Best Horror Films Of 2016: A Scary Good Year!

Hey horror fans! Let's take a creepy trip back to 2016, a year that delivered some seriously spine-chilling and unforgettable horror films. From terrifying tales of isolation to supernatural thrill rides, 2016 had something to make everyone jump. So, grab your popcorn, turn off the lights, and let's dive into the best horror flicks that 2016 had to offer. Get ready for a mix of scares, suspense, and maybe a few sleepless nights!

1. The Witch: A Descent into Darkness

The Witch, also known as The VVitch, is a historical horror film that plunges viewers into the bleak and unforgiving world of 17th-century New England. Directed by Robert Eggers in his directorial debut, this movie isn't just about jump scares; it's a slow-burn descent into paranoia, religious extremism, and the terrifying unknown. The film follows a Puritan family who are cast out of their plantation and forced to live on the edge of a dark, menacing forest. As the crops fail and their youngest child vanishes, the family begins to unravel, suspecting that a malevolent force is at play. What makes The Witch so effective is its commitment to historical accuracy. The dialogue is authentically 17th-century, adding a layer of realism that enhances the sense of dread. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the stark beauty and oppressive atmosphere of the New England wilderness. Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a breakout performance as Thomasin, the eldest daughter who becomes the focus of the family's growing suspicions. The film explores themes of religious fanaticism, the subjugation of women, and the primal fear of the wilderness. It's a haunting and thought-provoking film that stays with you long after the credits roll. Guys, trust me, if you're into atmospheric horror that messes with your mind, The Witch is a must-watch. It's not just about the scares; it's about the psychological breakdown of a family under immense pressure, making it a truly disturbing cinematic experience. The sound design and score are also top-notch, creating an unsettling soundscape that perfectly complements the visuals. The ambiguous ending leaves you questioning what you've just witnessed, adding to the film's overall impact. This film isn't for everyone, especially if you're looking for cheap thrills. It requires patience and an appreciation for slow-burn storytelling. But if you're willing to immerse yourself in its dark and unsettling world, The Witch will reward you with a truly unforgettable horror experience. It’s a masterclass in tension and atmosphere, setting a high bar for historical horror films. So, light some candles, settle in, and prepare to be transported back to a time when fear and superstition reigned supreme.

2. Don't Breathe: A Home Invasion Twist

Don't Breathe is a gripping thriller directed by Fede Álvarez that flips the home invasion genre on its head. Instead of a helpless family being terrorized by intruders, the film features a group of young burglars who break into the house of a blind veteran, thinking they've found an easy target. Little do they know, they've just walked into a deadly trap. What sets Don't Breathe apart is its relentless tension and inventive premise. The blind veteran, played with chilling intensity by Stephen Lang, is far from defenseless. He uses his heightened senses and intimate knowledge of his house to turn the tables on the intruders, creating a terrifying game of cat and mouse. The film is a masterclass in suspense, with long stretches of near silence punctuated by sudden bursts of violence. The characters are well-developed, and their motivations are clear, making their choices feel believable even in the most extreme circumstances. The cinematography is claustrophobic, emphasizing the confined spaces of the house and adding to the sense of dread. Don't Breathe also explores themes of desperation, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. The burglars aren't portrayed as purely evil; they're flawed individuals driven by their own desires and needs. This moral ambiguity makes the film all the more compelling. Guys, this movie will have you holding your breath along with the characters as they try to avoid detection. It's a visceral and intense experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The film's success lies in its simplicity. It takes a familiar premise and twists it in unexpected ways, creating a unique and terrifying experience. If you're a fan of thrillers that are both suspenseful and thought-provoking, Don't Breathe is a must-see. Just be prepared to watch it from behind your fingers! The pacing is perfect, never letting up the tension, and the performances are outstanding across the board. It's a modern horror classic that proves you don't need supernatural elements to scare the living daylights out of an audience. So, lock your doors, turn off the lights, and get ready for a home invasion thriller like no other.

