Horror cinema is truly thriving in 2023, showcasing the brilliance of seasoned directors delivering some of their most compelling work in recent memory, alongside emerging talents who are making significant impacts with their initial major releases, and classic series setting new benchmarks in box office earnings.
Amidst this abundance of quality horror films, we’ve curated a selection of the crème de la crème, catering to a diverse audience range – from those slightly timid about horror to the enthusiasts who revel in the thrill of fear and the spectacle of gore. Regardless of your horror preference, it’s highly likely that 2023 has produced a horror film that aligns with your tastes. In our endeavor to guide you to your next horror favorite, we’ve compiled a definitive list of the best horror movies of 2024, ranked by scariness, showcasing the standout horror films of the year, distinguished by their capacity to induce chills of various degrees.
Understanding that everyone’s quest for the perfect scare is unique, we’ve meticulously arranged our list by the intensity of fear they evoke. Defining scariness can be subjective, hence we’ve dissected the concept into two distinct categories: terror, encompassing everything from unsettling creepiness to outright horrifying experiences, and gore, which focuses solely on the level of bloodshed depicted. Each film is scored out of five in both categories, and these scores are combined to formulate an (almost) scientific measurement of scariness.
For those in pursuit of that spine-tingling sensation, here are the pinnacle of horror films from 2023, meticulously ranked from the mildly unsettling to the supremely terrifying. Additionally, for those interested in a wider perspective on the year’s cinematic offerings, we present our comprehensive overview of the best movies of 2023. Our latest update enriches this list with the inclusion of “Thanksgiving” and “Godzilla Minus One,” finalizing our roundup of the year’s paramount horror experiences.
M3GAN
Run time: 1h 42m
Director: Gerard Johnstone
Cast: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ronny Chieng
Where to watch: Prime Video
M3GAN stands out as a horror comedy that leans more towards humor, making it one of the most entertaining yet least frightening entries on our list. It’s also hailed as one of the standout movies of its genre. The plot centers on Gemma, a dedicated toy engineer whose life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes the guardian of her newly orphaned niece, Cady. Rather than taking on traditional caregiving responsibilities, Gemma opts to create a robot to take on the role of parenting Cady, leading to unforeseen and tumultuous consequences. Despite the ensuing chaos and acts of violence, M3GAN manages to maintain a light-hearted and amusing tone, largely due to its relentless humor and PG-13 rating. This ensures that the movie remains engaging and mildly spooky without ever crossing the boundary into genuine terror, appealing to a broad spectrum of viewers. —Austen Goslin
HOW SCARY IS M3GAN?
- Terror: 1/5
- Gore: 2/5
Total scariness score: 3/10
NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU
Run time: 1 hour 33 minutes
Director: Brian Duffield
Cast: Kaitlyn Dever, Elizabeth Kaluev, Zack Duhame
Where to watch: Hulu
In the realm of home invasion films, a genre steeped in suspense and surprises, NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU introduces a captivating twist by incorporating aliens into its narrative.
This film features Kaitlyn Dever as Brynn, a woman of few words and a preference for the simplicity and traditions of the past, reflected in her choice of attire and the vintage charm of her home, all the while eschewing the complexities of modern technology. Her tranquil life is dramatically disrupted when she encounters an unexpected visitor from outer space within her home.
NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU excels in scenes set within the confines of Brynn’s beautifully antiquated residence, where the film creatively employs the alien’s menacing presence to craft suspense and surprise both for Brynn and the audience. Moreover, the film breaks out of the house’s boundaries to deliver exhilarating chase sequences and intriguing glimpses into the alien’s existence.
While the film doesn’t venture into overly terrifying territory, the mere concepts of an alien invasion and home intrusion provide a foundation for a mildly eerie atmosphere, devoid of excessive gore. Although the notion of extraterrestrial elements in a home invasion scenario isn’t entirely novel, NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU manages to be immensely enjoyable and serves as an ideal primer for those who appreciate a blend of mild scares and excitement. —AG
HOW SCARY IS NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU?
