Author: Jason Lloyd
While I think 2023 was the worst year for horror in the last decade, I still found a group of enjoyable films I recommend. I watched 170 2023 horror releases and I narrowed it down to my top 30 favorite films plus some hidden gems. Hopefully my list isn’t the same ol same ol, and you enjoy my picks and thoughts. If you want more film reviews follow me at the group Jason Unleashed on Facebook. Enjoy!
30. You’re Killing Me
Directors Beth Hanna and Jerren Lauder Country of origin United States
How I watched it: VOD
Synopsis
The story follows Eden, who goes to a coveted ‘Heaven and Hell’ party, hoping to get a letter of recommendation to an elite university from the wealthy parents of her classmate, but the party quickly turns into a fight for her life.
My thoughts
Even though it wasn’t a true home invasion film, it has that same type of elements and vibe. The villains along with one scene towards the end, also invoked a feeling similar to the first Purge film.
29. The Blackening
Director Tim Story Country of origin United States
How I watched it: VOD
Synopsis
Seven friends go away for the weekend and end up trapped in a cabin with a killer who has a vendetta. Will their street smarts and knowledge of horror movies help them stay alive? Probably not.
My thoughts
The one film this year where the trailer spoiled a majority of the good stuff. When the comedy hit, it hit hard but some of it also fell flat. I know I wasn’t the target audience, but I had a good time.
28. No One Will Save You
Director Brian Duffield Country of origin United States
How I watched it: Hulu
Synopsis
An exiled anxiety-ridden homebody must battle an alien who’s found its way into her home.
My thoughts
Maybe the creepiest film I saw this year. I loved the storyline and even the themes presented, I just don’t think it wrapped up in a fashion that I preferred. Having said that I can see how some people absolutely love it. I wouldn’t argue with them.
27. The Wrath of Becky
Directors Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote Country of origin United States
How I watched it: VOD
Synopsis
Two years after escaping a violent attack, a teenage girl must defend herself against a domestic terrorist cell.
My thoughts
While I enjoyed Becky, I thought was a big step up. Bigger, badder, bloodier and with better pacing. Instead of one really good performance from the villain, you get several in this film.
26. Onyx The Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls
Director Andrew Bowser Country of origin United States
How I watched it: ScreamBox
Synopsis
Fledgling occultist Onyx and a group of worshipers attend a once-in-a-lifetime ritual at their idol BARTOK THE GREAT’S mansion.
My thoughts
Depending on your sense of humor, you may think this is the stupidest piece of shit. Onyx and his mannerisms could be annoying and grating to a lot of people. The film started shaky then finally won me over. I laughed out loud several times and that’s hard to do.
25. Crabs!
Director Pierce Berolzheimer Country of origin United States
How I watched it: ScreamBox
Synopsis
A horde of murderous crab monsters descend on a sleepy coastal town on Prom night, and only a ragtag group of outcasts can save the day.
My thoughts
This film was a blast. It’s part Night of the Creeps, a dash of Gremlins and even a Kaiju film! Sounds all over the place but it flows very well. Extremely likable characters, even the dude I hated at first eventually won me over with his funny lines. Well paced also, not any wasted scenes.
24. M3GAN
Director Gerard Johnstone Countries of origin United States and New Zealand
How I watched it: VOD
Synopsis
A robotics engineer at a toy company builds a life-like doll that begins to take on a life of its own.
My thoughts
I love killer android/robot movies. While it’s a little tamer (which the unrated version helped) than what I prefer, I still had a good time. I saw the ending being set up a mile away. Looking forward to the sequel.
23. The Conference
Director Patrik Eklund Country of origin Sweden
How I watched it: Netflix
Synopsis
A team-building conference for municipal employees turns into a nightmare when accusations of corruption begin to circulate and plague the work environment. At the same time, a mysterious figure begins murdering the participants.
My thoughts
A solid slasher movie that had some great kills and chase sequences. Bonus points for killing some annoying characters that you couldn’t wait to die.
22. Scream VI
Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett Countries of origin United States and Canada
How I watched it: Theater
Synopsis
In the next installment, the survivors of the Ghostface killings leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter in New York City
My thoughts
I loved this upon initial watch and upon rewatch it didn’t hold up as well. I still like it more than part V overall. What can I say, it’s a Scream movie. You either dig it or don’t .
21. When Evil Lurks
Director Demián Rugna Countries of origin Argentina and United States
How I watched it: Shudder
Synopsis
In a remote village, two brothers find a demon-infected man just about to “give birth” to evil itself. They decide to get rid of the body, only to end up unintentionally spreading chaos.
