The Best Horror Movies of 2023, Ranked

Best horror movies 2023, ranked
A24 / Paramount / Shudder

2023 was a unique year for horror, with films ranging from microbudget fare to Hollywood sequels making headlines. Before revealing the top spots, here are some honorable mentions:

ā€œSaw Xā€ — Even though it’s the 10th chapter in the long-running franchise, ā€œSaw Xā€ takes a decidedly back-to-basics approach by going back in time and making the menacing Jigsaw killer, John Kramer, the protagonist. After he’s duped into paying for a fake miracle surgery to cure his cancer, Kramer seeks revenge on the faux doctors in the only way he knows how. The twists are plentiful and the traps are stomach-churning, and by going back in time, the film dodges some of the overly-complicated plotting of previous chapters.

ā€œM3GANā€ — Although it was saddled with a PG-13 rating, America’s new favorite killer doll proved to be a box office sensation and a fun theatrical watch. Owing plenty to the 2019 reboot of ā€œChild’s Play,ā€ this tech-gone-wrong feature was filled with enough viral moments and GIF-able kills to keep the momentum going through a thin plot. Hopefully the sequel will capitalize more off of Allison Williams’ strong performance and create an even darker experience.

ā€œSickā€ — ā€œScreamā€ creator Kevin Williamson co-wrote this low-profile COVID movie, a cozy mystery that felt right at home on streaming. Set primarily in one location, the claustrophobia of the central house made for a bloodthirsty experience able to gloss over budgetary restrictions. Although the ending got a little crazy, it’s nice to see a throwback slasher go for broke, with Williamson clearly having a ball again.

ā€œThe Wrath of Beckyā€ — This amusing and violent genre picture stars Lulu Wilson as teenage assassin Becky, who targets Proud Boy-esque goons in the sequel to the 2020 neo nazi-killing first feature. Seann William Scott is a hoot as the leader of the all-male organization that is about to cause serious destruction if Becky doesn’t get to them first. They’ve stolen her dog and killed her only friend, setting the stage for some ā€œHome Aloneā€ meets ā€œJohn Wickā€ mayhem. The final act ratchets up the tension and a funny coda begs for a sequel.

From Variety US