Dread Central's Best Horror Films of the Decade
January 1st, 2010
What a decade. Talk about an insane ten years. In it we've seen sequels top originals, remakes up the ante, and a precious few bits of original content do what all quality cinema does -- become instant classics. Join us now for a look back at the decade that was 2000-2009!
Being that Foy covered the worst of the decade already (and who better to do so?), we collectively voted on the best so this truly is Dread Central's definitive list. Now let's get to it, starting with the title that garnered the fewest votes all the way up to the one that got the most.
10: The Devil's Rejects (2005)
Well before the much abused re-imaginings known as Rob Zombie's Halloween and Halloween II were conceived by the unpredictable writer/director, he was honing his craft on a taut and dark little film called The Devil's Rejects. While Rejects is more of a revenge/road trip type feature than it is a straight horror movie, make no mistake; it wears its genre heritage proudly on its sleeve and at times can be brutally nightmarish. It's in your face and gritty with no pretty colors or artsy scenes to make you ooh and ah. There's just the realism of violence and depravity.
And the performances are nothing short of amazing. Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, William Forsythe, Priscilla Barnes, and yes, even Sheri Moon Zombie really turn the heat up to new levels, but the show stealer is without question Leslie Easterbrook. When she's on screen, it's nearly impossible to take your eyes off her. The rest of the cast is seemingly comprised of a who's who in the horror genre: P.J. Soles, Ken Foree, Michael Berryman, etc.
The Rejects themselves may have come to a bloody Bonnie & Clyde type cinematic ending, but these characters are guaranteed to live on through fans all over the world for decades to come well beyond the 00's.
9: Saw (2004)
Forget the endless stream of sequels. The first time you watched James Wan’s directorial debut, you were impressed. Admit it. We’ll agree that some of the acting is shoddy and the editing borders on obnoxious (remember that car chase between Ben Linus and Murtaugh?), but it doesn’t matter.
The sheer genius of Wan and [Leigh] Whannel’s script is enough to knock you flat. From the concept of a serial killer that’s never actually killed anyone to the endlessly twisting narrative, Saw took the horror community by surprise. And then it took the rest of the moviegoing public by storm. Beyond that, it (along with the next year's Hostel) is recognized as being almost solely responsible for the oft-maligned "torture-porn" subgenre that continues to pollute video shelves (and Netflix queues) everywhere.
In the wake of all that, it’s easy to forget the rock solid little film that the original Saw is. There probably isn’t a more influential film on this list and, having recently revisited the film for the first time in years, we're happy to say it’s still worthy of the praise. Forget the convoluted nature of the sequels and savor this influential original. The genre wouldn’t be where it is today without it – whether or not that’s a good thing.
8: The Descent (2005)
Having already made the kickass Dog Soldiers, director Neil Marshall hardly needed to prove himself as a major genre talent. That’s exactly what he did with this claustrophobic masterpiece, however, instantly cementing his status as one of the greatest modern horror filmmakers.
The Descent spends lots of time with its core characters, developing their friendships (even going so far as to suggest deep-seated transgressions in one case) in an effort to make them as believable as possible. It’s not just the humanoid inhabitants of the mountain cave that pose a threat, but the clashing personalities of narcissism and atrophy that threaten to doom them all. As a monster movie, it’s an effective reason to be afraid of the dark, but it’s the psychological aspects that reward multiple viewings and create something far more impressive.
The fact that you’ll likely never set foot inside a cave again after seeing this is a small price to pay. Here’s one of the few modern horror films that has the power to truly terrify its audience. It’s one of those films that made us realize that we weren’t too old to be scared, and we’ll always love it for that.
7: Shaun of the Dead (2004)
It’s easy to be sick of this British zombie classic already; every movie website in the word hasn’t quite finished singing its praises and the sheer amount of merchandise for this, the little zombie film that could, borders on the absurd. And while saturation isn’t good for anything, it’s perfectly understandable as to why Shaun of the Dead has garnered such goodwill. It’s bloody fantastic.
