Best Horror Movies Of 2020 | Screen Rant – Screen Rant

2020 was an interesting year for movies, but in the absence of highly-anticipated new releases, which horror movies were the year's best?

While the state of cinema has certainly been interestingto say the leastin 2020, there have been numeroushorror movieofferings to grace screens at home and via streaming platforms (along with a few that got theatrical releases) that wowed audiences. Here are our picks for the very best horror movies of 2020.

2020 ended up being a disappointment to many who hoped to see massive horror movie franchises releasing new installments such asHalloween Kills,The Conjuring 3,Saw 9, andThe Purge 5. Other delayed 2020 horror movies that were highly-anticipated includedA Quiet Place 2,Candyman, and the Guillermo del Toro producedAntlers. While many of these juggernaut titles received new release dates in 2021 and a few got pushed back even further, Netflix and other various streaming platforms, along with VOD and digital, released some titles that were originally destined for theaters along with smaller, independent titles for enjoyment at home.

Related: The Best Movies Of 2019

The COVID-19 pandemic may seem like a depressing backdrop for audiences to enjoy horror movies, given the uncertain state of the world, but throughout history, times of crisis and struggle have actually provided ample opportunity for inspiration for many great directors, especially in the horror space. Beyond that, it's often in these times of civil unrest, global pandemics, and other natural disasters that people come together to enjoy horror movies due to the release and catharsis they provide. Occasionally, these historic periods of social change or global crisis end up inspiring later works, such as the 1950s Jim Crow era and inspiring Misha Green's HBO series,Lovecraft Country, which shed a light on racism in one of the most charged periods of American history, the Civil Rights era. That said, there have been plenty of bright spots in the horror genre in 2020 here are the best ones.

While directorPing Lumpraploeng'sThe Pooltechnically released in 2018 and had a run during select film festivals in late 2019, American audiences widely gained access to the Thai horror movie via Shudder's streaming platform for the first time in 2020. This movie adopts a rather simplebut utterly terrifyingpremise where bad luck turns deadly. After Day (Theeradej Wongpuapan) falls asleep on a pool raft without realizing that his co-workerswith whom he was working on an underwater photoshootwere draining the water out, he becomes trapped. After that, a crocodile from a nearby farm just so happens to fall in, threatening his life and later the life of his girlfriend, Koi (Ratnamon Ratchiratham). Day must then spring into action to protect himself, Koi, and their unborn child from the crocodile, who is guarding her own young.

The Poolbrilliantly delivers strong messaging about the human will to survive against all odds. While the compounding lunacy of Day and Koi's unfortunate situation feels like things reallycouldn't get worse at times (and yet somehow does), the movie is a breathtaking thrill ride that shows aspects of Asian horror movies many American audiences aren't familiar with. Strong performances by the two leads far overshadow the occasionally hilarious CGI, which is a weak spot, but the narrative delivers an emotional gut-punch that makes any small blemish easily overlooked.

The highly-anticipated sequel to 2016's Korean horror smash hit,Train to Busan, didn't disappoint.Peninsula picked up four years after the events of the first movie, pivoting focus to a different group of survivors who have opted to venture to the zombie-infested South Koreaor what was once South Koreato obtain a large amount of money from the back of a delivery truck. Once there,Peninsula cleverly employs its action-horror sensibilities to take on a different element of a zombie apocalypse, and one that's worked well for shows like AMC'sThe Walking Dead for years. While the zombie threat is still very active and a constant concern, the group of mercenaries who have decided to batten down the hatches and make their own Wild West lifestyle on the peninsula, are far more terrifying.

Related: Train To Busan 2: Peninsula Ending & Twist Explained

Though it doesn't have the same heart as the original, the theme of children being all-importantas they're the key to humanity's survivalis reflected here, making it feel connected to the original in more ways than just a continued narrative. Though it slightly pales when compared directly to its predecessor,Peninsulaexpands the lore and story that was created by director Yeon Sang-ho, and still shows up as one of the best modern zombie moviesand sequelsin recent years.

The Lodge, fromGoodnight Mommydirectors Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, explores a different take on the tried and trueand often overdone"creepy children" trope. After Grace (Riley Keough) ends up spending time with her boyfriend's children, Aiden (Jaden Martell) and Mia (Lia McHugh) at a remote lodge for the Christmas holiday, things take a turn for the worse.The Lodgeis one of those movies where the majority of its audience spent time reflecting on its massive twist and shocking ending, but has much more to offer than mere shock value and hype. Martell, who may be familiar to horror fans for his work as Bill Denbrough inIT: Chapter One andIT: Chapter Two, delivers an astounding and terrifying performance that's mature for a young actor and resonates with a cold countenance that is certainly cause for alarm.

Another horror veteran, Keough strikes a balance between weary, withering heroine and all-out final girl ferocity. Franz and Fiala make interesting choices with deploying restraint in some aspects of their narrative, particularly in the slow-burn sequences, but know how to sprint to the finish at a break-neck speed, leaving the audience in a perpetual state of "what just happened?" While some aspects ofThe Lodgemay be too dreary and even downright nihilistic to some, it's a standout due to its ability to linger with viewers long, long after the credits have rolled.

