The Greatest Horror Movie From Every Year of the 2000s So Far

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2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for horror movies! We’ve already seen some strong entries like Primate, a thrilling animal attack film, and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which has raised the bar high for the rest of the year. There are a lot of promising titles on the way, including horror comedies like Cold Storage, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, and They Will Kill You. More traditional horror fans can look forward to films like Werwulf, Scream 7, and Resident Evil. Overall, it looks like horror fans are in for a treat this year.

Is this year shaping up to be the best for horror movies of the decade? It’s too early to say for sure, but we can definitely look back at the last 25 years and choose the best horror film from each year.

26) 2000 — American Psycho

I truly believe American Psycho is a film you need to experience more than once – it’s what really showed me Christian Bale’s incredible range as an actor. But honestly, it’s not just about appreciating his performance, it’s because the movie plays with your head so brilliantly, constantly blurring the lines of what’s real and what isn’t. It’s a masterclass in subtly messing with your perception.

After the huge success of films like Scream in the late 1990s, horror movies were fairly unremarkable in the early 2000s. While American Psycho stood out, other notable releases included Cherry Falls and Ginger Snaps. Final Destination came close to matching American Psycho in popularity, but Mary Harron’s film, with its sharp critique of wealthy urban life, ultimately proved more impactful.

Stream American Psycho on Prime Video.

25) 2001 — The Others

In 2001, a few horror movies blurred the line between mainstream and art-house cinema. Films like Brotherhood of the Wolf, Frailty, and The Others stand out. While Bill Paxton’s Frailty was a strong directorial debut, The Others was widely considered the frontrunner for success.

This film is a visual masterpiece with excellent direction and a compelling story. Nicole Kidman delivers one of her finest performances, and it remains a genuinely moving and occasionally frightening experience even now.

Stream The Others on AMC+.

24) 2002 — 28 Days Later

Before the film 28 Days Later came out, zombies in movies like George A. Romero’s Living Dead series were typically slow and shambling. Even those slower zombies were pretty frightening, though!

When Danny Boyle and Alex Garland took on the project, they decided the creatures would be fast-moving and relentlessly pursue people. 28 Days Later is almost entirely high-energy and thrilling, with brief moments of calm and a slow start as the main character explores empty London. It’s a memorable film that launched a consistently good series that’s still going strong.

Stream 28 Days Later on Netflix.

23) 2003 — Final Destination 2

The Final Destination series has some standout movies, including the recent Final Destination: Bloodlines. However, many fans still consider Final Destination 2 to be the strongest film in the franchise.

Okay, let me tell you, even if nothing else landed perfectly, that opening sequence? Absolutely haunting. It’s one of those cinematic moments that genuinely sticks with you. Honestly, after seeing this film, I can’t drive behind a logging truck without getting a jolt of anxiety – it’s like I know what’s coming, and it’s terrifying. It’s a testament to how powerfully that scene is crafted.

Stream Final Destination 2 on YouTube TV.

22) 2004 — Saw

I still think the first Saw movie holds up really well – it genuinely freaked me out! And it was such a great introduction to James Wan, who quickly became one of the most exciting directors in horror. While the later movies got a bit crazy, you can’t deny the impact of the original.

The horror series started by Saw has generally produced more poorly-received films than good ones. However, like the Halloween movies, the sequels became much more graphic. The first Saw film is surprisingly mild compared to what followed, relying more on creating a tense, confined atmosphere and hinting at violence, which actually makes it effective.

21) 2005 — The Descent

2005 wasn’t a standout year for American horror movies. The main releases were Saw II, The Devil’s Rejects, Land of the Dead, Hostel, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and a mediocre remake of House of Wax—none of which became truly classic films.

This year, the most exciting horror films came from overseas. While Wolf Creek delivered a raw and realistic Australian horror experience, Neil Marshall’s The Descent was even more impactful. It’s a brilliantly claustrophobic film that leaves you feeling utterly hopeless, particularly in its chilling final scenes.

Stream The Descent on Prime Video.

