10 Must-See Horror Movies That Critics Can’t Stop Raving About!

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Horror movies often receive less favorable reviews from critics compared to other genres, due to their focus on fear and violence rather than critical acclaim. However, occasionally a horror film emerges that impresses even the most discerning of critics, earning praise for its haunting visuals, suspenseful atmosphere, original storyline, or powerful acting performances. These films can receive rave reviews from critics, boosting their ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.

Achieving a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes is tough, but these ten movies nearly managed it. Some are essential horror masterpieces and stand as significant contributions to cinema history, while others may be unfamiliar to you, yet they boast impressive near-perfect scores. Here are ten horror films that missed perfection by a mere point or two on Rotten Tomatoes.

10
‘Let the Right One In’ (2008)

98%

The movie “Let the Right One In” is a Swedish horror-romance production, derived from a novel of the same title. Lately, it has been reimagined as a TV series on Showtime. In this film, a tormented boy discovers affection and retribution through an enigmatic neighbor, who unexpectedly turns out to be a vampire.

This film, titled “Let the Right One In”, offers a refreshing twist on the overused vampire genre. Instead of focusing on the supernatural terror of the undead, it delves into the more chilling aspects of human nature. Critics have praised it as one of the finest modern vampire films in cinema, and its impressive 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes underscores this acclaim.

9
‘The Loved Ones’ (2009)

98%

If you found high school challenging, wait till you watch “The Loved Ones”. It’s an Australian horror movie that combines elements of teen and horror films in an unexpected way. Unlike your typical prom story, this film takes a dark turn when a girl whose invitation to the prom is declined, turns violent in her quest for revenge against the boy.

This exceptional film is so captivating that it may persuade you to accept invitations for anything, forevermore. Known as “The Loved Ones“, this movie garnered an impressive 98% approval from critics and a robust 73% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.

8
‘Vampyr’ (1932)

98%

When considering timeless German vampire movies, it’s usually Nosferatu from 1922 that springs to mind, rather than the 1932 classic, Vampyr. Unlike its counterpart, Vampyr is indeed a sound film, but it minimizes dialogue. It also offers a more unique narrative compared to Nosferatu, which is well-known for being a less-than-subtle adaptation of Dracula. In this tale, a wandering character fixated on the supernatural encounters an ailing teenage girl who is undergoing a transformation into a vampire. The film uses a muted, soft focus style to generate disconcerting visual effects and an unsettling ambiance.

It’s fascinating to note that the film Vampyr was initially met with harsh criticism and labeled as a poor production for quite some time. However, its fortunes have changed significantly in recent years, sparking renewed interest and admiration. Upon reevaluation, contemporary critics have given it positive reviews, commending the visually disconcerting elements that were once criticized. Now, Vampyr boasts a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it only slightly superior to the 1922 classic Nosferatu.

7
‘The Babadook’ (2014)

98%

Initially, “The Babadook” created quite a buzz upon its release, partly due to an amusing internet meme tied to the film. However, don’t be deceived; “The Babadook” is a genuinely chilling horror movie. It unveils a fresh, terrifying creature in the horror world – the Babadook, a monster with a top hat, resembling a humanoid figure who haunts a grieving widow and her son within their residence. The film was praised for its reliance on genuine horror elements instead of jump scares and for its emotionally resonant narrative.

With a staggering 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, ‘The Babadook’ stands out as one of the highest-acclaimed horror films ever made and even ranks third among all films released in 2014. Additionally, the site currently lists ‘The Babadook’ as the 21st greatest horror movie of all time.

6
‘Get Out’ ( 2017)

98%

Known for his humorous productions, Jordan Peele stunned everyone when he penned and directed the chilling psychological horror movie titled “Get Out“. What made this shock even greater was the fact that the film turned out to be a true work of art. In ““, a young African-American man finds himself psychologically imprisoned by his wealthy white girlfriend’s family, and he’s not alone in this predicament. It turns out that an entire community of these affluent whites have been enslaving African-Americans mentally, and they auction off the ones they capture to the highest bidders.

