The year 2020 may have been tumultuous, but it was also a remarkable year for horror cinema. Despite the challenges faced by the film industry, horror filmmakers delivered a range of chilling and innovative movies that captivated audiences. From psychological thrillers to supernatural scares, these films explored fear in various forms, making them essential viewing for any horror enthusiast. Here’s a detailed look at the top 5 best horror films of 2020 that you absolutely need to watch.
1. The Invisible Man
- Director: Leigh Whannell
- Stars: Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid
- Synopsis: A modern reimagining of the classic H.G. Wells story, “The Invisible Man” follows Cecilia Kass, who escapes from an abusive relationship only to be terrorized by an unseen force. As she fights to prove her sanity, Cecilia discovers that her tormentor is far closer than she ever imagined.
- Why It’s a Must-Watch: “The Invisible Man” is a masterful blend of psychological horror and suspense, with a compelling performance by Elisabeth Moss that anchors the film’s emotional intensity. Leigh Whannell’s direction creates a suffocating atmosphere of paranoia and dread, making the unseen terror feel all too real. The film’s commentary on abuse and control adds depth to its scares, making it a standout horror film of 2020.
2. His House
- Director: Remi Weekes
- Stars: Wunmi Mosaku, Sope Dirisu, Matt Smith
- Synopsis: “His House” tells the story of a refugee couple who flee war-torn Sudan and seek asylum in England. As they try to adjust to their new life in a decrepit house, they are haunted by a sinister presence that lurks within the walls. The film explores themes of trauma, guilt, and the horrors of displacement.
- Why It’s a Must-Watch: “His House” is a haunting and powerful film that blends supernatural horror with social commentary. Remi Weekes’ directorial debut is both terrifying and thought-provoking, using the haunted house trope to explore deeper issues related to immigration and the refugee experience. Wunmi Mosaku and Sope Dirisu deliver riveting performances, making “His House” one of the most memorable horror films of the year.
3. The Lodge
- Directors: Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala
- Stars: Riley Keough, Jaeden Martell, Lia McHugh
- Synopsis: In “The Lodge,” a woman named Grace, who is struggling with her past, is left alone in a remote winter cabin with her fiancé’s two children. As a blizzard traps them inside, eerie and unsettling events begin to unfold, leading Grace to question her sanity and the nature of the reality around her.
- Why It’s a Must-Watch: “The Lodge” is a slow-burn psychological horror film that builds tension and dread with precision. The film’s isolated setting and chilling atmosphere contribute to a sense of claustrophobic terror that intensifies as the story progresses. Riley Keough’s performance is haunting, and the film’s exploration of trauma, guilt, and religious fanaticism adds layers of psychological complexity to the horror.
4. Relic
- Director: Natalie Erika James
- Stars: Emily Mortimer, Robyn Nevin, Bella Heathcote
- Synopsis: “Relic” centers around three generations of women—Edna, her daughter Kay, and granddaughter Sam—who are drawn back to the family’s decaying home when Edna goes missing. As they try to uncover the truth behind Edna’s strange behavior, they begin to realize that something sinister is taking over both the house and their family.
- Why It’s a Must-Watch: “Relic” is a deeply unsettling horror film that uses the haunted house genre to explore the horrors of aging, dementia, and familial bonds. Natalie Erika James crafts a film that is both emotionally resonant and terrifying, with strong performances from its lead actresses. The film’s slow build-up and haunting visuals create an atmosphere of dread that culminates in a powerful and unforgettable climax.
5. Possessor
- Director: Brandon Cronenberg
- Stars: Andrea Riseborough, Christopher Abbott, Jennifer Jason Leigh
- Synopsis: “Possessor” follows Tasya Vos, an elite assassin who uses brain-implant technology to take control of other people’s bodies and carry out high-profile hits. As she becomes increasingly detached from her own identity, her latest assignment begins to spiral out of control, leading to a violent and disturbing confrontation.
- Why It’s a Must-Watch: “Possessor” is a mind-bending and visually striking horror film that delves into themes of identity, control, and the nature of humanity. Brandon Cronenberg, following in the footsteps of his father David Cronenberg, delivers a film that is both intellectually challenging and viscerally shocking. The film’s unsettling imagery, combined with Andrea Riseborough’s chilling performance, makes “Possessor” one of the most unique and provocative horror films of 2020.
Conclusion
2020 was a year that challenged and expanded the horror genre, with films that offered both psychological depth and visceral scares. The top 5 horror films of the year each brought something unique to the table, whether it was a modern take on a classic story, a haunting exploration of trauma, or a mind-bending journey into the unknown. These films not only terrified audiences but also left them thinking long after the credits rolled. If you’re a horror fan, these movies are essential viewing, showcasing the best of what the genre had to offer in 2020.
