7 Must-See Slasher Films That Outshine Fear Street: Prom Queen

by

Fear Street: Prom Queen made its Netflix debut, promising to deliver a heartfelt slasher film similar to the Fear Street trilogy from 2021. However, this latest installment of the series fell short of expectations, receiving criticism for its lack of connection to the previous movies. Critics and fans alike found it lacking in story depth, character development, and ties to the Fear Street universe. Consequently, horror enthusiasts hoping for an exciting slasher flick were left disheartened instead. Fortunately, the 2020s have brought forth several slasher masterpieces that offer creative deaths and suspenseful scares to satisfy your cravings.

If you’re in search of contemporary horror films that fit into the slasher genre, we have handpicked some outstanding entries that have been recently released. These movies skillfully adhere to the slasher formula while providing a fresh perspective on the subgenre and offering an unmatched viewing experience. Here are our top choices for the best slashers from the 2020s, limiting the selection to one movie per franchise.

1) Scream (2022)

2022’s “Scream” skillfully breathes life into the classic series as it revisits Woodsboro, where a fresh Ghostface stalks individuals with ties to the town’s dark history. The sequel stands out for its insightful critique on “requels” and problematic fan behavior, cleverly combining iconic characters like Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox), and Dewey Riley (David Arquette) with a captivating new cast featuring Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega. The film also received acclaim for its nail-biting moments, gruesome deaths, and sensitive portrayal of trauma, solidifying the enduring appeal of its self-referential style.

In order to improve things, the movie “Scream” skillfully combines nostalgia with fresh frights, thereby solidifying Ghostface’s position as an elite slasher antagonist. Its intelligent dialogue and powerful acting resonate with both veteran fans and novices, providing a sophisticated and exhilarating experience. For those in search of a modern slasher film that refreshes familiar themes while generating authentic suspense, “Scream” stands out as a top choice for updating a classic to cater to contemporary viewers who crave more than just a high body count.

2) X

In the gritty world of 1979 rural Texas, Ti West’s movie titled X immerses viewers into the story of a team of aspiring filmmakers chasing fame by creating an adult film. As they delve deeper into their quest for stardom, they uncover a sinister facet in the elderly homeowners. The movie earned praise for its suspenseful ambiance, standout performances, especially Mia Goth’s dual role, and its stylish tribute to 1970s exploitation and slasher films. It subtly tackles themes such as aging, ambition, and the American Dream amidst a growing horror plotline.

As a cinephile, I can’t help but admire X for its exceptional artistic flair, intricate character development, and innovative approach to the slasher genre by challenging conventional norms while keeping the fear factor high. The film’s methodical tempo and haunting ambiance craft an intensely disquieting atmosphere that laid the foundation for a beloved trilogy with Pearl and MaXXXine. This cinematic experience is not just a terrifying ride, but also a profound exploration into the abyss of human darkness, making it a must-see for those who relish slasher movies that offer both thematic depth and sheer terror.

3) Thanksgiving

Eli Roth’s “Thanksgiving” breathes life into his notorious trailer from “Grindhouse,” drenching it in blood. The story unfolds in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where a sinister figure dressed as John Carver is wreaking havoc a year after a lethal Black Friday uproar. Patrick Dempsey plays the role of the local sheriff determined to apprehend Carver, who uses assorted holiday-themed accessories for his grotesque and imaginative murders. Critics applauded “Thanksgiving” for its excessive gore, dark wit, and loyal adaptation of the original “Grindhouse” idea, skillfully merging suspense with extreme kill scenes.

This Thanksgiving movie stands out as a contemporary slasher by wholeheartedly diving into its outlandish concept and providing a rollercoaster ride of non-stop enjoyment, featuring imaginative death sequences and a traditional whodunit plot structure. Both critics and audiences were captivated by its nostalgic slasher vibe and Roth’s distinctive directing approach. Consequently, this holiday-themed chiller offers an enjoyable bloodbath for viewers seeking a slasher that balances gruesome ingenuity with a witty sense of humor.