20) 2006 — The Host

Let me tell you, 2006 was a surprisingly strong year for horror, and for the second year running, a foreign film took my top pick. But don’t think America didn’t deliver! We saw some genuinely great stuff, like the clever meta-horror of Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon, the brutal fun of Hatchet, a fantastic remake of The Hills Have Eyes, James Gunn’s delightfully gross Slither, and, of course, the wonderfully ridiculous Snakes on a Plane. It was a diverse and entertaining year for scares, that’s for sure.

Let’s be honest, though, this film was clearly the work of Bong Joon-ho. He started with the classic monster movie formula, but transformed it into a deeply moving story about a father’s struggle, and then surprised viewers with unexpected twists at the end. The Host is a standout even within his impressive filmography.

Stream The Host on Hulu.

19) 2007 — Trick ‘r Treat

Good horror anthology films are rare. While movies like Creepshow, V/H/S, and the often-overlooked Tales from the Darkside: The Movie stand out, the devoted fanbase for Trick ‘r Treat proves there’s a real appetite for more films in that style.

Michael Dougherty’s Trick ‘r Treat works so well because each of its stories feels distinct and original. Despite being an anthology – a collection of separate tales – the film’s clever framing device ties everything together seamlessly. While there have been other solid horror anthologies like Vacancy, Teeth, REC, P2, and the popular Paranormal Activity, 2007 truly belonged to Trick ‘r Treat.

Stream Trick ‘r Treat for free on Kanopy.

18) 2008 — Let the Right One In

Tomas Alfredson’s film, Let the Right One In, revitalized the vampire genre with a simple yet effective story: the unlikely friendship between a vampire and a lonely child.

This movie is a truly moving drama, and it’s more effective as such than as a scary thriller. What sets it apart is that it makes you genuinely sympathize with the vampire.

Stream Let the Right One In on Prime Video.

17) 2009 — Drag Me to Hell

It’s great that Send Help is finally releasing! It’s been 17 years since we’ve seen a truly classic horror film from Sam Raimi. Though, Raimi’s horror is rarely completely serious – even in the original The Evil Dead, there’s always a bit of playful humor. Drag Me to Hell was the same way, balancing scares with a sly, tongue-in-cheek approach.

This horror movie was arguably the best of 2009. It’s intelligent, moves at a fast pace, features a strong performance from Alison Lohman in one of her last roles, and finishes with a truly memorable ending.

Stream Drag Me to Hell on HBO Max.

16) 2010 — The Crazies

We think Tucker & Dale vs. Evil would be a good fit for our comedy selection, and Black Swan for our thriller category. For horror, we’ve chosen the surprisingly well-done remake of The Crazies.

Timothy Olyphant delivers another strong performance in this remake of The Crazies, which successfully updates the original film by George A. Romero while staying true to its spirit. It’s very similar in tone and style to the 2006 film The Hills Have Eyes.

Stream The Crazies for free with ads on The Roku Channel.

15) 2011 — You’re Next

I first discovered Adam Wingard with his movie You’re Next, a really clever and tense home invasion thriller he made for just a million dollars – and honestly, I still think it’s his best film. But he’s proven he can do anything! I also absolutely loved both The Guest and the massive spectacle of Godzilla vs. Kong. He’s just a really talented director, no matter the budget.

However, You’re Next is incredibly intense and features what is arguably the most effective use of a garrote wire in film history—it’s a truly memorable scene. The movie also stands out for its realistic portrayal of a complicated family and a compelling performance from Sharni Vinson.

Stream You’re Next on Starz.

14) 2012 — The Cabin in the Woods

The film The Cabin in the Woods first screened at the Butt-Numb-A-Thon in December 2011, and then had a wider release in April 2012, making it a 2012 movie.

When it came out, the film was an unforgettable theatrical experience. It was completely surprising, blending a sense of nostalgia with fresh ideas, and remained a thrilling ride all the way to its shocking conclusion. It was a clear standout, with only Sinister and V/H/S offering similar levels of quality.

Stream The Cabin in the Woods for free with ads on The Roku Channel.

13) 2013 — The Conjuring

2013 wasn’t a particularly strong year for horror, but it still offered some enjoyable films. Bad Milo! was a delightfully silly comedy with horror elements. Curse of Chucky proved the popular doll could be effective even in a direct-to-video format, while Mike Flanagan’s Oculus was a fun, one-time watch. And Fede Álvarez’s Evil Dead delivered a truly intense and gory experience.

