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BEST HORROR FILMS OF RECENT TIMES (20+1LIST)

Best Horror Films of recent times

written by Souranath Banerjee

The list of the Best Horror films of recent times is a collection of some of the most creepiest and horrific films that are released in the past few years.

horror-filmsThere is a theory that a bit of evil exits in every one of us, even in our shadows and specially in the absence of it. And thus, be afraid of the dark, be afraid of the dazzling light; be afraid of the spirits and demons, and the devil who takes the human plight!

And may be, these Horror films will make you believe in the ‘evil’ and finally accept its existence; and even surrender to it.

At least for now, surrender to these brilliant Horror films – embrace the terror and enjoy the list!

20. It Follows (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymoh5SIqgtw

horror-filmsThe after effects of a sexual encounter can sometimes go very wrong, but this particular film takes the after-sex complications to a different level altogether!

A young girl tries to escape from the clutches of some supernatural power since she is being constantly followed by it. Directed by David Robert Mitchell, the film has numerous panic moments and a perfect sense of overall suspense and tension.

19. Grave Encounters (2011)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8FBRATbJoA

horror-filmsA ghost-hunting reality television show goes to shoot an episode inside the abandoned Collingwood Psychiatric Hospital and voluntarily lock themselves inside the building for the night. And it was a mistake!

Directed by Colin Minihan and Stuart Ortiz as the The Vicious Brothers, the film has a pretty decent plot and it does manage to scare at regular intervals.

18. Before I Wake (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho2Z0LtXsbY

horror-filmsIf dreams could become reality the world would have been such a beautiful place. But then, what happens when you have the nightmares?

(Click for review)

Directed by Mike Flanagan, it is based on a young orphan boy whose nightmares often tend to come alive. And his new foster parents need to stop these deadly dreams from being real!

Another recent film by the same director is Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016) that is also worth your consideration.

17. The Enfield Haunting (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jKtZD34Fo4

horror-filmsIt’s a brilliant Mini-Series starring Timothy Spall and directed by Kristoffer Nyholm, based on the true events that happened in 1970s Britain – the The Enfield Poltergeist incident. 

A noisy mischievous ghost takes hold of the body of a young girl, the youngest daughter of the family being haunted and starts communicating through her. Terrifying and very much believable – a must watch! 

16. The Babadook (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5WQZzDRVtw

horror-filmsA child obsessed with some monster and is prepared to tackle it. His mother of course doesn’t believe him but soon the kid is proved to be right!

(Click for Review)

Directed by Jennifer Kent, a rare horror flick that doesn’t have to depend on cheap jump-scares or gore. It has a great story to tell and it tells it in real style.

15. The Woman in Black (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4D-87X3vVc

horror-filmsA young solicitor travels to a remote village for work and finds himself in the midst of a situation where a revengeful female-ghost dressed in black is terrifying the locals and killing their children. Now his life is also in danger but can he do anything about it?

Daniel Radcliffe stars in this moody atmospheric horror flick directed by James Watkins, a creepy film that maintains the tension throughout.

14. Sinister (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kbQAJR9YWQ

horror-filmsA crime-writer for his research moves himself and his family into a house where a horrific crime took place many years ago. He soon finds some snuff films on the heinous crimes but then things go wrong in ways he had never expected! 

The Ethan Hawke starrer horror flick, directed by Scott Derrickson is a cool horror thriller with great sound designing well complemented with some very unexpected suspense moments.

Another installment of the same franchise is Sinister 2 (2015).

13. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsIilFNNmkY

horror-filmsFive teenagers on a weekend holiday trip goes into the forest to stay in an isolated cabin and then something terrible happens! The film initially gives an impression  of a stereotypical horror/slasher formula flick but then again the movie has its own twists and turns that makes it special.

Directed by Drew Goddard, an intelligent film that keeps you hooked very much till the end.

