Horror fans, rejoice! The last five years have delivered some of the most innovative, spine-chilling, and downright terrifying horror films we’ve seen in decades. From psychological terror to surreal creature features, directors have been pushing the boundaries of the genre, giving us stories that linger long after the credits roll. If you’re someone who lives for scares, suspense, and jaw-dropping twists, you’re in for a treat. Here’s our curated list of the best horror movies of the last five years.
1. Hereditary (2018)
Ari Aster’s directorial debut quickly became a modern horror classic. This film explores grief, trauma, and family secrets in a way that feels deeply unsettling. Featuring a powerful performance from Toni Collette, Hereditary isn’t just scary; it’s emotionally devastating. Every frame is brimming with dread, creating a cinematic masterpiece that’s impossible to forget.
Why it stands out: The slow-building terror and shocking twists make Hereditary a haunting experience for both casual viewers and hardcore horror enthusiasts.
2. Midsommar (2019)
Ari Aster strikes again with Midsommar. Set in the endless daylight of a Swedish summer, the film tells the story of a grieving woman who accompanies her boyfriend and his friends to a remote Pagan festival. What starts as a seemingly idyllic vacation devolves into a harrowing nightmare.
Why it stands out: The vibrant, sunlit cinematography contrasts beautifully with its horrifying subject matter, making every disturbing moment more disorienting.
3. A Quiet Place (2018)
John Krasinski’s A Quiet Place reinvented the creature feature with its unique premise. The film follows a family trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where making any noise could mean instant death. With brilliant sound design and nail-biting suspense, this is a movie you’ll watch on the edge of your seat.
Why it stands out: By weaponizing silence, A Quiet Place turns sound into the scariest monster of all.
4. The Lighthouse (2019)
From Robert Eggers, director of The Witch, comes this moody, atmospheric tale of madness. Starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, The Lighthouse tells the story of two lighthouse keepers slowly losing their grip on reality while trapped by a storm.
Why it stands out: The film blends psychological horror with mythological undertones, giving it an unsettling, hallucinatory feel.
5. Us (2019)
Jordan Peele’s second feature film is a chilling home invasion story with a twist. Us follows a family confronted by their sinister doubles. With standout performances by Lupita Nyong’o and a complex commentary on identity, Us cements Peele’s reputation as a master of modern horror.
Why it stands out: Its combination of psychological thrills and social commentary makes Us a thought-provoking and terrifying experience.
6. The Invisible Man (2020)
Leigh Whannell reimagines the classic H.G. Wells story with an intense, modern twist. Elisabeth Moss delivers a gripping performance as a woman convinced her abusive ex, who is supposedly dead, is still stalking her—invisible and deadly.
Why it stands out: Its chilling exploration of gaslighting and domestic abuse resonates on a deeply human level while delivering relentless suspense.
7. Saint Maud (2020)
A psychological horror that paints religious obsession in a terrifying light. The film follows Maud, a devout nurse, as she becomes eerily fixated on saving the soul of her terminally ill patient. This descent into fanaticism is both gut-wrenching and terrifying.
Why it stands out: Saint Maud is equal parts disturbing and poetic, with an unforgettable ending that will leave you staring at the screen in shock.
8. Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula (2020)
The sequel to the immensely popular Train to Busan expands on the chaos and horror of a zombie outbreak in Korea. Peninsula amps up the action and emotion, offering thrilling sequences and moments of unexpected humanity.
Why it stands out: Zombie fans will love its high-stakes drama and pulse-pounding action sequences.
9. Nope (2022)
Jordan Peele’s third film defies genres, blending horror with sci-fi to deliver a story that is deeply unsettling yet visually spectacular. When siblings on a remote ranch discover a strange entity in the clouds, they attempt to capture proof of its existence—but at a dangerous price.
Why it stands out: It’s a visually stunning exploration of spectacle and exploitation, making it as thought-provoking as it is terrifying.
10. Smile (2022)
This surprise hit revolves around a psychologist who starts seeing a sinister, smiling entity after witnessing a traumatic event. The film expertly uses jump scares and an eerie atmosphere to deliver a terrifying experience.
Why it stands out: Smile combines supernatural horror with psychological depth, leaving audiences unnerved long after they leave the theater.
Why Horror Is Thriving
The last five years have been a renaissance for horror, with filmmakers using the genre to explore deep, complex themes like grief, societal fears, and personal trauma. These movies go beyond traditional thrills to provoke thought and push boundaries, proving that horror is not just about scares but also about storytelling that resonates.
If you’re a fan of horror, there’s never been a better time to immerse yourself in the genre. The films on this list are a great starting point, showcasing the creativity and innovation horror filmmakers are bringing to screens today.
Looking for your next horror movie fix? Tell us your personal favorite horror films from the last five years in the comments below!
