1.Train to Busan
Director: Yeon Sang-ho
Stars: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok
In Train to Busan (2016), a divorced fund manager, Seok-woo, boards a high-speed train to Busan with his young daughter, Su-an, to visit her mother. As they embark, a sudden zombie outbreak engulfs South Korea. The passengers, including a pregnant woman and a group of high school baseball players, must band together to survive the relentless undead. Tension escalates as they confront both the zombies and their own moral dilemmas, leading to sacrifices and unexpected alliances in their desperate quest for safety.
2.The Witch
Director: Robert Eggers
Stars: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie
Set in 1630s New England, The Witch follows a devout Puritan family exiled from their community. Struggling to survive on a remote farm, they face a series of misfortunes, including the mysterious disappearance of their newborn son and failing crops. As paranoia and fear mount, the family members turn against each other, particularly targeting their eldest daughter, Thomasin. The film explores themes of religious fanaticism, femininity, and the supernatural, culminating in Thomasin’s dark transformation as she embraces her identity amidst chaos and betrayal.
3.The Conjuring 2
Director: James Wan
Stars: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Madison Wolfe
In The Conjuring 2, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, travel to Enfield, England, in 1977 to assist the Hodgson family, who are plagued by supernatural disturbances in their council house. The haunting intensifies when young Janet Hodgson begins to exhibit signs of possession by a malevolent spirit named Bill Wilkins. As the Warrens delve deeper, they confront a demonic entity known as Valak, taking the form of a nun. The film explores themes of faith and fear while delivering chilling scares and emotional depth.
4.Don’t Breathe
Director: Fede Álvarez
Stars: Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, Stephen Lang
In Don’t Breathe (2016), three delinquents—Rocky, Alex, and Money—target the home of a blind war veteran, Norman Nordstrom, believing he has a stash of cash from a settlement. After breaking in, they quickly realize that Nordstrom is not the helpless victim they expected. As they search for the money, their plan spirals into chaos when Nordstrom fights back violently. The film escalates into a tense game of survival, revealing dark secrets and moral complexities as Rocky fights to escape with her life. Ultimately, she manages to flee, leaving behind a trail of tragedy and deceit.
5.The Girl with All the Gifts
Director: Colm McCarthy
Stars: Sennia Nanua, Gemma Arterton, Glenn Close
In a post-apocalyptic future ravaged by a parasitic fungus, “The Girl with All the Gifts” follows Melanie, a unique young girl who is part of a group of children imprisoned for experimentation. Unlike typical zombies, Melanie exhibits intelligence and self-control. As the military base housing her is overrun by “hungries,” she escapes with her teacher, Helen, and a group of soldiers. Together, they navigate a devastated world while Melanie grapples with her identity and the potential to save humanity from extinction. The film explores themes of survival, humanity, and the blurred lines between predator and prey.
6.Lights Out
Director: David F. Sandberg
Stars: Teresa Palmer, Gabriel Bateman, Maria Bello
In Lights Out (2016), directed by David F. Sandberg, a family is haunted by a malevolent entity named Diana, who only appears in darkness. The story follows Rebecca, who returns to protect her younger half-brother Martin from their mentally unstable mother, Sophie, whose depression has manifested in the form of Diana. As Rebecca investigates Diana’s connection to their family’s past, she discovers that Diana was once a patient alongside Sophie in a psychiatric hospital. The film escalates as Rebecca and Martin confront the shadowy figure, leading to a chilling climax where Sophie ultimately sacrifices herself to rid her children of Diana’s terror.
7.The Purge: Election Year
Director: James DeMonaco
Stars: Frank Grillo, Elizabeth Mitchell, Mykelti Williamson
In The Purge: Election Year, set in 2040, Senator Charlie Roan, a presidential candidate, vows to end the annual Purge, a night when all crime is legal. After witnessing her family’s murder during a Purge as a child, Roan becomes a target for the New Founding Fathers of America (NFFA), who revoke protections for government officials. Former police sergeant Leo Barnes, her head of security, fights to protect her as they navigate the chaos of Purge Night. Betrayed by trusted allies, they must survive against paramilitary forces and ultimately confront the NFFA’s sinister plans. The film culminates in a violent showdown, ending with Roan’s election victory and the promise of change amid rising unrest from Purge supporters.
8.The Neon Demon
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Stars: Elle Fanning, Christina Hendricks, Keanu Reeves
In The Neon Demon, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, 16-year-old Jesse (Elle Fanning) moves to Los Angeles to pursue a modeling career after her parents’ mysterious deaths. Her striking beauty quickly captivates the fashion world, igniting envy among older models like Gigi (Bella Heathcote) and Sarah (Abbey Lee). As Jesse rises to fame, she becomes increasingly narcissistic and detached, leading to a horrific climax where jealousy turns deadly. The film explores themes of beauty, obsession, and the dark underbelly of the fashion industry, culminating in a shocking act of cannibalism and betrayal.
9.Ouija: Origin of Evil
Director: Mike Flanagan
Stars: Elizabeth Reaser, Lulu Wilson, Annalise Basso
“In 1967 Los Angeles, widowed mother Alice Zander runs a fraudulent séance business with her daughters, Lina and Doris, to make ends meet. When they incorporate a Ouija board into their readings, they unwittingly contact a malevolent spirit named Marcus, who begins to possess Doris. As the family experiences terrifying supernatural events, they discover the dark history of their home linked to Marcus’s tragic past. The situation escalates, leading to tragic consequences for the family as they confront the evil that has taken hold of Doris, culminating in a haunting conclusion that intertwines their fates with the spirits of the past.
