Despite not being everyone’s cup of tea,horror has built a loyal and ever-growing fanbase. From creepy clowns to bloodthirsty vampires and vengeful ghosts, horror movies have proven to be some of the most versatile in cinema, creating unforgettable scenes and unique storytelling. With subgenres ranging from psychological horror to supernatural thrillers, the genre delivers an array of scares and suspense, often layered withunexpectedly brilliant performances.
These are the top 10 horror movies that are truly deliriously entertaining - they draw you in with theirintense visuals, unpredictable plots, and spine-chilling momentsthat make it nearly impossible to look away, even when things get terrifyingly hard to watch.
10’Little Monsters' (2019)
Starring Lupita Nyong’o and Alexander England
Little Monstersis a refreshing twist on the zombie horror comedy, following wannabe musician Dave (Alexander England), kids' TV personality Teddy McGiggle (Josh Gad), and kindergarten teacher Miss Caroline (Lupita Nyong’o) as they scramble to protect Miss Caroline’s class during an unexpected zombie outbreak. Though zombie survival stories seem to be an overly used concept in horror,Little Monstersdeviates from the typical struggling-to-survive-in-apocalypse-world, offering aunique mix of horror and comedythat keeps it fresh.
DirectorAbe Forsythebrings an inventive approach, blending comedy and horror without letting the humor overpower the scares. The result is a standout in the zombie genre. And while there are plenty of entertaining moments, the real highlight isNyong’o’s outstanding performanceas Miss Caroline, protecting her beloved children at all costs. It’s a horror-comedy gem that keeps you laughing—and on edge.
Little Monsters
9’Abigail' (2024)
Starring Melissa Barrera and Dan Stevens
Abigailwas a surprise hit among 2024’s horror releases. Loosely inspired byDracula’s Daughter(1936), this film follows a group of unsuspecting kidnappers who abduct Abigail, the daughter of a feared underworld figure, demanding a large amount of money—unaware that she’s far from ordinary. What starts as a crime thriller quickly shifts into a blood-chilling horror story as they realize they’ve taken a vampire with a lethal thirst.
The movie strikes a perfect balance of creepy, thrilling, and darkly funny moments.Alisha Weirbrings an impressive duality to her role as Abigail, shifting between an innocent little girl and a predatory menace. But it isMelissa Barrerawho steals the show, delivering killer lines with impeccable timing, making her scenes memorable.Abigailis a highly entertaining movie that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats, and will especiallyplease the vampires' movie fans.
After a group of criminals kidnaps the ballerina daughter of a powerful underworld figure, they retreat to an isolated mansion, unaware that they’re locked inside with no normal little girl.
8’What We Do in the Shadows'
Starring Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi
Before becoming a hit TV series,What We Do in the Shadowswas an instant cult classic as a horror-comedy mockumentary about vampire roommates living in a flat in Wellington. Directed, written, and starring Taika Waititi, the film brilliantly showcases Waititi’s unique comedic touch and explains why he’s becomeone of the top names in modern comedy directing.
The story of centuries-old vampires navigating everyday roommate issues is absurd but executed so well that you can’t help but get invested in the characters. The chemistry among the cast is great, and the humor hits consistently, delivering laugh after laugh without losing the quirky charm.It’s a fresh, smart take on the vampire genre that’s endlessly entertaining.
What We Do in the Shadows
In What We Do in the Shadows, vampire housemates navigate the challenges of modern life while mentoring a newly turned hipster on the advantages of vampirism. The film explores their coexistence within the human world, balancing supernatural elements with humorous insights into the undead lifestyle.
7’It' (2017)
Starring Bill Skarsgård and Sophie Lillis
As one of thebest adaptations of Stephen King’s work,Itfollows a group of seven kids, the Losers' Club, as they come together to face Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård), a terrifying clown who emerges from the sewers of Derry every 27 years to kidnap and murder children. The story continues inIt: Chapter 2, where the same group, now adults, returns to confront Pennywise again—alongside the fears and traumas they’ve carried since childhood.
Skarsgård is phenomenal as Pennywise, bringing a menacing yet twisted charm to the role.But what really setsItapart is how it turns theyoung cast into the heart of the story, making them more than just victims in a horror film. Each member of the Losers' Club brings bravery and wit, making their bond compelling and the movie impossible to look away from. The dynamic between the kids adds layers to this horror, creating a chilling yet entertaining experience.
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Starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost
Far more than just a cheap copy ofDawn of the Dead,Shaun of the Deadoffers one of the most unforgettable heroes in a zombie apocalypse: Shaun, brilliantly portrayed bySimon Pegg. Shaun is a London salesman, oblivious to the zombie outbreak around him until it’s almost too late. Alongside his best friend Ed (Nick Frost), he stumbles his way through survival, delivering laughs and thrills in equal measure.
The plot masterfully blends elements of romantic comedy with zombie horror, having theperfect blend of both genres.Shaun of the Deadstands out for its inventive direction, sharp editing, and endlessly funny writing filled with pop culture references. A must-watch for all zombie-comedy fans,Shaun of the Deadisone of the best and most entertaining zombie filmsto date.
