10 Best Horror Films From the 2010s, Ranked by IMDb (2024)

Horror movies have been around since the beginning of early cinema. Taking terror and strife as inspiration from the world around them, early filmmakers laid out the blueprint for attaining a good thrill. Around the 1920s, horror movies found their golden age; pulling from the stress of societal anxiety and fear to harness their audience's discomfort. Following their successes, contemporary movie-makers have continued pulling from their modern challenges to expand on the genre.

Particularly in the 2010s, horror movie creative teams were able to strike a certain level of fear in their audiences that kept viewers coming back for more. The decade hosted some of the most popular scary films to this very day; totaling some of the highest IMDb ratings of the genre. By fostering a relatable worry among all viewers, and combining it with a sinister tale, horror movies of the 2010s have thrived.

10 It Made the World Afraid of Clowns Again

IMDb Rating: 7.3

Adapted from a Stephen King horror novel, It delivers a terrifying tale of overcoming fear. Starring Bill Skarsgård as the petrifying Pennywise, the story follows seven young loners who must unite to defeat the shape-shifting monster lurking in the sewers.

Despite straying from the novel in some ways, the It film stays true to most of the horror each character faces in the book. Considering the monster can change its form into each individual deep-seated fear, the film tackles many strifes that members of society face in their everyday. Hosting many terrific actors, this film does a pleasant job of pulling the audience in with its realistic dialogue.

9 The Lighthouse Had Audiences Questioning Reality

IMDb Rating: 7.4

Hosting one of the strangest conversations surrounding solitude and sanity is A24's The Lighthouse. Starring Robert Pattinson as Thomas Howard and Willem Dafoe as Thomas Wake, the story follows their mental decline whilst attending to lighthouse duties. Alone on an island, only having each other's company, the film unravels into an uncomfortable fever dream.

Considering the majority of the film is only involved in the lives of two individuals, the format is unusual in comparison to most movies. Typically, stories rely on outside characters to develop the character's growth. Despite this, Pattinson and Dafoe do an outstanding job of pulling the viewers into their world. The two absolutely envelope their roles in a hysterical manner that leaves viewers shocked and a bit exhausted.

8 Upgrade is an Ultra-Violent Six MIllion Dollar Man

IMDb Rating: 7.5

Taking a more cyberpunk approach to a John Wick-like film, Upgrade is a thrilling action-packed tale of loss and revenge. Starring Logan Marshall-Green as Grey Trace, the story follows his efforts to seek revenge on the thugs who murdered his wife and left him paralyzed. With an AI implant that restored his walking (and a few other perks), no evil is safe in his path of vengeance.

With artificial intelligence being at the forefront of conversation in contemporary times, this film does a nice job of exaggerating a future that may come to fruition. There is never a dull moment during the thrilling adventure that unfolds throughout the film. The horror in Upgrade spawns from the gory scenes riddled among the clash and conflict that ensues.

7 Tucker and Dale vs. Evil Has Laughs and Scares Aplenty

IMDb Rating: 7.5

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil takes a new approach to the classic saying 'don't judge a book by its cover'. Starring Tyler Labine as Dale and Alan Tudyk as Tucker, the story follows their backwoods vacation to a new cabin they bought in the woods. However, the two hillbillies' peaceful trip is put on hold when a group of college kids assume they're the ones responsible for the death of their friend.

Combining the perfect blend of comedy and horror, Tucker and Dale vs. Evil has managed to assume a cult following upon its release in 2010. Due to its unique plot that hasn't been done before, this film manages to play with every notion of horror the audience expects. This film will make audiences second-guess their initial perceptions when meeting someone from a different walk of life.

6 A Quiet Place Turned Every Sound into an Intense Moment

IMDb Rating: 7.5

Not communicating with one another only makes a situation worse/harder to deal with, and A Quiet Place goes to show such. Starring John Krasinski as Lee Abbott, the story follows a family's effort to stay silent in order to avoid the fatal attack of a creature that hunts by sound. Determined to stay alive, Lee and his wife attempt to keep their children safe while working towards a solution.