4) In a Violent Nature

Chris Nash’s “In a Violent Nature” stands out in the slasher genre with an unusual perspective – that of its undead antagonist, Johnny. The film chronicles Johnny’s calculated slaughter spree in a secluded forest, where he hunts a group of teenagers. The movie’s unique style, marked by extended shots and a detailed observation of Johnny’s grisly activities, distinguishes it from conventional slasher films. “In a Violent Nature” gained notice for its art-house aesthetic, emphasizing the raw brutality of the killings over traditional narrative tension or growth in the characters of the victims.

Through its distinctive perspective, “In a Violent Nature” delivers an exceptionally immersive and spine-tingling viewing experience. It strips down the conventional slasher template to its core, revealing its raw intensity. The movie’s dedication to its unique concept and unrelenting portrayal of violence make it a divisive yet captivating choice for horror enthusiasts, daringly dissecting the subgenre. As such, “In a Violent Nature” presents a thought-provoking and profoundly unsettling option for viewers yearning for a slasher movie that defies expectations.

5) Terrifier 3

In Damien Leone’s movie “Terrifier 3”, Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton), who has been revived yet again, embarks on a horrifying Christmas Eve massacre in Miles County. After the harrowing events of the last film, Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera) and her younger brother Jonathan (Elliott Fullam) try to piece together their lives, but Art, now dressed as Santa Claus and accompanied by a demonically possessed Victoria Heyes (Samantha Scaffidi), has sinister plans instead. The film maintains the franchise’s dedication to extreme, unrated horror, making full use of its $2 million budget – a significant increase from the $250,000 used for “Terrifier 2”.

The third installment of “Terrifier” has been incredibly profitable, earning over $90 million globally and setting the record for the highest-grossing unrated movie ever made. Critics generally appreciated it, commending its high-quality production and creative, realistic gore scenes. Interestingly, even the storyline and dialogue – which are often overlooked due to the franchise’s focus on extreme violence – were praised, suggesting that “Terrifier” continues to improve with each new release. Furthermore, David Howard Thornton’s performance as Art has remained outstanding, making “Terrifier 3” an effortless recommendation for slasher fans.

6) Freaky

In the movie ‘Freaky’ directed by Christopher Landon, the body-swap comedy and slasher genres are brilliantly combined, resulting in an original and hilariously terrifying horror-comedy. Kathryn Newton portrays Millie, a high school student who unintentionally switches bodies with a notorious serial killer called the Blissfield Butcher, played by Vince Vaughn. The story unfolds as Millie (now in the Butcher’s body) strives to lift the curse, while the Butcher (in Millie’s body) uses this disguise to continue his murderous rampage. Critics have widely acclaimed ‘Freaky’ for its innovative concept, powerful acting, and impressive balance of tones, making it a must-watch for fans of slasher films.

Freaky shines through the impeccable comedic and horror pacing of actors Newton and Vaughn, ensuring both humorous scenes and thrilling slasher sequences are equally engaging. It offers original kill methods and genuine humor, cleverly flipping tropes from both genres it incorporates. For those looking for a unique, lively, and witty spin on the slasher genre, Freaky provides a well-written and thoroughly entertaining experience that is notably creative and fun.

7) M3GAN

2023’s terrifying blockbuster M3GAN reimagines the killer doll trope in the context of artificial intelligence, combining dark wit, spine-tingling horror, and incisive social critique. In this movie, Allison Williams portrays Gemma, a roboticist who designs an advanced AI doll named M3GAN as a friend for her orphaned niece Cady (Violet McGraw). As M3GAN’s protective behavior escalates to alarming levels, she transforms into a chilling adversary. The film gained widespread popularity thanks to M3GAN’s unsettling appearance and memorable dance routines. However, it is also worth noting that the movie excels in its handling of gory deaths.

M3GAN excels as a cutting-edge terror flick due to its cleverly written storyline which tackles the complex issues of technology, sorrow, and upbringing. It skillfully combines hair-raising frights with dark humor, offering a chilling yet amusing experience. This film serves up a smooth, engaging, and intellectually stimulating rollercoaster ride, making it a top pick for individuals seeking a modern horror movie that is both enjoyable and genuinely unsettling.

Which modern slasher movies from the 2020s do you think are a cut above the rest?

Read More

2025-05-28 02:43