- Terror: 2/5
- Gore: 1/5
Total scariness score: 3/10
GODZILLA MINUS ONE
Run time: 2h 5m
Director: Takashi Yamazaki
Cast: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Munetaka Aoki
Where to watch: Theaters
Japan’s impressive run of captivating Godzilla films is extended with GODZILLA MINUS ONE. This installment distinguishes itself by leaning more towards melodrama compared to “Shin Godzilla,” and adopting a more classic monster movie approach than the Godzilla movies produced by Legendary Entertainment. GODZILLA MINUS ONE harks back to the essence of the inaugural Godzilla movie, revisiting a post-war Japan besieged by the colossal lizard creature wreaking havoc across its urban landscapes.
In this iteration, Godzilla is portrayed as an enigmatic force of nature, whose terrifying presence is intensified by human interference, reviving the character’s origins as a symbol of destruction and fear. While not overly graphic or directly frightening, the treatment of the legendary lizard in GODZILLA MINUS ONE is crafted with a profound sense of respect and trepidation, solidly positioning this film within the horror genre despite its classic monster movie foundation. —AG
HOW SCARY IS GODZILLA MINUS ONE?
- Terror: 3/5
- Gore: 1/5
Total scariness score: 4/10
THE POPE’S EXORCIST
Run time: 1h 43m
Director: Julius Avery
Cast: Russell Crowe, Daniel Zovatto, Alex Essoe
Where to watch: Netflix
Russell Crowe is currently embracing roles that don’t see him taking himself too seriously, much to the delight of audiences worldwide. In THE POPE’S EXORCIST, Crowe stars as Father Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican’s go-to exorcist, personally endorsed by the Pope himself, portrayed by the iconic Franco Nero.
Father Amorth is depicted zipping around on a moped, clumsily yet effectively navigating his duties, allowing Crowe to indulge in an extravagantly thick Italian accent reminiscent of the one in “House of Gucci.” This setup promises a thoroughly enjoyable experience, but the film offers more than just entertainment. THE POPE’S EXORCIST stands out as an impressively sleek and engaging exorcism film, striking a balance between genuinely eerie moments and a captivating mystery, all while showcasing some visually stunning scenes.
The film’s comedic elements ensure it never becomes overly frightening, maintaining the traditional exorcism movie approach of avoiding excessive gore. Nonetheless, few recent films have managed to blend horror and amusement as adeptly as THE POPE’S EXORCIST. The film leaves audiences eagerly anticipating the possibility of the 199 sequels it playfully hints at. —AG
HOW SCARY IS THE POPE’S EXORCIST?
- Terror: 2/5
- Gore: 2/5
Total scariness score: 4/10
INSIDIOUS: THE RED DOOR
Run time: 1h 47m
Director: Patrick Wilson
Cast: Ty Simpkins, Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne
Where to watch: VOD
The Insidious franchise has consistently delivered engaging horror experiences filled with original jump scares, outstanding demon/monster creations, and incredibly eerie set designs. INSIDIOUS: THE RED DOOR continues this tradition, standing out as one of the franchise’s most compelling installments yet.
This latest film serves as a direct follow-up to Insidious: Chapter 2, unfolding nine years later. It follows Dalton (Ty Simpkins), now a college freshman, and Josh (Patrick Wilson), who is navigating life as a divorced father. Both father and son begin to reconnect with the Further, a spectral realm that has plagued their family, awakening new demons eager to use them as gateways to our world.
INSIDIOUS: THE RED DOOR maintains a straightforward plot, yet it effectively concludes the series by exploring how the characters confront and manage their ties to the Further, rather than denying or erasing these connections as attempted in previous chapters. However, the film’s true appeal lies in its consistent strength across the series: serving as an exciting platform for emerging horror directors to showcase their skills.
Initially, the franchise allowed James Wan to revolutionize the haunted house genre. Now, INSIDIOUS: THE RED DOOR offers Patrick Wilson, a veteran actor of the series, an opportunity to debut as a director. Wilson’s direction reveals a knack for crafting brilliantly timed and highly enjoyable jump scares, demonstrating his enthusiasm for this aspect of horror, all while keeping the film from venturing into excessive gore, despite some scenes of blood. —AG
HOW SCARY IS INSIDIOUS: THE RED DOOR?
