Before we get any further into 2024, let’s look back at the past year just one last time. As a year in horror, 2023 was filled with twists and turns, ranging from long-awaited franchise installments to new, up-and-coming indie frights. All in all, it was a fun year to be a cinephile, but there were definitely 10 films that stood out to me when it came to thrills and chills last year!
Here’s my list of my favorite/top horror films of 2023, in no particular order (after the first one)!
Note: this list includes a couple of films made prior to 2023 but released in the US in 2023, so I’m counting ‘em!
Become a Patron!Talk to Me
Absolutely without a doubt my favorite film of the year, Talk to Me took everything we know about the genre and upended it, creating an emotional, tense, and terrifying story brought to life by amazing actors.
True suspense coupled with gasp-out-loud moments and tear-filled exchanges made this memorable movie my pick for the best horror movie of the year.
Talk to Me United States Release Date: July 28, 2023.
Evil Dead Rise
Most horror fans are not only well aware of the Evil Dead films, but most of us are diehard fans from a young age. I was definitely skeptical of this new entry in the series, but my fears were quelled instantly upon seeing the first few minutes of this brilliant, bold film (and that title card! Still swooning!) packed with gruesome gore and a fast-paced, scary storyline.
Evil Dead Rise United States Release Date: April 21, 2023.
Saw X
The Saw series is one of my favorites, and upon hearing Tobin Bell and Shawnee Smith would reunite for this movie, I was chomping at the bit to see if it could possibly be half as good as I imagined.
Well, it surpassed my high expectations! Fun new traps, lots of cool backstory and character definition, and flawless performances by Jigsaw and his wily apprentice makes Saw X a can’t-miss movie for franchise fans! And yes, maybe I cried a little. I’m a fan! And the end credits scene? Chef’s kiss!
Saw X United States Release Date: September 29, 2023.
Totally Killer
I don’t usually expect much from direct-to-streaming films, but every now and then I am shocked, and Totally Killer was a pleasant and unexpected surprise!
All you really had to say to get me to watch was “Kiernan Shipka,” but the fact that it’s billed as a Back to the Future-style film complete with ‘80s references, well, that’s my whole heart in a nutshell! As a kid of the decade of excess, I absolutely adore movies set in that period, and Totally Killer gave us a cool new killer, tons of hilarious references, and a fun time-traveling plotline.
Absolutely adorable, refreshing, lighthearted, and just a good time.
Totally Killer United States Release Date: October 6, 2023.
Haunted Mansion
Yeah, I know, I didn’t see Disney’s Haunted Mansion on any “best of” lists this past year, but that’s okay. It definitely pulled at my heartstrings, and it’s a rare film that can do that especially combined with horror.
This remake of the Eddie Murphy film was quite a departure from that movie, creating characters with tons of heart and real-life problems. The variety of actors in this film (Danny DeVito? Loved it!) as well as the storyline that dealt deeply with grief hit me hard for a variety of personal reasons. That being said, I thought it was really sweet, genuinely funny, and engaging. I loved it.
Haunted Mansion United States Release Date: July 28, 2023.
Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor
I have been telling anyone who will listen for YEARS about the Hell House LLC series. If you are a horror fan and you haven’t seen these, please correct that ASAP! These aren’t your average found footage films. The first movie still freaks me out, and the clowns in the basement show up regularly in my nightmares.
I was a bit apprehensive upon hearing about this prequel, but I also couldn’t wait to see what it would be like. To my shock and joy, Origins is a solid film, filling in some knowledge gaps from earlier films and ratcheting up the scares (my creepy clown gets top billing here, ewww!) If you’re a fan of the series, give it a watch!
Hell House LLC Origins The Carmichael Manor United States Release Date: October 30, 2023.
The Blackening
I knew from the trailer that this film would be funny, but as most of us know, what’s shown in previews are sometimes the funniest parts of comedy horror films. I am glad to report that The Blackening still had lots of laughs in store!
This movie is laugh-out-loud hilarious, timely, and at times satirical. Is it really scary? Not so much, but I definitely jumped a couple of times. Well worth the watch, because I truly believe that good horror comedies are hard to come by, making them that much more special when you find a great one – and this movie fits the bill!
The Blackening United States Release Date: June 16, 2023.
No One Will Save You
This little Hulu film made the rounds towards the end of the year, and at first I wasn’t going to watch it. I am honestly terrified of aliens (Fire in the Sky still lives in my head rent-free) and even though I am a massive X-Files fan, I don’t seek out alien fare, as it were. However, I like Kaitlyn Dever quite a bit, and the premise looked intriguing.
Wow, No One Will Save You is really beautiful. It’s a simple story of a secretive, sweet young woman living an old-fashioned life until, well, you know. The ending is a gut-punch, a total twist, and I absolutely loved it.
No One Will Save You United States Release Date: September 22, 2023.
M3GAN
Yes, this film got a lot of talk over the year, and it’s all true! The story of a lifelike robot who becomes a young, grieving girl’s companion is a lot of fun. The viral M3GAN dance had everyone talking, and this movie actually has chops – some great kills and gore, a suspenseful storyline, and quotable, hilarious dialogue. I can’t wait to see the sequel!
M3GAN United States Release Date: January 6, 2023.
Scream VI
I’ve had mixed feelings about the newer batch of Scream films, so I didn’t roll into Scream VI with any lofty expectations. So, I was pleasantly surprised to not only enjoy this film but really get a kick out of it. The Core Four kind of came together for me, and I enjoyed the characters more in this film.
The kills are great. The Ghostface shrine was absolutely epic, and I loved the mind-trick finale. This movie hit all the right notes, and although I don’t think any of these newer films were necessary, this one is pretty good, and the franchise is currently hanging in the balance, so it could possibly be our last time to see Ghostface. If that’s true, I’d say he went out with quite a bang!
Scream VI United States Release Date: March 10, 2023.
What Were Your Top Horror Films of 2023?
What were your favorite horror films that came out last year? And which are you most looking forward to in 2024? Let me know!
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