Slasher films have been a popular genre in the past decade, and there have been several notable releases that have captivated audiences. In this article, we will explore the best slasher films of the last decade, discussing their unique qualities, impact on the genre, and why they are worth watching. From psychological thrillers to gory spectacles, these films have pushed the boundaries of horror and left a lasting impression on viewers. So, grab your popcorn and get ready to dive into the world of slasher films!
When people think of slasher films they instantly go back to the classics. With franchises like Friday the 13th, Halloween, and Nightmare on Elmstreet. Jason and the gang were top tier in the 80's and early 90's. Then came Scream and I know what you did last summer. Yet, the last decade has brought us several killer (no pun intended) slasher movies that are worth the watch.
#5. X (2022)
Director Ti West has received widespread acclaim for his unique vision, which successfully brought the slasher genre back to its horror roots. The highly anticipated 2022 film, X, introduced promising newcomers such as Jenna Ortega from Wednesday and Mia Goth. The plot revolves around a group of filmmakers attempting to shoot a pornographic film in a barn, only to be confronted by the sinister intentions of their religious hosts.
Mia Goth's portrayal of Pearl, an elderly woman who also happens to be the killer, left fans astounded and unaware of her dual role. Ti West masterfully crafted a haunting atmosphere and captivating visual spectacle throughout the film. Set on a farm, X features gruesome and shocking kills that left audiences eagerly anticipating the conclusion of this trilogy, reminiscent of the modern classic, The Hills Have Eyes.
#4. Clown (2016)
Director Jon Watts, best known for his work on the MCU Spider-Man movies, ventured into the horror genre with his 2014 film Clown. The story revolves around Kent, a real estate agent who discovers a clown suit in a house he is selling and decides to wear it for his son's birthday party. Unbeknownst to him, the suit is actually the skin of an Icelandic demon that possesses him.
As Kent becomes possessed, he embarks on a terrifying rampage, brutally attacking and consuming children. The film features intense and frightening moments, with a level of violence that is rarely seen against children in horror movies. Kent's wife, Meg, eventually realizes that he has become an immortal monster and must take on the role of a slasher herself in order to kill him and protect their son, Jack.
Clown concludes with a chilling and brutal ending that leaves a lasting impression on viewers, reminiscent of Stephen King's iconic character Pennywise from It. The film showcases Jon Watts' ability to create a haunting atmosphere and deliver a unique take on the slasher genre.
#3. Scream (2022)
In the 2022 film Scream, a new wave of terror begins when a mysterious killer dons the iconic Ghostface mask and starts targeting a group of high school students in the town of Woodsboro. As the body count rises, the survivors must uncover the identity of the killer and confront their own dark secrets before it's too late. With a mix of suspense, humor, and self-awareness, Scream pays homage to the original franchise while delivering a fresh and thrilling take on the slasher genre.
People that are fans of the original films will appreciate familiar faces like Sydney, Gale, and Dewey. They are secondary characters that are brought back into the onslaught after the newbies crew gets attacked.
#2. The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018)
A family's road trip takes a terrifying turn when they arrive at a secluded mobile home park. They soon realize that they are being hunted by a mysterious stranger wearing a mask. As the night unfolds, the family must fight for their lives and uncover the stranger's true identity before it's too late. The film is filled with suspense, intense chase sequences, and unexpected twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
This 2018 film is a sequel to a prequel that was released 10 years prior. The prequel focused on a trio of masked slashers who invaded houses and killed for fun. However, in the sequel, the slashers target a couple with kids instead of just lovers. This leads to a series of horrific murders, with the couple and their children, Kinsey and Luke, being brutally killed. Some critics felt that the film had an excessive amount of aggression, but this was in line with the nature of the slashers, who enjoyed inflicting slow and painful deaths. Ultimately, only one family member survives. The story draws inspiration from old-school films like The Town That Dreaded Sundown, showcasing psychos who push the heroes to become monsters themselves.
#1 Pearl (2022)
After X, West returned to explore the backstory of Pearl, delving into how she became a killer. Goth delivered another outstanding performance as the film made a powerful statement about sexuality and the lack of outlets for oppressed women in the past. Pearl's dreams of Hollywood fame were shattered, leading her to unleash her fury on her family, secret lover, and rivals in the most unhinged manner imaginable.
The film even featured scenes of her feeding her enemies to her pet alligator. What made this film thought-provoking was the portrayal of her husband, who had to leave the military to care for her after her mental state deteriorated. It was a twisted tale of love, shedding light on why he would eventually assist her in satisfying her bloodlust in the years to come. Pearl had a whimsical quality and a sociopolitical undertone, but make no mistake, she was a gritty slasher behind that captivating smile.
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