- Terror: 2/5
- Gore: 2/5
Total scariness score: 4/10
TOTALLY KILLER
Run time: 1h 46m
Director: Nahnatchka Khan
Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Olivia Holt, Charlie Gillespie
Where to watch: Prime Video
In 1987, a quaint town was plunged into terror by a series of three brutal murders. Years later, it appears the murderer has resurfaced, determined to complete his grim mission. Amidst this resurgence of fear, the daughter (played by Kiernan Shipka) of the latest victim embarks on a daring journey back to the date of the inaugural killing, hoping to alter the course of history.
TOTALLY KILLER, directed by Nahnatchka Khan, known for “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23,” navigates its runtime as a predominantly fun and comedic experience, buoyed by an inventive plot and a spirited ensemble. While the film predominantly leans towards comedy, it does not hesitate to embrace its horror elements during crucial moments. The slasher sequences are executed with a palpable tension and do not spare the audience from the ensuing bloodshed, ensuring that the film genuinely encapsulates the essence of terror when it ventures into horror territory. —PV
HOW SCARY IS TOTALLY KILLER?
- Terror: 2/5
- Gore: 3/5
Total scariness score: 5/10
THE BOOGEYMAN
Run time: 1h 38m
Director: Rob Savage
Cast: Sophie Thatcher, Chris Messina, Vivien Lyra Blair
Where to watch: Hulu
THE BOOGEYMAN, an adaptation of a Stephen King short story, distinguishes itself by feeling more like an extension of the original tale rather than a direct narrative translation, achieving a remarkable impact. This film skillfully navigates its PG-13 constraints to deliver a narrative that stands out as one of the most somber offerings of the year.
The plot centers around a father and his two daughters who encounter an eerie entity shortly after a mysterious man, portrayed by the inherently spooky David Dastmalchian, stumbles into the father’s home-based psychiatry office and passes away. Following this incident, the daughters increasingly perceive the presence of a sinister, shadowy creature that preys on their grief.
THE BOOGEYMAN predominantly explores themes of grief and trauma, manifesting these emotional experiences into a tangible, supernatural threat, a narrative strategy shared by many contemporary non-slasher films. Although it may not navigate these themes as adeptly as some modern classics like “The Babadook,” “Talk to Me,” or “Midsommar,” it still surpasses films like “Smile” in its execution, particularly in how it avoids veering into absurdity towards its conclusion.
What sets THE BOOGEYMAN apart in its creepiness is the suggestion that the curse is arbitrary and relentless, pursuing its victims until their demise. This perspective serves as a grim commentary on trauma, portraying it as an inescapable and often bleak reality, a stance not commonly taken by current horror films.
Yet, despite its chilling premise, the film’s PG-13 rating ensures it never becomes overly violent, though it does not hold back on delivering numerous effective jump scares. —AG
HOW SCARY IS THE BOOGEYMAN?
- Terror: 3/5
- Gore: 2/5
Total scariness score: 5/10
SICK
Run time: 1h 23m
Director: John Hyams
Cast: Gideon Adlon, Bethlehem Million, Dylan Sprayberry
Where to watch: Peacock
John Hyams, a director I greatly admire, delivers yet again with his COVID-19 themed slasher, SICK, which impresses despite some aspects of its pandemic backdrop not fully resonating. Renowned for his adept handling of suspense, rhythm, and harsh action sequences, Hyams encapsulates these strengths in an efficient 80-minute narrative. The story unfolds with two college students retreating to a secluded cabin amidst the early days of the COVID outbreak, only to be confronted by an unforeseen menace.
While SICK veers more towards tension than outright horror, it doesn’t shy away from depicting violence. The film includes unsettling scenes of fractured bones and occasional bursts of blood, contributing to its grim atmosphere. —Pete Volk
HOW SCARY IS SICK?
- Terror: 2/5
- Gore: 3/5
Total scariness score: 5/10
THANKSGIVING
Run time: 1h 46m
Director: Eli Roth
Cast: Patrick Dempsey, Nell Verlaque, Addison Rae
Where to watch: Theaters
THANKSGIVING strikes a perfect balance between humor and horror, showcasing Eli Roth’s flair for blending gory details with comedic elements in this holiday-themed slasher. The story unfolds in a New England town haunted by a murderer donning the guise of John Carver, seeking vengeance for a Black Friday catastrophe that resulted in three fatalities. At its core, THANKSGIVING resonates as the most reminiscent tribute to the Scream series since Wes Craven’s last involvement in 2011, albeit with a heightened level of savagery and dark humor than what was typically seen in Craven’s satirical saga. This film doesn’t hesitate to gruesomely bisect a victim only to display the remains atop a supermarket’s “Half Off” signage, embodying the film’s unique blend of macabre wit.
