The best kind of cinematic experiences offer two movies for the price of one, but I am not talking about a double feature. I am talking about one film that shifts its tone so dramatically at one point in the story that it almost feels like it becomes a new movie entirely. The following are some of the best flicks that gave audiences an evolutionary experience in one sitting.

Parasite (2019)

One of cinema's biggest surprises of 2019 is writer and director Bong Joon-ho's Best Picture Oscar winner, Parasite, which, at first, is presented as a smart and quirkily funny economic satire about a poor family conning their way into a wealthy family's lives. At the almost exact halfway point, the Korean-language film becomes a bleak cautionary tale when the main family's taste of the high life suddenly begins to unravel before their eyes.

Predator (1987)

If not for its ominous title and opening shot of a strange ship entering Earth's atmosphere, you might assume that Predator is a simple military action thriller. Its sci-fi elements become most apparent when Arnold Schwarzenegger's Dutch and his crew members are slowly picked off one by one by one of the most terrifying extraterrestrials in cinematic history.

Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

Director Edgar Wright and star and co-writer Simon Pegg made their breakthrough with a relatively grounded sitcom called Spaced, which might lead one to assume that their first cinematic collaboration would be a relatively grounded comedy. Indeed, Shaun of the Dead feels like nothing more than a simple rom-com for a good while before it becomes apparent to the audience and our characters, through darkly hilarious circumstances, that London has become overrun with hungry, reanimated corpses in the instant horror-comedy classic.

Life Is Beautiful (1997)

Roberto Benigni is a master of both broad comedy and tender drama and utilizes both brilliantly as the co-writer, director, and star of the World War II film and Oscar winner, Life is Beautiful. He plays a father anyone would be proud to have named Guido, whose clumsy nature and charming courting of the future mother of his son provides some lighthearted comfort, until it becomes a devastating tragedy when the film depicts the Holocaust through his family's eyes.

Sorry To Bother You (2018)

If you take out Cassius Green's (Lakeith Stanfield) uncanny "white voice," Sorry to Bother You feels like a relatively grounded economic satire set in the world of telemarketing at first. It becomes clear that Boots Riley's dazzling debut is not quite set in the real world when things take an unapologetically bizarre, surreal turn near the end.

Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984)

Temple of Doom may be one of the lower-ranked Indiana Jones movies by many, but I have always admired the prequel, especially for being such a dramatic departure from its predecessor. Of course, it does feel like the same fun, breezy action-adventure story that Raiders of the Lost Ark is in its first half, but once Indy (Harrison Ford), Willie (Kate Capshaw), and Short Round (Ke Huy Quan) come across the Thuggee Cult, it's a straight-up horror flick.

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Taika Waititi achieves an astonishing balance act with the way he pokes fun at the politics of 1930s Germany in Jojo Rabbit. In fact, the Oscar-winning period satire does such a good job establishing itself as a lighthearted comedy that its tragic turns in the second half are especially shocking.

Man On Fire (2004)

In its earliest moments, director Tony Scott's Man on Fire establishes itself as an uplifting redemption tale, following a depressed former CIA agent (played by Denzel Washington) and his healing bond with the young girl he is hired to protect (played by Dakota Fanning). However, it becomes a gritty revenge movie when the child is kidnapped and our hero moves heaven and earth to find her.

Psycho (1960)

Those who saw Psycho when it was first released might have assumed the title refers to Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) and her choice to go on the run with stolen money. Of course, the Alfred Hitchcock thriller's true purpose is revealed when Crane makes a stop at the Bates Motel, which turns out to be her final destination.

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

Director Robert Rodriguez and writer and star Quentin Tarantino collaborate on a gritty crime drama about a pair of ruthless brothers (played by George Clooney and Tarantino) on the run who take a vacationing family hostage. Once they reach their intended destination, a mysterious roadside bar, From Dusk Till Dawn suddenly erupts into a crazy vampire movie.

Audition (1999)

Takashi Miike's Audition is one of the most shocking Japanese horror films of all time, particularly because it presents itself as a redemptive romantic drama at first. Widowed Shigeharu Aoyama (Ryo Ishibashi) hosts a fake movie casting call to find a new wife and immediately falls for Asami Yamazaki (Eihi Shiina), whom he eventually discovers is a brutal sadist when she subjects him to her torturous hobbies.

Click (2006)

Click proved that Adam Sandler was making a move toward more mature films by having its story slowly evolve into something more mature than its first half. The sci-fi comedy indulges in the same childish humor the SNL star was best known for before his character's truly universal remote and its auto-fast forward function begin to take over his life in surprisingly heartbreaking ways.

