One of the Scariest Movies of the 2010s Returns to Streaming

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One of the most terrifying films from the 2010s is coming back to Hulu for streaming, perfectly timed as summer winds down and autumn, filled with its eerie Halloween atmosphere, approaches. The 2010s marked a significant transformation in the horror genre, where it became customary for both commercial success and critical acclaim at the box office. This period also saw a surge of talented new filmmakers creating groundbreaking indie horror films that gained massive cult followings. This movie stood out particularly brightly due to its unexpected appearance and powerful horror metaphor that struck a deep chord with many viewers.

Jennifer Kent, an Australian filmmaker, introduced herself to the film industry with the impressive debut of “The Babadook“. This psychological horror movie premiered modestly at the Sundance Film Festival in 2014, but it went on to gross $10 million at the box office (on a budget of just $2 million). The film generated considerable buzz and praise from critics worldwide. Today, “The Babadook “is recognized as a cult-classic horror film that has played a key role in launching a new sub-genre known as ‘grief horror’.

In summary, the storyline of “The Babadook” revolves around Amelia (played by Essie Davis), who is having difficulties six years after her husband’s tragic demise. She finds it challenging to control her unruly 6-year-old son, Samuel (Noah Wiseman). Samuel believes there’s a monster haunting them, which he claims is the Babadook from a mysterious book that appears in their home. As Samuel’s hallucinations intensify, his behavior becomes erratic and aggressive. Concerned for her safety, Amelia medicates him, but soon starts perceiving eerie manifestations around her. This makes her realize that the creature Samuel has been talking about might indeed be real.

Kent’s movie received acclaim for its chilling ambiance and the overall sense of suffocating despair it portrayed, setting a world both physically and emotionally confining around a mother and son ensnared in their sorrow. Unlike typical horror films featuring gruesome killings, the central monster in this film doesn’t instill fear through graphic violence. Instead, Kent masterfully creates an atmosphere of dread by depicting instances where “The Babadook” haunts the house, making it all the more impressive.

To put it simply, The Babadook marked the start of a growing trend in movies known as ‘grief horror’, which has since gained popularity, especially from Australian filmmakers. One of the most successful cult horror films of 2025, Bring Her Back, is the second production by Danny and Michael Philippou, ex-Australian YouTubers turned filmmakers. With their 2023 film Talk to Me, it’s evident that the Philippous are now leading the charge in this genre, acting as the new representatives of Australia in ‘grief horror’.

In simpler terms, a growing trend in horror movies is to delve deeply into the process of grieving as a central theme. Unlike many older horror stories that use grief and loss as backdrop, these modern films emphasize the emotional turmoil and struggle associated with coping with loss, using monsters and scenarios as metaphors for this complex and often dark journey. Examples of such ‘grief-horror’ can be found in Stephen King’s novel “Pet Sematary” and the films of horror director Ari Aster, like “Herediatry” (2018) and “Midsommer” (2019). These films bridge the gap between recent works such as “The Babadook” from the 2010s and more contemporary releases like “Talk to Me” and “Bring Her Back” from 2020.

Absolutely! If you’re a fan of horrors today, it’s crucial to understand the evolution of the genre by exploring its origins. In this regard, “The Babadook” is a must-watch masterpiece that you should definitely experience (either for the first time or revisit).

The Babadook is currently streaming on Hulu.

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2025-08-11 21:16