Honestly, The Conjuring was the clear favorite to succeed, and it did – launching a popular franchise that’s still going strong. The film is genuinely creepy, features strong performances and visuals, and really connects you with the characters. It’s unsettling to watch the family suffer, much like it was when watching Regan in The Exorcist.

12) 2014 — The Babadook

The movie The Babadook helped pave the way for a new kind of horror film – often called ‘elevated horror.’ This approach prioritizes well-developed characters, making the frightening moments more effective because the audience is invested in their fate.

This story offers a powerful look at grief. Because the focus remains closely on a mother and son, we deeply connect with their emotional struggles. The unsettling creature in the title simply acts as a catalyst, pushing them to their limits.

Stream The Babadook on Hulu.

11) 2015 — The Witch

I truly believe Robert Eggers’ The Witch kicked off what everyone now calls “Elevated Horror.” While The Babadook definitely started to pave the way, The Witch really brought the idea into the spotlight and made it popular.

The Witch was a clear success, and it’s now considered a key horror film from the 2010s. It proved that creating a creepy atmosphere is more effective than relying on jump scares, and it launched the careers of director Robert Eggers, Ralph Ineson, and especially Anya Taylor-Joy. However, 2015 also offered other strong horror films like Krampus, The Gift, Green Room (which further established A24 as a leading studio for artistic horror), and The Final Girls.

Stream The Witch on HBO Max.

10) 2016 — Train to Busan

2016 delivered some great horror films. While 10 Cloverfield Lane was excellent, it leans more towards the thriller genre. The Belko Experiment is a surprisingly good, over-the-top workplace horror, and The Conjuring 2 was a strong sequel with a really creepy atmosphere – the same can be said for Don’t Breathe, though its follow-ups weren’t as impressive. That year also saw the release of the first Terrifier film, which was just a taste of what the sequels would become.

Ultimately, the choice came down to the fast-paced zombie film Train to Busan, which felt like 28 Days Later set on a train, and Mike Flanagan’s suspenseful home invasion thriller Hush. We’re awarding the win to Train to Busan. While it’s heavy on action, it’s still fundamentally a zombie movie, and we’re considering it within the horror genre.

Stream Train to Busan on Netflix.

9) 2017 — Get Out

Jordan Peele’s Get Out quickly became a critical favorite and established him as a talented horror director. It’s still considered one of the most original and thought-provoking horror movies of recent years. While 2017 had a lot of strong contenders, Get Out was the clear standout.

Several horror movies stood out recently: It, 1922, and Gerald’s Game were great adaptations of Stephen King stories. Anna and the Apocalypse is a really enjoyable zombie musical, and Annabelle: Creation was a much better film than the first Annabelle. The Babysitter proved Samara Weaving is a star in the horror genre, while Cult of Chucky continued the franchise’s success as a direct-to-video release. Happy Death Day is a lighthearted, teen-friendly slasher film with a Groundhog Day twist. However, Get Out was the clear favorite to win.

Stream Get Out on HBO Max.

8) 2018 — Hereditary

Ari Aster made a remarkably strong start to his directing career with his first film, Hereditary, at just 32 years old. It’s a deeply unsettling and emotionally powerful debut, and while his later work hasn’t quite reached the same level, he consistently demonstrates an ability to connect with and affect audiences.

While Aster’s direction is a huge strength, Toni Collette’s performance truly stood out. Many consider it the best of 2018, and the fact that she didn’t even receive an Oscar nomination highlights how unfairly the Academy often overlooks horror films.

Stream Hereditary for free on Kanopy.

7) 2019 — Midsommar

Ari Aster delivers another intensely disturbing and masterful film, following up on the success of Hereditary. Like his previous work, Midsommar is deeply unsettling and emotionally overwhelming, anchored by a fantastic lead performance. It’s a film that’s hard to anticipate and even harder to revisit – you’ll definitely need time to process it before watching it again.

2019 offered a lot of good horror movies, including titles like Crawl, the often-overlooked Doctor Sleep, The Perfection, Ready or Not, Saint Maud, and Us. However, none of them had quite the same impact as Midsommar. The Lighthouse, directed by Robert Eggers, was the only film that came near matching its power.

Stream Midsommar on HBO Max.