Unlike the recent Zombieland, Shaun succeeds as both a hilarious comedy and a legitimately great zombie apocalypse flick. Writers Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright aren’t afraid to flesh out their lead characters, taking them beyond the comedic archetypes (i.e., the slacker guy, the aloof best friend) to where they become actual people. It’s true that we're a little tired of this one now, but when we think back to our first viewings, we laughed until it hurt. And when we weren’t laughing, we were tickled pink by the endless stream of George Romero references strewn about the film. Sure, anyone can enjoy Shaun of the Dead, but it’s the horror fans who get the most out of it. Every time.
6: Shadow of the Vampire (2000)
E. Elias Merhige burst onto the scene at the start of the decade with his cleverly constructed film-within-a-film Shadow of the Vampire. The notion that Max Schreck's performance in Nosferatu was so successful because he really was a vampire is played totally straight by John Malkovich as obsessed director F.W. Murnau. Popular cross-dressing comedian Eddie Izzard is a revelation as Gustav, and he and Malkovich are matched note for note by a deliciously over-the-top Willem Dafoe as Schreck.
Shadow of the Vampire is a rare treat. Not only is it a great vampire flick, but it also perfectly evokes the eras it details: both the Twenties, when Nosferatu was filmed, and the Victorian times in which it was set. With its star power, a sort of surreal realism, and cinematography to die for, Shadow of the Vampire more than deserves its spot on this list.
5: Frailty (2001)
The Sixth Sense may have put the twist ending back on the map, but two years later Bill Paxton's directorial debut, Frailty, perfected it. The story, told in flashbacks, revolves around a single father (portrayed by Paxton) who believes he and his two sons were commanded by God to kill demons that happen to be living in human bodies. In the present day one of the brothers (Matthew McConaughey) is telling his family's story to FBI Agent Wesley Doyle (the uber creepy Powers Boothe).
Frailty takes its audience on one of the most interesting and intricate journeys through the darker side of human nature that they're likely to see now or in any other decade. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, Brent Hanley's script throws everything out the window and you're left wondering about the true nature of religious fanaticism and whether or not to trust your own perceptions. It's sheer beauty on celluloid!
4: Paranormal Activity (2007)
When we first put up our review of Paranormal Activity back in October of 2007, readers rightly questioned our claim that it was "the most frightening ghost story of the year". We encouraged their skepticism because we knew once they saw it for themselves, they'd agree with us. Unfortunately, it took two freaking years before we had the opportunity to redeem ourselves, but considering this little film that could went on to become the highest grossing “R” rated thriller of the last decade, we'd say redemption is pretty damn sweet.
If you are a fan of ghost stories who has felt disappointed and short-changed by the lack of quality material in that subgenre over the past several years, then you should be as pleased with Paranormal Activity as we (and apparently most of the rest of the world) were. It's a bite-your-nails, squirm-in-your-seat bonanza of spookiness with a healthy dose of holy-shit-I-can't-believe-that-just-happened thrown in for good measure. In short, it's effective as hell and is a prime example of how to win an audience over and keep their attention in a highly constrained, claustrophobic atmosphere in the most unpretentious way possible.
Unfortunately there's sure to be an endless supply of PA rip-offs and knock-offs littering the airwaves over the next decade and beyond, but at least we at Dread Central can take comfort in the fact that we were 100% right in our prediction that "something this good won't stay undiscovered for long."
3: Dawn of the Dead (2004)
When the news first broke that upstart director Zack Snyder dared to sign on for a remake of George A. Romero's iconic Dawn of the Dead, well, saying the fans were upset would be a bit of an understatement. In fact, they were mad as hell and talking boycotts and protests. But in the end they gave it a chance, and this version of Dawn, one that had every right to suck, ended up working. It worked so well, in fact, that it landed in the Top Three of the Decade. Yes, a remake can be good ... something we'd pretty much forgotten during the long dry spell between the last good ones (John Carpenter's The Thing and David Cronenberg's The Fly) and Snyder's Dawn redux.
