Monday, December 29, 2014

My Top 10 Horror Films of 2014

I would like to start by saying that this was a sad year for horror films. I feel as though they all turned out to be disappointments or just mediocre. One of the films I was most looking forward to, The Green Inferno, got pulled from release for financial issues or something. I felt that it would have been a strong contender for the number one spot. Maybe next year.

Disclaimer: I would like to add that although I watch a lot of horror films and I try to see everything, I didn’t get to see every single horror film that was released this year. This isn’t my job; it’s just a hobby of mine. So if you don't see something on this list, it’s because I did not get to see it yet. Also, this list is my opinion and my opinion only. If you do not agree with it, then that is your problem. Feel free to post your top 10 in the comments, but do not start a flame war over this. It is just a list.

That being said, here is my list...



10. Open Grave

I had Annabelle at my number 10 spot on my list for quite some time, but I grew such a hatred for that film that I did not want it on my list just as filler. Sure, Open Grave is not the best horror film, but it’s damn sure more enjoyable to watch than Annabelle.


9. The Canal

The Canal is a creepy foreign film. The only reason it is not higher on my list is because I hated the ending. I think it had a lot going for itself, but then went with a very cliché way of wrapping it all up. Don’t get me wrong though, it was still one of the best this year had to offer.


8. Deliver Us From Evil

So many people bashed Deliver Us From Evil, but I actually enjoyed it. I thought the story was engaging. It had enough creeps and mystery to keep it interesting throughout. The end scene was really awesome in my opinion. I don’t want to give away too much, but for something so overdone, they did a good job making it feel awesome.


7. As Above, So Below

The one major thing that this film really has going for itself is atmosphere. It really makes you feel like you are stuck underground in the catacombs of Paris. If you are claustrophobic, you aren’t going to like this one. It wouldn’t be complete without the addition of a bunch of creepy sights throughout the film. I really enjoyed watching this one.


6. Oculus

Oculus was a big surprise for me, which is odd, because most of the films this year disappointed. I went in not expecting much, but came out enjoying it. I really enjoyed how the Kaylie character painstakingly setup a way of proving that a mirror was much more than just a mirror. The eerie parts of the film were heightened by the films supernatural presence, which made things even creepier.


5. Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones

Most people trash the Paranormal Activity films. I for one am a fan of them. After the disappointment of PA4, I was skeptical about going into this "spinoff" sequel. In the end, I really liked this entry in the series. It did connect into the previous films, in a way. The ending blew my mind. Hate these films all you want, but The Marked Ones was more enjoyable to watch than the laughable, VHS: Viral.


4. See No Evil 2

I have to admit that I enjoyed the first See No Evil when it came out. I know it was bad, but I enjoyed it. See No Evil 2 tops the first one in my opinion. I wasn't expecting much, but really had fun with it. It really brought me back to the 80's slasher films. Yeah, it had some corny parts, but nothing that torn away from it overall. If you are a slasher movie fan then this is a must see.


3. Extraterrestrial

I’m beginning to become a big fan of The Vicious Brothers. Oh who am I kidding, I already am. I really enjoyed both the Grave Encounters films, so I was looking forward to Extraterrestrial. I had fun with their take on the alien sub-genre. There was only one part that I didn’t like, but it didn’t take away from the film overall. I really look forward to what The Vicious Brothers do next. Oh, and I would totally watch a Grave Encounters 3, just saying.


2. The Town That Dreaded Sundown (2014)

If you couldn’t already tell that I’m an 80’s slasher fan, well then here you go. A half-remake and half-sequel to the original, 2014's The Town That Dreaded Sundown is a bloody, gory ride. Although the ending was a little lackluster, I still enjoyed this one quite a lot. The chase scene with the naked girl was one of my favorite parts.


1. The Purge: Anarchy

If you remember, The Purge was on my list last year at the number ten spot. I was being very generous if you ask me, because that film made me a little made that such an excellent concept was wrapped around a home invasion film. The Purge: Anarchy on the other hand gets everything right. It's set in the city and is filled with crazy, gory chaos. This film is what The Purge should have been all along. I really hope they continue this into The Purge 3, which has already been announced.



So there it is, my Top 10 Horror Films of 2014. If you haven’t seen or even heard of any of these films, then I suggest you really look into them. If you’re into horror, then you should at least give them a rental.



Just for fun, I decided to rank these same ten films in order of their Metacritic score.

10. (n/a) See No Evil 2
9. (n/a) The Town That Dreaded Sundown (2014)
8. (33) Open Grave
7. (38) Extraterrestrial
6. (38) As Above, So Below
5. (40) Deliver Us From Evil
4. (42) Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones
3. (55) The Canal
2. (50) The Purge: Anarchy
1. (61) Oculus

Then again based on their Rotten Tomatoes score.

10. (n/a) See No Evil 2
9. (15%) Open Grave
8. (27%) As Above, So Below
7. (28%) Deliver Us From Evil
6. (31%) Extraterrestrial
5. (38%) Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones
4. (56%) The Purge: Anarchy
3. (74%) Oculus
2. (78%) The Town That Dreaded Sundown (2014)
1. (80%) The Canal

All scores from Dec 29, 2014.



Check out last years list, Top 10 Horror Films of 2013.

Check out the rest of my lists on my page A List of Lists.