True Romance (1993)

Quentin Tarantino was not yet a household name when a film he penned called True Romance was released, so audiences could not prepare themselves for its wild twists and turns. Clarence Worley (Christian Slater) and Alabama Whitman's (Patricia Arquette) indulgent but irresistibly charming pairing promises a sweet, lighthearted comedy before things turn violent.

Fresh (2022)

Without any prior knowledge of its plot, Fresh seems like nothing more than a funny, yet frighteningly realistic, rom-com until 30 minutes in its when its opening titles finally kick off and it becomes frightening for another reason. Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones) believes her horrific dating streak has ended when she meets Steve (Sebastian Stan), until she discovers his shocking true intentions for her.

Lost Highway (1997)

One of the most infamously discombobulating David Lynch movies, Lost Highway, begins as a story about a married couple (played by Bill Pullman and Patricia Arquette) suffering from a bizarre and distressing situation, among other personal matters. However, things get even stranger when Pullman's character is inexplicably transformed into a younger mechanic, played by Balthazar Getty, who suddenly becomes the new protagonist.

Barbarian (2022)

Writer and director Zach Cregger was not even sure what type of story he was going to tell when he began penning Barbarian as a writing exercise, which certainly explains its subversive shifts in tone. It starts off feeling more like a rom-com with an otherwise terrifyingly awkward meet-cute (Georgina Campbell and Bill Skarsgård's characters meet at a mistakenly double-booked Airbnb) before revealing itself as a grotesque horror flick when they discover the house is hiding a secret.

Bone Tomahawk (2015)

Despite its somber tone and gradual pacing, die-hard fans of the genre would agree that S. Craig Zahler's Bone Tomahawk, depicting a trip to rescue a doctor kidnapped from her 19th-century village, is one of the best Western movies of its time. Once Kurt Russell's Sheriff Hunt and his comrades come across the kidnappers, a tribe of indigenous cannibals, it becomes one of the best horror movies of its time, let alone one of the most hauntingly brutal.

About Time (2013)

In the category of great time travel movies, About Time, starring Domhnall Gleeson as Tim, who discovers the ability to travel through time runs through his family, is one of the funniest, most uplifting, and most romantic entries, particularly when he falls for Mary (Rachel McAdams). However, at one point, it takes a heartbreaking turn into a story of loss.

Sinners (2025)

In Eric Eisenberg's Sinners review for CinemaBlend, he says he cannot decide if he loves Ryan Coogler's period film more as a crime drama or as a horror movie. Most critics and audiences would agree that the vampire-infested second half of this tale about twin gangsters (both played by Michael B. Jordan) returning to their home in the Jim Crow-era South is as strong and powerful as its more grounded first half.

Titanic (1997)

James Cameron's Oscar-winning historical blockbuster Titanic saves its breathtaking dramatization of the eponymous luxury passenger ship's tragic sinking in 1912 for its second half. Much of the story up to that point is a sweeping romance, following the passionate love affair between two fictional passengers: the wealthy, engaged Rose Butaker (Kate Winslet) and the impoverished, charming artist, Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio).

Behind The Mask: The Rise Of Leslie Vernon (2006)

Co-writer and director Scott Glosserman's criminally overlooked horror-comedy, Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon, is a brilliant send-up of classic slasher movie tropes filmed predominantly in a documentary style. That is, until the final act when the title character (played by Nathan Baesel) embarks on his big murder spree, and the film becomes a more traditionally dramatic masked killer flick.

Shutter Island (2010)

One of Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio's best collaborations, Shutter Island, seems like a standard detective noir, following US Marshals Teddy Marshall (DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) investigating a disappearance at the eponymous mental health facility. However, the shocking plot twist, which I will let you find out on your own, changes the story into something else entirely.

Terms Of Endearment (1983)

Writer and director James L. Brooks' Oscar-winning adaptation of Larry McMurtry's novel, Terms of Endearment, is one of the most traumatically shocking tearjerkers in cinematic history, particularly for the way its heatbreaking plot points sneak up on you. The Oscar-winning film is largely a light dramedy focusing on Aurora Greenway (Shirley MacLaine) and her relationship with her daughter, Emma (Debra Winger), until the film shifts to a story of grief and loss when Emma is diagnosed with cancer.