3. Lights Out: Fear of the Dark, Amplified

Lights Out, directed by David F. Sandberg, takes a simple childhood fear – the fear of the dark – and amplifies it to terrifying levels. Based on Sandberg's own short film of the same name, Lights Out tells the story of a young woman, Rebecca, who must protect her younger brother from a supernatural entity that only appears when the lights go out. What makes Lights Out so effective is its clever use of visual horror. The entity, known as Diana, is a terrifying creature that lurks in the shadows, becoming visible only when the lights are off. This simple premise creates endless opportunities for scares, as the characters are constantly battling the darkness to survive. The film is also grounded in a compelling family drama. Rebecca and her brother, Martin, are both dealing with the mental health struggles of their mother, Sophie, who is haunted by Diana. This adds an emotional layer to the horror, making the characters more relatable and their plight more sympathetic. Teresa Palmer delivers a strong performance as Rebecca, portraying her as a tough and resourceful young woman who is determined to protect her family. Lights Out explores themes of mental illness, family responsibility, and the power of facing one's fears. It's a film that understands the primal fear of the dark and uses it to create a truly terrifying experience. Guys, if you've ever been afraid of what lurks in the shadows, Lights Out will tap into your deepest fears. It's a fun and scary ride that will have you reaching for the light switch every time. The film's success lies in its simplicity and its ability to create tension through visual horror. It's a modern horror classic that proves that sometimes the simplest ideas are the scariest. So, turn on all the lights, grab a friend, and prepare to face your fears with Lights Out. The jump scares are expertly timed, and the creature design is genuinely creepy. It's a perfect example of how to create a terrifying horror film on a relatively small budget. The film also benefits from strong performances from the entire cast, making the family dynamics feel believable and engaging. It's a horror film that's both scary and emotionally resonant, making it a standout in the genre.

4. Ouija: Origin of Evil: A Prequel That Surpasses Expectations

Ouija: Origin of Evil, directed by Mike Flanagan, is a prequel to the 2014 film Ouija. Surprisingly, it far surpasses its predecessor in terms of scares, story, and overall quality. Set in 1967 Los Angeles, the film follows a widowed mother, Alice Zander, who scams people with fake séances. When she adds a Ouija board to her act, she unwittingly invites a real evil spirit into her home, possessing her youngest daughter, Doris. What makes Ouija: Origin of Evil so effective is its commitment to creating a genuinely creepy atmosphere. Flanagan, who is known for his work on The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, is a master of slow-burn horror, building tension gradually and delivering scares that are both shocking and unsettling. The film also benefits from strong performances, particularly from Elizabeth Reaser as Alice and Lulu Wilson as Doris. Wilson's portrayal of the possessed Doris is genuinely chilling, and she manages to convey both innocence and malevolence with remarkable skill. Ouija: Origin of Evil explores themes of grief, family, and the dangers of playing with the supernatural. It's a film that takes its time to develop its characters and its story, creating a sense of dread that builds steadily throughout. Guys, if you were disappointed by the first Ouija film, don't let that deter you from watching Origin of Evil. It's a rare example of a prequel that is far superior to the original. The scares are effective, the story is compelling, and the performances are outstanding. It's a must-see for any horror fan. The film's success lies in its ability to create a believable and terrifying world, drawing you in and never letting you go. The period setting adds to the atmosphere, and the practical effects are top-notch. It's a horror film that's both scary and emotionally resonant, making it a standout in the genre. So, gather your courage, grab a friend, and prepare to be spooked by Ouija: Origin of Evil. Just remember, sometimes the things we think are fake can be all too real.

5. Train to Busan: A Zombie Thrill Ride

Train to Busan, directed by Yeon Sang-ho, is a South Korean zombie film that takes place almost entirely on a speeding train. The film follows a workaholic father, Seok-woo, and his young daughter, Soo-an, as they travel from Seoul to Busan to see Soo-an's mother. However, their journey is interrupted when a zombie outbreak occurs, trapping them on the train with hordes of the undead. What makes Train to Busan so effective is its relentless pacing and its inventive use of the train setting. The confined spaces of the train create a claustrophobic atmosphere, and the constant movement adds to the sense of urgency. The zombies are fast and ferocious, and the action sequences are thrilling and intense. The film also features strong characters and compelling emotional relationships. Seok-woo's transformation from a selfish businessman to a caring father is particularly well-developed, and his bond with Soo-an is the emotional heart of the film. Train to Busan explores themes of sacrifice, heroism, and the importance of human connection in the face of disaster. It's a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Guys, even if you're not usually a fan of zombie movies, Train to Busan is worth watching. It's a fresh and exciting take on the genre, with stunning visuals, thrilling action, and compelling characters. The film's success lies in its ability to blend horror and action with emotional depth. It's a zombie film that's both scary and heartwarming, making it a standout in the genre. So, buckle up, grab some popcorn, and prepare for a wild ride on the Train to Busan. Just try not to get bitten! The practical effects are impressive, and the choreography of the zombie attacks is genuinely terrifying. The film also benefits from strong performances from the entire cast, making the characters feel believable and relatable. It's a horror film that's both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a must-see for any fan of the genre.

So, there you have it, folks! The best horror films of 2016 that gave us scares, thrills, and some serious moments of holding our breath. These movies prove that 2016 was a fantastic year for horror, offering a diverse range of scares and stories that continue to haunt us. Which of these films scared you the most? Let us know in the comments below!