Something of a surprise hit,1BRarrived on Netflix to much acclaim, and for good reason. Steeped inThe Twilight Zonecreepiness,1BRfollows Sarah (Nicole Brydon Bloom), a costume designer who is relatively new to Los Angeles after leaving her tumultuous home life and difficult relationship with her father for a fresh start. What she finds instead is a seemingly idyllic apartment community that just so happens to have an available unit. Sarah discovers that the community's outwardly pleasant, even Utopian demeanor is a front for something far more sinister. Just like The Eagles' "Hotel California", Sarah soon finds she may never be able to leave.

Related: 1BR Ending Explained: What The Horror Movie's Twist REALLY Means

A strong performance by Bloom off-sets the somewhat standard, even formulaic story that does take a turn into more unique territory eventually, with elements of psychological thrillers that actually incorporates elements of behavior psychology in intense, shockingly realistic ways. Just like the oft-cited Stanford Prison Experiment,1BRis a harrowing take on just how easy it is to damage someone's psyche and put them under another person's control; perhaps its scariest element is that it's so simple. Sarah is an everywoman, which means her situation could, potentially, happen to anyone.1BRhighlights 2020's fascination with true crime and cults, tying those real stories into a fictional world where nobody can be trusted and everyone is suspect.

If ever there was a horror movie for 2020, it would be Joe Begos'VFW. A simple, bloody mash-up of Boomers vs. Millennials, these grizzled veterans refuse to go down for a fight, and will do anything to stand their ground. While 2020 has been rife with generational woes,VFWtechnically released in film festivals in 2019, and was originally meant to release in 2019 as well, but enjoyed a wide release in February 2020. Starring Stephen Lang ofDon't Breathefame, Lang shows the same intensity and ferocity in hisVFWrole, Fred Parras, the owner of a bar known to host a group of friendsall military veteransas an outpost for their chapter of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars).

Reminiscent in some ways of Jeremy Saulnier'sGreen Room, the concept of a group of veterans taking on youngsters who are hopped up on the newest street drug may not sound horrific, but simplicity is key toVFW's success, and the underlying messages are what propels it past violence for the sake of it, though there's plenty of that to satisfy any gorehound. Lang, in particular, is worth the price of admission, with his rough around the edges demeanor honed like a razor's edge. Though not as gritty as a Grindhouse movie, nor tawdry enough to be an exploitation flick,VFWtakes notes from both to create something unique and downright entertaining, offering a strange reprieve to the world's woes in a difficult time for many who needed the escape.

Some early critics cited Shudder'sHostas the best horror movie of 2020 right after it released in July. The found footage horror movie from director Rob Savage took very real fears for those who, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, were isolated and seeking out ways of communication with their friends and family, such as Zoom. Filmed using the Zoom service,Hostis short and to the point, running the length of a group video call. InHost, a group of friends have agreed to meet and host a seance party, with a medium guiding them through the process as they attempt to connect with the other side. When one of the friends decides to tell a fabricated story of a dead friend, the medium informs the young women they've made a grave mistake by offending and angering the spirits on the other side and thus, by not taking it seriously, inviting something much darker to join the chat.

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Hostreally leans on classic, found-footage elements, and in other years, would be less remarkable than it is. However, one of its biggest strengths is knowing how to cater to an audience who, like the women in the story, are trying to navigate unfamiliar territory. Their good intentionsa way to ease their loneliness and reconnectturned into something sinister when impropriety snuck in. The movie also strikes a sweet spot between feature film length and short film territory, running at only 57 minutes, so the action is quick to the point, doesn't dawdle, and provides a tight, sharp finish. Watch this one with the lights off preferably on a computer, for immersion's sake.

Released in theaters in November 2020,Freaky is a joint effort from director Christopher Landon of theHappy Death Dayfranchise and Blumhouse Productions. Boasting a standout cast that includes lead actors Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton as a serial killer and his teenage girl target, respectively,Freakycombined the "Freaky Friday" story withtheFriday the 13thfranchise and blends it with Landon's signature humor and a hefty dose of heart. Though it seemingly juggles a lot of aspects from the familiar story, a classic slasher movie backbone, and heartwarming elements of a coming-of-age tale,Freakymanages to make audiences laugh, gasp, and maybe even cry a little.

While the body swap concept, where a serial killer trades places with a teenage girl, may seem a little outside of the box and too strange in combination with slasher sensibilities,Freakyhits comedy beats and shocking gore at the perfect moments. In fact, perhapsFreaky's greatest strength is its pitch-perfect timing for how it interchangeably swaps mood. From start to finish, the audience is clearly in very capable hands from nearly every aspect of production the acting, lighting, cinematography, music, and script are all well-executed. It's a shame that this one managed to fall under the radar for so many, as it released late in the year and initially only in theaters. However,Freakyreleased on VOD/Digital on December 4, so there's plenty of time to catch this pick for one of the year's best before saying goodbyeand possibly even good riddanceto 2020.

