Top 15 Horror films of 2018!
- Jimmy Ray
- Feb 6, 2019
- 4 min read
Don't listen to those who say 2018 was a bad year for horror. On the contrary, not only were their great films but the boundaries of horror continue to grow and be explored. Read on for my personal top 15 films in descending order.
15. UNSANE
Despite the obvious gimmick of Director Steven Soderbergh filming the entire movie with his I-phone (and making sure everyone knew it) Unsane is a wonderful, claustrophobic tale of a young woman who mistakenly checks herself in for 24 hour observation at a psychiatric clinic while trying to flee her stalker only to find him working inside. The phone camera actually works well at making this one feel...real!
14. STEPHANIE
A young girl is left home alone with her dead brother's body and a strange monster lurking outside in the woods. Eventually her parent's return seemingly happy she's okay but what is the dark secret of Stephanie? This one is worth watching to find out. A unique Sci-fi/horror hybrid that holds your attention throughout. The twist here is seamless and well placed.
13. A QUIET PLACE
If you can get over the insane amount of inconsistencies mired in the plot, this sci-fi horror about unseen creatures that attack at the slightest sound and the family trying to survive, you are in for a wild ride and some good space pulp entertainment.
12. THE MEG
I know some folks were hard on the Meg and yes it IS an action movie, but it's also a creature feature and it's pretty damn fun watching Jason Statham run around and try to figure out how to stop the creature that killed his crew long before. There is camp value here mingled with big budget glory and the overacting (ala Anaconda) is a hoot!
11. TUMBBAD
The Indian horror fable is a fantasy, drama, horror gem that is hard to take your eyes off of and like nothing else you've seen. While it lags here and there in the middle the opening and closing sequences more than make up for it and Sohum Shah is outstanding in the lead role.
10. CARGO
A "zombie" film like none you've seen with a fresh story and a down under attitude. Australia rarely lets us down and this tale of a man trying to find a safe haven for his infant daughter amid a strange disease outbreak aftermath is breathtaking and unique. High marks to Martin Freeman and to the unexpected emotionally charged conclusion.
9. TERRIFIER
From the ashes of horror anthology "All Hallows Eve" comes the first full length exploit of the sinister Art the Clown. The film, far from perfect is still fantastic horror entertainment for the playful stab at eighties slasher homage and the wonderfully maniacal Art who may end up the quickest icon since Captain Spaulding. Art is so evil and well presented with his black and white makeup and eerie muteness. He's creepy as hell too!
8. BIRD BOX
Audiences may have been divided here but Netflix hit horror gold again in this tale of a woman trying to escort two children to safety after a mysterious entity begins making everyday people turn suicidal. There are inconsistencies but also more than meets the eye here. Add to that an attractive well played cast and Sandra Bullock in her best performance in some time.
7. AWAIT FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
On Christmas morning a family awakens to find their house surrounded by a hard black substance trapping them inside. Then the television flickers and tells them to "await further instructions". When the instructions come, the already dysfunctional family goes off the deep end. This one reminded me of an extended length Twilight Zone episode and really reeled me in,
6. WHO'S WATCHING OLIVER
Let's be clear about one thing. This film is brutally graphic and not for the squeamish. Do you know what else it is? A tale of morality and despair as Oliver internally fights the force causing him to perpetuate murder and mayhem. His mother. A smart script here makes magic in elevating this above blood and guts and showcases a rare human side to the expectations. Credit the entire cast and crew especially director Richie Moore and Russell Geoffrey Banks whose chilling, multi-faceted performance as Oliver has to be seen to be believed. Adventurous viewers will be well rewarded.
5. WILDLING
I know some of you disagree but for me this fantasy horror tale was very well done. From the opening scene with the always awesome Brad Dourif to the werewolf lore to follow I was transfixed. We don't have enough horror films like this and I applaud the effort.
4. COLD SKIN
This lovecraftian tale of a weather monitor who is stationed at a remote island gets more than he bargained for when he meets the lighthouse keeper and the multitude of creatures emerging at night to attack. Performances are incredibly strong here and the lore is fresh and crazy.
3. THE RITUAL
Netflix hit pay dirt again with this grisly spin on the "hikers lost in the woods" sub-genre that finds four friends who encounter a curse and some real nastiness in the woods. Rafe Spall was on point here, making the story his own and really adding to an already cool tale.
2. APOSTLE
Apostle is an old time gothic tale about a cult on an island, the girl they've abducted and the girl's brother daring a rescue attempt. Michael Sheen is especially strong here and you will not be able to look away. A habdash ending is buoyed by the exceptional performances by a stellar cast.
1. INCIDENT IN A GHOSTLAND
A stunning combination of graphic, brutal, atmosphere, drama and fantasy and the only horror film to get a perfect rating out of me during the year. I can't tell you about the twist but it is perfect and awesome and deserves you watching it. I truly could not find anything in the way of true flaws here.
Honorable mention:
Downrange
Hereditary
Hell Fest
The Clove Hitch Killer
The Endless Veronica
The Cured
Still Born
The Dark
The Domestics Monster Party
Next up...THE WORST HORROR FILMS OF 2018, stay tuned!
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