The 10 Best Horror Films of 2020

2020 was weird and fucked up year to say the very least. With movie theaters closed from March and beyond here, in New York City, I mostly only saw horror movies. As such, for the first time ever in the history of this site, the best movies of the year will only take into account horror flicks, and not other genres. Don't be surprised if this happens again come time to the list for this year. Anyway, despite all the shitty occurrences there were some legitimate amazing genre releases. Now, I did not, for one or another reason, see a couple of horror movies, including Freaky, The Dark and the Wicked, and Relic. Think of that as your heads up. You will also notice that this was a great year for horror movie docus, as three of them appear on here! It is also a great for those who like a little bit of artistry in their horror content. Plus, if you liked truly graphic splatter, there was some really good and gruesome gore to dive into.

Honorable Mentions:
1BR
Color Out of Space
The Cleansing Hour
The Hunt
GoodBoy
Impetigore

10. Bliss- The first of two Joe Begos movies to make this list, Bliss is everything most modern horror simply isn't. This includes being metal as fuck, with killer, headbanging tracks in the soundtrack. The movie is also sexy with copious amounts of nudity, lesbianism, and a hot threesome. It is also graphically gory with intense amounts of bloodletting. Another highlight is the excellent acting, especially from the film's beautiful and insanely talented lead, Dora Madison. Meanwhile, the directing by Begos is beautiful, stylish. hallucinogenic, and trippy. All of this is wrapped around a movie that serves as an artistic allegory for drug addiction. 

9. Fulci for Fake- The first of two documentaries that Severin Films put out to appear on this list, Fulci for Fake is honest, touching, and intimate. It, of course, deals with Lucio Fulci, one of my favorite directors of all time, and one of the biggest influences in my life. After watching it, I felt that I had learned much about both he as a persona and as a director. This is all achieved through captivating and excellently done interviews. The film captured both my whole attention and heart. And, by the end I wanted to learn even more about this legendary master of horror.

8. Tales of the Uncanny- The other docu from Severin is this wonderfully entertaining and loving look at anthology horror flicks. Countless of horror experts and masters of the genre talk about their favorite anthology movies and segments, therein, as well as chiming with their overall thoughts and words. Throw in some really cool movie clips, and you have a docu that is a blast to watch. It's one that will make you want to revisit all your favorites, as well as add movies that for whatever you reason you ain't seen yet to your must see list.  

7. Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on THE EXORCIST- A Shudder exclusive, Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on THE EXORCIST is a profound and deep talk with the master director on one of the greatest horror movies ever made. My full review is here.

6. Yummy- This well acted, super gory, and hilarious Dutch zombie flick is one of the most underrated horror movies of the year. My full review is here. 

5. Random Acts of Violence- I seriously don't get why this one has split the horror community so much, I especially didn't get those who had a more negative reaction to it. It is brutal and savagely serious and is, thankfully, way more than just another slasher movie. Well acted and powerful, it doesn't fuck around, and, as an added bonus, has little to no humor. Instead, it has substance and sticks with you all the while dripping with graphic splatter. 

4. VFW- The second Joe Begos movie included here is one badass motherfucker and absolutely my type of movie. A loving homage to John Carpenter's Assault on Precinct 13, VFW is an ultra-violent and fast-paced, unrelenting mix of action and horror. It is led by the always awesome Stephen Lang in what is one of my favorite heroic roles of last year. Bonus! This flick one of 2020's goriest horror flicks and has some truly great kills!

3. Host- Made during these quarantine times, Host, surprised me with how fucking good it is! Featuring some excellent acting, this tech/ found footage movie is a lot of fun, as well as intense and wonderfully frightening. And, at little under an hour, this nail-biting and creepy ass flick, is the perfect length!

2. The Invisible Man-The last movie I got to see in the theaters, Leigh Whannell's The Invisible Man, is one of the most intense horror flicks, I had seen in many a moon. It really had me on the edge of my seat with its white-knuckle suspense. Whannel's directing really knows how to build the terror and fear. Meanwhile, Elisabeth Moss' performance is perfection and perhaps my favorite acting in a horror movie last year. This, dear readers, is how you bring a classic story to modern times.  