The chilling, inventive plot of Get Out is reminiscent of stories from The Twilight Zone, a series that director Jordan Peele revitalized for two seasons on CBS. The film garnered widespread praise, earning a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Notably, it also received several Oscar nominations and won the award for Best Original Screenplay, credited to Jordan Peele.

5
‘The Ring’ (1998)

98%

One of the most terrifying horror movies ever made is undeniably “The Ring,” a groundbreaking work in its genre. However, we’re not discussing the 2002 American adaptation headlined by Naomi Watts (which is also quite impressive). Instead, we’re referring to the original Japanese horror production from 1998. Like its American counterpart, this film revolves around the malevolent spirit of a young woman who emerges from television screens and brutally slays anyone who watches her haunted video cassette following a seven-day timeframe. Notably, “The Ring” showcases a young Hiroyuki Sanada in the lead role, a performer whom many will recognize from his role in the popular series, “Shōgun.

As a cinephile, I must express that the original Japanese version of “The Ring” left me with an unnerving chill that lingers long after the credits roll. Unlike its American remake, which is more in-your-face and action-packed, this slower-paced, subtler horror film from Japan is just as terrifying, if not more so. The global phenomenon of “The Ring” earned widespread acclaim, with both critics and audiences captivated by its chilling narrative. With a staggering 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it outshines its American counterpart by over 20 points, demonstrating the power of originality in storytelling.

4
‘Bride of Frankenstein’ (1935)

98%

1931’s “Frankenstein” is undoubtedly the most influential adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, leaving an indelible mark on the horror genre. Colin Clive and Boris Karloff famously brought Dr. Frankenstein and the Monster to life in this classic film, while also establishing the iconic appearance of Frankenstein’s monster with his flat-top head, prominent brow, and neck bolts. The movie was an extraordinary success, leading Hollywood to produce a sequel. Remarkably, the sequel that followed became one of the best sequels ever made.

Immediately following the events of the initial film “Bride of Frankenstein,” it adopts a plotline from Shelley’s novel, where the Monster coerces Dr. Frankenstein into creating a bride for him. Both Colin Clive and Boris Karloff reprise their roles as Dr. Frankenstein and the Monster respectively. Many critics believe this film surpasses the original one. With an impressive 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes, “Bride of Frankenstein” is considered one of the best Frankenstein stories and horror movies ever produced. A new adaptation, titled “The Bride,” featuring Christian Bale as the Monster, is currently being developed.

3
‘Host’ (2020)

99%

The movie, titled “Host,” is a chilling British production that often got overshadowed due to the widespread fear of the COVID-19 pandemic. This film centers around a group of friends who unintentionally conjure a demon during an online seance, and the entire plot unfolds on a Zoom video call.

Due to the pandemic, the movie “Host” was filmed using Zoom over a span of 12 weeks. Each cast member handled their own camera, stunts, sound, and makeup, while filmmaker Rob Savage gave directions from his home. This innovative approach earned “Host” a remarkable 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its creativity and minimalist style.

2
‘The Wailing’ (2016)

99%

In a more relaxed and natural phrasing, the movie titled “The Wailing” is a South Korean horror production that centers around a police officer who embarks on an investigation into a baffling illness afflicting a secluded village in Korea, all in a desperate attempt to save his own daughter.

From its nearly perfect 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it appears that viewers found the length of The Wailing, which clocks in at two and a half hours, to be less of an issue. This film stands out for its gradual build-up leading to a satisfying climax, captivating enigma, and spine-tingling ambiance, earning it widespread critical acclaim.

1
‘Under the Shadow’ (2016)

99%

In the Shadow” is a Persian film that delves into psychology, with elements of horror. The story unfolds in the ’80s, focusing on a mother and child, who are tormented by an enigmatic terror at its peak during the Iran-Iraq conflict.

Following its debut at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, the film “Under the Shadow” was swiftly acquired by streaming titan Netflix. Since then, it has garnered a remarkable 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film “Under the Shadow” was lauded for its ingenious blend of war and horror genres, its pertinent themes, and its symbolic representation of war-related anxieties.

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2025-02-05 03:32