Every once in a while, I get to thinking about my favorite horror movies. Some are incredibly bad. Some are great. Then there are the ones that — in my opinion — are pristine. So while it’s still early in the year and I have them on my mind, let’s discuss some of the movies I’d give 100% to. This list is in no way exhaustive, but it’s a good start! In no particular order, we have…
The Ring (2002)
If you know me, you know The Ring changed my life. One I frequently mention when asked what my favorite horror movie is, America’s take on J-horror is a solid movie in every aspect. It has the scares (and possibly my favorite and most effective jump scare of all time). It has the moody atmosphere. The story is impeccable. Even though the technology the story revolves around is dated, I feel like The Ring still stands the test of time. This was the first horror movie I ever saw in theaters, and that’s also part of it; nostalgia really puts a rose-colored lens on things… except here, the lens is waterlogged and an early 2000s teal.
Sinister (2012)
Often hailed as one of the scariest movies of all times, Sinister was a game changer as half analog horror, and half paranormal blockbuster. A unique storyline for sure, but the winning aspect are the Super 8 home movies and accompanying music. Some say Sinister was ruined by one particular scene involving ghost children; while I agree it’s a little weird, I don’t think it’s a big enough reason to dock any cool points at all. At that point in the movie, we’re already too anxious and high-strung to find flaws.
The Ugly Stepsister (2025)
If Disney did their movies closer to the source material, I would actually like them. The Ugly Stepsister takes Cinderella and not only tells the story from the stepsister’s POV, but adds a gruesome body horror plot to it. It’s gross. It’s emotional. It’s funny. I never thought I could love a fairy tale so much until I saw this one, and I’m glad for it. Be prepared for subtitles placed perfectly over scenes involving tapeworms and needled eyelids.
Doctor Sleep (2019)
As a Shining fan, Doctor Sleep was amazing. I read the book when it came out and was so excited to hear a movie was being made as well. And when I did go see it, it felt like I was actually in the movie, almost IMAX level with the gorgeous visuals. Doctor Sleep also felt like having a Shining moment for myself; I wasn’t alive when the classic came out, so I wouldn’t know what it was like seeing it in theaters. This, though, felt like everything was an inside joke that only those who had watched the movie and read the books knew about.
The Witch (2015)
It wouldn’t be a Let’s Talk Terror countdown list without me mentioning The Witch. Robert Eggers is slowly becoming one of my favorite directors with his almost Kubrick-level attention to detail and historical accuracy. The Witch is literally perfect in my eyes. It has the facts and little tidbits that would only make sense if you were familiar with Puritan witchcraft folklore. The setting is beautiful yet terrifying. Black Phillip (and his unseen human form) is *chef’s kiss* perfection. And having now visited Salem, Massachusetts, I am even more in love with this film.
The Invitation (2015)
Along with horror movies, I sometimes like to delve into true crime. The Invitation reminds me heavily of the Jonestown Massacre. Not one single second of this film lets up from the tension and anxiousness it projects onto you. From the beginning, you know something is wrong. So wrong. Deadly. It’s only a matter of time before shit hits the fan, and when it does, we become stuck in a fire with no exits, desperately trying to leave the situation with our lives intact. But it’s not just constant tension; The Invitation slips in background and insight into the minds of dinner party guests so you feel their desperation more thoroughly.
And there we are! Drop a comment and tell me what horror movies you’d give 100% to!
