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:
āSaw Xā āĀ Even though itās the 10th chapter in the long-running franchise, āSaw Xā takes a decidedly back-to-basics approach by going back in time and making the menacing Jigsaw killer, John Kramer, the protagonist. After heās 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.
āM3GANā ā Although it was saddled with a PG-13 rating, Americaās new favorite killer doll proved to be a box office sensation and a fun theatrical watch. Owing plenty to the 2019 reboot of āChildās 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 Williamsā strong performance and create an even darker experience.
āSickā ā āScreamā 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, itās nice to see a throwback slasher go for broke, with Williamson clearly having a ball again.
āThe Wrath of Beckyā ā 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 doesnāt get to them first. Theyāve stolen her dog and killed her only friend, setting the stage for some āHome Aloneā meets āJohn Wickā mayhem. The final act ratchets up the tension and a funny coda begs for a sequel.
From Variety US