The 2020s have brought a wave of incredibly creative horror Movies! These films aren't just scary; they're smart, using unique monsters and stories to explore big ideas. Forget your typical jump scares—these movies dig deeper!
Top 10 Creative Horror Movies of the 2020s (So Far)
This list blends classic horror tropes with fresh, modern spins. Some use crazy monsters, while others lean into psychological thrills—all with killer results!
10. Lisa Frankenstein (2024)
This one's a fun, campy twist on the classic Frankenstein story! It's got a super quirky high school girl who brings a Victorian corpse back to life. Think Winona Ryder in the 90s, but with way more dead bodies. The movie uses its resurrected dude to explore the pressures of the 1980s coming-of-age story. Kathryn Newton is awesome as the unapologetically weird Lisa, who makes her own choices, dead or alive!
9. The Substance (2024)
Get ready for some seriously freaky body horror! This sci-fi horror flick is about a famous actress desperate to recapture her youth and beauty. She takes a super dangerous drug, only to find out there's some serious consequences! It creates a whole second person, basically a younger copy of her! This "Sue" then steals her job! With Margaret Qualley playing young version and Demi Moore the main character! It's dark commentary on Hollywood's obsession with beauty, causing some great and funny satire, too!
8. The Menu (2022)
Ever wonder what it'd be like if fine dining went full-on horror? The Menu serves up delicious thrills and chilling commentary about class and passion. Subtitles for each course add to the darkly comedic thrills as guests are shown to be satirical versions of well-known personalities such as movie stars and corporate tycoons.
7. #Alive (2020)
A South Korean zombie flick with an original twist: the entire story is told through social media! This creates a truly scary and unique version of the post-apocalypse! This one taps into the anxiety of lockdown, showing what it's like to feel entirely trapped and alone! The ending uses some creative elements to keep viewers engaged!
6. Abigail (2024)
A vampire flick with a major twist! This new spin is a lot like Dracula's Daughter but the story takes you to a surprisingly satisfying adventure! Alisha Weir brings to life a terrifying vampire child. Think Swan Lake meets total mayhem—it's a stylish and thrilling experience. It’s unique with clever surprises as we get new villains that even have an ambiguous storyline.
5. Possessor (2020)
This one’s a mix of body horror and psychological thriller from Brandon Cronenberg—the son of horror legend David Cronenberg! An agent uses tech to inhabit other bodies for assassinations. The ethical and psychological consequences create mind-bending and truly disturbing situations.
4. I'm Thinking of Ending Things (2020)
This Netflix original is mind-bending and challenging to follow, but brilliantly shows how fast time really goes by! A woman visits her boyfriend's family— things get extremely strange and creepy—then weird dancing scenes take over. It's illogical and confusing at times, however, there are so many memorable moments that it conveys everything you feel!
3. Last Night in Soho (2021)
A psychological thriller that turns into a full-blown horror story, directed by the talented Edgar Wright! A fashion student experiences visions of her apartment's past resident! They are going back to the 1960s and we are taken back in time, as they struggle with real challenges! The haunting experience goes way deeper. Blurring the past and the present really adds to a uniquely shocking story.
2. Nightbooks (2021)
This Netflix movie is an awesome, scary spin on the "Hansel and Gretel" fairy tale. Two kids find themselves trapped by a wicked witch who moves from place to place in an amazing apartment with a cool library! It's creepy and fun and keeps players thinking of what comes next with this fantastic horror spin! The creative character of Natacha is fantastic.
1. Nope (2022)
This is Jordan Peele at his best. It's got an original take on alien invasion! Hollywood horse trainers fight an otherworldly menace! There's an intelligent approach in dealing with animals but also includes a wild, insane backstory! The chilling game of cat-and-mouse is made even cooler by the main character. The cinematographer uses their special skills for incredible moments in filmmaking. It is truly unique, thought-provoking.
