70 – 61

70. Hounds of Love (2016)

Ben Young’s debut feature Hounds of Love is a visceral, harrowing journey into the darkest corners of human relationships and trauma. The film follows a young woman abducted by a couple in 1980s Perth, with performances from Ashleigh Cummings, Emma Booth, and Stephen Curry that are as unnervingly intense as they are unforgettable. Young’s direction skillfully layers emotional intensity with suspense, establishing him as a talent to watch. It’s a bold, unapologetically brutal exploration of abuse and power that doesn’t flinch from difficult questions, offering a depth and sophistication rarely seen in genre films.

What makes Hounds of Love truly disturbing, however, is Young’s ability to humanise both predator and prey, forcing the audience to confront their own discomfort. The direction shows remarkable restraint, focusing more on psychological terror than graphic violence, which makes the horror feel all the more real. For a directorial debut, Young’s work is polished, confidently paced, and imbued with a subtlety that belies his newcomer status.

Movie Review: Hounds of Love (2016)

69. Sinister (2012)

Sinister has earned its place as one of the modern horror classics, routinely praised for its disturbing atmosphere and chilling visuals. Directed by Scott Derrickson, the film stars Ethan Hawke as a true-crime writer who moves his family into a house where a series of brutal murders took place. Derrickson carefully builds tension through the found footage sequences, using them to ratchet up dread in a way that feels both familiar and refreshingly unsettling.

While the plot structure may not be revolutionary, Sinister delivers a slow-burn horror experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Hawke’s performance anchors the story with authenticity, drawing audiences into his character’s obsession. With a plot that slowly unravels terrifying secrets, the film has justifiably remained a fan favorite among horror lovers, with its well-crafted scares and high rewatchability factor.

68. Doctor Sleep (2019)

Taking on the monumental task of blending Stephen King’s novel with Stanley Kubrick’s iconic adaptation of The Shining, Mike Flanagan delivers a remarkable sequel that stands proudly on its own. Ewan McGregor stars as an older Danny Torrance, now struggling with his own demons, who must confront new threats from a cult preying on those with psychic powers. Flanagan’s reverence for both King and Kubrick is evident, crafting a film that’s faithful yet distinct, balancing nostalgia with fresh storytelling.

Doctor Sleep excels through its rich character development and supernatural elements that feel both terrifying and exhilarating. The horror is both visceral and deeply emotional, as Danny’s journey of redemption adds a powerful human element. Flanagan’s direction shines in his ability to blend horror with heartfelt moments, proving once again that he is one of the genre’s finest storytellers.

Movie Review: Doctor Sleep (2019)

67. The Untamed (2016)

The Untamed by Amat Escalante is a genre-bending exploration of sexual repression and existential dread, set against the backdrop of rural Mexico. It combines elements of science fiction and horror, introducing audiences to an enigmatic creature that has the power to fulfill its host’s deepest desires. The film’s blend of surrealism and realism creates an unsettling experience, blurring the lines between body horror and social commentary.

What makes The Untamed remarkable is its willingness to delve into taboo subjects and challenge viewers’ comfort zones. Escalante’s direction captures both the strange beauty and grotesque nature of human desires, using the horror genre as a lens to examine societal constraints. It’s an unforgettable experience, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of disquiet.

66. The Babadook (2014)

Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook remains one of the most unsettling and psychologically driven horrors of the century. Anchored by Essie Davis’s haunting performance, the film follows a single mother dealing with grief and trauma, whose son begins to obsess over a monstrous figure from a children’s book. Kent’s direction creates an atmosphere of oppressive dread, drawing parallels between the supernatural and the weight of unresolved pain.

The Babadook itself becomes a metaphor for the darker aspects of human emotion, amplifying the film’s emotional impact. The Babadook is not only a masterclass in horror storytelling but also a profound exploration of loss and resilience, proving that horror can be as emotionally impactful as it is terrifying.

Unleashing Terror: The Babadook – A Psychological Thriller Dividing Horror Fans

65. Dog Soldiers (2002)

Neil Marshall’s Dog Soldiers is an exhilarating fusion of action, horror, and dark humour, centering on a group of soldiers in the Scottish wilderness who find themselves in a deadly fight against a pack of werewolves. Marshall’s debut is marked by a high-energy pace, practical effects, and razor-sharp dialogue that make this monster movie one of the most enjoyable cult horrors of its time. The film’s combination of camaraderie and terror keeps audiences hooked as the stakes rise.

Despite its low budget, Dog Soldiers is impressively crafted, with practical creature effects that stand the test of time. It’s a quintessentially British horror film that doesn’t shy away from gritty violence, and it established Marshall as a director capable of handling action and horror with equal finesse.

64. Lake Mungo (2008)

Lake Mungo is a chilling entry in the found-footage genre, notable for its atmosphere and emotional weight. The film is presented as a mockumentary that follows a family grieving the loss of their daughter, who appears to haunt their home. The story unfolds through a series of interviews, camera footage, and photos, creating an eerie realism that makes the scares feel organic.

What sets Lake Mungo apart is its deeply emotional core, exploring themes of grief, memory, and the unknowable aspects of death. Its subtle, restrained approach results in a horror experience that’s profoundly affecting. This Australian gem has rightfully garnered a cult following and is often lauded as one of the best found-footage horror films ever made.

63. Evil Dead (2013)

Fede Álvarez’s Evil Dead remake is a ferocious reimagining of Sam Raimi’s 1981 classic, amping up the gore and terror to brutal heights. The story follows a group of friends who inadvertently unleash a demonic force, and it wastes no time in turning the horror up to eleven. Álvarez’s direction is relentless, filled with disturbing visuals and intense sequences that pay homage to the original while carving out a unique identity for the film.

While some purists may prefer Raimi’s original, Evil Dead (2013) stands as one of the most successful horror remakes. It retains the raw, visceral energy of the original, proving that there’s still room for extreme horror done right in the modern era.

62. Late Night with the Devil (2023)

The Cairnes Brothers’ Late Night with the Devil brings the American talk-show format into the horror realm, delivering a film that’s both a commentary on television culture and a supernatural thriller. Set in the 1970s, the film’s aesthetic perfectly captures the era’s kitschy, sensationalist vibe while diving into the twisted narrative of a talk show host inviting a sinister presence onto his set. The stylised visuals and impressive attention to period detail make the film an immersive experience.

While the film isn’t flawless, its originality and execution make it a standout. Late Night with the Devil is an example of modern horror using nostalgia to unsettle and disturb, proving the Cairnes Brothers are adept at blending style with substance.

61. The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard’s The Cabin in the Woods is a meta-horror that flips genre conventions on its head with wit and creativity. The story follows five friends who unwittingly become pawns in a ritualistic scheme orchestrated by a shadowy organisation. Whedon and Goddard’s script is both an homage to and a critique of horror tropes, delivering a film that’s as funny as it is scary.

The Cabin in the Woods is celebrated for its originality, blending horror and comedy in a way that feels fresh and inventive. It’s a film that revels in its self-awareness, inviting fans of the genre to laugh, scream, and think critically about the familiar tropes they love.

• Saul Muerte