17+ Best 2010s Horror Movies (List)

The 2010s brought a new wave of horror movies that pushed the boundaries of the genre and captivated audiences around the world.

From psychological thrillers to supernatural tales, these films delivered scares, suspense, and thought-provoking narratives.

Best 2010s Horror Movies

Here are some of the best horror movies from the 2010s:

“Insidious” (2010)

Director: James Wan

A supernatural horror film about a family trying to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further.

“The Cabin in the Woods” (2012)

Director: Drew Goddard

A meta-horror film that deconstructs classic horror tropes, centered around a group of friends on a trip to a remote cabin.

“The Conjuring” (2013)

Director: James Wan

Based on real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, this film follows their case involving a haunted farmhouse.

“The Babadook” (2014)

Director: Jennifer Kent

A psychological horror film about a mother and son haunted by a sinister presence from a mysterious children’s book.

“It Follows” (2014)

Director: David Robert Mitchell

A unique horror film where a young woman is pursued by a supernatural entity after a sexual encounter.

“Get Out” (2017)

Director: Jordan Peele

A social thriller that explores racism, following a Black man who uncovers disturbing secrets when he visits his white girlfriend’s family estate.

“A Quiet Place” (2018)

Director: John Krasinski

A post-apocalyptic horror film where a family must live in silence to avoid alien creatures that hunt by sound.

“Hereditary” (2018)

Director: Ari Aster

A psychological horror film about a family haunted after the death of their secretive grandmother.

“Annihilation” (2018)

Director: Alex Garland

A science fiction horror film about a group of scientists exploring a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don’t apply.

“Midsommar” (2019)

Director: Ari Aster

A folk horror film about a group of friends who travel to Sweden for a festival, only to find themselves in a pagan cult.

“Us” (2019)

Director: Jordan Peele

A horror-thriller about a family confronted by their own doppelgängers.

“The Lighthouse” (2019)

Director: Robert Eggers

A psychological horror film set in a remote lighthouse, where two lighthouse keepers start to lose their sanity.

“Doctor Sleep” (2019)

Director: Mike Flanagan

A sequel to “The Shining,” following an adult Danny Torrance who protects a young girl with similar powers from a cult.

“Parasite” (2019)

Director: Bong Joon-ho

A dark comedy thriller that explores class inequality, following a poor family who infiltrates a wealthy household.

“The Invisible Man” (2020)

Director: Leigh Whannell

A modern adaptation of the classic novel, focusing on a woman who believes she is being stalked by her abusive partner, despite his apparent suicide.

“Train to Busan” (2016)

Director: Yeon Sang-ho

A South Korean zombie film set on a speeding train as a zombie apocalypse breaks out.

“It” (2017)

Director: Andy Muschietti

An adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, a group of children is terrorized by a supernatural entity known as Pennywise.

Each of these films from the 2010s contributed to the evolution of the horror genre, offering a mix of psychological horror, supernatural elements, and social commentary that resonated with modern audiences.

Below we look deeper at some of the best horror movies released during the 2010s, highlighting their unique qualities and impact on the genre.

Table of Contents

The Rise of A24: Redefining Horror

One of the most significant developments in the horror genre during the 2010s was the emergence of A24 as a powerhouse production company.

A24’s commitment to innovative storytelling and unconventional narratives breathed new life into the genre, challenging traditional horror tropes and delivering thought-provoking experiences.

One standout film from A24 is “Hereditary” (2018), directed by Ari Aster.

This psychological horror film follows a family haunted by a sinister presence after the death of their secretive grandmother.

“Hereditary” received critical acclaim for its atmospheric tension, exceptional performances, and its ability to delve into themes of grief and trauma.

Another notable A24 production is “The Witch” (2015), directed by Robert Eggers.

Set in 17th-century New England, the film explores the paranoia and hysteria that unfolds within a Puritan family when they believe a witch is responsible for their misfortunes.

“The Witch” stands out for its meticulous attention to historical detail, haunting cinematography, and its exploration of religious fanaticism.

Found Footage: A Subgenre Resurgence

The 2010s also saw a resurgence of found footage horror films, a subgenre that gained popularity with films like “The Blair Witch Project” (1999) and “Paranormal Activity” (2007).

Found footage films are presented as if they were discovered footage, often shot by the characters themselves, creating a sense of realism and immersion for the audience.

“Creep” (2014), directed by Patrick Brice, is a standout found footage horror film from the 2010s.

The film follows a videographer who answers an ad to film a man for a day, only to discover that his subject is not what he seems.

“Creep” is praised for its slow-burning tension, unsettling performances, and its ability to subvert audience expectations.

Another notable found footage film is “As Above, So Below” (2014), directed by John Erick Dowdle.

The film follows a group of explorers who venture into the catacombs beneath Paris in search of a legendary treasure, only to encounter supernatural horrors.

“As Above, So Below” stands out for its claustrophobic atmosphere, creative use of the found footage format, and its exploration of psychological and existential themes.