Shaun of the Dead
5’Nope' (2022)
Starring Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer
InNope,Jordan Peeledelivers another unforgettable horror experience, withDaniel KaluuyaandKeke Palmerstarring as OJ and Em, horse-wrangling siblings trying to capture footage of a UFO that’s been flying over their family’s ranch. Combining Peele’s signature originality with stunning visuals,Nopegives audiences a smart and layered story, complete with memorable characters and the threatening Jean Jacket, a UFO with a terrifying twist.
What truly setsNopeapart, making this movie deliriously entertaining, is its breathtaking cinematography. Wide landscape shots and the expertly paced camera movements build a tension that keeps the audience on edge, often without a word spoken. Kaluuya shines as the quiet OJ, but it’s Palmer who steals each scene, bringing energy and depth to her role.Nopeis a visually stunning andcaptivating horror filmthat pushes the boundaries of the genre.
A man and his sister discover something sinister in the skies above their California horse ranch, while the owner of a nearby theme park tries to profit from the mysterious, otherworldly phenomenon.
4’Talk to Me' (2023)
Starring Sophie Wilde and Miranda Otto
Talk to Meisone of the scariest horror moviesin recent years, with a fresh, thrilling, and absorbing concept at its core. The story follows a group of friends who mess around with the occult, using a mysterious ceramic hand to contact the spirit world. As expected, things take a dark turn, leading to a series of chilling events that spiral out of control.
Led bySophie Wilde’s intense and captivating performanceas Mia,Talk to Mestands out for its strong character dynamics and refreshingly original screenplay. The film’s unpredictable plot keeps viewers hooked, offering a raw and relatable portrayal of Gen Z without falling into clichés.Talk to Meis a must-watch for horror fans seeking something genuinely scary and uniquely engaging.
Talk to Me
When a group of friends discover how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand, they become hooked on the new thrill, until one of them goes too far and unleashes terrifying supernatural forces.
3’The Menu' (2022)
Starring Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy
The Menuis a thriller that spirals into something far darker, withstandout performances byAnya Taylor-JoyandRalph Fiennes. The story follows Margot (Taylor-Joy) as she joins a devoted foodie (Nicholas Hoult) on a trip to a remote island to dine at an exclusive restaurant, where the chef (Fiennes) has prepared a one-of-a-kind menu with some shocking twists. What begins as a stylish thriller soon devolves into a wild, darkly comedic horror that pushes things to the extreme.
This film explores the theme of obsession, taking it to unsettling, often absurd heights. The writing is sharp, and every character feels well-crafted, but it’s Fiennes and Taylor-Joy who steal the show, playing off each other with intensity.The Menutakes what could have been a straightforward thriller and elevates it into a deliriously entertaining experience audiences won’t forget.
2’American Psycho' (2000)
Starring Christian Bale and Justin Theroux
American PsychostarsChristian Baleas Patrick Bateman, an investment banker who leads a secret double life as a serial killer. Bale is mesmerizing in this role, fully embodying Bateman’s chilling and brilliant character, and showing why he’s perfect for horror. The film takes viewers deep into Bateman’s twisted mind, where the boundaries betweenreality and delusion blur in a disturbing way.
What setsAmerican Psychoapart is Bateman himself—an unsettling mix of introspection, self-hatred, superficiality, and violent impulses. His absurd obsession with trivialities adds a layer ofdark comedy that’s both bizarre and captivating. Bale’s portrayal of Bateman’s shallow, sociopathic nature is terrifying and, somehow, deliriously entertaining.
American Psycho
In New York City in 1987, a handsome, young urban professional, Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), lives a second life as a gruesome serial killer by night. The cast is filled by the detective (Willem Dafoe), the fiance (Reese Witherspoon), the mistress (Samantha Mathis), the coworker (Jared Leto), and the secretary (Chloë Sevigny). This is a biting, wry comedy examining the elements that make a man a monster.
1The Substance
Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley
The Substanceis one of the standout horror comedies of recent years, though it’s definitely not for all audiences. With intense visuals, unsettling body horror, and plenty of gore, this movie pushes boundaries. But if you’re able to get past the shock factor,The Substancedelivers a horror experience that’s both unforgettable and provoking.Demi Mooreshines as Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading celebrity who, desperate to reclaim her youth, takes a mysterious formula called “The Substance,” creating a younger, perfect version of herself named Sue (played byMargaret Qualley). But as expected in horror, the transformation comes with disturbing and unexpected side effects.
The film is a darkly clever take on society’s obsession with youth and beauty, especially in an age of skin care and Botox.The Substancedoesn’t just deliver chills; it questions whether the pursuit of the “new, better you” is worth the cost. Equal parts disturbing and entertaining, Moore and Qualley make a fantastic duo. The film’s mix of social commentary and horror makes it amust-watch for the body-horror fans.
The Substance
A fading celebrity, Elisabeth Sparkle, turns to a mysterious drug that promises to restore her youth. The drug temporarily creates a younger version of herself, named Sue, who quickly ascends to the fame Elisabeth once craved.