10.Under the Shadow
Director: Babak Anvari
Stars: Narges Rashidi, Avin Manshadi, Bobby Naderi
Set in 1980s Tehran during the Iran-Iraq War, Under the Shadow follows Shideh, a medical student turned housewife, and her daughter Dorsa. Barred from her studies due to political activism, Shideh remains in their war-torn apartment despite her husband’s pleas to seek safety. As missile attacks intensify, Dorsa becomes convinced that a djinn—a malevolent spirit—has invaded their home, stealing her beloved doll. The film explores themes of maternal anxiety and societal oppression, blending supernatural horror with poignant commentary on the realities of life under war and strict cultural norms.
11.The Invitation
Director: Karyn Kusama
Stars: Logan Marshall-Green, Tammy Blanchard, Michiel Huisman
Will and his girlfriend Kira attend a dinner party hosted by Will’s ex-wife Eden and her new husband David, two years after their son’s tragic death. As the evening unfolds, Will feels increasingly uneasy about the cult-like group Eden and David have joined, known as “The Invitation.” Tensions rise when a disturbing video about the group’s beliefs is shown, revealing their extreme methods of coping with grief. Will’s suspicions lead to chaos, ultimately resulting in violence as he fights to protect himself and Kira from the sinister intentions of the hosts and their guests.
12.Holidays
Director: Various (anthology)
Stars: Madeleine Coghlan, Savannah Kennick, Rick Peters
Holidays (2016) is an American horror anthology film featuring eight short stories, each inspired by a different holiday. The segments explore dark themes associated with celebrations like Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, and Christmas, blending horror with social commentary. Notable entries include a chilling Father’s Day tale about a reunion between a daughter and her estranged father, and a Valentine’s story reflecting on bullying and revenge. The film showcases various indie filmmakers, resulting in a mix of tones and styles that range from eerie to absurd.
13.The Eyes of My Mother
Director: Nicolas Pesce
Stars: Kika Magalhães, Will Brill, Olivia Bond
Set on a remote farm, The Eyes of My Mother follows Francisca, a young woman whose life spirals into madness after her mother is brutally murdered by a salesman. Raised by her surgeon mother, Francisca learns about death and dissection, which shapes her twisted psyche. After her father’s death, she isolates herself, resorting to horrific acts to cope with loneliness. As she captures and mutilates those she forms connections with, including a young woman named Kimiko and later a child named Antonio, the film explores themes of trauma and the grotesque nature of human connection. The chilling narrative culminates in Francisca’s desperate attempts to maintain her twisted family dynamic, leading to a haunting conclusion.
14.The Monster
Director: Bryan Bertino
Stars: Zoe Kazan, Ella Ballentine
In The Monster (2016), directed by Bryan Bertino, a tumultuous relationship between a mother, Kathy (Zoe Kazan), and her daughter, Lizzy (Ella Ballentine), is tested when they become stranded on a desolate road during a storm. On their way to visit Lizzy’s father, they accidentally hit a wolf, leading to their car breaking down. As they await help, they discover a terrifying creature lurking in the woods. The film explores themes of addiction and maternal love as Kathy fights to protect Lizzy from the monster, ultimately revealing the true nature of their bond amidst horror and despair.
15.10 Cloverfield Lane
Director: Dan Trachtenberg
Stars: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman, John Gallagher Jr.
In 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016), Michelle wakes up in an underground bunker after a car crash, where her captor, Howard, claims that the outside world is uninhabitable due to a mysterious attack. As she navigates her captivity alongside fellow survivor Emmett, Michelle grows suspicious of Howard’s intentions, especially after recognizing his truck as the one that hit her. Tension escalates when a woman outside pleads for help, revealing the horrors of Howard’s true nature. Ultimately, Michelle fights for her freedom, discovering both human and extraterrestrial threats beyond the bunker.
16.The Autopsy of Jane Doe
Director: André Øvredal
Stars: Brian Cox, Emile Hirsch
In The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016), directed by André Øvredal, father-son coroners Tommy (Brian Cox) and Austin Tilden (Emile Hirsch) encounter a mysterious corpse, Jane Doe, discovered in a home linked to a brutal murder. As they perform the autopsy overnight, they find no visible signs of trauma but uncover bizarre internal injuries and strange objects within her body. Paranormal events unfold, suggesting Jane Doe harbors dark secrets tied to witchcraft and past atrocities. The film explores themes of innocence and revenge, culminating in a chilling revelation about Jane’s true nature and the horrors she endured.
17.The Other Side of the Door
Director: Johannes Roberts
Stars: Sarah Wayne Callies, Jeremy Sisto
In The Other Side of the Door, Maria Harwood, a grieving mother, struggles with the loss of her son Oliver, who drowned in a tragic accident. Consumed by guilt, she learns from her housekeeper Piki about a ritual that allows her to say goodbye to Oliver one last time at an ancient temple. However, she is warned not to open the door once inside. Desperate for closure, Maria disobeys and opens the door, inadvertently unleashing a malevolent spirit. As supernatural events unfold, Maria must confront the consequences of her actions, leading to a terrifying battle for her family’s safety against the dark forces unleashed by her grief.
18.Cabin Fever (Remake)
Director: Travis Zariwny
Stars: Gage Golightly, Matthew Daddario
In the 2016 remake of Cabin Fever, five college friends—Paul, Karen, Bert, Jeff, and Marcy—head to a remote cabin for a vacation. Their getaway turns nightmarish when they encounter a hermit infected with a flesh-eating virus. After a series of gruesome events, including the accidental shooting of the hermit and the subsequent infection of one of their own, paranoia escalates. As the group struggles to survive and find help, their bonds fray, leading to horrific decisions and tragic outcomes. The film closely mirrors Eli Roth’s 2002 original but lacks its satirical edge and character depth