HOW SCARY IS THANKSGIVING?
- Terror: 2/5
- Gore: 4/5
Total scariness score: 6/10
INFINITY POOL
Run time: 1h 57m
Director: Brandon Cronenberg
Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Cleopatra Coleman
Where to watch: Hulu
INFINITY POOL, Brandon Cronenberg’s third cinematic endeavor, presents a dystopian portrayal where the world becomes an extravagant playground for the ultra-rich—taken to an extreme beyond current realities. The setting is a luxurious resort catering to the affluent in a country with stringent laws that can easily be manipulated or outright disregarded by those with ample financial resources. The narrative unfolds amidst cloning experiments, hedonistic murder celebrations, drug-induced orgies, and features Alexander Skarsgård in a uniquely submissive role, amalgamating the essential components for either an idyllic tropical getaway or a deeply unsettling horror film that delves into existential inquiries regarding personal identity and the fear of being supplanted by an inferior copy.
INFINITY POOL distinguishes itself with its less-than-discreet depiction of violence, showcasing the gruesomeness of clone dismemberment and providing graphic visualizations of individuals facing death in a myriad of dreadful manners, marking it as a film that boldly explores the visceral aspects of its dystopian vision. —AG
HOW SCARY IS INFINITY POOL?
- Terror: 2/5
- Gore: 4/5
Total scariness score: 6/10
KNOCK AT THE CABIN
Run time: 1h 40m
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge
Where to watch: Prime Video
KNOCK AT THE CABIN has lingered in my thoughts incessantly since my initial viewing in theaters. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, this psychological horror thriller intricately weaves the story of a family—Eric, Andrew, and Wen (played by Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge, and Kristen Cui)—who find themselves besieged by a quartet of heavily armed strangers during a secluded retreat in a Pennsylvania cabin. These intruders, led by Leonard (Dave Bautista), reveal they have no desire to harm the family or seek a ransom. Instead, they deliver a chilling ultimatum, claiming a divine command compels them to convince the family to sacrifice one of their own or face the annihilation of humanity, excluding themselves.
Adapted from Paul G. Tremblay’s 2018 novel “The Cabin at the End of the World,” the essence of terror in Shyamalan’s KNOCK AT THE CABIN is not rooted in explicit violence, which is present but fleeting, nor is it in the depiction of worldwide apocalyptic destruction reminiscent of a Roland Emmerich spectacle. The true horror emerges from a profound and existential dilemma that, while seldom articulated, forms the crux of the film’s thematic depth and emotional resonance: the inquiry into why the divine would demand the greatest sacrifices from those who have endured significant loss, and why it is expected to show love towards those inclined towards hate, to the extent of sacrificing personal joy for individuals indifferent to our existence.
This philosophical question deviates from the conventional horror trope of sensationalized violence or dystopian excess. Instead, KNOCK AT THE CABIN challenges viewers to introspect about the alignment of their beliefs with their actions towards others and the extent of their willingness to sacrifice for unknown individuals.
The profound impact of KNOCK AT THE CABIN on me stems from a haunting contemplation post-viewing: In a real scenario mirroring the film’s ultimatum, involving marginalized individuals such as a trans woman, a migrant child, or an unhoused person, facing a choice between their love and the lives of others, could we justly criticize their decision? This question encapsulates the film’s potent blend of horror with a deep, moral inquiry, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience. —Toussaint Egan
HOW SCARY IS KNOCK AT THE CABIN?
- Terror: 4/5
- Gore: 2/5
Total scariness score: 6/10
SKINAMARINK
Run time: 1h 40m
Director: Kyle Edward Ball
Cast: Lucas Paul, Dali Rose Tetreault, Ross Paul
Where to watch: Shudder, Hulu
SKINAMARINK, in a scene reminiscent of The Empire Strikes Back where Luke Skywalker is guided by Yoda into a cave as part of his Jedi training, encapsulates a similar enigmatic essence. Yoda’s response to Luke’s inquiry about the cave’s contents, “Only what you take with you,” could seamlessly apply to Kyle Edward Ball’s debut horror feature. The film, having stirred a mix of astonishment and division among audiences this year, stands out not just for its narrative but for its distinctive presentation, much like the comparison drawn to The Blair Witch Project by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, both in terms of content and its polarizing nature.
