2023 quickly established itself as a year of spine-tingling horror, crowning its scream queen early on with “M3GAN,” a Certified Fresh horror sensation from the first week of the year.
This marked yet another success for Blumhouse, known for its horror hits. However, actress Jenna Ortega, whom we celebrated as a Golden Year winner in our Golden Tomato Awards for her contributions to the dark genre arts, stole the crown back with “Scream VI” in March, making fans reevaluate where it stands in the Scream franchise.
April brought a surge of excitement with the return of “Evil Dead” in “Rise,” and May treated us to the latest addition to the ever-growing collection of Stephen King adaptations, “The Boogeyman.” Yet, for critics, the standout horror film of the year remains “Huesera: The Bone Woman” from Mexico, representing the body-horror directorial debut of Michelle Garza Cervera.
The summer months were awash with screams, courtesy of another A24 success, “Talk to Me” from Australia. Meanwhile, major studios continued to churn out fear-inducing hits like “Haunted Mansion,” “Insidious: The Red Key,” and “The Blackening.”
Fall brought more from “The Conjuring” universe with “The Nun 2” in September and “Saw X” on September 29. David Gordon Green’s “The Exorcist: Believer” made its mark in October, and “Five Nights at Freddy’s” arrived just in time for Halloween weekend.
Top Horror Movies 2023
HUESERA
Huesera” offers a bone-chilling experience in body horror, providing genre enthusiasts with a twisted perspective on the challenges of motherhood.
Synopsis: Valeria’s elation at becoming a first-time mother takes a sinister turn when she’s cursed by a malevolent entity. As danger looms, she grapples with a horrifying ordeal.
ATTACHMENT
“Attachment” breathes fresh life into a well-worn subgenre, offering a chilling take on the intricacies of love.
Synopsis: “Attachment” is a horror romance that revolves around Maja, a has-been actress in Denmark, whose heart becomes entangled with Leah, a young woman. However, their love story takes a dark and terrifying turn.
TALK TO ME
“Talk to Me” weaves a gripping narrative with impressive practical effects, creating a thoroughly creepy 21st-century horror story grounded in classic foundations.
Synopsis: When a group of friends stumbles upon the ability to communicate with spirits through an embalmed hand, they become ensnared in a chilling obsession.
M3GAN
“M3GAN” fearlessly combines humor and horror, delivering a rare horror-comedy that evokes both laughter and shivers.
Synopsis: “M3GAN” introduces a lifelike AI doll, designed to be the ultimate companion for children and parents alike. However, this marvel of artificial intelligence holds a sinister secret.
INFLUENCER
“Influencer” is sure to gain approval from horror enthusiasts seeking an intelligent and eerie thriller with a message.
Synopsis: The story of Madison, a popular social media influencer battling loneliness, takes a dark and unsettling turn in “Influencer.”
BROOKLYN
While the narrative may feel meandering at times, “Brooklyn 45” thrives on strong character-driven performances in this period horror piece.
Synopsis: Set in the late 1940s, “Brooklyn 45” brings together five lifelong friends in a Brooklyn brownstone, whose gathering takes an unexpected and eerie turn.
TOTALLYKILLER
“Totally Killer” may not fully exploit its intriguing premise, but this time-traveling horror/sci-fi blend offers an overall enjoyable experience.
Synopsis: Thirty-five years after the notorious “Sweet Sixteen Killer” murders three teenagers, the killer returns on Halloween night to claim new victims.
THE BLACKENING
“The Blackening” is a satirical take on horror tropes and racial stereotypes, offering a thought-provoking perspective.
Synopsis: “The Blackening” follows a group of Black friends reuniting for a Juneteenth weekend getaway, only to confront unexpected and unsettling situations.
SICK
Smart, self-aware, and timely, “Sick,” co-written by Kevin Williamson, delivers a slasher experience in all the right ways.
Synopsis: As the pandemic disrupts the world, Parker and her friend Miri decide to quarantine together. However, their quarantine takes a terrifying turn, unleashing a new kind of horror.
INFINITYPOOL
“Infinity Pool” offers a deep dive into Cronenbergian perversions, providing a visceral retreat for those seeking a departure from commercial conventions.
Synopsis: While vacationing on a secluded island resort, James and Em enjoy a seemingly perfect getaway. Yet, their peaceful vacation transforms into a weird and disturbing experience.