Director Aneesh Chaganty followed up his 2018 critically acclaimed thriller,Searching, with 2020'sRun, starring Sarah Paulson and Kiera Allen. InRun, Paulson plays Diane Sherman, a mother who has dedicated (and sacrificed) her entire life to care for her sick teenage daughter, Chloe (Allen). However, when Chloe questions a new medication that her mother has brought home for her, she starts to unravel that there's so much more to the caring, mother/daughter relationship she's known her entire life. Full of twists and turns,Runtruly is a thriller that fully embraces its identity and never hesitates for a moment. This level of self-awareness is rare in horror movies, as crossing genres and blending sub-genres together seems to be one of the new trends;Runis proud to be a paranoia-inducing thriller. Paulson is particularly stunning, truly letting loose and showing a depth that even her years as a featured player in Ryan Murphy'sAmerican Horror Storycan't match.

Related: Run Ending & Hospital Scene Twist Explained

Allen, despite being a relative newcomer, is a solid match against Paulson's abject ferocity, and is dynamic in her role. Fans of true crime dramas, psychological thrillers, and movies likeMommie DearestorHulu'sThe Actwill find a lot of common bonds withRun, which still manages to carve out a unique, niche space for itself by being starkly different than other 2020 horror offerings; the PG-13 rating may turn off some audiences, but since the movie is based more on thrills than violence and gore, it's not necessary and doesn't detract at all from the stunning finished product.

His House, which is available on Netflix, follows in the footsteps of other socially-driven horror movies of the 21st Century, such as Jordan Peele'sGet Out,but changes things up through the addition of Dinka mythology and cultural traditions to create an underlying, monster-based narrative. Following Sudanese refugees Bol (Sope Dirisu) and Rial (Wunmi Mosaku),His Houseexplores the real-life horrors of being outsiders in a foreign country, desperate for not only survival, but integration for the betterment of one's life which may come at a higher cost than Bol and Rial initially expect. WhileHis Houseis definitely steeped in thematic nuance that invites audiences to dig for deeper meaning, it's captivating enough to draw them in without getting too heavy-handed with messaging.

The battle between Bol and the witch, anapeth, that has established residence in his house to remind both him and Rial about the ghosts of their past is compelling, and the imagery of a war-torn South Sudan is something many can understand, given the spotlight on immigration policy and reform in 2020. It's timely and personal, and feels intimate with strong performances by Mosaku and Dirisu, who anchor the small cast alongsideThe CrownandDoctor Whostar Matt Smith, who appears intermittently as their case worker.His Houseearned a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for good reason; its forte is in subtle scares that force the audience to think more critically about the perception of their reality as Bol and Rial's world and precariously won new life begins to crumble just like the run-down walls that surround them.

Universal's Dark Universe failed after the flop that was 2017'sThe Mummy, so the studio decided to take a new approach with its classic monsters, and placed long-time horror contributor Leigh Whannella frequent collaborator of acclaimed director James Wanat the helm of the newThe Invisible Man. Whannell's movie, which released in February 2020, just before theaters began to shut down due to the pandemic, took on a claustrophobic tale of domestic abuse, gaslighting, and signaled a strong messaging of believing survivors. Elisabeth Moss shines as Cecilia, a woman who has risked her life and safety to escape her abusive boyfriend, Adrian (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), a wealthy tech mogul who asserts complete control over her at every opportunity. After she leaves, news of his suicide rattles the world, but Cecilia doesn't believe he's truly dead in fact, she believes she's being watched by something insidious and invisible, from the shadows, which turns out to be Adrian in a high-tech suit rather than an invisibility potion, from the H.G. Wells story.

The Invisible Manshattered records, crushed boundaries, and reimagined what horror movies could be: simple, hauntingly effective, and able to tell a story that's relatable to audiences. It's a story that's equally about a woman's fight for her life and autonomy during a time where The Handmaid's Taledoesn't quite seem as fictional as it once was; the real life culpability ofThe Invisible Manis the root of its magic. It's an ominous warning about power and control, a commentary on experiences that many women face, especially during the height of the #MeToo movement. Sadly, many survivors of abuse who step forward are silenced and not believed. Undoubtedly the year's best,The Invisible Manpermanently left its mark on the genre not only as the best of 2020, but the model all other remakes and updates of classic monster movies should use as an example.

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Jack Wilhelmi is the horror features editor at Screen Rant, and has been with the site since 2019. He is a lifelong fan of the horror genre, and loves any excuse to discuss genre-related topics, since none of his friends dare challenge him in horror trivia. He has been published on the independent horror blog Morbidly Beautiful, and has covered major genre film festivals such as Cinepocalypse in Chicago. He has also served as a judge for the Ax Wound Film Festival. In his free time, he is a devoted dog dad to a high-spirited rescue pup named Peter Quill and enjoys volunteering with various animal rescue organizations. Jack likes to travel and explore dark tourism-related and other various haunted locations. He enjoys studying psychology, the paranormal, and will watch literally any schlocky B-movie on the planet for a laugh.

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Best Horror Movies Of 2020 | Screen Rant - Screen Rant

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