With 2023 arriving next month, it is great to keep track of the movies, shows and other content we consumed or heard about this year. Every year, film studios will treat us to some great movies that even rose to prominence. This year, those same studios worked extra hard to deliver great horror flicks.
1. “Barbarian”
For those of you that enjoy disturbing plot twists and comedic undertones in horror, this film is for you. The audience follows Tess (Georgina Campbell) as she stays at an Airbnb in Detroit, Michigan, then unexpectedly has to share it with the mysterious Keith (Bill Skarsgard). Any predictions you may have before seeing “Barbarian” will not likely measure up to the insane plot.
“Barbarian” is streaming on HBO Max.
2. “Incantation”
This Taiwanese found-footage film takes the scares to the next level with its immersion and mystery. These tapes from Li Ronan (Hsuan-yen Tsai) follow her struggles after six years of fear after breaking a religious taboo. She must protect her daughter Dodo (Sin-Ting Huang) from the curse, even asking the viewer for help.
“Incantation” is streaming on Netfli
3. “Smile”
An unexpectedly beloved new horror with a terrifying premise full of dread should be the next watch for you. The film follows Rose (Sosie Bacon), a therapist who witnesses a traumatic event and then sees people smiling at her nearly everywhere. As the only one who sees these sinister smiles, Rose must confront this supernatural force in this twisty travel through trauma.
“Smile” is streaming on Paramount Plus.
4. “Orphan: First Kill”
This prequel to the 2009 film “Orphan” follows Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman) pretending to be the lost daughter of wealthy Tricia (Julia Stiles), and Allen Albright (Rossif Sutherland). Despite the audience knowing how this prequel would end, the plot twists and mysterious characters will leave viewers shocked.
“Orphan: First Kill” is streaming on Paramount Plus.”
5. “X”
In this film set in the 1970s, the audience follows a group of filmmakers who go to a farm to make an adult film but encounter some sinister forces. Going back in time to the era of slashers while putting a spin on it should be a good time for the audience.
“X” can be rented or bought on Amazon Video Prime.
6. “Pearl”
This prequel to “X” shows Pearl (Mia Goth) as a young girl living on her parent’s farm while hoping for a better life, even if she has to kill for it. The film has a powerful performance from the main lead along with a compelling villain backstory.
“Pearl” can be rented or bought on Amazon Video Prime.
7. “Nope”
Director Jordan Peele made another film filled with his signature comedic elements which pair well with the horror. The audience follows siblings OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald (Keke Palmer) living on a horse ranch when they notice something terrifying and mysterious floating in the sky. Make sure to watch this movie if you want more of Peele’s signature horror.
“Nope” is streaming on Peacock.
8. “Fresh”
This modern-day horror has body horror elements paired with some comedy, which spells out a successful flick. The film follows Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones) navigating the awful dating world and runs into Steve (Sebastian Stan), who has more sinister plans in mind for Noa. Everything from the bright visuals to the disturbing plot should push you to watch this.
“Fresh” is streaming on Hulu.
9. “Bodies Bodies Bodies”
Another modern-day horror with comedic elements this time follows Sophie (Amandla Stenberg) and a group of young adults staying at a mansion where things turn deadly. This film has comedy and commentary on the new generation which goes great next to the slasher elements.
“Bodies Bodies Bodies” can be rented or bought on Amazon Video Prime.
10. “Prey”
The latest installment in the “Predator” franchise goes back in time to the Comanche Nation in the 1700s and tribe member Naru (Amber Midthunder). Naru comes face-to-face with the infamous Predator and plans to take him down. Tune into this Indigenous-led survival horror if you love high-stakes terror and action in your movies.
“Prey” is streaming on Hulu.
If you’re a horror fan, end the year strong with these popular flicks. Each year that passes provides us with great scary movies to watch and this one was no different.