material, Eli Roth instead decided to honor the slashers of the 2000s. This one could fit firmly on the shelf next to Valentine and My Bloody Valentine 3D in terms of tone. And despite being a slasher, the acting here isn’t half bad. With an absurd premise of a pilgrim-costumed killer taking out people who had connections with the Black Friday accident that happened the year prior, the world setup isn’t one of realism. We get a nice dose of ultra-violence spread throughout. And the effects are some of the most impressive gore of the year. They have just the right level of believability mixed with absurdity. I think what surprised me the most was how competent the acting was since we don’t often see that in slasher films. While the cast isn’t particularly likable, even the final girl, Roth managed to create an awesome new slasher villain with John Carver.
 
7. Birth/Rebirth
 
There’s a reason that the Frankenstein story has been repeated time and time again. Hell, Emma Stone is likely to get an Oscar nom for Poor Things. Frankenstein is IN. And few films left as much of an impact on me as Birth/Rebirth. The loss of a child is absolutely traumatic, but how this film looks at grief will make you question your own life choices. Judy Reyes gives an utterly phenomenal performance here, but it’s Marin Ireland who steals nearly every scene. Her approach to the material is scientific, and the character’s actions are morally reprehensible while being completely reasonable.
 
6. Red Rooms
 
Easily the most unknown on the list, I’m doing my part to spread the word about this intense thriller. This takes the concept of a model obsessing over the trial of a serial killer and takes it to new heights. Juliette Gariépy delivers a remarkable performance, conveying so much with so little. The opening courtroom scene is brilliant and sets the stage perfectly. The film goes to unexpected places and is one of the most gripping watches of the entire year. Having been picked up by Utopia, the same company that distributed We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, here’s hoping this pops up on Max soon. More people need to experience this phenomenal film.

5. Suitable Flesh
 
The sex thrillers of the 90s have been on ice for quite some time, so I was happy to see Joe Lynch’s take on HP Lovecraft by way of Dennis Paoli. Unlike Gen Z, I love horniness in movies. And this body swap film is horny as hell. Heather Graham stars as a therapist whose client claims a demon is trying to possess him. The Babysitter‘s Judah Lewis is great when he’s in demon form, and it’s wonderful to see him continue with the genre. There’s a great scene involving a car’s rear camera that really showcases the film’s creativity. And credit Barbara Crampton, who really championed this project and kicks ass as Dr. Daniella Upton.
 
4. Saw X
 
Legacy sequels have been a mixed bag this year and most have seemingly gone the way of the Dodo. But every now and then a film comes along that proves to be an exception. Saw X is absolutely that exception. Taking place between the events of the first and second Saw, this perfectly encapsulates a period we’ve been missing out on: where John Kramer is still functioning. Having killed the man in the third outing, the filmmakers have constantly had to come up with creative ways to bring him back. And this gimmick is probably the one that works the best as it also allows the return of other characters like Shawnee Smith’s Amanda. And it’s great to see John on a slight revenge mission as he goes after people who are scamming cancer patients, including himself. Ten films in, it’s shocking that this franchise was able to re-invent itself and provide what is widely considered the best Saw since the original.
 
3. Scream VI
 
I am an absolutely ginormous Scream fan. It is my favorite horror franchise and something that has really shaped me as a genre lover. And I often don’t agree with taking a movie out of its normal element and putting it in an entirely different setting. Unless its New York. Maybe it’s because I love the cheese of Jason Takes Manhattan, but the city feels prime for some slashings. And sure, like Jason’s trip to the city was largely filmed in Vancouver, this is more Ghostface Takes Montreal. But it works! From the opening kill which gives us a nice misdirect. While it’s a mystery as to where this series will go, let’s just hope they pony up and give us a satisfying conclusion before sunsetting the franchise.
 
2. Cobweb
 
Easily the biggest marketing blunder of the entire year, this movie never got a fair shake in theaters, coming out the same day as Barbenheimer. And it was gone in no time, being seen on-demand just two weeks later and out of theaters just as fast. I’ve never been more disappointed in how the film just was never given the chance to find its audience. So I’m doing my part to spread the word on what is one of the best horror movies of the last decade. Yes, you heard that right. With cinematography that is absolutely stunning and a mystery that intrigues from the onset, this takes you on such a unique ride that satisfies. While there is a pretty massive shift that can be quite polarizing, everything is set up to perfection. This is an instant Halloween classic on the same level as a Trick or Treat. The October vibes are strong with enough pumpkins you’ll question how one yard can even grow so many.
 
1. Infinity Pool
 
Nepo babies have been quite the topic of discussion this year. And I think it’s simply stupid. You know who’s gonna be pretty well suited for a certain job? Someone who’s mentor is their parent. So it shouldn’t be shocking that Brandon Cronenberg has taken after his dad and is a fucking fantastic filmmaker. He’s proof that there are still original ideas out there as he constantly pushes the envelope. Mia Goth and Alexander Skarsgaard are spectacular and create a lot of magic on screen. Just… umm… get ready because as much as I talked about Suitable Flesh being sexual, this one takes the horniness up to 11 and it gets weird. Real weird. But its social commentary and utterly despicable characters combine for one of the most intriguing stories of the year.
 
And those are some of our favorite horror films of the year. What are your favorites?

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