After watching horror films in 2013, I thought the coming years would also be good, but I was quite mistaken. There were a few notable horror films in 2014, and despite that, I had considered it to be mediocre. However, unfortunately, 2015 turned out to be worse than the previous year. 2015 was a weak year for horror cinema, unfortunately. There is only one film that can be called genuinely scary or excellent, which is “It Follows,” but even that is not enough to carry the whole year. Another characteristic of 2015 is that the films had successful concepts, but those concepts were squandered ruthlessly. Films like “The Lazarus Effect,” “The Visit,” and “Poltergeist” unfortunately wasted their concepts in a very bad way. It is worse that the ideas were wasted rather than the films being bad. Apart from one or two solid productions, unfortunately, the whole year was weak in terms of “horror cinema.” It was such a weak year that I had to include a film like “Paranormal Activity” in the “good” category on my list.
It Follows
“It Follows” is by far the best film of 2015 and one of the most successful horror films of recent years. This masterpiece, which I previously described as an “artistic horror film,” definitely deserves its place and the top spot on the list with its intriguing plot and unsettling atmosphere. If you still haven’t watched it, “It Follows” should be the first film you watch.
Full Review: It Follows – Film Review
The Visit
The film, thanks to its trailer and the name of the director, managed to attract attention but unfortunately turned out to be much weaker than I had anticipated. The film had a great advertisement with its concept and slogan “Don’t go out of the room after 9,” but unfortunately, it falls short in terms of execution and screenplay. Nevertheless, because it is a Night Shyamalan film and there weren’t many great horror films in 2015, I had to include it on the list. You can give it a try just for its interesting concept.
The Witch
“The Witch” enters the list based on “popularity.” Having won awards at many festivals and creating an impact similar to “It Follows,” the only positive aspect of this film, in my opinion, is having someone like Anya Taylor-Joy. Being an A24 film, containing plenty of goats and static camera shots, and trying to scare with nothing, unfortunately, it is not my cup of tea, but maybe it can capture the interest of viewers like you.
Crimson Peak
A horror-drama hybrid castle story produced by the esteemed director Guillermo del Toro. The film features strong names such as Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska, and Tom Hiddleston. It tells the story of a girl who moves into her boyfriend’s grand mansion or rather, castle, and becomes haunted by ghosts. Although the drama aspect outweighs the horror, the film has turned out to be a visually stunning piece with excellent production design and art direction. It’s worth a try, even though it may not be outstanding.
Poltergeist
The first film, produced by Spielberg in 1982, was one of the most successful horror films of that time. However, as the series continued with different producers, directors, and even cast changes, they struggled to capture the atmosphere of the first film at the desired level. When I heard that Sam Raimi was in the producer’s seat for the 2015 version, I was quite excited. Unfortunately, despite the advanced effects, the new Poltergeist appears weaker than the 1982 version. It’s a good film and worth watching, but as someone who enjoyed the original film, it’s a bit disappointing to see that nothing better has come in the 40 years since its release.
Last Shift
The film that I watched due to its intriguing trailer became one of the two best horror films I watched in 2015. It depicts the events that unfold during a police officer’s night shift at the police station. Despite taking place in a single location, the film is truly successful with its tension-filled scenes throughout. “Last Shift” is a film that I can recommend to everyone and one of the rare good horror films of 2015.
Full Review: Last Shift – Film Review
Insidious 3
I have to give credit to Leigh Whannell, who sat in the director’s chair for the first time after his acting and screenwriting career. The director, who took on the weight of the beloved first two films of Insidious and continued with the third, has done a very successful job cinematically, but the screenplay falls short compared to the first two films. Perhaps due to the absence of James Wan, the creator of the series, in the writing team, the film set in an apartment complex like Annabelle feels lacking. Although I would include it among the must-watch horror films of 2015, it is certain that it is not a fantastic horror film.
The Lazarus Effect
With its strong cast and brilliant concept, it’s hard to believe that a horror film could be so brutally butchered. The film, which revolves around bringing a deceased person back to life through a scientific invention, ends up feeling more like an action film than a sci-fi or horror film. Unfortunately, it is also one of the biggest disappointments of the year.
Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension
Starting as a $15,000 film, the series transformed into a franchise with the power of popularity and money. The final film of the series, The Ghost Dimension – or at least that’s what they said – serves as a summary of the entire franchise. Following the successful connection between the previous films, in my opinion, and despite the brilliant idea in the final film, it is not at a satisfactory level. I include The Ghost Dimension in the category of those who wasted their potential.
Unfriended
Also known as Cybernatural, the film is by far one of the best films of 2015. Unfriended, which may be the first horror film made from a computer camera perspective, turns into a quality work with successful acting. The film will keep you on the edge of your seat, both scared and constantly anticipating, and is undoubtedly one of the most creative works made in recent times.
Spring
If you enjoy indie horror films, then Spring is perfect for you. The film tells the story of a man who meets a girl while on vacation in Italy and the interesting events that unfold between them. Despite its simple plot and low budget, it is a quality work. If you’re looking for a taste of horror, I think Spring is the right choice.