My favorite horror films: 2022

I watch horror movies every chance I get. Cult classics, slashers, elevated, supernatural, genre-bending, doesn't matter. If you're looking for some end-of-the-year frights to ring in the new year, check out my top five.

His House (2020)

A re-watch from 2020 because I don't remember much from 2020. And I'm glad that, this time, I watched with the lights on. When life is filled with so much terror that hauntings no longer frighten, what is left? In this taut film, the characters' truths are as scary as the chilling images.

Smile (2022)

Yes, this film feels derivative, but it still knocked me sideways. It has everything I love in a horror film. Cinematography keeps me off-kilter. A sinister, supernatural evil that feels too powerful to fight. Disturbing kills. Jump scares. Deeply felt character backstory that is germane to the plot. And it is all quite scary. I had to peek through my fingers during some scenes.

Barbarian (2022)

Recommended by friends and boy am I glad. Several times, I shout at the screen, "Girl, don't do it!" And every time I think I know what this movie is about, it morphs into something different and more thrilling.

The Black Phone (2022)

An excellent blend of real-life and supernatural horror. Edge-of-your-seat plot with a Hollywood ending.

Nope (2022)

My favorite is Jordan Peele’s third film, a creepy and, at times, disturbing sci-fi spectacle, with fantastic performances by Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer. I will never look at clouds the same after this.

More frights to come in 2023. Happy New Year!