The main reason for this minor miracle is that Snyder and company played it smart. Instead of trying to out-Romero Romero (and who could possibly do that?), they opted to bring their own take of what happened on the day of the outbreak. Essentially Snyder gave us more Dawn of the Dead with some skillfully placed homages along the way that offer a wonderful nod to the source material. And the actors (especially Sarah Polley, Jake Weber, and Mekhi Phifer) seem like real people, just like us. Cameos are given to original alumni Ken Foree, Scott H. Reiniger, and Tom Savini; the WGON traffic copter makes an appearance; some of the trucks outside the mall are from the same company, B.P. Trucking, that loaned them to the production of Romero's original film; and one of the stores in the mall is even named Gaylen Ross! The best part? None of these ins is ever slammed over your head or is even remotely distracting. They're just there as part of the movie. That's how you honor the past and make your mark in the present. Bravo.
2: The Mist (2007)
In watching The Mist repeatedly since its release, we’ve come to think of it as the greatest film that George Romero never directed. The bleak microcosmic look at modern day America feels like something George would’ve churned out at some point in his career had he been able to secure the funding.
This one works so well because it clicks on numerous levels: as the aforementioned examination of society, as an over-the-top and gory monster flick, and as a genuinely unsettling psychological horror film about the evils of man (and woman). Tom Jane nails the everyman trying to navigate a seemingly impossible situation while Marcia Gay Harden was robbed of an Oscar nomination for her role as Mrs. Carmody – arguably the most detestable screen villain of all time. The fantastic supporting cast all contribute a great deal to the proceedings as well: Andre Braugher, Laurie Holden, William Sadler, and Jeffrey DeMunn.
And you can’t talk about The Mist without discussing the controversial ending. Most of us love it. It’s the cinematic equivalent to a punch in the gut and conveys the ultimate hopelessness and desperation of our characters. Sure, Darabont could’ve adhered to the King novella and gone the more ambiguous route, but the film would have lost much of its impact ... and probably wouldn't be on this list.
1: Trick 'r Treat (2008)
Without question, Michael Dougherty’s ode to Halloween is the film that brought fun back to the genre – something that’s been absent for far too long. There were other, more unsuccessful attempts at this over the last few years (Slither comes to mind), but Trick 'r Treat succeeds effortlessly.
The interlocking vignettes seethe with atmosphere and a strong sense of fun, ensuring that each piece of the film is somehow more delightful than the last. Couple that with some of the best performances the genre’s seen recently (Dylan Baker's especially), and you have the greatest movie about October 31 since John Carpenter chronicled the night HE came home. (On a side note, try to count the references to Carpenter's early works – it’s a fun thing to look for while you’re watching the film a second or third time.)
The big question continues to be why Warner Bros. decided to dump this sucker onto Blu-ray and DVD after sitting on it for almost two years, but we take solace in knowing that it’s already found an audience - one that’ll continue to grow for decades to come.
Honorable Mentions: Let the Right One In, The Host, Behind the Mask: The Rise and Fall of Leslie Vernon, 28 Weeks Later, The Signal
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Discuss your picks for the best of the decade below and in the Dread Central forums!
That's why I love lists, they spark conversation and controversy. Even the dumb ones.
Submitted by Terminal on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 10:46pm.
I don't know ... I was never that impressed with that film in the least.
It borrows A LOT from a much better film - The Other (1972) without as much of the impact.
Just my two cents, but that's why I didn't even consider it.
Submitted by Matt Serafini on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 6:03pm.
Good shout, The Other - it is indeed brilliant and another one of my favorites. But, A Much Better film? In what way, exactly? Considering the films in the DC top 10 list, the argument of "too much borrowing" really doesn't seem particulary fair.
*EDIT*
In fact, "too much borrowing" argument, as is, just doesn't fly in 2010, especially when it comes to genre cinema. It's how good you pull it off is what counts. Like, for instance, The Other; should I mark such a great film (and hundreds of other horror films, for that matter) down just because there was a "little" flick called The Innocents made in 1961? Hell no.