My thoughts
It’s a well made entertaining film with some great gore scenes. Why i’m not blowing it like others, are for a few reasons. The lead characters are so unlikable and unrelatable. It was hard for me to give a shit what happened to them. Also the finale was a letdown in comparison to the rest of the film. It’s still a good film that I’ll probably never watch again.
20. Insidious: The Red Door
Director Patrick Wilson Countries of origin United States and Canada
How I watched it: VOD
Synopsis
The Lamberts must go deeper into The Further than ever before to put their demons to rest once and for all.
My thoughts
I wasn’t expecting much from this film after reading a few reviews from my peers. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. I won’t spoil it, but it easily had my JUMP SCARE of the year. I agree the film was unnecessary and didn’t add much to the lore, but I was still entertained. Hopefully Patrick Wilson will continue to direct.
19. Raging Grace
Director Paris Zarcilla Countries of origin Philippines and United Kingdom
How I watched it: VOD
Synopsis
An undocumented Filipina immigrant lands a job as a care-worker for a terminal old man, securing a better life for her and her daughter. But a dark discovery threatens to destroy everything she’s strived for and holds dear.
My thoughts
When I saw the poster art I was leery of the quality. While the film feels familiar in parts, it still held my attention to where it could possibly lead. There are some good twists and turns and a solid finale. Also the acting all around was superb.
18. The Devil Conspiracy
Director Nathan Frankowski Country of origin Czech Republic
How I watched it: VOD
Synopsis
A cult steals the Shroud of Turin for wicked purposes.
My thoughts
No idea why I even gave this movie a shot. I absolutely hate the poster art for the film. It does it no justice. This is a great action horror thriller. It had a 5 million dollar budget and it looks closer to a 15-20 million dollar movie. Great production values. I love the story about stealing dna from famous people to make superior kids, and the grand scheme of rebirthing the antichrist with Christ’s blood. There is also a subplot of the archangel Michael imprisoning Satan in the middle of the earth. Also Michael possessing a priest to stop the plan. Monsters, people led to slaughter, satanic snakes, and much more. The ending was a little to abrupt for my liking or it may have ranked even higher. Religious themed horror killed it this year.
17. From Black
Director Thomas Marchese Country of origin United States
How I watched it: Shudder
Synopsis
A recovering drug addict, desperate for closure and saddled by crushing guilt after the disappearance of her young son, is presented with a bizarre offer to learn the truth about what happened and set things right – if she is willing to pay a terrifying price. How dark is she willing to go for a chance at redemption?
My thoughts
Even though it has a lot of similarities to A Dark Song from 2016, I thought it was unique enough to not be a copycat. It’s a really slow burn film that has great atmosphere. I thought the non linear way the story unfolded was a smart way to tell it. Definitely not for everyone.
16. Gaslight
Director Pavan Kirpalani Country of origin India
How I watched it: VOD
Synopsis
Misha returns to her royal family estate after 15 years to visit her estranged father, only to find him missing.
My thoughts
This is a terrific mystery horror thriller. The way the film looked and was structured, reminds me of an American film. It’s one of those, is it supernatural or not type of films. It also had a couple of cool twist reveals. If you like thrillers or horror on the lighter side it’s a definite recommend.
15. Holy Shit!
Director Lukas Rinker Country of origin Germany
How I watched it: ScreamBox
Synopsis
Architect Frank wakes up from unconsciousness, squashed in a porta-potty. But it gets worse: In order not to be blown up during the imminent demolition, Frank must make his way out of his blue grave in one hour. A race against time.
My thoughts
Holy Shit (pun intended) this movie was a lot of fun. It’s a single location film, with a dude that’s impaled by rebar in a port a potty. Basically the dude is trying to get out before the construction site he’s on is blown up. Don’t worry it’s not just watching a dude struggle, or do the same thing over and over. There are interesting things and dilemmas he get into. Even though it’s just one location there are other characters that end up showing up. Not for the faint of heart. If intense gore scenes and bodily fluids gross you out, this is not the film for you. The cherry on top was the awesome blood soaked finale.
14. Venus
Director Jaume Balagueró Country of origin Spain
How I watched it: VOD
Synopsis
Go-go dancer Lucía, on the run with a stash of pills and hunted by mobsters, takes sanctuary in an apartment block
with sister Rocío and niece Alba only to find out that malevolent supernatural forces are at play in the building.
