Feature: Top 10 Horror Movies of the Past 10 Years (1998-2008)
Critical Critic: Phntmbanana | Published on: June 13, 2008 |
Filed under: Feature
As I reviewed The Strangers, I mentioned that there really aren’t many horror movies that set themselves apart from the pack. I see a lot of horror movies, and only enjoy a select few of them, but when they are good they can be something very great. I’ve restricted my time period to the past 10 years (1998-2008). This list is based on the films that I have seen, so I may have missed your favorites…
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Saw (2004) This is a movie that succeeds on many different levels. First of all, it was a huge financial success that let Lionsgate make some different and great movies soon after. Also, it was genuinely suspenseful with a great twist and some very good scares. We, the viewer, were much like the characters, in that we were thrust into a situation that we didn’t understand and figured out things as they unfolded. It is a shame that they abandoned the template of the first film and instead decided to make haunted house ride kinda movies where it became just one room of gore to the next. If you haven’t had the chance, make sure you check out the one that started it all. |
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| 9 |  |
Slither (2006) Slither was one of two movies on this list that successfully blended horror and comedy. It was a great sort of alien movie that didn’t take itself too seriously, but instead had fun with the things that were going on. Some good action and suspense coupled with some laughs make this a film that any horror fan should check out. |
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| 8 |  |
The Sixth Sense (1999) I was tentative in putting this movie on the list because of the fact that it is more suspense than anything else (plus it was PG-13, which in my mind is a big no-no). None of this can take away from the fact that it is a fantastic movie with a great twist and some nice scares. I personally believe this movie is somewhat of a blessing and a curse considering the hordes of PG-13 horror movies it spawned after its success. This is still a movie that no one will really forget (unless you got the ending spoiled like most people did). |
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| 7 |  |
Zodiac (2007) Zodiac was another that was tough to categorize but given the suspense, the true life aspect and the fact that this is one of the best mystery movies I have ever seen, I consider it in some ways horror. It completely covers all of the investigations of the Zodiac murders along with showing them. Twists and turns throughout, along with some really original action sequences make this a movie everyone should see if they have three hours to kill. Read our review. | |
| 6 |  |
28 Weeks Later (2007) This was a film that I really wanted to hate. I thought of it as a bad idea because Danny Boyle would not be directing again, and that there was no need for a sequel to the almost perfect 28 Days Later. I was quite surprised that this was almost as good while being completely different than the first. It goes for big action sequences and a large cast of characters rather than the very small feel the first film had. Nonetheless, it is a creepy film that should be commended. Read our review. |
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| 5 |  |
Dawn of the Dead (2004) Some may disagree with this being on the list given that it is a remake of one of the most revered horror movies of all time. It does stay faithful to the original – only giving zombies some well-needed updates on their abilities. Zach Snyder shows a lot of talent with this movie, which is a lot of fun along with being scary and suspenseful. He needs to be applauded for reinvigorating the genre. |
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| 4 |  |
Shaun of the Dead (2004) This is the 2nd movie that successfully blends comedy and horror, and is the favorite movie of all time for many. It is somewhat of a spoof movie on the zombie genre, but not in the horrific ways that those rogue scary movie writers have been passing off. It has a great amount of affection for what it is spoofing along with some good action and gore thrown in. |
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| 3 |  |
Grindhouse (2007) While in theaters, this one was sadly a large disappointment financially which made them cut the fantastic 3 hour experience into 2 separate DVDs (Death Proof and Planet Terror), but I still consider it to be a singular experience. It is two great films rolled into one by two of the better action directors of this generation (Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino). If you haven’t seen this one check it out for sure – I don’t think you’ll be dissapointed. |
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| 2 |  |
The Descent (2005) This is one of the scariest movies that I have ever seen. It combines darkness and claustrophobia with carnivorous cave dwelling creatures. It scares the hell out of me time after time and really shows what darkness mixed with a desperate situation can do to a person’s decisions. Plenty of gore and scares put this one firmly near the top of the list. |
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| 1 |  |
28 Days Later… (2002) This is number 1 on this list for several reasons. First, great character development. With so few characters throughout most of the film, it makes the people involved seem very real and interesting. Secondly, it has plenty of action and gore, but also intelligently examines what the apocalypse may indeed be like. Third, great direction and chilling shots of an empty London coupled with superb acting and story compel this one high above all the others. |
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Now you may disagree with many of these choices for whatever reason, but keep in mind these are the films I have seen. If you like, write a comment with a few movies I may have missed. I will check them out and possibly adjust the list if necessary.
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About: Phntmbanana Movies and comics are my passion. When not watching the latest Hollywood megahit I can be found idling at the local comic shop. |
Desmond posted a response on: June 14, 2008 | Reply
You’ve got a few good ones on the list but The Sixth Sense wasn’t a horror movie. I’d have to disagree with 28 Weeks Later being listed as well.