Primal Fear (1996)

At first, the main pull of Primal Fear is Richard Gere's central character, defense attorney Martin Vail, and his moral flexibility and craving for an attention-grabbing case. The plot takes a bewildering turn near the end of the legal drama when the truth about Vail's client, a young murder suspect named Aaron (Edward Norton in his debut), is revealed

Bridge To Terabithia (2007)

A perfect example of movie marketing that misled its audience is Bridge to Terabithia, which was promoted as a fun family film following Leslie (AnnaSophia Robb) and Jess' (Josh Hutcherson) adventures in the eponymous fantasy realm. That description does match the tone of the film, but only up to a point when tragedy turns it into a traumatic gut-punch.

Overlord (2018)

Early on, Overlord was assumed to be an unofficial cinematic adaptation of the Call of Duty video games' zombie level, but it is not exactly that. In fact, the World War II-era combat drama remains relatively grounded for much of the first half before revealing its imaginative take on real-life, horrific experiments in reanimation.

Something Wild (1986)

Director Jonathan Demme's Something Wild certainly wears its darker properties on its sleeve throughout, but the story of a straightlaced businessman (played by Jeff Daniels) roped into an adventure with a free-spirited woman (played by Melanie Griffith) is largely outweighed at first by its fun, breezy romantic elements. However, it does begin to gradually evolve into a more earnest and alarming thriller once Ray Liotta shows up as the female lead's convict ex-husband.

The Wailing (2016)

Do not underestimate the blood-curdling twists and turns in store in the acclaimed Korean horror movie, The Wailing. You may feel safe to let your guard down by the comedic elements of this cop drama before its true identity as a harrowing supernatural thriller is unveiled.

Miracle Mile (1988)

You might have forgotten about the '80s movie Miracle Mile, which is a quirky comedy following Harry Washello (Anthony Edwards) and his blossoming romance with Julie Peters (Mare Winningham). Things change when Harry overhears evidence that the United States is launching a nuclear war with the Soviet Union and races against time to get him and Julie to safety.

Very Bad Things (1998)

Writer and director Peter Berg's feature debut, Very Bad Things, is a precursor to The Hangover, but takes things in even darker directions. It starts off as a light, funny party movie about five friends enjoying a bachelor party in Las Vegas, until an accidental murder brings the fun to a screeching halt and causes the story to descend into a maddening thriller.

Downsizing (2017)

In my opinion, Alexander Payne's Downsizing is, unfortunately, a go-to example of a disappointing movie with a great concept, namely a scientific breakthrough that helps people become more financially solvent by shrinking to five inches tall. The issue for me is that it shifts from a sci-fi economic satire to an environmental PSA in such a sudden, jarring succession.

Fantastic Four (2015)

There are many reasons why Josh Trank's Fantastic Four is one of the most critically reviled superhero movies of all time, but I don't consider its shift into a body horror movie to be one of them. In fact, portraying Marvel's superhero family as victims of their amazing abilities could have worked well had the film not used up so much time as a slow-paced inter-dimensional expedition thriller first, and so weakly tried to wedge in a generic comic book movie finale at the end.

Movies have been prominently featuring video games going all the way back to the dawn of the gaming industry in the 1970s. Movies like Tron and The Last Starfighter made them central to the plot, while others like Swingers and The Avengers found ways to create some great moments around. Our list of movies with great video game moments has both.

Tron

Tron has become one of the most enduring franchises of the last half century, despite only having limited released. It was one of the first movies to truly incorporate video games and gaming directing into the plot. Not only does the protagonist (Jeff Bridges) own an arcade and play games himself, his avatar plays inside the Master Control

The Princess Bride

You might not think of this fairy tale as a video game movie, but you have to remember that first scene. As the grandson, played by Fred Savage, recovers in bed, home sick from school, he's playing a baseball video. At least until his grandfather shows up with a magical book called The Princess Bride. .

John Wick

John Wick (Keanu Reeves) isn't the kind of guy who would spend a lot of time playing video games, but those rich idiots who he is after are certainly the types that would pay more attention to a first-person shooter game than the shooter who is out to get them and get them Wick does.

Fast Times At Ridgemont High

Everything cool in Fast Times At Ridgemont High happens at the mall, including the arcade. There isn't a movie that is more quintessential to the '80s high school life than the Amy Heckerling-directed classic. That includes a few scenes in the mall's arcade, including the last shot in the movie declaring the end of the movie.

The Last Starfighter

For a lot of kids in the 1980s, The Last Starfighter represented a dream that maybe there is more to being great at video games than just getting to put your initials on the home screen. Maybe, just maybe, you might get chosen to be an intergalactic pilot. It's why the movie is so fondly remembered by any kid who grew up playing Galaga.