1. Possessor- Brandon Cronenberg (son of David) has delivered an intelligent, original, and impressively gruesome sci-fi/ horror movie. It sucks you right in keeps building itself up with a wonderfully captivating plot and story. It also pulls no punches whatsoever, as it features full frontal nudity, both of the female and male variety, and the gore is amongst the most graphic I saw last year. This one gives me hope that horror movies with skin and that hit a 10 on the splatter-meter are still alive and well. All of this is done with style and an artful look from Cronenberg and is further aided by excellent acting from the whole cast. In all honesty it is a fucking masterpiece and unlike most genre films from any year!

What were your favorite horror movies from last year? Let me know in the comments section below!

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Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on "The Exorcist" (Review)

Title: Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on "The Exorcist"
Writer/ Director: Alexandre O. Philippe 
Cast: William Friedkin
Min: 104
Year: 2019

Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on "The Exorcist" is a magnificent documentary on one of the greatest films, horror or otherwise, ever made. It is solely driven and centered on the legendary director's words. And, what words they are! This in-depth talk covers practically every aspect on the movie you could ever ask for and more. 

Of course, his youth is explored, if in quick detail, as he talks about growing up with his mother and father in Chicago, Illinois. As a matter of fact, one of my favorite moments is when he discusses about his love and desire to work in film. Fate, he says, plays such an important role in everything, movies and life, included, for him. But, the main focus is, of course, on the movie in the docu's subtitle. And, that is what vast majority of this film is about. 

The documentary opens up with Friedkin talking about the only film that influenced him when making The Exorcist, Danish drama movie Ordet. A various points in the discussion, he goes back to this film and as well as mentioning other aspects that influenced him, like art and music. The later discussion ends up leading into a great story involving Bernard Herman and a possible score for the The Exorcist.

One of my favorite parts, of what are many fascinating moments, is when his talks about the script by William Peter Blatty, who, of course based it, on his own book. Another highlight, is when he discusses casting and the film's cast like Max (Father Merin) Von Sydow's lack of faith or the wonderful stories that he has about Mercedes (Regan's demonic voice) McCambridge. 

As a both a student of film and devoted fan of The Exorcist, I was also deeply fascinated by his discussion of the more technical aspects of making this classic. For example, he talks in great detail about the film's opening, including its meanings, shots, reasons for, mood, foreshadowing, and more. It is just as interesting, if not more so, to hear about shots and moments that he didn't plan out and just happened. On top of all this, he brings up aspects related to the movie, that I have either never thought about before, ones that I have had, and others I may have, but never fully realized that I did. He even goes into what he sees as flaws in the film's ending. For a life long long fan of The Exorcist, such as myself, this is all profoundly and deeply intriguing.  

Throughout the documentary, Friedkin remains a fascinating person, one who is profoundly intelligent, never boring, and always captivating to hear. In many ways, this feels like the film theory and tech class that I which I had taken when I was in college. Equally engrossing are his profoundly deep talks about his beliefs. And, without saying anything in detail, the docu ends on a truly beautiful note, making this a wholly unforgettable viewing experience. 

Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on "The Exorcist" is a magnificent and profound talk with William Friekin. What he says and talks about here is fascinating, deep, and thought provoking. He covers faith, the movie's themes, and his techniques in the film. He is an intelligent and well spoken master of his field, and by the end of this film, I had gained even more respect and admiration for him. This is a must see for those who admire his work, in particular those of us who love and are fascinated by The Exorcist, or simply those interested in filmmaking and film theory, in general. You will be able to view it for yourself, when the documentary makes its debut and begins to stream on Shudder this Thursday, November 19, 2020.

