2022 has been a FANTASTIC year of horror movies. We were given so many incredible gems and i’m so excited to see what 2023 has in store for us.
before that, lets take a look at my favorite of the year. Turns out, it was really hard to pick only 10, but lets do it.
10. SMILE
ONCE YOU SEE IT, IT’S TOO LATE.
After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can’t explain. As an overwhelming terror begins taking over her life, Rose must confront her troubling past in order to survive and escape her horrifying new reality.
This movies walks a very thin line between being incredibly creepy or completely ridiculous. Sometimes this line gets blurry, but you know what? i had alot of fun!
The plot screams mid-2000s paranormal flick and it is filled with some very effective jumpscares. The tone is sometimes abit off, like you’ll get those really dark moments and super heavy atmosphere, but then you’ll get those scenes that are so weird it is almost funny? and i’m not sure if that’s what they were planning on doing or it they missed the mark.
i really had a good time with this one, if you are whiling to go in without taking it too seriously i think you’ll be entertained.
Also, i just love Kyle Gallner. He’s great.
9. THE SADNESS
A young couple is pushed to the limits of sanity as they attempt to be reunited amid the chaos of a pandemic outbreak. The streets erupt into violence and depravity, as those infected are driven to enact in the most cruel and ghastly things imaginable.
Asian horror always hit differently. This one was incredibly brutal, disturbing, vile and bleak. Also, the practical effects were incredible. The gore was abundant, well made and it gave us some pretty intense moments. I also really love the score in this one, especially in those big chaotic scenes. The acting was decent too. The main flaw lays with the characters i think. I wish they were less generic and more developed, same with the main relationship between the couple, if that aspect was more effective, the emotional parts towards the end would hit even more.
But overall, i think it did exactly what it wanted to do.
Weird to say i’ve enjoyed it, but i did.
8. BODIES, BODIES, BODIES
THIS IS NOT A SAFE SPACE.
When a group of 20-somethings gets stuck at a remote mansion during a hurricane, a party game gone very, very wrong ends with a dead body on the ground and fake friends at every turn as they try to find the killer among them.
I really didn’t think this one would make it in my top 10, but the fact that i’m still thinking about it months after watching is a good enough reason. I seriously think this one is the most fun film on the list, with fantastic writing and great acting. Worth it simply for that final reveal. I have enjoyed this one so much.
7. THE BLACK PHONE
Finney Shaw, a shy but clever 13-year-old boy, is abducted by a sadistic killer and trapped in a soundproof basement where screaming is of little use. When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring, Finney discovers that he can hear the voices of the killer’s previous victims. And they are dead set on making sure that what happened to them doesn’t happen to Finney.
You cannot give me a Scott Dickinson and Ethan Hawke collaboration and expect me to not love it. It’s simply who I am. The Black Phone had some genuinely creepy moments and some effective jumpscares. Perfectly acted by everyone in the cast ; Hawk in the Grabber’s role was terrifying, and the kids were so good. Dickinson’s direction is great as always, gloomy and bleak, with a great 70s vibe.
6. INCANTATION
HOU-HO-XIU-YI, SI-SEI-WU-MA
Inspired by a true story of a family who believed they were possessed by spirits, this film follows a woman who must protect her child from a curse.
incantation is a movie i’ve been super excited about and it did not disappoint. I said it before but i’ll say it again, found footage is by far my favorite sub genre, so my heart is always happy when i find one that works so well for me.
This one is particular was fantastic. i love the creepy moments and the sinister imageries. I think the cast was amazing and the lead seriously did an amazing job carrying the movie. The audience participation was a big and effective plus, i was saying that freaking incantation along with them. it was so well done.
5. X
In 1979, a group of young filmmakers set out to make an adult film in rural Texas, but when their reclusive, elderly hosts catch them in the act, the cast find themselves fighting for their lives.
There’s something about Ti West’s movies that feels almost hypnotic. i dont know what it is, but i can’t take my eyes off the screen. Same thing happened with The house of the Devil.
X was fantastic. A perfect slasher, filled with surprising moments, interesting characters, a flawless cast.
4. BARBARIAN
In town for a job interview, a young woman arrives at her Airbnb late at night only to find that it has been mistakenly double-booked and a strange man is already staying there. Against her better judgement, she decides to stay the night anyway, but soon discovers that there is much more to be afraid of in the house than the other house guest.
Unexpected and effective. highly recommend going in knowing absolutely nothing to fully appreciate the reveals. The acting was fantastic and the characters definitely interesting. Have to mention the incredible soundtrack and sound design, it worked so well!
I also really liked the structure of the movie, i don’t want to say much, but if you seen it, you probably know what i mean. It was a good way to unfold the story.
i had a blast with this one! It’s surprising, creepy and memorable.
3. FRESH
Frustrated by scrolling dating apps only to end up on lame, tedious dates, Noa takes a chance by giving her number to the awkwardly charming Steve after a produce-section meet-cute at the grocery store.
THIS WAS SO GOOD.
I seriously loved everything about it ; The characters, the story and how it unfolded, the soundtrack, the cinematography, the horror element, the final arc, the whole dang thing. what a fun ride.
2. NOPE
WHAT’S A BAD MIRACLE?
Residents in a lonely gulch of inland California bear witness to an uncanny, chilling discovery.
Nope is a fantastic and refreshing take on a genre we have all seen a million times. The story, the mystery and how it all unfold is perfectly done. The humor was on point without making the horror elements less effective, which i absolutely love. The whole audience at the theatre was laughing and gasping at the right time, it was a great movie experience. The tension was well crafted during many sequences, some moments really made my anxiety go up. add in a flawless soundtrack and incredible sound design. i’m already excited to rewatch it.
1. SCREAM
Twenty-five years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, a new killer has donned the Ghostface mask and begins targeting a group of teenagers to resurrect secrets from the town’s deadly past.
Obviously my number one spot goes to my true love ; SCREAM. This new entry in the franchise was just so freaking great and it mixes the old with the new perfectly. I’m in love with the cast and all the characters. This one also gave us some freaking brutal and heartbreaking kills, Ghostface doesn’t hold back here. I’ve rewatched it a couple times this year and each time it’s been a pleasure. I seriously cannot wait for the next one. ♥
Sarah in Zombieland 
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