12. A Cure for Wellness (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF1rLFCdewU

horror-filmsAt a remote location in the Swiss Alps there is a mysterious “wellness centre” which seems to hide many terrifying secrets. And one man is desperate to know all about this mystical spa.

Directed by Gore Verbinski, this is a cool horror thriller shot beautifully, the story though a bit stretched and predictable but then also it has its own visual charm. Trippy and hypnotic and definitely worth a watch.

11. It (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7no56Zw1e20

horror-filmsIn the neighbourhood too many kids are getting disappeared leaving only some bloody trails behind!

It’s time for the young guys to gang up and fight the scary evil clown who seems to be hunting down the children!

Directed by Andy Muschietti, this movie is based on the classic novel by none other than the master writer Stephen King!

Another recent film by the same director is  Mama (2013) that is again very much worth your time.

10. Lights Out (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LiKKFZyhRU

horror-filmsSomething supernatural that exists in the darkness, haunts and hunts only when the light is out!

Directed by David F. Sandberg, this is the story of a kid terrified by some presence that soon needs to be investigated.

A creepy movie with lots of jump scare moments and cool editing along with the flickering of light and darkness. A decent one time watch.

Another recent film by the same director is Annabelle: Creation (2017) that is very much worth your time.

9. The Conjuring (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k10ETZ41q5o

horror-filmsA family shifts to a farm house at Rhode Island and they soon gets haunted by terrifying evil forces. And they have to seek help from the professionals!

Based on the true story from the accounts of Paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren.  Directed by acclaimed horror-director James Wan, tensed and creepy, some real scary moments, brilliant editing and a great haunting musical score.

The Conjuring 2 (2016) also by the same director is a decent watch too.

8. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYKANIDQlwU

horror-filmsA father-son coroner duo, trying their best to diagnose the unidentified body of a young woman and while doing so they accidentally unveil the mystery surrounding her death. But at what cost?

Directed by André Øvredal, this film has the rare ability to scare you not only by it’s intense visuals but also through the intelligently used sound play. A superb first half but the ending demands a little more. 

7. A Dark Song (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OccAJCbZ-7I

horror-filmsAn occultist visits a woman as they team up to perform a highly dangerous and strictly guided ritual that will eventually grant their inner wishes. But then somebody is not telling the truth and finally both their lives are in danger.

Directed by Liam Gavin, with just two characters confined in a single space, this film works pretty good and manages to fuel the drama and engage us till the end.

6. Annabelle (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paFgQNPGlsg

horror-filmsAnnabelle being the ugliest collector’s item is gifted by a caring husband to his loving pregnant wife but soon enough Annabelle gets cursed by some blood thirsty Satan lovers and all hell breaks loose!

(Click for Review)

Directed by John R. Leonetti, this film is again a prequel of the popular Conjuring series –The Conjuring and the latest The Conjuring 2.

5. Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HxEXnVSr1w

horror-filmsThis it where it all begins, the very root of the Lambert family’s trouble, the reason why they were repeatedly being haunted and tormented by all these evil spirits through Insidious film-parts!

(Check for Review)

Directed by Leigh Whannell, the film focuses on the gifted Elise Rainier who tries her best to relieve a young girl from the clutches of the demons. 

A prequel to the first two installments of the Insidious franchise are Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013) and Insidious (2010) and they are both worth your time and scare!

4. Crimson Peak (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLWsNDZqXpo

horror-filmsDirected by Guillermo del Toro, a film that is a perfect blend of fear and deception, hatred and revenge, and of course horror.

(Check for Review)

An ancient house that has memories to share. And when the newly married bride comes onboard, she becomes the chosen one who opens the gates of the dark past – those gloomy tales that reveal many unpleasant secrets!

Two other horror films by the same director are The Devil’s Backbone (2001) and Cronos (1993) that are very much worth your time! 

3. Under the Shadow (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHVFP80Upxw

horror-filmsSet in the backdrop of the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, a mother and her young daughter living in Tehran struggles their best to cope with the catastrophes of war; but then, some mysterious evil presence seems to be haunted them by in their apartment!

