As someone who loves horror cinema, the best thing I can do is probably to list the best horror films of the year. In a brief summary, before entering 2014, let’s take a look at the best horror films of 2013 one by one. If you love horror movies like I do, make sure to watch these 9 films that I recommend.
V/H/S 2
A film series that deserves to be written about the V/H/S series. This series, which is becoming a cult, started in 2012 with a compilation of several independent short films in one movie. In the first film, the directors took typical and cliché horror stories such as young people dying one after another in the woods, Halloween, families dying in hotels or haunted houses, and brought a different perspective to them. The same perspective continues in the second film. We can say that they proved their rising popularity by receiving awards at Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. Like the first film, this film tells us the cliché stories from different perspectives, especially reaching the peak of creativity and innovation with the zombie film among their stories. If you want to be scared and encounter interesting things, V/H/S 2 is one of the best films of 2013 in my opinion.
Full Review: Next Generation of Horror: V/H/S Series
MAMA
The feature-length version of Andrés Muschietti’s acclaimed and award-winning short film. It is also one of the best films of the year. Like in Insidious or Del Toro’s Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, there is no hesitation in showing the “entity” that serves as the horror element. It can appear at any moment, day or night. What makes the film successful in my eyes is its fantastic screenplay and the Oscar-worthy performances by the two young girls who act in it. The film can be watched just for those two little girls alone. It is a film that is never boring, constantly engaging, and highly accomplished.
DARK SKIES
A thrilling film by visual effects specialist Scott Stewart, who avoids excessive use of visual effects. The film tells the story of some entities that invade a family from the sky and captivates the audience with its sense of astonishment and not knowing what they are dealing with. With increasing tension and relentless threats, the film ultimately delivers a spectacular finale.
LAST EXORCISIM PART 2
If you have watched and liked the first film, you will probably realize that the second film is directed by a different director. Personally, I consider the first film to be one of the most successful exorcism films ever made. A fake priest deceives people by performing fake exorcisms, using tricks and illusions to make money from them. However, this time the fake priest encounters a real demon and doesn’t know what to do. Unfortunately, this great premise and highly successful conflict deviate off track in the second film. While the first film was in the found footage genre, the second film returns to the classic style. The film was actually expected to focus on the demon falling in love with the possessed girl and driving her insane. However, despite making it onto the list, the film falls significantly below expectations.
CARRIE
A modern adaptation of the 1976 film Carrie, utilizing today’s technology. The filming techniques and capabilities have advanced compared to the era of the original film. So, a much higher quality film could emerge, right? The film, released in the later part of 2013, with massive advertising campaigns, camera pranks, posters… Everything was done for the film to succeed. So, what was the result? With a production budget of 30 million, the film grossed a total of 35 million domestically. It managed to break even thanks to its international revenues. Personally, I would watch any film starring Chloë Grace Moretz. So, how was the film? Unfortunately, it is not as perfect as advertised, but I still believe it is a horror film worth watching.
THE DYATLOV PASS INCIDENT
Following The Bay and The Tunnel, a Devil’s Pass, also known as mockumentary, which has become a horror film style I enjoy. It is also one of the best found footage films of the year. In the 1950s, a team of 9 people went to the mountains in Russia for research and never returned. Although their bodies were eventually found, how they died remains a question mark to this day. The film tells the story of a group of students in 2013 who want to find answers to these questions by embarking on the same journey. However, they not only learn why the 9 people died but also share the same fate as them. Although it may seem like an ordinary story at first glance, the last 15 minutes of the film offer a sequence that will never be forgotten. It is a tense film that keeps you on the edge and compels you to look at every corner of the screen.
EVIL DEAD
A remake of Sam Raimi’s 1981 film. The original film made a huge impact and caused screams in the theaters when it was released. Nowadays, when you watch the 1981 version, the effects in the film can seem comical. But the 2013 version provides an unforgettable adventure by updating ’81. We can say that it is not only one of the best horror films of the year but also one of the best films of the year. It has suspense, horror, disgust, and action. It has everything one can expect from a horror film. The tension increases with each passing second, leading to a finale that will be remembered for years to come. Evil Dead is the first film you should watch on this list. Don’t ask me why it’s listed last, I don’t know.
INSIDIOUS CHAPTER 2
The last 2 films I will talk about are also James Wan films. Whenever I hear the name James Wan, I immediately imagine a cinema ticket in my hand. I watch everything he is involved in without thinking twice. He is one of the best directors of recent times. James Wan, who is famous for not making sequels, is doing something different this time and producing a masterpiece – or rather, another masterpiece. Thrills, horror, screenplay, acting… They are all present in the film. The concept of “cycle” in the film, similar to Lost, sets it apart from other horror films. If you pay attention to cinematographic details, the film is likely to enchant you.
THE CONJURING
Another James Wan film. In my opinion, the best horror film of 2013. In fact, the most successful horror film I have seen in recent times. It doesn’t just scare you in 1-2 scenes like typical horror films, it can immerse you in suspense and frighten you in almost every scene, making you jump out of your seat. Let me introduce the film to you with a comment I read: “If you have any sense, don’t watch it alone in the middle of the night just because you have free time. I’m waiting for the sun to rise just to get a couple of hours of sleep..”
With its exquisite shots, equally impressive performances, and the fresh perspective it brings to the horror genre, The Conjuring will be a film that will be remembered for years to come.