#10 Scream
Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
Starring Jenna Ortega, Melissa Barrera, Mikey Madison, Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox
Out of nowhere, Paramount brings back one of the most popular horror franchises in history and they come out swinging! Creatives push to bring something new to the table with sequels but Scream (2022) proves that sticking to what works is sometimes the best way to bring the heat. Welcoming back legacy characters and keeping that breakneck energy of the previous films makes this entry one of the best in the series. Even with its star studded cast, Jenna Ortega and Mikey Madison are standouts. With another sequel on the way in 2023, this time set in New York City, I’m very excited to see them take another “STAB” at keeping what many fans would call a flawless track record.
DVD/Blu-Ray/4K: Available on all formats
Stream: Unavailable
Rent: Amazon Prime, Vudu, ITunes, Google Play, Microsoft Store
#9 Pearl
Click here to Directed by Ti West
Starring Mia Goth, David Corenswet, Tandi Wright, Matthew Sunderland, Emma Jenkins-Purro
Another home run from Ti West! Not only does this live up to X (2022) but it even surpasses it. Ti West deserves praise for surprising us with a horror trilogy that is sure to achieve cult status. A lavish color pallet inspired by Technicolor films of old make this a visual marvel. West shows his technical and creative prowess by not only directing and producing but also writing and editing this cinematic feast. Mia Goth is once again Xtraordinary as the younger version of her elderly character in X (2022) and has already earned her status as a Scream Queen. MaXXXine can’t come soon enough.
DVD/Blu-Ray/4K: Available on Blu-Ray and DVD
Stream: Unavailable
Rent: Amazon Prime, Vudu, ITunesadd text.
#8 Smile
Directed by Parker Finn
Starring Sosie Bacon, Caitlin Stasey, Kyle Gallner, Jessie T. Usher, Rob Morgan
This may be 7th place on my list but it's the scariest film of the year. I think this had the most oppressive force I’ve seen in a horror film outside of The Entity (1982). Sosie Bacon delivers a spiraling and devastating performance that keeps you locked in tension even during the quieter scenes. The soundtrack is surgically effective and really set the stage for frightening moments that are so expertly planned. Maniacal, twisted, and completely unsettling. This is horror born for the theater.
DVD/Blu-Ray/4K: Available on all formats
Stream: Unavailable
Rent: Amazon Prime, Vudu, ITunes
#7 Men
Directed by Alex Garland
Starring Jessie Buckley, Rory Kinnear, Paapa Essiedu, Gayle Rankin
The best horror film of the year! This is close to perfection for me. I could have watched 8 hours of that brilliant build up. The premise, location, camerawork, music, performance, all these things were weaved together beautifully. It even had my favorite horror sequence of the year (tunnel scene) and it cemented Jessie Buckley as my favorite actress working today. I recently rewatched this on glorious blu-ray and like I expected, this rare film reveals more of it’s miraculous details upon revisiting. Magnificent photography and a heavenly soundtrack take you somewhere that beauty and horror intersect. Laying bare the fear that we carry with us and the difficulties of finding peace.
DVD/Blu-Ray/4K: Available on all formats
Stream: Showtime, Paramount Plus
Rent: Amazon Prime, Vudu, ITunes
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