Horror is a genre of film that embraces the dark, eerie, and even paranormal aspects of life and puts them on display for audiences to both enjoy and fear. Horror movies have been around since the beginning of filmmaking. However, films like Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining are widely renowned as true classics, credited for laying the foundations of the genre we know today.

Yet, modern Horror films, especially those from the late 2010s and 2020s, can be equally groundbreaking; with new stories, characters, and frights, some of these new Horror films have rightfully earned the title of modern classic. Today, we look at some of the best modern horror films, with some moderate spoilers ahead.

11 Midsommar (2019)

     A24

Unlike most horror films, which are often visually dark and dreary, Midsommar does things a little differently. Instead, the scene is set with bright colors, sunny fields, and flowers. The film uses these cheery aspects to its advantage, serving as a stark contrast to the horrific events that unfold. By breaking free of the typical horror mold, Midsommar is an undeniable modern classic and great watch for anyone with a strong stomach.

10 Get Out (2017)

     Universal Pictures

Get Out is the first Jordan Peele entry on this list, but certainly not the last. In this 2017 hit, we follow main character, Chris, as he learns about and eventually falls victim to the strange and sadistic family of his girlfriend, Rose. The film tackles social issues like racism and classism, which ramps the emotional impact and fear factor up even higher.

9 A Quiet Place (2018)

     Paramount Pictures

A Quiet Place takes the subtle eeriness of complete silence and turns it up to ten. In this petrifying horror-thriller, the world is plagued by an alien species who will target anyone who makes even the slightest sound. When the Abbott family are hunted by these killers, they must desperately search for a way to survive. This movie will have viewers on the edge of their seats, praying that the characters won’t make a peep.

8 It (2017)

The 2017 remake of Stephen King’s It takes the original story to a new level. The town of Derry as well as the cast get a full makeover, but the biggest redesign of all goes to the infamous killer-clown, Pennywise. Modern technology and CGI have allowed the on-screen horrors to look even more gruesome and believable.

7 Annabelle Comes Home (2019)

     Warner Bros.

Annabelle is one of the most famous killer dolls. But in 2019’s Annabelle Comes Home, Annabelle only gets worse. When her protective glass case is accidentally left opened, Annabelle begins to wreak havoc and unleash other evil spirits to torment the famous Warren family. Here, Annabelle is as menacing as ever, solidifying her place as a horror villain icon.

6 Us (2019)

Our next entry from Jordan Peele is 2019’s Us. In this psychological horror thriller, a family is tormented by their doppelganger counterparts who call themselves “the tethered.” The family eventually discovers that they are not the only ones who have been targeted, and people’s doppelgangers have begun a sort of uprising all over the community: a uniquely horrifying and creative story, to say the least.

5 Hereditary (2018)

Hereditary is as twisted as it is terrifying. When a family of four lose their grandmother, her hidden secrets begin to come to light. The family discovers that their grandmother was the head of devilish coven, who now seek to avenge an evil hell-ruler named King Paimon. The family is tormented, facing tragedy and paranormal activity left and right. With its brutal ending, Hereditary is certainly one of the scariest films on this list.

4 The Babadook (2014)

     IFC Films

The Babadook follows a mother and son duo as they are followed and targeted by a story book creature called the Babadook. As strange occurrences begin to happen and worsen, the two end up with no choice but to face the horrific monster-head on and protect their home. The Babadook introduces a terrible but exciting new monster to a long list of horror villain favorites.

3 It Follows (2015)

     The Weinstein Company

This film redefines what it means to practice safe-sex. In It Follows, a blood-hungry entity is transferred from person to person through sexual intercourse and the only way to save yourself is to pass the creature to someone else. The story follows Jay, a woman who falls victim to the curse, and her friends as she attempts to destroy the evil entity once and for all.

2 Nope (2022)

     Monkey Paw Productions

Nope is another Jordan Peele masterpiece. The film follows a family of horse ranchers as they try to protect their horses, legacy, and family. The characters are ultimately brutalized by a UFO-like entity that targets and kills anyone who dare look in its direction. As it menacingly looms overhead, they will have to find a way to destroy the beast before it destroys them.

1 Ma (2019)

     Blumhouse Productions

Hulu’s Ma is another wickedly entertaining entry that tells the story of a scorned, demented woman named Sue Ann, who goes by Ma. When Ma’s house begins to attract local teens for drinking and partying, the adults in the community become concerned, specifically a father named Ben. As the truth behind Ben and Ma’s relationship is revealed, horror begins to unfold at the hands of Ma, making this film a thrilling and eerie watch.