Boyz N The Hood

Even movies about the untold violence on the streets in South Central LA have found a way to work video games in, as they are truly ubiquitous. Take, for example, the more ominous tone of kids playing Duck Hunt on Nintendo with a very real-looking video game gun. It's hard to watch after knowing how things end and viewers are hyper-aware of that gun, toy or not.

Ready Player One

There is no doubt that Ready Player One has to be on this list. Of course, the whole world it creates is basically a giant game. Plus, games from the past, from the early days of home consoles and arcades play a big part in the quest everyone on earth is undertaking in the movie and serve to drive the plot at numerous times.

WarGames

Global Thermal Nuclear War is, in theory, a game in WarGames. Not only does the game serve as a central plot point, but the world is saved by playing any other video game based on tic-tac-toe. Oh, and there is a scene early in the movie where David (Matthew Broderick) is playing Space Invaders and it doesn't get more classic than that.

The Avengers

"That man is playing Galaga," has to be one of Tony Stark's best lines in the entire MCU. It comes in The Avengers as the team is assembling and getting ready to save the world, yet some people on the crew of the invisible flying base clearly have enough time on their hands for a quick game of a classic game.

Swingers

For anyone who played endless amounts of NHL hockey on Sega in the '90s, there is no more realistic or funnier scene than the one in Swingers when Sue (Patrick Van Horn) and Trent (Vince Vaughn) come to blows over a game before they go out for the night. It's pretty much exactly how that game was played for years.

The Karate Kid

Video games don't play a huge role in The Karate Kid, but they are important. Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and Ali (Elizabeth Shue) really start flirting and she blows him while playing one in an arcade when their relationship starts to blossom.

Back to the Future Part II

One of the most memorable scenes in Back to the Future Part II comes when Marty (Micheal J. Fox) looks behind him while in the future to see an arcade game called Wild Gunman. When he tries to impress a couple of kids by being a "crack shot," the kids basically laugh the game off as a game for babies, because you have to use your hands. Honestly, it's not that far off from how things would turn out.

Terminator 2: Judgement Day

it's funny, even in the early '90s, arcades, which were already almost obsoete, were still used to represent what "bad kids" did, like a teenage John Connor (Edward Furlough) in Terminator 2: Judgement Day. John and his buddy are hanging out at the arcade, getting into trouble, when the Terminator locates them for the first time.

Maximum Overdrive

You can't make a movie about the machine's coming "alive" without having a harrowing scene involving some arcade games. As bad as Maximum Overdrive is, it is filled with memorable scenes like the one when the games attack a character played by a young Giancarlo Esposito.

Jaws

Video games have been popping up in movies since way back in 1976 when kids are seen playing a game called "Killer Shark" at beach arcade on Amity Island.

Mallrats

Another classic home console moment from a '90s movie comes in the Kevin Smith-directed Mallrats. Brody is a shiftless layabout and his girlfriend, played by the late Shannen Doherty, is sick of it. Her feelings are completely justified when the first thing he does is pick up with his paused game from the night before. Granted, he was excited about his big lead in the hockey game, which many will understand.

Dawn Of The Dead

In the early days of arcades, pinball was a big part of the appeal. It's a pinball machine in an arcade that makes the biggest impression in one of the best horror movies of all time, Dawn Of The Dead from 1978.

Superbad

Video game scenes in movies often reflect a pretty accurate moments in real life. Like the scene in Superbad when Seth (Jonah Hill) is stressing about a party and Evan (Michael Sera) couldn't care less as he is distracted by his game. That sums up a lot of people's nights (and friendships) in high school.

Airplane!

No movie packs in more jokes per minute than Airplane! One of those jokes, includes two air traffic controllers playing a basketball video game when they should be landing planes. It's a funny joke, but a terrifying thought, right?

The Wrestler

The Wrestler is an amazing movie about a washed up pro wrestler (Mickey Rourke) who finds some version of a family, at least briefly and bonds with Pam (Marisa Tomei) and her son. In a heartwarming moment, he plays a wrestling video game against Pam's son.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

To be fair, the video game moment in Ferris Bueller's Day Off is fleeting but memorable. Principle Rooney (Jeffery Jones), on his quest to find Ferris (Matthew Broderick) encounters a person who he thinks is Ferris playing an arcade game. Of course, it's not Ferris, and in return for his mistake, Rooney gets a straw full of soda to the face.