Crafted on a shoestring budget of $15,000 and shot within the walls of Ball’s childhood residence in Canada, SKINAMARINK invites viewers into an almost impenetrable story centered around the eerie experiences of two children, Kevin and Kaylee. They wake to find their father missing, along with every exit point of their home. The ensuing disappearance of their bedridden mother compounds the mystery, leaving them to confront the unsettling presence that distorts their reality with sinister demands.
The film’s essence lies in its ability to divide viewer opinion, reminiscent of Yoda’s cave, where the experience hinges on individual perspective. For those anticipating a conventional horror film with clear narrative structures and polished production values, SKINAMARINK may prove perplexing. Conversely, those with a nostalgia-tinted view or a penchant for the abstract might find in it a deeply resonant echo of childhood fears and nightmares.
For the optimal viewing experience of SKINAMARINK, it’s recommended to immerse fully by dimming lights and eliminating distractions, enhancing the film’s ability to transport and transform the commonplace into the realm of terror. —TE
HOW SCARY IS SKINAMARINK?
- Terror: 3/5
- Gore: 3/5
Total scariness score: 6/10
EVIL DEAD RISE
Run time: 1h 36m
Director: Lee Cronin
Cast: Alyssa Sutherland, Lily Sullivan, Morgan Davies
Where to watch:Max
EVIL DEAD RISE elevates the already impressively consistent Evil Dead series to new heights, marking its fifth installment as a significant departure from its predecessors while maintaining its core essence. This latest addition, directed by a fresh vision yet again, transitions from the franchise’s traditional forested horrors to the confines of an urban landscape, setting its eerie narrative within an apartment building—a move that injects a novel dimension of terror into the series.
Distinguished from its predecessors and the myriad of films it has influenced, EVIL DEAD RISE shifts focus towards familial bonds, adding a layer of emotional depth to its horror. The film retains the iconic elements that fans adore, including the catastrophic consequences of meddling with the Necronomicon, alongside the emblematic presence of a shotgun and chainsaw. However, it reinvents these classic motifs with unique twists that resonate with both longstanding enthusiasts and newcomers to the franchise.
By relocating the sinister occurrences from secluded woods to the urban expanse, EVIL DEAD RISE introduces a fresh lexicon of scares and savage fatalities. This progression not only broadens the scope of its frightful allure but also enriches the Evil Dead legacy with new, blood-curdling milestones that underscore its enduring appeal and versatility across different settings and narratives. —AG
HOW SCARY IS EVIL DEAD RISE?
- Terror: 3/5
- Gore: 4/5
Total scariness score: 7/10
SAW X
Run time: 1h 58m
Director: Kevin Greutert
Cast: Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Synnøve Macody Lund
Where to watch: Rent on Youtube, Prime Video
SAW X plunges deeper into the macabre world of the Saw franchise, marking its tenth installment with the notorious Jigsaw continuing his vigilante crusade. This time, his moral compass targets a particularly vile group—phony doctors exploiting cancer patients—positioning this chapter as one of his most morally compelling ventures yet. Unlike some of its predecessors, SAW X spends more time laying the groundwork for the narrative, setting the stage for the intricate and blood-curdling traps Jigsaw is infamous for.
For fans familiar with the franchise’s grisly legacy, the expectation of gore will be met and exceeded, maintaining the series’ hallmark of visceral terror. Yet, SAW X distinguishes itself by weaving through a tightly-knit thriller, rife with tension, chilling scenes, and a series of twists that ensure the audience remains on edge. This combination of moral ambiguity, psychological depth, and the expected deluge of blood and gore, crafts a gripping experience that holds true to the essence of the Saw series while offering fresh horrors and ethical dilemmas to ponder. —AG
HOW SCARY IS SAW X
- Terror: 3/5
- Gore: 5/5
Total scariness score: 8/10
TALK TO ME
Run time: 1h 35m
Directors: Danny Philippou, Michael Philippou
Cast: Ari McCarthy, Hamish Phillips, Kit Erhart-Bruce
Where to watch: VOD
TALK TO ME presents a horror concept that’s as enticing as any: a group of teenagers stumble upon an embalmed hand with the power to momentarily connect them with the spirit realm. This seemingly benign ability comes with a critical catch—if the connection extends too long, the spirits can possess the user. This knowledge doesn’t deter the group; instead, they exploit this supernatural phenomenon as a novel thrill, akin to a party drug. Among them, Mia (portrayed by Sophie Wilde), grieving her mother’s recent death, sees a unique opportunity to reconnect with her lost parent, a venture that predictably spirals into chaos.