4 out of 4 

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Shudder: November 2020 Highlights for US

NOVEMBER 2020 U.S. HIGHLIGHTS 

titles also available on Shudder Canada, UK and ANZ as noted

SHUDDER ORIGINAL/EXCLUSIVE MOVIES

 

BLOOD VESSEL — November 5

Somewhere in the North Atlantic, late 1945, a life raft adrift at sea, and in it, the survivors of a torpedoed hospital ship. With no food, water, or shelter, all seems lost until a seemingly abandoned German minesweeper drifts ominously towards them, giving them one last chance at survival—if they can survive the bloodthirsty monsters on board. Starring Nathan Phillips (Wolf Creek), Alyssa Sutherland (Vikings), Robert Taylor (Longmire), directed by Justin Dix (Crawlspace). A SHUDDER EXCLUSIVE. (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK) 

Trailer: https://youtu.be/wzLPDkgxRuo 

LINGERING — November 12 (a.k.a. Hotel Lake)

Seeking support as the guardian of her younger brother, Yoo-mi returns to a small hotel run by a family friend. As bizarre incidents creep up in her mother’s old room, Yoo-mi will have to unravel the supernatural mystery and discover the truth before it’s too late. Starring Lee Se-young (Memorist), Park ji-young (The Concubine), directed by Yoon Eun-kyoung. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL. (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ) 

Trailer: https://youtu.be/us-_8VpdlLs 

 

LEAP OF FAITH: WILLIAM FRIEDKIN ON THE EXORCIST — November 19

A lyrical and spiritual cinematic essay on The Exorcist, Leap of Faith explores the uncharted depths of William Friedkin’s mind’s eye, the nuances of his filmmaking process, and the mysteries of faith and fate that have shaped his life and filmography. The film marks the sixth feature documentary from Philippe (78/52, Memory: The Origins of Alien), continuing his thoughtful analysis of iconic genre films. Starring William Friedkin. Directed by Alexandre O. Philippe. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL. (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ) Trailer: https://youtu.be/p5FXjdKxgrA 

PORNO — November 24

When five repressed teen employees at a local movie theatre in a small Christian town discover a mysterious old film hidden in its basement, they unleash an alluring demon that is determined to give them a sex education...written in blood. Starring Robbie Tann, Katelyn Pearce, Evan Daves, Larry Saperstein (High School Musical: The Musical series), Jillian Mueller (The Last O.G.), Glen Stott (The Good Fight), directed by Keola Racela (Above the Sea). A SHUDDER EXCLUSIVE. (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/-JiWnGQgKNk 

 

NEW COLLECTIONS FOR NOVEMBER

 

THE MARIO BAVA COLLECTION — November 23

A master of Gothic, a genius of giallo and a Godfather of Italian Horror—Shudder celebrates the legacy and influence of Mario Bava with a collection spanning his first foray into fright, Black Sunday to his final gem, Shock. 

Featuring: A Bay of Blood, Black Sabbath, Black Sunday, The Girl Who Knew Too Much, KIll Baby Kill, Lisa and the Devil, Shock and The Whip and The Body

 (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

ALL NEW TITLES FOR NOVEMBER

 

November 2

EMELIE (Director: Michael Thelin)

As their parents head out for a date in the city, the three young Thompson children – Jacob, Christopher and Sally – immediately take to their new babysitter Anna, who seems like a dream come true: she’s sweet, fun, and lets them do things that break all of their parents’ rules. But as the night creeps along and Anna’s interactions with them take on a more sinister tone, the kids slowly realize that their caretaker may not be who she claims to be. Soon it’s up to big brother Jacob to protect his siblings from the increasingly nefarious intentions of a very disturbed woman whose weapon is trust, and whose target is innocence. Starring Sarah Bolger, Joshua Rush, Carly Adams. (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

SALEM’S LOT (Director: Tobe Hooper)

Driven by inner forces even he cannot understand, novelist Ben Mears returns to his hometown to write about a mysterious mansion that has intrigued him since childhood. But he discovers a horrifying secret: The community is slowly becoming a village of vampires.  Starring David Soul, James Mason, Bonnie Bedelia 

 

URBAN LEGEND (Director: Jamie Blanks)

Dr. Wexler, professor of American Folklore, states that urban legends exist only to convey hidden moral lessons for all who hear them. But the students at New England's Pendleton College are finding out just how fatal these stories can really be. When a series of murders occurs at the school, student Natalie begins to notice a bizarre link between the killings. Starring Jared Leto, Alicia Witt, Rebecca Gayheart, Robert Englund 

 

