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The 20 Best Horror Movies of 2020

Has 2020 been a horror show? Of course. Are great horror movies still worth watching anyway? Absolutely. Are these the 20 best of the year? Duh.
Best Horror Movies
By  · Published on December 24th, 2020

5. The Dark and the Wicked

The Dark And The Wicked

Writer/director Bryan Bertino’s The Strangers (2008) has been his horror high point for over a decade now, but he’s finally delivered a follow-up that’s every bit as terrifying and even more nihilistic. He explores supernatural terrors this time around as a family’s remote farm becomes home to suffering, darkness, and something truly evil, but rather than go the expected route with possession or ghosts the film finds horror in the devil’s mere presence. It’s a slow burn taking fantastic advantage of shadows and sound design to deliver an intensely creepy watch. (Read my review.) Available to rent.


4. The Platform (Spain)

The Platform

This modern masterpiece of design and provocation might not seem like a horror film on its surface as it follows a man’s journey through a futuristic prison, but the sci-fi dystopia is presents are as horrifying as anything else the genre has put forth. It all comes down to the reality of human savagery and the possibility of compassion, empathy, and kindness. The general message is that the odds for our species aren’t good, but the story finds glimmers of hope amid the grim violence and black humor. Available to stream on Netflix.


3. His House (UK)

His House

Horror is an experience without geographical boundaries, but while the details might differ from culture to culture the core feelings remain universal. Writer/director Remi Weekes’ terrifying riff on the haunted house film sees a young immigrant couple from Sudan struggling to fit in and survive their transition into the UK. The experience is already harrowing enough, but the supernatural elements and the truth behind the couple’s journey make for an even more affecting and upsetting nightmare. More than that, the reality they left behind plays just as powerful a role as we’re reminded that the real world can sometimes be scariest of all. Available to stream on Netflix.


2. Possessor (Canada)

Possessor

Writer/director Brandon Cronenberg’s second feature continues his fascination with the intersection between technology and humanity. Thematic and tonal similarities to his father’s films are evident, but he finds a clear voice of his own with this tale of assassinations committed by professional killers temporarily inhabiting another person’s body. It’s an insanely violent ride, but more damaging than the beatings and stabbings are the emotional assaults aimed squarely at viewers. The ending ramps up the pain and savagery to finish the film on a terrifically devastating note, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. (Read my review.) Available to rent.


1. Relic (Australia)

Relic

I’ve been praising this debut feature from Natalie Erika James since its Sundance premiere at the start of 2020, and I expect that will continue for years to come. It’s a tight, creepy as hell tale that delivers the horror — unsettling beats abound leading up to an intensely frightening third act set-piece — while also finding natural observations on family, connection, loneliness, and more. And not for nothing, but it’s the rare horror effort that might just have you crying during its final few minutes. See this one, people, and then go spend time with the ones you love. (Read my review.) Available to rent.


Follow all of our 2020 Rewind coverage here.

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Rob Hunter has been writing for Film School Rejects since before you were born, which is weird seeing as he's so damn young. He's our Chief Film Critic and Associate Editor and lists 'Broadcast News' as his favorite film of all time. Feel free to say hi if you see him on Twitter @FakeRobHunter.