6) 2020 — A Quiet Place Part II

Despite the huge impact of COVID-19 on the film industry in 2020, some excellent horror movies still came out. Leading the way was A Quiet Place Part II, which surpassed its already impressive and character-driven first film.

While A Quiet Place ultimately won, the competition was strong. Freaky was a fun horror-comedy that proved Kathryn Newton excels in that mix of genres, Possessor delivered excellent body horror, Run Sweetheart Run showcased a brilliant performance by Ella Balinska, and The Rental is a surprisingly good, yet overlooked, story of betrayal.

Stream A Quiet Place Part II on Hulu.

5) 2021 — The Black Phone

2021 saw a number of somewhat underwhelming releases, including films like Antlers, Army of the Dead, the horror comedy Black Friday, Last Night in Soho, Old, and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. While these weren’t bad movies, they didn’t really stand out. They were, however, a step up from films like Malignant and Spiral: From the Book of Saw.

The nominees for best horror film were Werewolves Within, The Black Phone, and the very graphic Halloween Kills. The Black Phone stood out as the scariest and most genuinely frightening of the three, and Ethan Hawke delivered a fantastic performance as the villain.

Stream The Black Phone on Peacock.

4) 2022 — X

2022 was a fantastic year for horror movies! We saw successful revivals like Ghostface, and fresh, surprising films like Zach Cregger’s Barbarian and the darkly comedic Bodies Bodies Bodies. Fresh was a standout original film for Hulu, and Terrifier 2 introduced Art the Clown as a potential new horror legend, while M3GAN enjoyed a strong start to the year. While Halloween Ends unfortunately didn’t stick the landing and another Hulu original, Hellraiser, felt unnecessary, overall 2022 was a great year for the genre.

Ti West truly led the charge in 2022, releasing two films from his X trilogy. Both X and Pearl are strong contenders for the year’s best horror film. X successfully recaptures the feel of classic 80s slasher movies, while Pearl is a standout character study, featuring an even more impressive performance from Mia Goth. Plus, alongside Scream, these films launched Jenna Ortega as a leading scream queen for her generation, making 2022 a pivotal year for the horror genre.

Stream X for free with ads on The Roku Channel.

3) 2023 — Late Night with the Devil

David Dastmalchian delivers a standout performance in the lead role of Late Night with the Devil, and the film itself benefits from a stylish 1970s look and a gradually unfolding, suspenseful story.

While Late Night with the Devil stood out, it wasn’t the only enjoyable horror film released recently. Movies like Cocaine Bear, Evil Dead Rise, Infinity Pool, No One Will Save You, Renfield, Saw X, and Scream VI all offer great entertainment and plenty to think about.

Stream Late Night with the Devil on Hulu.

2) 2024 — Terrifier 3

While Terrifier 2 introduced Art the Clown as a major horror figure, Terrifier 3 truly cemented his status as an icon. The latest film also proved that Lauren LaVera is a talented scream queen with impressive acting ability. The Terrifier movies are notoriously gruesome, which turns some viewers away, but those who enjoy extreme horror find them highly entertaining – as the strong box office numbers for Terrifier 3 demonstrate.

When it comes to horror, Abigail was a close second for the best of 2024. The latest film from Radio Silence, the team behind the new Scream movies, is a lot of fun, and Melissa Barrera delivers another standout performance, solidifying her status as a rising star. Other notable horror releases included Alien: Romulus, Arcadian, Cuckoo, Heretic, I Saw the TV Glow, Longlegs, The Substance, MaXXXine, The First Omen, and Nosferatu.

Stream Terrifier 3 on Prime Video.

1) 2025 — Sinners

Sinners isn’t just the scariest movie of the year – it’s one of the best films of 2025, period. The only other movie that came close to matching its quality was Zach Cregger’s Weapons, but it wasn’t a serious competition. While Sinners blends several genres, its central theme revolves around vampires, which is why we’re categorizing it as a horror film.

Besides those films, 2025 also brought us 28 Years Later (though many prefer The Bone Temple), Bone Lake, the surprisingly good Dust Bunny, a successful new installment in the Final Destination series (Final Destination Bloodlines), Influencers, and Good Boy. And if you consider it horror, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein was another standout.

Stream Sinners on HBO Max.

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2026-01-20 02:20