Shaun Of The Dead

There is nothing quite like roommates playing video games together to make someone nostalgic for...well... having a roommate. For millions of people, it's a rite of passage to blow off work or school and spend the day going toe-to-toe in a video game battle.

Scott Pilgrim V. The World

Games like Dance Dance Revolution were all the rage in 2010, when Scott Pilgrim V. The World was released worldwide. Of course, a game like Dance Dance Revolution would be included in the movie, in one of the scenes before everything goes sideways for the protagonist. It's a sweet scene that really endears the audience to Scott (Michael Cera).

Zombieland

It turns out that Michael Cera plays a lot of characters who love video games. They aren't the main focus of any of his movies, but still, in movies like Zombieland, he's often seen playing them. In Zombieland, it's World of Warcraft.

Grosse Pointe Blank

"First-person shooter" takes on a new meaning in Grosse Pointe Blank when the clerk at the convenience store that was once Martin Blank's house is oblivious to the actual shooting going on behind him as he listens to metal and shoots enemies in the game. Finally, he has to be pulled from the store by Martin (John Cusack) moments before it explodes. Anyone who has played games knows how they can be that engrossing.

The Wizard

The Wizard, starring Fred Savage is... not a great movie, and it reeks of corporatism (it was basically a big commercial for Nintendo), but we couldn't make this list without it. It was a time when Nintendo had completely redefined the video game market with their hit console, the NES. It makes total sense that the hype would lead to a movie and completely predictable that it would be a bad movie.

Lost In Translation

Japanese arcades are completely awesome. It's a culture that did last in America but has been going strong in Japan since the beginning. As such, it's a wonder addition to Sofia Coppola's Lost In Translation as part of what makes the cultures so different and fascinating to Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson).

Never Say Never Again

It's true, even James Bond was part of the 1980s video game fad. Well, sort of. Bond (Sean Connery) plays a wild video game with real-life consequences in Never Say Never Again, which is why we say "sort of," because the movie, though not the worst Bond movie, is definitely not Bond canon and not one of the best Connery-Era Bond films.

Superman III

When ranking the Superman movies, Superman III is usually at or near the bottom of the list. It's a bad movie, but it does have a hilarious Superman video game that we all wished we could play when we were kids. It's really the only good part of a movie that even Richard Pryor couldn't make funny or fun.

The Thing

Some of Kurt Russell's best lines in his movies come from The Thing, and he also has a moment or two as he tries to save himself from destructive boredom by playing an early version of computer chess. Chess has long been a staple game going back to the dawn of the first home computers, so it worked well in the time period.

The 40-Year-Old Virgin

Like some other scenes on this list, the scene between Seth Rogan and Paul Rudd playing Mortal Kombat Deception is pretty much exactly how video game arguments went at the time, completely with the slurs we would never use today (and shouldn't have been using back in the day, but were).

Joysticks

We're really only including this silly, raunchy B-movie because it was kind of the first movie to truly be about the first video game fad of the late 1970s, though it came out just as the fad was imploding with the Video Game Crash of 1983. Even the movie's timing was bad, but still, it's all about games, so it has to be here on this list.

The genre of horror has existed since the beginning of film. While it's certainly grown more intense or psychological as time has gone on, it's always been there, scaring audiences in their seats one way or another. A pivotal time for the genre was in the 2000s when so many horror films came out that made an impact. Here are some that I'm sure we all remember very well.

Final Destination (2000)

I'm 99% sure that the Final Destination movies perpetually scarred most Millennials. Now, I look at everything as if it could kill them because it could, as this movie has shown multiple times. Final Destination gave a new idea that death will always come when it's meant to come, and you can't avoid it, no matter how much you try.

Cloverfield (2008)

The marketing for Cloverfield was out of this world. Even when I was a little kid at the age of ten, I remember seeing billboards and trailers for this and not knowing what the heck was going on. Only after I watched it years later did I truly understand. It's still a great found-footage horror film and one that defines the genre.

The Strangers (2008)

So many people forget The Strangers because other films have been released with the same basic concept, but this was the original. Inspired by real-life events, the movie is about a couple enjoying a vacation when three masked intruders break into their home and ruin everything. It's eerie and creepy, and it became a colossal hit.

Zombieland (2009)

When you think of some of the best horror comedies out there, I can think of no better than Zombieland. It was released during a massive intake of zombie content within the media but only cemented that we love those brainless monsters and that, sometimes, horror can seriously make us laugh.

