These cult classic horror movies of the 2010’s are creating their own definition of horror. These films delve into supernatural fear, blend horror with social commentary, and craft tension through silence as they delve into primal fears. They offer visually stunning and intense narratives along the way. These films will become cult favorites, captivating audiences with their unique storytelling and unforgettable performances for years to come.
The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
Directed by Drew Goddard, this meta-horror film cleverly subverts genre tropes. Five friends venture into a remote cabin for a getaway, only to face a series of terrifying events orchestrated by a mysterious organization. The film stars Kristen Connolly (Dana), Chris Hemsworth (Curt), Anna Hutchison (Jules), Fran Kranz (Marty), and Jesse Williams (Holden). This film offers a fresh take on horror while paying homage to classic tropes, making it a standout in the genre.
The Babadook (2014)
This psychological horror, directed by Jennifer Kent, revolves around Amelia (Essie Davis), a grieving mother struggling to cope with her son Samuel’s (Noah Wiseman) fears of a monster from a storybook called Mister Babadook. As supernatural occurrences escalate, Amelia becomes increasingly disturbed, leading to a chilling confrontation with the Babadook itself. Davis delivers a haunting performance as Amelia, capturing her descent into madness, while Wiseman impresses as the troubled Samuel. The film’s exploration of grief, mental illness, and the horror within one’s mind makes it a standout in modern horror cinema.
It Follows (2014)
A supernatural horror film directed by David Robert Mitchell. The plot revolves around Jay Height (Maika Monroe), who becomes the target of a mysterious entity after a sexual encounter. The entity, capable of assuming various human forms, relentlessly pursues Jay, forcing her to confront her deepest fears. Monroe delivers a captivating performance, embodying Jay’s terror and vulnerability. The film’s premise, combined with atmospheric cinematography and a haunting score, creates a sense of dread and unease throughout. “It Follows” stands out as a chilling exploration of psychological horror and the consequences of unchecked desires.
The Witch (2015)
Robert Eggers directed this chilling period horror film set in 1630s New England. The story follows a Puritan family’s descent into paranoia and terror after their baby disappears under mysterious circumstances. Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a compelling performance as Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy), the eldest daughter accused of witchcraft by her own family. Ralph Ineson and Kate Dickie portray the parents, William (Ralph Ineson) and Katherine (Kate Dickie), with a haunting intensity. The film’s authentic setting, eerie atmosphere, and slow-building tension make “The Witch” a captivating exploration of religious hysteria and supernatural dread.
Train to Busan (2016)
This thrilling South Korean zombie apocalypse film directed by Yeon Sang-ho. The story unfolds aboard a high-speed train from Seoul to Busan, where a group of passengers, including Seok-woo (Gong Yoo), a workaholic father, and his daughter Soo-an (Kim Su-an), must fight for survival as a viral outbreak turns people into aggressive zombies. The film’s intense action sequences, emotional depth, and social commentary on human nature make it a standout in the zombie genre. Ma Dong-seok delivers a memorable performance as Sang-hwa, a tough but compassionate husband protecting his pregnant wife, Seong-kyeong (Jung Yu-mi).
Get Out (2017)
Directed by Jordan Peele, is a horror-thriller film that follows Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya), a Black man who visits his white girlfriend Rose Armitage’s (Allison Williams) family estate. Initially welcoming, the family’s behavior takes a sinister turn as Chris uncovers disturbing secrets. The Armitages, including Rose’s parents Dean (Bradley Whitford) and Missy (Catherine Keener), are part of a horrifying conspiracy involving hypnotism and brain transplantation. The film explores themes of racism and social commentary, blending horror with psychological tension. Kaluuya’s gripping performance earned critical acclaim, contributing to the film’s success and cultural impact.
The Ritual (2017)
David Bruckner directed this horror film. It follows a group of friends on a hiking trip in Sweden to honor their deceased friend. They venture into a sinister forest where an ancient evil lurks, manifesting their darkest fears. As tensions rise and paranoia sets in, they realize they are being hunted by a malevolent force. The film delves into themes of guilt, trauma, and survival horror. Strong performances by the cast, particularly Spall’s portrayal of Luke, add depth to the chilling narrative.
Hereditary (2018)
Directed by Ari Aster, the Graham family—Annie (Toni Collette), Steve (Gabriel Byrne), Peter (Alex Wolff), and Charlie (Milly Shapiro)—experiences a series of terrifying events after the death of Annie’s secretive mother. Strange occurrences and disturbing revelations lead them to uncover a dark family history and a sinister legacy. As their lives unravel, Annie’s psychological unraveling and Peter’s escalating paranoia drive the family to the brink of insanity. The film delves into themes of grief, trauma, and inherited darkness. Outstanding performances by Collette and Wolff intensify the harrowing tale of familial horror and dread.
A Quiet Place (2018)
This post-apocalyptical film directed by John Krasinski, gives us a world overrun by blind monsters with acute hearing. The Abbott family—Lee (John Krasinski), Evelyn (Emily Blunt), Regan (Millicent Simmonds), and Marcus (Noah Jupe)—must navigate their lives in near-total silence to evade these creatures. Communicating through sign language and adapting ingenious survival strategies, they face constant peril. As they strive to protect themselves and their unborn child, tensions rise, secrets emerge, and their resolve is tested. With minimal dialogue but powerful performances, the film creates a tense atmosphere and explores themes of family bonds, sacrifice, and survival.
Mandy (2018)
Directed by Panos Cosmatos, we follow Red Miller (Nicolas Cage) and his girlfriend Mandy Bloom (Andrea Riseborough). Set in the early 1980s, the plot revolves around a cult led by Jeremiah Sand (Linus Roache) that unleashes a series of horrific events upon the couple. When Mandy catches the cult leader’s eye, their tranquil life is shattered. Seeking revenge, Red embarks on a brutal journey of vengeance against the cult members, unleashing his fury and confronting supernatural forces along the way. The film is praised for its visually stunning cinematography and Cage’s intense performance.
These cult classic horror movies have already gained fan bases and critical acclaim, solidifying their status as cult classics in the horror genre of the 2010s.
If you enjoy Cult Classic Horror Films then check out a local horror convention . You might get a chance to meet some of the cast and crew of these great movies.
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