Submitted by Daymare on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 6:55pm.
I hear you, Day.
While I can't speak for everybody else who voted, I can tell you why Two Sisters didn't make my list.
I felt it relied too heavily on the "surprise", which I pegged from the very beginning. I'm not suggesting that the film lives of dies by that aspect, only that I was disappointed with the story.
The psychology was interesting and pretty darn heartbreaking, but the familiarity prevented me from being truly impressed.
I've seen the film twice and I doubt I'd ever revisit it again.
Submitted by Matt Serafini on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 9:51pm.
No Let the Right One In or Leslie Vernon? Come on, Dawn 04 was entertaining but it wasn't good enough to make this list. From the plot holes, to the numerous musical montages and irritating characters Dawn 04 was a very flawed little number and it gets dumber with every viewing. And The Mist is too high up on the list.
Excluding 28 Days Later but mentioning 28 Weeks Later? Come on. This was an alright list I guess. It kind of shows how the staff is more concerned with style over substance.
And thanks for sparing us the continued praise of Hatchet.
Submitted by Terminal on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 5:41pm.
I LOVE Leslie Vernon and it was very, very high on my own personal list.
I was bummed that it didn't make the master list, but it did get an honorable mention.
As far as slasher movies go, there wasn't a better one this decade.
Submitted by Matt Serafini on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 5:51pm.
Leslie and LTROI were on my list as well as Slither and Silent Hill. I rate my "best ofs" by the ability to watch a film repeatedly without getting bored.
Submitted by Nomad on Sat, 01/02/2010 - 12:00pm.
Yep, that's right Terminal. As always you've got us pegged.
Submitted by Uncle Creepy on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 5:46pm.
Oh Creepy, what are we going to do about you?
Submitted by Terminal on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 5:49pm.
Pretty good list. I would've included Let the Right One In, but hey, whatever, that's already been explained. The thing that does honestly surprise me is that 28 Days Later wasn't on the Top 10, and while it's not in the honourable mentions, it's sequel is. I have nothing against 28 Weeks Later, loved it in fact. 28 Days Later just seems like one of those huge horror movies of the decade. If any one horror movie was to be on a non-horror "best of the decade" list, my money would be on it.
Submitted by plastic_society on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 3:49pm.
Here's something to keep in mind about the above list. The people who particpated weren't given a specific list to make their choices from. Every title that made it was chosen independently by staff and ended up being separated by one or two mentions at most. It was REALLY close the whole way through. Given that the number of times a film showed up on the staff submitted lists determined if it even made the master list you now see, we decided to order the ones that did numerically. Again, it's purely subjective and in the end "just a number", but the results were both fascinating and in some cases -- surprising.
Devil's Rejects beat out Let the Right One In by a single vote and got the ten spot. Agree with it or not, that was the long and short of it. The honorable mentions listed were basically the overflow of the top ten. All the titles you've all been asking the whereabouts of were included in the staff submissions, just unfortunately not enough.
As for pick of best of the decade ... Again Trick 'r Treat made it to every staff list except for one. That's a pretty big milestone especially for a film that was sat on for years until swept onto home video. I couldn't be happier for the film.
Submitted by Uncle Creepy on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 3:25pm.
Nice respectable list....I love the inclusion of Frailty and Shadow of the Vampire. I personally would have included May, Ginger Snaps, Dog Soldiers, Grindhouse, The Orphanage, even Hostile or The Manson Family.....over The Devil's Rejects, Saw and Paranormal Activity.
It's hard to argue too much though. It was a great decade for horror with alot of great movies.
Submitted by pulpmonster on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 3:23pm.
Wait a minute, where is "Funny Games?" It "breaks the 4th Wall" you know!
Submitted by DavidFullam on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 2:53pm.