My thoughts
How is the director of two of the best horror films in modern history (rec, rec2), not given more recognition? I just found out about this film on accident. I didn’t see any advertisement, articles or any other reviews of the film. First I got to give recognition for my Hottie of the Year- Ester Exposito. She is absolutely stunning in this film, even when soaked in blood and all sweaty. Besides the eye candy it’s a pretty cool cult/apocalyptic, with some gang action, featured action horror film. If I have any criticisms, I wanted the film to be longer. The ending and backstory could have been extended a little further. Still a great film, not many are talking about.
13. There’s Something In The Barn
Director Magnus Martens Countries of origin Norway and Finland
How I watched it: VOD
Synopsis
An American family fulfills their dream of moving back after inheriting a remote cabin in the mountains of Norway. But…..there is something in the barn!
My thoughts
One of my favorite horror subgenre’s is Christmas horror. I just love the atmosphere and winter setting most are set in. I liked the first act of the film, setting up the characters and the story, the middle section of the film was ok, but then the last 30 minutes or so is just bat shit crazy, which made up for most of the shortcomings. Another of many films that has odes to Gremlins among other films. Just a blast. I’ll be watching this on my future Christmas rotations.
12. Totally Killer
Director Nahnatchka Khan Country of origin United States
How I watched it: Amazon Prime
Synopsis
When the infamous “Sweet Sixteen Killer” returns 35 years after his first murder spree to claim another victim, 17-year-old Jamie accidentally travels back in time to 1987, determined to stop the killer before he can start.
My thoughts
Amazon scored big, by getting this on Prime without it going to the theater. I thought it was easily theater worthy and could have brought in some coin. It’s a Back To The Future inspired slasher film. I loved the irreverence the 80’s characters had (sometimes I miss those days) and Kieran’s reactions to them, even though it bordered on being too much. A fun film, with some cool twists and a satisfying finale. If you like this new wave of comedy slashers such as Tragedy Girl, The Final Girls, Happy Death Day and Freaky, then this should be right up your alley.
11. Renfield
Director Chris McKay Country of origin United States
How I watched it: VOD
Synopsis
Renfield, Dracula’s henchman and inmate at the lunatic asylum for decades, longs for a life away from the Count, his various demands, and all of the bloodshed that comes with them.
My thoughts
One of the best surprises of the year. I was all up to see Nicholas Cage ham it up as Dracula, but I didn’t expect to like Nicholas Hoult and Awkwafina as much as I did. It wasn’t laugh out loud funny, but it had a good sense of humor, and solid pacing. My absolute favorite thing about it, is the fight choreography. It was top notch, with the wirework and clever kills, it had me smiling with a shit eating grin. (What does that even mean?)
10. Sick
Director John Hyams Country of origin United States
How I watched it: Peacock
Synopsis
Due to the pandemic, Parker and her best friend decide to quarantine at the family lake house alone – or so they think.
My thoughts
I had this higher on my list initially but after rewatch it brought it down some. It’s another cleverly written slasher film by Kevin Williamson. He came up with a cool concept using the Covid Pandemic as a plot point. Standard but effective chase sequences, cool kills and a sweet motive reveal. My second favorite slasher of the year.
09. Dark Harvest
Director David Slade Country of origin United States
How I watched it: VOD
Synopsis
In a small Midwestern town, a deadly annual ritual unfolds when the mythical nightmare, Sawtooth Jack, rises from the cornfields and challenges the town’s teenage boys in a bloody battle of survival.
My thoughts
My favorite David Slade movie yet. Based on a award winning novel, that I ended up reading after I watched the movie. My conclusion. The screenplay did an amazing job adapting it to movie form. It took the best bits of the book, added some new stuff and took out some filler. I dare say I personally like the movie more than the book. My biggest complaint, I wish it had more of a Halloween feel to it. If you haven’t watched it yet, get on it.
08. The Pope’s Exorcist
Director Julius Avery Countries of origin United States,Spain, and the United Kingdom
How I watched it: VOD
Synopsis
Follow Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican’s leading exorcist, as he investigates the possession of a child and uncovers a conspiracy the Vatican has tried to keep secret.
My thoughts
When I heard about this project I thought it was going to be a loose adaption about the real life Father Gabriele Amorth. I had no idea they were going the Conjuring route and totally go batshit insane with a mostly made up story. So many exorcism movies do the same ol generic shit. While this film had it’s tropes, it also had a few unique takes on dealing with possession. Russell Crowe knocked it out of the park like usual. His take on Father Amorth and his humor, made him one of the best characters in a horror film this year. Great rewatch value also.