The Ring, Session 9 and The Blair Witch Project belong somewhere on here. See them if you haven’t yet.
Phntmbanana posted a response on: June 14, 2008 | Reply
Yeah I gotcha on sixth sense but I defend 28 weeks based on the fact that it had one of my favorite scenes ever in a horror movie.
Blair was sort of a disappointment for me it was alright for a bit but never really scared me too much. The ring as a good one as well but I sort of forgot about it. I’ll check out Session 9 soon thanks for the comment
General Disdain posted a response on: June 14, 2008 | Reply
Ju-on, the original The Grudge, is one the scarier movies I’ve seen meeting your criteria.
Fletch posted a response on: June 16, 2008 | Reply
Yeah, sorry - I don’t consider about half that list horror, either, though I’m bothered more by the fact that 1998-2008 = 11 years.
sasori posted a response on: June 16, 2008 | Reply
The earliest movie was released 1999, so technically it is a 10-year span. Editor musta been drinking when publishing
Don posted a response on: June 20, 2008 | Reply
Frailty is a good horror/thriller flick involving ax-wielding religious fanatics.
If you’re going to add the original Japanese horror flicks like Ju-on, you’ve got to add Gin gwai (original The Eye) too.
Phntmbanana posted a response on: June 20, 2008 | Reply
I didn’t happen to catch Frailty but I’m looking forward to seeing it… again on the Japanese movies I haven’t seen them so cannot put them on the list
Jennifer posted a response on: June 25, 2008 | Reply
If you love great scary movies, you have to see the movie, REC. It’s a spanish cam-style (Cloverfield, but done right) horror movie. It is great, Hollywood is doing a remake that will come out this year.
Mircea posted a response on: June 27, 2008 | Reply
Looks like I missed some of these, I’m off to recover the time lost now!:) Great list!
vamp posted a response on: June 28, 2008 | Reply
30 days of night was a good movie.
Melbz posted a response on: June 30, 2008 | Reply
I really have to disagree about 28 Days Later. The first half of the movie is great, but later it just rans out crazy with the marines and stuff. It’s a real disappointment because the beginning is really good.
trent posted a response on: July 17, 2008 | Reply
Saw is torture porn…nothing scary about that. Zodiac was a police procedural, well done…but nothing scary about that. Shaun of the Dead was a black comedy for God’s sake…..nothing scary about that. Grindhouse scary??? when? what scene?? Half the list does not even qualify for a horror film, the creators of this list have no understanding of the genre at all!!
cha0smage24 posted a response on: August 8, 2008 | Reply
I think that your list was great. Deff would not have included the sixth sense. Not horror but whatever. oh and by the way Blair witch suked beyond belief and my god 30 days of night was almost as bad. What are these people thinking! lol……not in your time frame but the wizard of gore and suspiria are the greatest horror movies ever!!!!!!
Rob posted a response on: August 18, 2008 | Reply
This is a great list of some of the top horror films in the past decade. I specifically agree with your top three of Grindhouse, The Descent, and 28 Days Later. Whenever I discuss the best recent horror films, those are the three that instantly come to mind. As for the rest of the list, it’s still solid but I have some criticisms. First, I don’t know if Zodiac should be considered a horror film. Sure, it was about a serial killer and had some horror aspects, but it was a film more about the police procedure film and Gyllenhaal’s obsession. 28 Weeks Later, in my opinion, was an OKAY sequel to the almighty original. The gore was amped up, but the storyline was too generic and predictable and the political involvement seemed forced. But overall this is a GREAT list.
imhaya.blogspot.com posted a response on: August 30, 2008 | Reply
First Zodiac isn’t a horror movie, it’s more likely a thriller movie. Second 28 Days Later is sucks. I only like it on the first part, when the town is empty. Third if Shaun of the Dead is a horror movie, then Scary Movie too.
My version; 28 Days Later, Zodiac, and Shaun of The Dead shouldn’t be listed there. The Descent should be #1, followed by Dawn of the dead.
Krypto posted a response on: September 6, 2008 | Reply
I agree with most of what’s on this list, just not the order of it. In my opinion, The Descent should be #1 and 28 Days Later Should be #2. 28 Days Later and it’s sequel were really great films. had that foreign horror feel, great story lines and acting. both had brilliant opening and ending scenes, especially 28 Weeks Later. Wow, that’s was an intense setup for a sequel no less! But seriously, The Descent is truly scary. Made me feel clausterphobic, and i’m not at all… As for the rest of the list, well Zodiac is good, but not really horror. And Grindhouse, in particular Death proof, was terrible. And yes, I do agree Shaun of the Dead is one of the best movies ever made!!!