Directed by Babak Anvari, this Persian film is a potent mix of metaphors and real spooky moments, undoubtedly the most intense horror film of recent time!

2. The Witch (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjBN0ByAqDk

horror-filmsperiod horror drama from 1630s, a family in New England becomes the victim of witchcraft, dark forces, black magic and evil possessions.

(Click for review)

A chilling string of events including a missing newborn and the crops- failure eventually leads to fear, paranoia and brutal injustice. Director Robert Eggers‘s version on infamous “Salem Witch Trials” of Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 1. The Wailing (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43uAputjI4k

horror-filmsIn a remote village a series of horrific unnatural deaths perplex both the villagers and the police. And then it soon becomes evident that this mystery demands a paranormal investigation!

(Click for review)

Directed by Hong-jin Na, this South Korean horror movie is a gritty and dark tale, violent and savage, and very entertaining!  

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch).

+1. Personal Shopper (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSqMpkGOW9g

horror-filmsA girl, personal shopper by profession, seems to have been able to make contact with her twin brother who died years back.

Kristen Stewart gives a memorable performance in this moody, eerie horror thriller; though not a very satisfying ending for me but still surely worth checking out.

Directed by Olivier Assayas, who won the Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival for this film!

Similar Interest: Horror Anthology films

Similar Interest: Best Asian Horror Movies

Similar Interest: Best Horror Comedies

Similar Interest: Best Japanese Horror Movies

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comen.wikipedia.orgwww.imdb.com.

2016 Oscar Winners leaping ahead!

2016 Oscar Winners leaped ahead! 

written by Souranath Banerjee

It is that time of the year when decisions are made and a few extraordinary artists take the leap ahead with the golden statues shining in their hands.

Pic-12Yes, the time for the 2016 Oscar winners!

The competition was exceptionally tough this year (just like any other year), and though we always like to say that everyone nominated are all winners but then sadly, only some people actually win.

Here are the movies that ruled the Oscar stage yesterday and a flashback of all these films for a quick recap.

Spotlight (Won 2 awards)

Category: Best Picture and Original Screenplay (Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy)

spotlight-poster2My Ratings: 4.4/5. 

‘Since All the President’s Men in 1976, I think this film here, Spotlight, has taken the theme of ‘reporters unveiling a conspiracy theory’ to a new height of extraordinary.’

‘Written and directed by Tom McCarthy (his directional debut The Station Agent is one of my all time favorite), and here also, he has done a tremendous job. The pace and the overall effect of the film is so intense that it gives you the feel of a classic thriller. ‘

 

The Revenant (won 3 awards)

Category: Best Actor (Leonardo DiCaprio), Best Director (Alejandro Inarritu) and for Best Cinematography (Emmanuel Lubezki)

revenant-poster2My Ratings: 4.4/5.

‘there is an immense amount of expectation for Mr. Iñárritu’s latest film The Revenant, and then again, when the ever-impressive Leonardo DiCaprio is in the lead, tagging with him all that debate about – can this be finally Leonardo’s Oscar moment or not?’

‘the film is shot by ace cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki who has already won two Oscars for his brilliant camera work in films Birdman and Gravity.’

 

Mad Max: Fury Road (won 6 awards)

Category: Best Editing (Margaret Sixel), Best Sound Mixing (Chris Jenkins, Greg Rudloff and Ben Osmo), Best Sound editing (Mark Mangini and David White), Best Production Design (Colin Gibson), Best Costume Design (Jenny Beavan) and Best Make Up and hair Styling (Lesley Vanderwalt, Elka Wardega and Damian Martin).

mad-max-poster6My Ratings: 4.1/5.

‘A two hours non-stop action extravaganza, a roller coaster ride of brutal excitement, insane adrenaline rush and high-octane drama.’

‘a super-fast editing by Margaret Sixel and Jason Ballantine perfectly complements the mood of the film.’

