2011 was a big year. There was the royal wedding, Game of Thrones arrived on TV, Novak Djokovic won his first Wimbledon title, and some of the most ingenious horror films of the modern era. We got a supernatural ghost hunt with The Innkeepers, grisly murder mysteries [1] like You're Next, and . . . Shark Night 3D. OK, they weren't all winners, but as someone who's been watching horror movies since the tender age of 7 [2], I can attest that it was an overall amazing year for horror.
— Additional reporting by Kalyn Womack
Shark Night 3D
Shark movies are always a fan favourite, especially when it comes to university students having to survive a shark-infested lake weekend. But sadly, this one wasn't the best. Despite it grossing over $15 million more [3] than its budget, critics were not impressed. While it tried, the movie fell flat: it didn't have a solid plotline or enough blood for the gore fanatics.
Watch Shark Night 3D on Amazon Prime Video [4].
The Moth Diaries
The Moth Diaries revolves around a haunted girl, Rebecca, who suspects her new roommate, Ernessa, is a vampire. Through a series of disturbing hallucinations and creepy nursery rhymes, Rebecca tries to figure out what Ernessa wants with her. While it was a daring experiment, critics said it [5]was way too serious for its own good. While I loved the actress's portrayals, I agree with critics on this one.
Watch The Moth Diaries on Chili [6].
The Thing
In the middle of a snowstorm, a team of pilots and scientists explore the ruins of an alien crash site. From there, they quickly discover someone or something is killing them off one by one. While this remake tries to surpass the original [7], critics point out that it lacks a few key aspects of a good horror film. Although, the audience thought it was a solid remake.
Watch The Thing on Amazon Prime [8] or via your Sky account [9].
Silent House
With only a 43 percent on Rotten Tomatoes [10], critics claimed the film flawed but was mostly saved by Elizabeth Olsen's brilliant performance. Her character finds herself in a secluded cabin, where things start going crazy. This film is full of a bunch of jump scares and so you'll want to make sure wine is on hand for the inevitable anxiety.
Watch Silent House on Amazon Prime Video [11].
Final Destination 5
With fairly mixed reviews from critics and a 62 percent on Rotten Tomatoes [12], they mainly said the gross factor is what most will take away from it. Unlike Scream 4, the fifth instalment of this classic horror series was actually needed. While it followed the same formula, it answered a lot of questions.
Watch Final Destination 5 on Amazon Prime Video [13].
The Awakening
This supernatural drama is everything one would want from a spooky movie. Based in the 1920s, we follow Florence who works on exposing frauds in the supernatural world. However, she finds herself in an actual ghost story at a boarding school and she has to figure out what happened. While it can be slow at times, the payoff is worth it.
Watch The Awakening on Amazon Prime Video [14].
The Innkeepers
Sara Paxton makes another horror appearance as a young ghosthunter, ready to figure out the secrets of the Yankee Pedlar Inn. With a terrifying ghost and a beautiful haunted house, it deserves being higher on the list. While the audience had mixed reviews, critics praised it for the storyline giving a new take on the classic haunted house trope.
Watch The Innkeepers on Amazon Prime Video [15].
Fright Night
This remake may not have been needed, but it definitely delivers on style and gore. Certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes [16], the film follows a charismatic, high-school couple as they suspect the new neighbour is a killer vampire. If you loved the original 1980s film as I did, don't worry, this remake holds up. (How can you resist vampire Colin Farrell [17]?)
Watch Fright Night on the Sky Store [18].
You're Next
When a family reunion goes awry, it's up to Erin Harson to get the family out alive. Multiple killers and so many family secrets unfolding, it's hard to say who'll make it. With a 79 percent on Rotten Tomatoes [19] and glowing reviews from audience and critics alike, it's a staple in the horror movie realm. This is the most badass horror film I have ever seen. Take everything you know about the classic horror film final girl and throw it out the window.
Watch You're Next on Amazon Prime Video [20].
Cabin in the Woods
I think everyone saw this coming. Cabin in the Woods is a horror classic with its hysterical, meta dialogue and absolutely terrifying villains. It shows a group of stereotypical college kids going on a trip to a cabin, but it also shows the people creating the horror for them in a fun, fresh way. With a score of a whopping 92 percent on Rotten Tomatoes [21], it was an instant hit.
Watch Cabin in the Woods on Netflix [22].
Paranormal Activity 3
In 1988, two sisters seemingly live a normal childhood. However, once odd disturbances begin taking place in the night, their father uses cameras to find the source of the trouble. He finds that his daughter has been talking to an imaginary friend which turns out to be a supernatural force that wreaks havoc on their home.
Watch Paranormal Activity 3 on Amazon Prime Video. [23]
Red Riding Hood
When Valerie tries to make an escape with her lover, her sister is brutally murdered by a werewolf. Valerie stays behind to investigate with the village beast hunter and the two discover the werewolf is a fellow villager who takes form as a human by day.
Watch Red Riding Hood on Amazon Prime Video. [24]
We Need to Talk About Kevin
A travel writer trades her lifestyle for having a child with her husband. After a difficult pregnancy, she has trouble bonding with her baby boy, Kevin. As he grows up, so do his issues with his mother. By the time he becomes a teenager, he becomes sociopathic and his mother must deal with the consequences of his actions.
Watch We Need to Talk About Kevin on Amazon Prime Video [25] and the Sky Store [26].