International Horror: Breaking Cultural Barriers

The 2010s also witnessed a surge in international horror films that gained recognition and popularity beyond their home countries.

These films showcased unique cultural perspectives and introduced audiences to new mythologies and folklore.

“Train to Busan” (2016), directed by Yeon Sang-ho, is a South Korean zombie film that received critical acclaim and became a global hit.

The film follows a group of passengers on a train during a zombie outbreak, exploring themes of survival, sacrifice, and human nature.

“Train to Busan” is praised for its intense action sequences, emotional storytelling, and its ability to blend horror with social commentary.

Another standout international horror film is “Raw” (2016), directed by Julia Ducournau.

This French-Belgian film tells the story of a young vegetarian who develops a taste for human flesh during her first year at veterinary school.

“Raw” received widespread acclaim for its visceral and provocative exploration of desire, identity, and societal expectations.

FAQs – Best 2010s Horror Movies

1. What are some other notable horror movies from the 2010s?

Some other notable horror movies from the 2010s include:

“Get Out” (2017), directed by Jordan Peele
“It Follows” (2014), directed by David Robert Mitchell
“The Babadook” (2014), directed by Jennifer Kent
“A Quiet Place” (2018), directed by John Krasinski
“The Conjuring” (2013), directed by James Wan

2. Why did A24 have such a significant impact on the horror genre?

A24 had a significant impact on the horror genre due to its commitment to innovative storytelling, unconventional narratives, and its ability to challenge traditional horror tropes.

The production company’s films, such as “Hereditary” and “The Witch,” pushed the boundaries of the genre and delivered thought-provoking experiences that resonated with audiences.

3. What makes found footage horror films unique?

Found footage horror films are unique because they are presented as if the footage was discovered, often shot by the characters themselves.

This creates a sense of realism and immersion for the audience, making the horror feel more immediate and believable.

4. Why did international horror films gain popularity in the 2010s?

International horror films gained popularity in the 2010s due to increased accessibility and a growing interest in diverse storytelling.

These films offered unique cultural perspectives, introduced audiences to new mythologies and folklore, and showcased the talent of filmmakers from different countries.

5. Are there any notable horror movies from non-English-speaking countries?

Yes, there are several notable horror movies from non-English-speaking countries, including:

“Let the Right One In” (2008) – Sweden
“Ringu” (1998) – Japan
“The Orphanage” (2007) – Spain
“Goodnight Mommy” (2014) – Austria
“Trollhunter” (2010) – Norway

6. What are some common themes explored in 2010s horror movies?

Some common themes explored in 2010s horror movies include:

Grief and trauma
Religious fanaticism
Survival and sacrifice
Identity and societal expectations
Paranoia and hysteria

7. Did any horror franchises continue or start during the 2010s?

Yes, several horror franchises continued or started during the 2010s, including:

“The Conjuring” universe
“Insidious” series
“The Purge” series
“It” duology
“Annabelle” series

8. How did horror movies in the 2010s reflect societal fears and anxieties?

Horror movies in the 2010s often reflected societal fears and anxieties by exploring themes such as:

Racial tensions and discrimination (“Get Out”)
Technological dependence and surveillance (“Unfriended”)
Environmental concerns and the consequences of human actions (“The Cabin in the Woods”)
Mental health and the impact of trauma (“The Babadook”)

9. Did any horror movies from the 2010s receive critical acclaim?

Yes, several horror movies from the 2010s received critical acclaim, including:

“Get Out” – 98% on Rotten Tomatoes
“The Babadook” – 98% on Rotten Tomatoes
“Hereditary” – 89% on Rotten Tomatoes
“It Follows” – 96% on Rotten Tomatoes
“A Quiet Place” – 95% on Rotten Tomatoes

10. How did horror movies in the 2010s influence other genres?

Horror movies in the 2010s influenced other genres by introducing new storytelling techniques, exploring complex themes, and pushing the boundaries of traditional narratives.

Elements of horror can be seen in films across various genres, such as psychological thrillers, science fiction, and even comedies.

Overall, the 2010s were a transformative decade for the horror genre, with films like “Hereditary,” “Creep,” and “Train to Busan” leaving a lasting impact on audiences and redefining what horror can achieve.

11. What horror trends emerged in the 2010s?

The 2010s was a decade that saw a renaissance in horror, with a surge of critically acclaimed films that explored social issues, innovative storytelling techniques, and a blend of genres.

Summary – Best 2010s Horror Movies

The 2010s brought a new wave of horror movies that challenged traditional tropes, pushed boundaries, and captivated audiences worldwide.

A24 emerged as a powerhouse production company, redefining the genre with films like “Hereditary” and “The Witch.”

The found footage subgenre saw a resurgence with films like “Creep” and “As Above, So Below,” while international horror films like “Train to Busan” and “Raw” broke cultural barriers and introduced audiences to new perspectives.

The 2010s were a transformative decade for horror, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.

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