‘Minimal use of dialogues, quick introduction of characters and real horrific violence – Mad Max: Fury Road is a treat for action genre lovers. Undoubtedly the best action flick of recent times.’

 

Room

Category: Best Actress (Brie Larson)

room-poster1My Ratings: 4.4/5.

‘Specially Brie Larson who as the protective mother, dealing with her certitudes and also her vulnerabilities has given one of the best performances I have seen in a long time!’

‘Essentially it’s a thriller that involves the account of a daring attempt to slip away from the clutches of a ruthless kidnapper but on a deeper note the film is a complex sensitive drama and an expert dissection of human psychology.’

 

The Big Short 

Category: Best Adopted Screenplay (Charles Randolph and Adam McKay)

big-short-poster2My Ratings: 4/5.

‘Based on the book with the same name by financial journalist Michael Lewis, co-writer and director Adam McKay has been successful in adding enough humor to dilute the financial jargon and make the film coherent for everybody.’

‘focuses on a group of people who noticed and predicted the devastating financial crisis well ahead and even profited from it!’

 

The Danish Girl

Category: Best Supporting Actress (Alicia Vikander)

danish-girl-poster1My Ratings: 3.8/5.

Only such powerful acting could hold the film together with enough distinction.

‘to an utter surprise to his wife Gerda, Einar has a sudden urge to change his sexual orientation and reveals that he actually wants to be Lili in her real life; he claims that he seems to be a women trapped in a man’s body!’

 

Bridge of Spies

Category: Best Supporting Actor (Mark Rylance)

bridge-of-spies-poster1My Ratings: 3.8/5.

‘Bridge of Spies is actually a biopic on American insurance-attorney James B. Donovan (Tom Hanks)’

‘Firstly, he had to defend a captured Soviet spy Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) in the American court of justice and then, he was recruited by the CIA and sent to the-then hostile Germany (Berlin being partitioned) to negotiate a spy-exchange mission between the two rival countries – America and Russia.’

 

Ex Machina

Category: Best Visual Effects (Andrew Whitehurst, Paul Norris, Mark Ardington and Sara Bennett)

ex-machina-poster3My Ratings: 4/5.

‘But the real winner in this 1 hour 48 min futuristic drama is the brilliant use of visual effects. The amazing special effects give the film it’s much necessary believability.’

‘A bit slow paced maybe, and mostly dialogue based but in spite of not being personally a fan of Sci Fi movies, i find it pretty impressive.’

 

Spectre

Category: Best Original song (Song: Writing’s On The Wall, music and lyric: Jimmy Napes and Sam Smith)

spectre-poster6My Ratings: 3/5.

‘Though music by Thomas Newman is as usual effective and blends well with Hoyte Van Hoytema‘s cinematography.’

‘Spectre starts with a thrilling helicopter sequence in Mexico that promises a power pact film but unfortunately, by the end of it’s almost two and a half hours run time, the film struggles to keep you entertained.’

 

Inside Out

Category: Best Animated Feature Film (Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera)

Inside-Out-Poster2My Ratings: 4.5/5.

‘This 94 min film gives the children their beloved world of funny characters and colorful fantasy but at the same time it offers enough scope for serious thoughts (and admiration) for the grown-ups.’

‘Superb voice overs by a variety of talented artists. Animation quality at it’s best but again that is kind of expected from a Pixar feature. But the best part of Inside Out is its concept – so brilliantly innovative!’

 

Bear Story – Animated Short Film (Gabriel Osorio and Pato Escala)

The Hateful Eight – Original Score (Ennio Morricone)

Stutterer – Live Action Short Film (Benjamin Cleary and Serena Armitage)

Pic-11Amy – Best Documentary – Feature (Asif Kapadia and James Gay-Rees)

A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness – Best Documentary – Short Subject (Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy)

Son of Saul – Best foreign language film (Country: Hungary; Directed by László Nemes)

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comoscar.go.com.