As the year creeps to a close, reflection on the terror that graced our screens is a must for any enthusiast seeking the best that the genre has to offer. 2023 has unfurled a tapestry of terror, stitching together new narratives woven with fear and threading together revivals that have startled and awed. If you’ve been on the prowl for the best horror movies of 2023 or are simply curious to see which made the cut, you’re in the right crypt.
Join us as we unveil the top 10 horror movies of 2023, a list meticulously compiled to feed your craving for the macabre. From ghostly encounters to slasher rampages, these selections have not only dominated conversations but have also set a high bar for fear, ensuring every horror fan will find something to unsettle and entertain.
[Note: These are my (Jon’s) picks of the best horror movies of 2023. To listen to this list, check out our Podcast Episode counting down the top horror movies of 2023! You can also read Kimmi’s picks here.]
10. Godzilla Minus One
At number ten, we have the heavyweight champ of monster mashes, Godzilla Minus One. It’s not your average kaiju kerfuffle; this one’s got soul. Survivor’s guilt and spectral echoes of World War II haunt Shikishima as he faces off with the king of monsters. It’s a tale that weaves historical heft with heart-stopping action, making it more than just a creature feature. The film scores with both chilling kaiju showdowns and a resonating narrative, firmly planting its colossal feet among the best horror movies of 2023.
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9. Satanic Hispanics
Taking the ninth slot with an electrifying mix of humor and originality is Satanic Hispanics. This anthology rattles the nerves by tossing us into a whirlwind of Latin American lore, filled with eerie portals and menacing myths that dance on the edge of reality. The enigmatic “The Traveler,” sole survivor of a grim scene in El Paso, spins these spell-binding tales of demons and the undead from his police station hot seat. Each story is a testament to the incredible prowess of top and emerging Hispanic filmmakers, serving up a fresh and diverse feast of frights. It’s a cultural horror kaleidoscope that parks itself on our list for its infectious humor and its showcase of spectacular Hispanic talent, making it a standout in the best horror movies of 2023.
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8. Infinity Pool
Creeping in at number eight is the sleek and jarring Infinity Pool. Starring Alexander SkarsgÃ¥rd as James and Cleopatra Coleman as Em, the film pulls back the curtain on a seemingly idyllic getaway that spirals into a nightmare of dystopian horrors. Under the guidance of the enigmatic Gabi (Mia Goth), a journey beyond the resort’s tranquil façade reveals a world rife with violence and hedonism. With its mind-bending visuals and an unnerving glimpse into a dystopian society that feels just around the corner, Infinity Pool cements itself among the best horror movies of 2023. Its ability to disorient and captivate with both style and substance earns it a well-deserved spot in the top 10 horror movies of 2023.
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7. No One Will Save You
Landing at number seven with its near-silent narrative is the gripping No One Will Save You. Kaitlyn Dever delivers a powerhouse performance as a solitary young woman ostracized by locals yet forced to confront an unanticipated home invasion with dire outcomes. This science-fiction horror film, helmed masterfully by Brian Duffield, uses sparse dialogue—just five words—to great effect, making every sound and silence a piece of the suspenseful puzzle. It’s a harrowing tale of survival that slashes through the stillness with heart-pumping action sequences and nail-biting monster moments. For those seeking a fresh spin on terror, this film is a must-watch, proving that sometimes silence screams the loudest, solidifying its rightful spot in the top 10 horror movies of 2023.
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6. Thanksgiving
Carving its way to number six is the delectably deadly Thanksgiving, a slasher feast served up by the twisted minds of Eli Roth and Jeff Rendell. Born from a fictitious trailer that once lurked in the intermission of Grindhouse (2007), this full-fledged scream-fest plants its bloody boots in Plymouth, Massachusetts. A homicidal maniac donning a John Carver mask slices through the aftermath of a Black Friday massacre, stringing together what appear to be random acts of violence into a grand, gory tapestry. Thanksgiving pays homage to the best of slashers with its creative kills and pulse-pounding chase sequences amidst a quirky, festive backdrop. It’s a breath of fresh, albeit blood-spattered, air as a new franchise not reliant on reboots or sequels, and hooks us with a small-town mystery that keeps us guessing. For its dynamic combination of thrills, chills, and a hard-to-crack mystery, Thanksgiving easily earns its rightful place in the top 10 horror movies of 2023.
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