The message behind A Quiet Place is quite profound. Dealing with their prohibiting silence as a symbol for not being able to discuss trauma, the story entails a family's inability to communicate. The Abbott family works throughout the story to find a way in which they can overcome their silence to achieve a world where they once could speak freely. Despite being a thrilling horror, the film also cuts deep with a heartfelt message.

5 The Conjuring Launched a Universe of Scares

IMDb Rating: 7.5

Based on the horrors of a real family in Rhode Island, The Conjuring depicts the evil paranormal that haunts the Arnold Estate. Starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as the famous Warren demonologists, the story follows their efforts to rid the Perron family's home of a supernatural presence. As the Warrens investigate, the spirit's manifestations begin escalating in horrifying severity.

Upon its release in 2013, The Conjuring gained a cult following that would illicit the making of an entire 'Conjuring Universe'. Following the initial film, two more were made under the 'Conjuring' title, and five other films were made as a spinoff dealing with possessions. Considering the film is based on a true story, one can never be certain whether their own house is safe.

4 Train to Busan Took Audiences on a Horrific Ride

IMDb Rating: 7.6

Stressful situations can be hard to manage, and Train to Busan possibly bestows one of the most stressful situations of all time. Starring Gong Yoo as Seok-Woo, the story follows his efforts to keep him and his estranged daughter alive whilst a zombie outbreak plagues their speeding train.

This action-packed South Korean horror gained mass popularity upon its release in 2016. Stemming from the audience's reception to the film, Train to Busan was able to make a prequel and sequel film. By effectively delivering a story regarding selfishness and sacrifice, the character development in this story warrants audience approval.

3 What We Do in the Shadows Had Audiences Shrieking with Laughter

IMDb Rating: 7.6

Fans of mockumentaries would love What We Do in the Shadows. Starring Taika Waititi as Viago, the film takes a documentary-styled approach following the lives of modern-day vampires. Taking a comedic approach to horror, the group of vampires shows a newbie some of the advantages that being undead has.

What We Do in the Shadows is quite an absurd concept and yet it magically works. Considering the style in which the movie was filmed, the audience feels as though they're sitting in on this hilarious fever dream. Since there have been so many vampire movies that delve into the same kind of horror story, this film feels like a breath of fresh air. Poking fun at their concept, the movie plays into its ridiculous qualities in a very comical manner.

2 Get Out Took Viewers to the "Sunken Place"

IMDb Rating: 7.8

Meeting the parents of a significant other can be an odd experience, and Get Out takes that concept to a whole other level. Starring Daniel Kaluuya as Chris Washington, the story follows his efforts to make a good impression on his girlfriend Rose's family. However, their overly accommodating behavior which first appears as uncomfortably with Chris's race, turns into a disturbing discovery of a sinister plan.

Coined as his directorial breakout film, Jordan Peele did a tremendous job delivering a deep message regarding the social discourse of race relations in the modern era. Using strife as a premise for horror, Peele was able to achieve a plausible sense of danger to grasp the audience's utmost attention. Despite being a scary movie and delivering a stronger overall meaning, Peele still adds the humor he's known for throughout the story.

1 Shutter Island Kept Audiences on the Edge of Their Seats

IMDb Rating: 8.2

Things aren't always as they seem and Shutter Island goes above and beyond to prove such a point. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Teddy Daniels, a U.S. Marshall set on investigating the escape of a murderous woman from an insane asylum. Inquiring into the strange disappearance alongside his new partner played by Mark Ruffalo, Teddy discovers the mystery may require looking into his own troubles to discover the truth.

Stemming from the original novel Shutter Island (2003) written by Dennis Lehane, Director Martin Scorsese adapted the story into a film worth the audience's utmost attention. Living with a dark past can be a haunting existence; everyone has a few guilty memories looming over their being. By making a beautiful movie surrounding the concept, viewers are sure to take a step back and look at their own demons (or absurd existence). It takes a great filmmaker to encompass the emotion this film bestows upon its viewers; essentially taking the audience on an impassioned rollercoaster journey of abstaining and eventually accepting.