07. Cocaine Bear
Director Elizabeth Banks Countries of origin United States, Netherlands, New Zealand, Ireland, and the United Kingdom
How I watched it: Amazon Prime
Synopsis
An oddball group of cops, criminals, tourists and teens converge on a Georgia forest where a huge black bear goes on a murderous rampage after unintentionally ingesting cocaine.
My thoughts
I was stoked from the get go once this project was announced, and it did not disappoint. Kinda surprised that Elizabeth Banks made a film that was so violent. Had some solid humor, some violent ,kills and even had some heartfelt moments. The gurney kill, when the bear attacked the ambulance, made my Kill of The Year! A cringe inducing moment, Such a fun film.
06. Thanksgiving
Director Eli Roth Countries of origin United States ,Canada, and Australia
How I watched it: Theater
Synopsis
After a Black Friday riot ends in tragedy, a mysterious Thanksgiving-inspired killer terrorizes Plymouth, Massachusetts – the birthplace of the infamous holiday.
My thoughts
This was my most anticipated release of the year. Ive been waiting for Roth to make this since the faux trailer in Grindhouse. I’ll be honest, it could never live up to my expectations, but obviously I loved it. Easily my favorite slasher of the year. Stoked to see the sequel that’s supposedly coming.
05. Evil Dead Rise
Director Lee Cronin Countries of origin Ireland, New Zealand and United States
How I watched it: Theater
Synopsis
A twisted tale of two estranged sisters whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable.
My thoughts
I didn’t get a chance to see many of the films this year in the theater, so this was easily the best theatrical experience I had. I know im in the vast minority, but I actually enjoyed this movie even more than the last Evil Dead entry. It’s probably because I enjoyed the apartment setting instead of the usual cabin in the woods. Starts off and ends as a banger. My only complaint is the low body count. I wished there was a few more kills in the middle section. I know some people had issues with the final creature design but I dug it. Hopefully more Evil Dead is on the way.
04. Talk To Me
Directors Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou Countries of origin Australia and the United Kingdom
How I watched it: Vod
Synopsis
When a group of friends discover how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand, they become hooked on the new thrill, until one of them goes too far and unleashes terrifying supernatural forces.
My thoughts
I fucking loved this story. Using a dead hand to get possessed game, was a brilliant concept. I liked this film upon initial watch but loved it on rewatch. I really liked the characters, and especially the relationship between Mia and Riley. The film had some brutal moments and fantastic gore. I liked the fact it wasn’t an overload of back story like in most films like this. It added to the mystery of the film. Not sure if I want a sequel. It would have to be a damn good script to be worth the time.
03. Nefarious
Directors Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon Country of origin United States
How I watched it: VOD
Synopsis
On the day of his scheduled execution, a convicted serial killer gets a psychiatric evaluation during which he claims he is a demon, and further claims that before their time is over, the psychiatrist will commit three murders of his own.
My thoughts
My assumption this is the most polarizing film on my list. Ive seen where people love it like myself, but I’ve also seen where people have said it was the worst piece of shit of the year. People have claimed it is Christian propaganda, and all I have to say to that is…..Hell yeah it’s Christian Propaganda and I loved every minute of it. It was about 30 minutes into the film when I realized it was a Christian film with actually sound theology. Yes it was a fictional story but based on biblical truth. Sean Patrick Flanery killed it in his role as the dude on death row. He gets my award for PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR. Don’t expect to see a lot of gore and horror. There are some brutal moments but it’s tons of thought provoking dialogue. Even though it’s a lot of propaganda, it’s tastefully done. Even the finale wasn’t a matter of fact hitting you over the head like I expected. I love this film. I recommend watching this with an open mind.
02. Saw X
Director Kevin Greutert Countries of origin United States, Mexico and Canada
How I watched it: VOD
Synopsis
A sick and desperate John travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable.
My thoughts
There is no way a film that is on it’s 10th entry should be this good. After part 6, it may be my second favorite entry. This was once again a brilliant way to bring back Jigsaw as the lead character. This also has some of the best cringe inducing kills of the year. Fantastic gore effects as usual. Not much to say, if you’re a Saw fan you should love this film.
01. Infinity Pool
Director Brandon Cronenberg Countries of origin Canada, Croatia and Hungary
How I watched it: VOD
Synopsis
James and Em Foster are enjoying an all-inclusive beach vacation in the fictional island of La Tolqa, when a fatal accident exposes the resort’s perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism, reckless violence and surreal horrors.
My thoughts
Brandon once again proved he’s one of the most unique and best horror directors out there. He’s already off to a better career start than his legendary dad. Such a cool story and such a different way to tell the story. So many different themes and things going on to digest. Great depictions of depravity that humans are capable of one moment and the next moment go back to a normal life. It also shows how different people handle situations in different ways. Some great brutal moments, titilatting trippy sex scenes, and a fucked up finale. I know it’s not for everybody, but I absolutely loved the movie. It was easily my #1 of the year.