Dawn Of The Dead (2004)

Directed by Zack Snyder and written by James Gunn, two big shots in Hollywood nowadays, Dawn of the Dead was when these two were starting in the industry and trying to make it big. The film, based on the original Dawn of the Dead by the same name, brought the creepiness of zombies back to the big screen and added plenty of gore to it.

Lake Mungo (2008)

If you're looking for a good psychological horror film from the 2000s, Lake Mungo certainly made its impact. Hailing from Australia, the film follows the story of a young woman who drowns and the family who must deal with her death while experiencing supernatural events. It just gets more twisted as time goes on. Australian horror films have certainly made an impact over the last few years, but this is one of the best.

American Psycho (2000)

I can't have a list of the most impactful 2000s horror films without including American Psycho. Based on the novel of the same name, this film follows the life of a Wall Street investment worker by day and a serial killer by night. It was a game-changing film for female directors, with Mary Harron at the helm. To this day, people believe this to be one of Christian Bale's best performances.

Saw (2004)

Do you want to talk about changing the game? Saw is definitely one of those horror films that made an impact. While the Saw franchise has existed for two decades now, the first film redefined what it was like to witness blood, death, and horror on the big screen. And from there, the movies only got bloodier.

The Ring (2002)

If you're a fan of horror movies from Japan, then The Ring is really the movie to thank for that. While this movie itself is a remake of another Japanese film, Ring, it ended up bringing a lot of attention to Japanese horror films across the sea and allowing people to really expand their mindset when it came to what horror is. Also, an entire franchise followed after its success.

Drag Me To Hell (2009)

While Drag Me To Hell is the kind of film that isn't necessarily groundbreaking, it certainly made an impact when it first came out. The idea of something happening so suddenly just because you're trying to prove yourself at work and then being sentenced to hell because of it – now that is just terrifying. Of course, when Sam Raimi directs it, one can only wonder what will come from his twisted mind.

The Descent (2005)

The Descent is another film that really tests the limits of what you can do with a horror film. With plenty of gruesome moments, the film follows six women who are trying to make it out of an underground cave system to escape cannibals. It's really the ending that makes it such a great film and something that I won't spoil if you've never seen it.

Slither (2006)

Slither is really the reason we were given James Gunn as a director in the first place and why we've gotten so many amazing films from him since. It was his directorial debut and followed the story of a town getting infected by a parasite. This is a body horror movie to the max, but it's an excellent one at that.

Wolf Creek (2005)

Wolf Creek is an Australian movie about three backpackers who are held captive and hunted down by a serial killer in the outback. If you've never seen this movie, you're probably wondering how it made an impact, but let me tell you—this film is violent. It's perhaps one of the most violent Australian movies out there, and for that, I have to give it the warped flowers it deserves.

The Devil's Backbone (2001)

Oh, you knew I'd find a way to put Guillermo del Toro on here. He's a master of horror and fantasy; it would be a sin for me not to place him on this list. The Devil's Backbone is a fantastic horror film that follows a boy who a dead child haunts as he stays at an orphanage during the Spanish Civil War. It was a great gateway into the world of Mexican horror films – many of which are excellent.

The Mist (2007)

Frank Darabont is a king of horror, and The Mist is one of his subjects, which brings one of Stephen King's most beloved novels to life. What really makes The Mist have such a profound impact is the ending. If you haven't seen it, I won't spoil it, but it packs a hard, Karate Kid-style punch that will knock you on your back for 5-7 business days. It's painful in so many ways – and brilliant in a horror movie aspect.

The Cell (2000)

If you're looking for other movies that really made a dent in what you can show on screen and can't, then The Cell is an excellent choice. Starring Jennifer Lopez, the movie really tests the boundaries of horror and its strange stylistic choices while also emerging into the world of sci-fi. Its plot centers on a social worker entering into the mind of a serial killer.

Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

There are so many great horror comedies out there, and Shaun of the Dead is really the blueprint for many of them. I feel like many of the horror parody movies we have now would not exist if not for Shaun of the Dead. It's hysterical in many ways, with some kills I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams, and unlike many other horror movies, it is a film that I will willingly rewatch.

Hostel (2005)

When I first watched Hostel I regretted everything, I knew I'd never watch it again because this film is just…gory. It's very gory, but what else could you expect from Eli Roth? The movie takes leaps and bounds for its gruesome tale and certainly made an impact with two sequels and a TV show that is reportedly in the works. But if you're looking for impactful films, this is the one to glance at.