November 5

BLOOD VESSEL (see above for details)

 

November 9

BLOOD & FLESH: THE REEL LIFE AND GHASTLY DEATH OF AL ADAMSON (Director: David Gregory)

“Horror Film Director Found Slain, Buried Under Floor,” screamed the 1995 headlines read ‘round the world. But the truth behind the wild life of Al Adamson—including the making of his low budget classics and his grisly death—reveals perhaps the most bizarre career in Hollywood history, as retold in this captivating documentary. Featuring Al Adamson, John 'Bud' Cardos, Robert Dix, Marilyn Joi, Gary Kent (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

CHERRY TREE (Director: David Keating)

After learning dad’s leukemia has advanced, Faith is stunned when her teacher approaches her with a devilish deal. If Faith gets pregnant and hands the baby over for a sacrifice, the sorceress will heal poor papa. But there’s always a catch, and when Faith realizes what she’s actually agreed to, the sweet deal goes sour very fast. David Keating’s follow-up to Shudder favorite Wake Wood. Starring Anna Walton, Naomi Battrick, Sam Hazeldine. (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

November 12

LINGERING (see above for details)

 

November 14

SATURDAY THE 14TH (Director: Howard R. Cohen)

In this horror comedy, John and Mary can't believe their good fortune when they inherit the vast estate of John's recently departed uncle. Sure, it's a fixer-upper. But there's nothing that can't be taken care of with a fresh coat of paint, a little dusting ... and maybe an exorcist! Monsters, mayhem, and mirth descend upon the house and only a mysterious book can save this everyday normal family from Saturday's paranormal activity. Starring Richard Benjamin, Paula Prentiss, Jeffrey Tambor (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

November 16

ARE WE NOT CATS? (Director: Xander Robin)

After losing his job, girlfriend, and home in a single day, a desperate thirty-something accepts a delivery job upstate. There he stumbles upon Anya, a beguiling and mysterious young artist who shares his proclivity for eating human hair. While their shared obsession bonds these two loners together, it also takes them on a perverse and disturbing journey in one of the most exciting and singular American indies of recent years. Starring Michael Nicholson, Chelsea Lopez, Michael Godere. (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

BLOOD OF WOLVES (Director: Kazuya Shiraishi)

Rookie detective Shuichi Hioka is assigned to the East Kurehara precinct’s Second Investigation Division, which boasts the best arrest rate in the Hiroshima Prefectural Police. He and his new partner Shogo Ogami, a veteran detective rumored to be in cahoots with the mob, are tasked with investigating the disappearance of an employee of Kurehara Finance, a front company for the Kakomura-gumi organized crime group. Starring Koji Yakusho, Tori Matsuzaka. (Also available on Shudder Canada, UK and ANZ)

 

COHERENCE (Director: James Ward Byrkit)

On the night of an astronomical anomaly, eight friends at a dinner party experience a troubling chain of reality bending events. Part cerebral sci-fi and part relationship drama, Coherence is a tightly focused, intimately shot film that quickly ratchets up with tension and mystery. Starring Emily Baldoni, Maury Sterling, Nicholas Brendon 

 

LET THE CORPSES TAN (Director: Helene Cattet, Bruno Forzani)

Belgian filmmakers Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani trade in the crushed velvet and creeping shadows of their giallo-worshiping first two films (Amer, The Strange Color of Your Body’s Tears) for blistering sun, creaking leather and raining bullets in this glorious homage to 1970s Italian crime films. Based on a classic pulp novel by Jean-Patrick Manchette and featuring vintage music cues by Ennio Morricone, Let the Corpses Tan is a deliriously stylish, cinematic fever dream that will slamfire your senses like buckshot to the brain. Starring Elina Lowensohn, Stephane Ferrara, Bernie Bonvoisin (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

November 19

LEAP OF FAITH (see above for details)

 

November 23

THE MARIO BAVA COLLECTION:

A BAY OF BLOOD, BLACK SABBATH, BLACK SUNDAY, THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH, KILL BABY KILL, LISA AND THE DEVIL, SHOCK and THE WHIP AND THE BODY

 

November 24

PORNO (see above for details) 

 

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