In any given year, there are literally dozens upon dozens of straight-to-DVD horror movie releases, with only a small handful of gems actually making it to the big screen. The genre’s gimmicks and tropes have grown old and audiences have grown smarter and less afraid of things that go bump at night. That said, in recent years, films like Get Out and It Comes At Night have managed to breathe new life into the genre, proving that there are still a few clever horror stories out there to be heard. Here we look at the best that 2019 has had to offer so far…
1. Us
Jordan Peele returns with another horror film that comments on the current political climate. Sure, it’s not on par with his debut, but you’ll be hardpressed to find film as entertaining. Us is scary, funny and fun, sometimes all at the same time.
2. Midsommar
Just when you thought Ari Aster couldn’t push the weirdness barrier any further, Midsommar delivers some of the most shocking cinematic moments in the history of the genre. It’s truly haunting.
3. Brightburn
What would happen if Superman didn’t choose to be a good guy? Brightburn explores the dark possibilities of an evil Clark Kent. While the film does have a few letdowns here and there, it also manages to deliver some heart-racing scares.
4. The Hole in the Ground
A struggling single mother discovers a gigantic sinkhole in the woods behind her house. What follows is a quietly satisfying chiller that’s slow in pacing but great is scares.
5. The Wind
Lizzy is often left alone by her husband and is haunted by either a ghost or her own mind. As the story unfolds, mostly through flashbacks, we learn about the tragic events that has taken place on their ranch. Is the land cursed? Is there something out there trying to kill her? Or is it all just a case of mental illness?
6. The Head Hunter
This dark, beautiful and powerfully atmospheric fantasy horror is super light on plot and dialogue but makes up for it with mood, plenty of gore and terrifying creatures.
7. The Perfection
A Netflix Original, The Perfection is a strange film. Just when you think you’ve grasped the story, there’s a major twist that leads you down a very different path. While it isn’t necessarily scary, it does offer a few disturbing moments.