Insidious (2009)

I genuinely don't think a movie franchise from the 2000s has made more of an impact than the Insidious movies. These films opened up a whole new interest in the paranormal landscape of horror, and now, years later, we are still getting Insidious films. There's nothing quite like that red demon jumpscare.

The Loved Ones (2009)

Hailing from Australia, The Loved Ones is a mix between horror and campy at specific points, but it paved the way for many other films with similar styles to come out. The movie follows the story of a high schooler who now has to attend a twisted party when he doesn't accept a dance date and the twisted adventures he goes on. It's harsh in its delivery of gore, and I loved watching it.

Paranormal Activity (2007)

While found-footage films existed before Paranormal Activity, this movie sky-rocketed into fame and led to several other Paranormal Activity films. It really renewed the entire genre of found footage and gave us many good—and bad—films from that subdivision. We haven't gotten a new film in some time, but it's only a matter of when.

Martyrs (2008)

Coming from France this time around, Martyrs is one of those movies that really paved the way for horror films to take a step back from just pure gore and scares and really dig deep into the mind of the subject we are viewing. The film focuses on the story of a young woman who was tortured as a child and seeks revenge against those who did it alongside her friend. While it does take twists, it's the message beyond that which genuinely made an impact and gave us very great emotionally-driven horror movies.

Ginger Snaps (2000)

I sometimes forget that Ginger Snaps came out in the 2000s just because of its '90s aesthetic, but it did, back in 2000, and it really was a great werewolf movie. It felt like, for years, we weren't getting the kind of werewolf films we deserved from what I've seen of the 1990s, and this was the kind of refresh that we needed for the genre.

Orphan (2009)

Oh, you knew I'd put Orphan on here. Orphan is the kind of film that makes you rethink everything. Children were already creepy in horror movies, but the one in this? Esther? Ooooh, keep her away from me with a ten-foot pole. Orphan redefined how to use children as a scare tactic within horror movies, and I can't complain one bit.

Trick 'R Treat (2007)

While it bombed at the box office, this is the type of film that has gained a cult following over the years and has only gotten better with age. Trick 'r Treat is an anthology movie that follows several different people on Halloween, and all run into Sam, a trick-or-treater who enforces the rules of Halloween. Without this film, there wouldn't be as many anthology horror movies as we have now. We may not have even gotten the Terrifier series.

Jennifer's Body (2009)

The Jennifer's Body cast is freaking iconic, and I will not stand for any other slander against them. This movie is what I would define as girl-boss horror – because who doesn't want to watch a girl kill literally the words kinds of men? All right, jokes aside, Jennifer's Body is the kind of film that made it possible for other movies to really dig deep into the comedy aspect of horror while also creating a film that is undeniably sexy in its delivery as well as its kills.

Let The Right One In (2008)

When you think of the best vampire movies out there, Let The Right One In is probably one of the first that pops up. The film, telling the story of a friendship between a boy and a vampire girl, is one of the first that really allowed for emotionally driven vampire stories to become as big as they did, and it's something I can appreciate.

The House Of The Devil (2009)

Before the X franchise, Ti West directed The House of the Devil, a horror film that follows a college student who takes a babysitting job but forces her life out of her control in the house. This movie is the definition of a slasher but also dares to combine that with paranormal aspects that make it such a fun watch. If you haven't seen it, check it out.

The Others (2001)

While Nicole Kidman is known for plenty of other roles nowadays, her starring part in The Others is one of my favorites. When a mother and her children arrive at a new manor, they start to experience supernatural events, but the scares are delivered in such a way that they make me jump even now, years later.

28 Days Later (2002)

If you think of some of the best zombie films of the last few decades, one that always comes up is 28 Days Later. Focusing on someone who wakes up from a coma and now suddenly has to deal with a virus that has broken his society, the movie uses interesting filming techniques and horrifying zombies that truly up the scare game.

REC (2007)

Found footage horror really hit its stride back in 2007, and REC was a great example of that mixed with zombies. It follows the story of a reporter who goes with her camera crew to an apartment that is festering with a zombie infection. It's creepy and scary and gets your heart pumping in the best way.

Inside (2007)

Coming from France, Inside was a big step in the right direction for women-leading horror films. It details the story of a pregnant widow whose life is threatened on Christmas Eve by an intruder. It's scary in all the right ways and makes you double-check every time you lock your door.

There are so many other horror films that made an impact, but these are just some that will get you interested. Now it's time for a horror movie marathon. It's time to get my blanket and snuggle up with popcorn.

