Overall, the 2010s proved to be an excellent decade for the horror genre. Following in the footsteps of some of the best horror films of all time, the decade saw a number of standout offerings from one of cinema's oldest genres. The best horror films of the 2010s featured names like The Witch, To go outand A peaceful place to name just a few, while introducing new directorial genre luminaries like Jordan Peele and Robert Eggers to a global audience.
However, while the headlines may have been dominated by the likes of the aforementioned blockbusters, the horror genre has also played host to a number of lesser-known and more underrated performances. These films may not have been accompanied by the same fanfare as some of their more popular contemporaries, but the best dark horror films of the 2010s feature a wide range of compelling premises and central characters, from mythology-tinged folk horror rides to sadistic bloodfests that haunt you long after they're over.
10
Would You Rather (2012)
Directed by David Guy Levy
Putting a Twisted Twist on the Innocent Party Game, 2012 Would you rather It is decidedly not for the faint of heart. An unsung offering from director David Guy Levy, the film depicts a nightmarish version of the dilemma-based game where participants must choose between delicious options, such as being stabbed with an ice pick or opening their own eyes in hopes of winning a lucrative prize offered by the game's sadistic organizers.
Featuring a harrowing final twist for the ages, the film's wicked premise and jaw-dropping violence make for a breathtaking watch, aided by a series of committed performances from the cast. The film isn't easy to watch, but it's a visceral experience for anyone willing to stick around long enough to Do you prefer finishing rolling.
9
Over the Dark Rainbow (2010)
Directed by Panos Cosmatos
The feature film debut of Mandy director Panos Cosmatos, 2010 sci-fi horror Beyond the black rainbow sees the Italian-Canadian filmmaker at his best. One of the best psychedelic horrors out there, Beyond the Black Rainbow basic plot follows a heavily medicated young woman with telekinetic abilities and her attempts to escape a futuristic commune. However, the film unfolds in such an unconventional way that viewers often wonder whether this was the central narrative thread in the first place.
…Cosmatos' inimitably mind-bending style means there are few films that can give Beyond the black rainbow a run for its money when it comes to pure psychedelic weirdness.
Featuring inescapably gruesome imagery and hypnotic pacing Beyond the Black Rainbow the unique style is a likely factor in the film's obscurity. That said, Cosmatos' inimitably trippy style means there are few films that can give Beyond the black rainbow a run for its money when it comes to pure psychedelic mayhem. As such, there's an unforgettable viewing experience here for anyone willing to just let go and embrace the weirdness.
8
Apostle (2018)
Directed by Gareth Edwards
Apostle
In the year 1905, a man travels to a remote island to rescue his sister, who has been kidnapped by a religious cult. Netflix acquired the film in March 2017, about a month before production began. It had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest 2018.
- Director
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Gareth Evans
- Release date
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September 21, 2018
- Execution time
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130 minutes
- Writers
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Gareth Evans
- Cast
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Dan Stevens, Kristine Froseth, Lucy Boynton, Michael Sheen, Bill Milner, Mark Lewis Jones
Heavily influenced by the subgenre's seminal 1973 offering The Wicker Manpopular horror Apostle chronicles a young man's attempts to rescue his sister from a sinister cult situated on a remote Welsh island. The 2018 film marked a notable shift in tone and subject matter from director Gareth Evans, known primarily for his work on action-heavy filmmaking. The invasion or Gangs of London.
However, Apostle doesn't suffer in the slightest from Evans' lack of experience in the broader horror genre. Acted powerfully and immersed in an aura of relentless tension, Apostle it is powerful and thought-provoking in every way. Dan Stevens and Michael Sheen play the lead roles, expertly guiding this gothic symbology-laden horror past some of the most prevalent pitfalls associated with films of this type.
7
The Sacred (2015)
Directed by Corin Hardy
One of the best Irish horror films of recent times, 2015 The sacred is a little-known diamond in the rough for the wider genre. Led by Game of Thrones alumnus Joseph Mawle as conservationist Adam Hitchens, Corin Hardy's slow-burn horror sees the plant expert and his family terrorized by a series of nightmarish supernatural creatures after visiting a village situated in the remote Irish countryside.
Receiving a slew of rave reviews upon release, Hardy's film is one of the best horror films that nine out of ten moviegoers have probably never heard of. Utilizing a series of excellent practical effects while making the most of the natural landscape provided by the film's setting, The Relic riveting narratives and grounded performances deliver a top-notch horror movie experience that begs for a sequel.
6
The Ritual (2017)
Directed by David Bruckner
Based on Adam Nevill's 2011 supernatural folk horror novel of the same name The Ritual is one of the most impressively obscure horror films of the 2010s, despite a remarkably dry central premise. Led by Black Mirror star Rafe Spall, David Bruckner's 2017 film follows a group of friends walking through the Scandinavian wilderness who are chased and attacked by the Jötunn; an ancient and malevolent creature from Norse mythology who is supposedly descended from the god Loki.
An atmospheric slow burn that steadily increases in intensity over the course of ninety-four eerie minutes, The Ritual makes the most of a spooky location, captivating cinematography, and some remarkably visceral performances to produce a sophisticated horror film that stands as one of the decade's most underrated offerings. A supernatural ride that channels inspired traces of psychological horror, Bruckner's image never fails to disturb.