WRAP UP
Recap of how I watched these films.
- 17 VOD
- 3 ScreamBox
- 3 Theatrical
- 2 Shudder
- 2 Amazon Prime
- 1 Hulu
- 1 Netflix
- 1 Peacock
No surprise that VOD leads the way. I will be shocked from here on out, if that’s not the main way I watched a majority of the good horror films. What is a surprise, is that ScreamBox kicked as much ass as it did. While Shudder is still the best overall horror streaming app, it shows that ScreamBox is not far behind. Even one of the hidden gems – Devils was a ScreamBox exclusive. The other big boys need to step their game up. Disappointed that Netflix doesn’t make or stream more newly released horror films.
Country Productions
- USA 21
- Canada 5
- UK 4
- New Zealand 3
- Australia, Ireland and Spain have 2 each
- Sweden, Mexico, Argentina, Phillipines, Croatia, Netherlands, Czech Republic, India, Germany, Hungary, Norway, and Finland all have 1 each.
The USA as expected, has the most films on my list that were either produced or co produced there. My biggest surprise is there are no Asian produced films that made my cut.
Hidden Gems
I have three requirements for my hidden gems list.
- A horror film that didn’t make my top 30 list.
- Rating is a 7.5 or above.
- A film that I personally didn’t hear or read any/much fanfare in the horror community.
Everyone Will Burn
A strange girl may be linked to a local legend about stopping an impending apocalypse.
A very weird and uniqe Spanish film about a woman who is about to kill herself due to loss of her child, but meets a small girl (or is it a woman?), that has psychic powers. Is the girl a comforting guiding force in the woman’s life or a harbinger for the apocalypse? Just a unique film that had me guessing what was going to happen next. I also loved the small Spanish village setting. Not for the average horror fan, but if you like a mildly slow burn film that is on the bizarre side, then it’s a recommend.
Rating: 7.5/10
Free on the Hoopla Library App
Vod $3.99
Devils
A determined homicide detective assigned to take down a ring of serial killers, has a personal motivation as one of the victims is his own brother-in-law.
First time South Korean director Kim Jae-hoon
did a bang up job, which seems to be the norm for South Korean action horror thrillers. While not quite as good as either film, it’s part Face Off, part I Saw the Devil. It also has a bad ass twist reveal I didn’t see coming. The finale wasn’t as strong as the rest of the film, is the only reason it didn’t rate higher.
Rating: 7.5/0
Available on ScreamBox
Where the Devil Roams
Traces a family of murderous sideshow performers as it travels around the world on the dying carnival circuit.
This is the type of film I normally hate. A slow burn film that has some abstract concepts and themes. This borders on being too much for my simple brain, but it doesn’t cross the line. Some beautiful imagery, some brutality and some cool music. You’ll know within the first 15 minutes if the film is for you.
Rating: 7.5/10
Free on Tubi
Play Dead
Chloe fakes her own death to steal evidence from a morgue. The Coroner uses the morgue as a front for a sick and twisted business. A scary game of cat and mouse ensues as Chloe learns more about the dead than she bargains for.
I’m surprised that a horror film directed by Patrick Lussier (My Bloody Valentine remake, Dracula 2000, Drive Angry) didn’t receive more fanfare. I watched it for free on Tubi. It’s primarily a single location film with Jerry Oconnell hamming it up beautifully as the villain. Some solid tension, good survival fighting scenes and a few good gore scenes. A lot of fun.
Rating: 7.5/10
Free on Tubi
Lion-Girl
In the year 20XX, mysterious meteors bombard the Earth and usher in an age of horrific beasts known as ‘ANOROC’, hunting and killing humans for their life force. The Earth has one last defender against them; her name is ‘LION-GIRL’.
Despite the poster art it’s really an English speaking film with mostly American actors. Derek Mears looks like he’s having a blast hamming it up as the lead villain. The story narration is pretty in depth but not too confusing. A pretty cool whacky post apocalyptic tale. Reminds me of Machine Girl mixed with a little bit of Troma. Tons of nudity, so not for the easily offended. The ending wasn’t as epic as I was hoping for or it would have rated higher. Hopefully there is a sequel coming. I’d love to revisit this character and story.
Rating: 7.5/10
Vod starting at $3.99
About the author: Jason Lloyd is the founder of the network Horrorphilia and he can be found on all social media platforms.
