7 Recent Horror Movies That Were Basically Perfect

Horror movies have been incredibly popular lately, with many recent releases being critically acclaimed and well-received by audiences. Since 2020, films like Candyman (2021), Smile (2022), Nosferatu (2024), and Frankenstein (2025) have earned widespread praise. Other recent hits, including X (2022), M3GAN (2022), and Prey (2022), are already being considered among the best films of the decade. Horror fans haven’t had to wait long to enjoy thrilling stories about aliens, zombies, haunted houses, and other frightening events.

These seven horror movies are consistently scary and engaging, and they rank among the best the genre has offered recently.

7) Barbarian

The 2022 horror film Barbarian is a genuinely unsettling and unpredictable ride. It centers on a woman named Tess who finds her Airbnb stay turning into a nightmare when she discovers another man has also booked the same house. But that’s just the beginning – creepy sounds and hidden secrets in the basement lead to shocking twists and turns. Director Zach Cregger creates a constant sense of suspense, culminating in a thrilling and memorable final act. Barbarian is a remarkably original and effective haunted house story with very few weaknesses.

6) The Substance

Okay, let me tell you about The Substance (2024). It’s been creating quite a buzz among horror fans, and for good reason. The film follows Elisabeth Sparkle, played brilliantly by Demi Moore, an aging actress who tries to reclaim her fame with a mysterious drug that literally creates a younger version of herself. What follows is…intense. Seriously, the physical transformations and what happens after are genuinely disturbing to watch, but in a way that’s also strangely funny at times. It definitely gets a reaction out of you! But beyond the shocking visuals, this movie is really a sharp commentary on fame, aging, and how quickly Hollywood discards women. Moore is fantastic, and her chemistry with Margaret Qualley is electric. It’s a really energetic and thought-provoking horror film, and honestly, if you’re a fan of the genre, you absolutely need to see it.

5) Weapons

The 2025 horror film Weapons is remarkably original. It starts with the mysterious vanishing of 17 students from a classroom and unfolds into a surprising and complex supernatural plot affecting many people in the town. The film boasts compelling characters, including Justine Gandy, the children’s teacher (played by Julia Garner), and Gladys, the aunt of the only child left (Amy Madigan). While not particularly scary, Weapons is full of strange and funny moments, making it a very enjoyable experience. Director Zach Cregger, following his success with Barbarian, has created something even more unusual, and it really works. The film’s symbolism and deeper meanings might take multiple viewings to fully understand, but it’s entertaining enough to make you want to watch it again and again.

4) Nope

Jordan Peele’s latest film, Nope, lives up to the high expectations surrounding it. This 2022 movie offers a fresh take on the alien invasion genre, following siblings OJ and Em Haywood as they try to capture video evidence of a massive alien creature, nicknamed Jean Jacket, flying over their California ranch. The story is unpredictable and complex, going beyond a simple human-versus-alien plot. Jean Jacket is both awe-inspiring and frightening, leading to some stunning action scenes. Beyond the thrills, Nope cleverly explores the exploitative side of the entertainment industry and our fascination with spectacle, all while featuring compelling characters. With a blend of humor, horror, and insightful themes, Nope is a fantastic horror film that will likely remain impactful for years to come.

3) 28 Years Later

Released in 2025, 28 Years Later is a standout horror film that cleverly avoids repeating what came before. While connected to the earlier movies 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007), it’s mostly a new story set almost three decades after the Rage virus devastated the UK. Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), his wife Isla (Jodie Comer), and their son Spike (Alfie Williams) have found safety on an island, but a trip back to the infected mainland throws their peaceful life into chaos.

Okay, so 28 Years Later really delivers on the intense, scary zombie action I was hoping for in the first half. But honestly, it surprised me – the movie takes a really unexpected turn and becomes much more about feelings and memories in the second half. It’s cool to see Danny Boyle and Alex Garland prove that zombie films can be about more than just blood and guts. Ultimately, it’s the way the film explores memory that really stuck with me, and I think it’s going to be a horror movie I remember for a long time.

2) I Saw the TV Glow

Okay, let me tell you about I Saw the TV Glow (2024). It’s not your typical jump-scare horror film, but honestly, it’s far more impactful. Jane Schoenbrun has crafted something really special here, focusing on Owen and Maddy, two characters who connect over a strange TV show and, through that connection, begin to truly understand themselves. The movie isn’t about cheap thrills; it’s about atmosphere – it’s unnerving, visually striking, and genuinely gloomy in a way that pulls you right in. What really struck me was how thoughtfully it tackles themes of gender identity and isolation. The characters beautifully portray the transgender experience, and there’s so much to unpack beneath the surface. It’s a really subtle, layered film. It might not be a blockbuster, but I Saw the TV Glow is a truly creative and deeply moving piece of work that absolutely deserves all the praise it gets.

1) Sinners

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners (2025) is a stunning blend of genres and a major achievement for the horror genre. The film follows identical twin brothers, Smoke and Stack (Michael B. Jordan), as they return to their Mississippi hometown to open a music club. But when night falls, a terrifying supernatural presence threatens their community. Sinners is a thrilling vampire movie packed with exciting action and energetic musical performances. With its dynamic script and stylish direction, Coogler proves his talent as a writer and director. Sinners truly has all the elements of a classic, and it’s likely to be remembered as one of the best films of its time.

What horror movies have you enjoyed lately? Share your recommendations in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-20 22:14