5
The Devil's Sweets (2017)
Directed by Sean Byrne
A terrifying story of demonic possession with heavy metal-inspired trappings, 2017 The devil's sweets is one of the best horror films of recent times that you've never heard of. With an enviable 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the acclaimed film is the brainchild of Australian filmmaker Sean Byrne, the mind behind the acclaimed 2009 horror film. Loved ones.
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Rotten Tomatoes approval rating for Sean Byrne feature film |
|
|---|---|
|
Loved ones (2009) |
98% |
|
The devil's sweets (2017) |
93% |
A masterclass in thriller filmmaking, The film follows a family terrorized by a killer under the influence of demonic voices. As disturbing as it is frightening, The devil's sweets is a first-rate example of a horror film with an excellent story that still manages to feel legitimately terrifying. Featuring a killer soundtrack to complement a series of top-notch performances from the cast, the 2017 release is one of the most underrated releases of 2010.
4
Jar Face (2013)
Directed by Chad Crawford Kinkle
A low-budget horror film that exceeded all expectations, 2013 jug face makes use of an outrageously wacky central premise to produce one of the best dark horror films the genre has to offer. The film portrays an off-grid community that worships a mysterious creature that resides in a well that possesses magical healing propertiesoffering human sacrifices to maintain this bizarre status quo.
To say this jug face It's strange would be the understatement of the century, but it doesn't detract in any way from the film's stellar quality.
To say this jug face It's strange would be the understatement of the century, but it doesn't detract in any way from the film's stellar quality. A pair of excellent bows from Lauren Ashley Carter and Sean Bridgers are the highlights of a series of excellent performances, carrying the film's gripping depiction of the community and the aura of fear under which they live. Receiving rave reviews, Chad Crawford Kinkle's dark picture is a prime example of doing a lot with a little.
3
The Invitation (2015)
Directed by Karyn Kusama
An offering of unknown genre from Jennifer's Body director Karyn Kusama, 2015 The invitation he follows a dinner party that ends up being exposed as a sinister cover for the murderous predilections of a doomsday cult. Although the film features several well-known artists in the style, Game of Thrones' Michael Huisman and Fargo's John Carroll Lynch, Kusama's film had fallen into relative obscurity since its debut nearly a decade earlier.
This state of affairs is a shame considering there's a legitimately exciting viewing experience at the heart of The invitation; a nuanced, atmospheric psychological horror with a series of sequences that will have viewers biting their nails to a bloody stump. Kusama's meticulously crafted film received rave reviews for its compelling premise and intricate narrative, with The invitation unforgettable ending serving as the icing on the cake for a little-heralded triumph.
2
13 Cameras (2016)
Directed by Victor Zarcoff
13 cameras
13 Cameras is a suspenseful thriller about newlyweds Claire and Ryan, whose attempts to solidify their marriage face unexpected challenges. Unbeknownst to them, the owner installed hidden cameras throughout the house. As tensions rise, clandestine surveillance and personal betrayals contribute to this disturbing domestic drama.
- Director
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Victor Zarcoff
- Release date
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August 30, 2015
- Cast
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Sean Carrigan, PJ McCabe, Sarah Baldwin, Neville Archambault, Jim Cummings, Heidi Niedermeyer, Brianne Moncrief, Ethan Rosenberg, DeForrest Taylor, Michaela McManus
- Execution time
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87 minutes
A tortuously nasty low-budget horror film from Victor Zarcoff, 13 cameras chronicles Gerald's disturbing antics, a voyeuristic landlord who spies on his tenants through a series of hidden cameras on his property. Zarcoff's film is not The Shining by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of the most entertaining lesser-known horror films of the 2010s, courtesy of a wicked twist and a gloriously disturbing performance from the late Neville Archambault.
|
Film |
Rotten Tomatoes rating |
|---|---|
|
13 cameras (2015) |
77% |
|
14 cameras (2018) |
22% |
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15 cameras (2023) |
67% |
13 cameras It doesn't break any new ground for the genre, but it still does a commendable job of ratcheting up the tension to sky-high levels despite a limited villain and premise. The 2016 film even spawned two sequels in the form of the imaginatively dubbed 14 cameras and 15 camerasalthough neither film has come close to matching the original's impressive 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
1
Silence (2016)
Directed by Mike Flanagan
Silence
Silence is a thriller directed by Mike Flanagan, starring Kate Siegel as Maddie Young, a deaf-mute author who lives in isolation. The film chronicles Maddie's survival when she becomes the target of a masked intruder. With limited senses, Maddie must use her resourcefulness and intellect to outwit her attacker. The narrative provides a tense and moving exploration of vulnerability and resilience in the face of imminent danger.
- Release date
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April 8, 2016
- Cast
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John Gallagher Jr., Kate Siegel, Michael Trucco, Samantha Sloyan, Emma Graves
- Execution time
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1:22 am
Before his work on acclaimed names such as The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manorand Midnight Masshorror film genius Mike Flanagan delivered one of the most underrated dark genre offerings in recent memory with 2016 Silence. Led by Flanagan's wife and scream queen Kate Siegel in the lead role, the film centers on a deaf-mute author forced into a desperate fight for survival when a crossbow-wielding killer appears at her window.
With a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Silence is a masterful case study in tense, claustrophobic filmmaking that harnesses an almost unbearable air of suspense to maximum effect. Deftly carried by two powerful performances from Siegel as author Maddie Young and John Gallagher Jr. Silence sadistic killer, Flanagan's film is one of the best obscure horror tours that will leave the genre this century.