TALK TO ME excels in delivering a masterclass on horror narrative efficiency, swiftly establishing its premise before diving headlong into the ensuing terror. The film thrives in its portrayal of the reckless abandon of youth, with party scenes that pulse with energy and possession sequences that borrow the visceral dynamism of action cinema, each spirit’s takeover rendered with an intensity that’s as unsettling as it is mesmerizing.
What sets TALK TO ME apart, adding a visceral layer to its already compelling premise, is its approach to gore. Although the gruesomeness is strategically sparing, it’s impactful, ensuring that the consequences for the characters feel devastatingly real. This blend of innovative horror, combined with a unique premise and judicious use of gore, positions TALK TO ME as a standout horror film, cementing its place among the most unnerving offerings of the year. —AG
HOW SCARY IS TALK TO ME?
- Terror: 4/5
- Gore: 5/5
Total scariness score: 9/10
THE OUTWATERS
Run time: 1h 50m
Director: Robbie Banfitch
Cast: Robbie Banfitch, Angela Basolis, Scott Schamell
Where to watch: Tubi, Vudu, The Roku Channel, and Plex
THE OUTWATERS ventures into the chilling realm of found-footage horror, tracing the eerie disappearance of a group of friends within the vast, unforgiving landscape of the Mojave Desert. Unlike the typical found-footage narrative that leans heavily on unseen terrors and the enigmatic fate of its characters, THE OUTWATERS boldly shifts the paradigm, embracing a visceral portrayal of violence. This approach secures its position as potentially the most intense horror spectacle of the year, boasting graphically stunning depictions of carnage.
In addition to its graphic content, the film masterfully intertwines elements of cosmic horror, offering viewers a series of deeply unsettling visuals. However, these disturbing images only fully reveal their dread-inducing power in moments of adequate lighting, adding a layer of accessibility to the film’s horrors. THE OUTWATERS distinguishes itself within the horror genre through its uncompromising commitment to showcasing explicit violence, combined with its unnerving atmospheric tension, setting a new standard for found-footage horror. —AG
HOW SCARY IS THE OUTWATERS?
- Terror: 4/5
- Gore: 5/5
Total scariness score: 9/10
WHEN EVIL LURKS
Run time: 1 hour 39 minutes
Director: Demián Rugna
Cast: Ezequiel Rodríguez, Demián Salomón, Luis Ziembrowski
Where to watch: Shudder
WHEN EVIL LURKS emerges as a standout in the crowded field of possession-themed cinema in 2023, setting a new benchmark for its genre with its bleak, haunting narrative and unrelenting brutality. Set against the backdrop of a remote village, shrouded in the aftermath of a mysterious, cataclysmic event, the film plunges its audience into a world where evil pervades every corner, and demonic possession becomes the new norm.
The story centers around two brothers whose failure to properly vanquish a possessed soul catapults their existence into a vortex of unspeakable violence and death. What sets WHEN EVIL LURKS apart is not just its fascination with the macabre but its ingenious approach to depicting death. Each scene of demise is crafted with a creative flair that captivates rather than repels, maintaining a delicate balance that ensnares the viewer without descending into gratuitous gore.
This film distinguishes itself by its clever restraint, knowing precisely when to pull back to avoid excess, thus maintaining a riveting hold on the audience’s attention. WHEN EVIL LURKS stands as a testament to the power of horror that skilfully blends gore with a compelling narrative, making it a superior entry in the year’s roster of possession films. Its relentless darkness and the palpable sense of doom that pervades the storyline underscore its unique position as the most formidable and unforgettable horror movie of the year. —AG
HOW SCARY IS WHEN EVIL LURKS?
- Terror: 5/5
- Gore: 5/5
Total scariness score: 10/10