Yes, ANDREW! How come that didn't make YOUR submission list? LOL
Submitted by Uncle Creepy on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 3:26pm.
Nothing by Rob Zombie should ever be in a "Top 10" of anything. 'The Devil's Rejects' was positively average until that dumb-as-a-bag-of-hammers ending revealed Zombie's true, retarded colours.
Submitted by Shambling_in_Ba... on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 12:46pm.
People concerned with a number are just anal retentive fucks.
Submitted by Floydian Trip on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 11:57am.
Speaking of fucks, when are you and DSIC finally going to consummate your relationship. You're sounding really uptight these days. I think you need it.
Submitted by Foywonder on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 5:58pm.
Whoa dude! Very edgy of you to say that.
Submitted by Terminal on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 5:38pm.
I like your views and wish to subscribe to your newsletter.
Submitted by DavidFullam on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 2:54pm.
Dump The Devil's Rejects and put Let the Right One In on the list and you're pretty much spot on. I'd agree with Foy and just call it the best (not top ten) horror movies as putting things in numerical order tend to get the masses riled.
Seriously, who loved The Devil's Rejects? It was OK, but as pointed out, there were so many more memorable movies that came out. Hell, I liked Jack Brooks more.
Submitted by frank_dracman on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 11:39am.
Personally, I hated the first Saw with a fiery passion and still had some hate left over for all the sequels.
I also don't think PA would be in the top 10 of the year let alone the decade.
So, remove those two and put in the most epic horror film of the decade in KIng Kong and by far the most unsettling film of the decade in Session 9 and you'd have a worthy list.
Trick r' Treat is great.
Submitted by Floydian Trip on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 11:58am.
Ok list but some weird choises, The devils rejects better than Let the right one in? And wheres The Orphanage? Come on!! I crap more horrifying turds than The devils rejects (great song in the films credits though)
/M
Submitted by perihelion on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 10:18am.
Some excellent choices on this list.I'm particularly glad to see The Mist get some love. Watching that movie was like being sucker punched in the gut.
Just a couple of areas of disagreement on my part:
-I thought Saw II and Saw VI were better films than the original. I'll concede that the first helped launch a sub-genre of horror but, honestly, it's actually a pretty mediocre movie that happens to have a decent core premise and terrific twist at the end.
-Paranormal Activity was creepy and well made to be sure, but one of the best of the decade? Gotta strenuously disagree there. Personally,I'd choose either The Host or Diary of the Dead instead.
-Trick R' Treat was great..and deserves to be in the top ten. But the best? The Descent was better and should have nabbed that spot.
Honorable mentions would include Jack Brooks:Monster Slayer, Hatchet and Midnight Meat Train
Submitted by Cinemascribe on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 7:19am.
Except for one person, all the staffers who participated included Trick 'r Trick in their picks, hence its #1 spot.
And the real meaning of "best" is bound to be subjective. We mostly mean creative, influential, and game changing, which Paranormal Activity certainly was. Its impact will be felt long past the end of this decade.
Submitted by Uncle Creepy on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 7:25am.
Given the extremely unscientific nature of the polling process I really would have advised against actually numbering the films in any particular order.
Submitted by Foywonder on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 8:50am.
I agree.
Submitted by Terminal on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 5:43pm.
Still don't agree that Trick R' Treat is the best of the decade...but as you pointed out, it's all subjective anyway.
I see where you're coming from with PA, so to some degree I agree with you..but I also think it was influenced as much as it will influence others. Creative? Maybe in the way the film was made for such a low budget, but the storyline was fairly standard haunting fare..couple besieged by entity come to bad end. Hardly ground breaking writing either...the dialogue was often adequate at best. That movie succeeds as well as it does because of the direction. The staging of the supernatural elements was brillaint.
I do agree that it will (hopefully) spark a revival of studio interest in backing indie films.
Then again, consdering some of the crap imitators which followed in the wake of The Blair Witch Project, I don't know if that's necessarily a good thing. :)
Submitted by Cinemascribe on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 8:15am.