The best uses of music in movies and TV shows have typically changed the way we perceive the songs in question forever, especially if the normally jovial tune is heard during or relates to a particularly intense or disturbing scene. Because of the way the following titles used some of the happiest radio hits of all time, we can never hear them again without our hearts skipping a beat.

Zodiac ("Hurdy Gurdy Man" - Donovan)

The opening scene of Zodiac depicts a horrifying crime by the eponymous killer, accompanied by an otherwise relaxing folk ballad from 1968 called "Hurdy Gurdy Man." Coincidentally, Ione Skye, the daughter of the song's writer and performer, Donovan, makes an uncredited appearance in David Fincher's great true crime movie from 2007 as Zodiac Killer witness Kathleen Johns.

Black Mirror ("Anyone Who Knows What Love Is Will Understand" - Irma Thomas)

In one of the best episodes of Black Mirror (Season 1's "Fifteen Million Merits), Abi (Jessica Brown Findlay) auditions for Hot Shot by singing "Anyone Who Knows What Love Is Will Understand." Following this memorable scene from the sci-fi anthology series, the 1964 Irma Thomas hit would be featured in some capacity in every season since, offering plenty more reasons to feel unsettled by the feel-good romance tune.

The Silence Of The Lambs (“Goodbye Horses” - Q Lazzarus)

According to the original writer of "Goodbye Horses," William Garvey, the 1988 one-hit-wonder performed by Q Lazzarus is about “the ability to lift one’s perception above [their] physical limitations." In that case, its inclusion in the terrifying Best Picture Oscar winner, The Silence of the Lambs, as serial killer Jame “Buffalo Bill” Gumb (Ted Levine) embraces his femininity through dance is a perfect match.

Halloween ("(Don't Fear) The Reaper" - Blue Öyster Cult)

To be fair, the lyrics to Blue Öyster Cult’s signature 1976 hit “(Don’t Fear) the Reaper” are not the happiest, referencing a romance destined to end similar to that of Romeo and Juliet. However, the world might have been less receptive to its creepier themes if not for its inclusion in one of the best horror movies of all time, 1978's Halloween, as Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Annie Brackett (Nancy Kyes) are unwittingly being tiled Haddonfield’s own “reaper,” Michael Myers.

Watchmen ("The Times They Are A-Changin'" - Bob Dylan)

There is a dark thematic tone to most of Bob Dylan's earlier work, especially his 1962 breakthrough hit, "The Times They Are A-Changin'." The folk ballad's message of a society experiencing a revolution comes through effectively while playing over the opening titles of 2009's Watchmen, which traces the ups and downs of superheroes' contributions to history in the world Alan Moore's seminal graphic novel.

American Psycho (“Hip To Be Square” - Huey Lewis And The News)

Pop culture's most famous Huey Lewis and the News fan would have to be Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), who provides an impassioned analysis of 1986's "Hip to Be Square," and the Fore! album in general, as he prepares to murder his colleague, Paul Allen (Jared Leto) in his apartment. Lewis himself would pay tribute to the memorable moment from American Psycho in a Funny or Die bit in which he exuberantly analyzes the 2000 psychological thriller as he prepares to murder “Weird Al” Yankovic.

Insidious ("Tiptoe Through The Tulips" - Tiny Tim)

For years, the only creepy aspect of Tiny Tim's version of "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" was that the high-pitched vocalist was actually a lanky, 6'1" man. These days, since its prominent use in the first Insidious movie from 2011, audiences cannot help but picture the demonic "Man with Fire on His Face" when the romantic ukulele ballad plays.

American Horror Story ("Tonight You Belong To Me" - Patience & Prudence)

The best-known version of writers Billy Rose and Lee David's "Tonight You Belong to Me" is by young sisterly duo Patience & Prudence, which became even more famous in 2011, thanks to American Horror Story. The playful 1956 tune about making the most of your time with a loved one appeared in four episodes of the horror anthology TV show's premiere season from 2011, taking place in a haunted house with an extensive history of murders.

Beetlejuice ("Banana Boat (Day-O)” - Harry Belafonte)

In 1988's Beetlejuice, the ghostly Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara Maitland (Geena Davis) attempt to scare off the Deetzes (Jeffrey Jones and Catherine O’Hara) by possessing them and their party guests into dancing and lip-synching to Harry Belafonte’s “Banana Boat (Day-O).” While the scene did not necessarily make the 1956 Calypso hit creepy, it would be forever entwined with the classic horror-comedy movie – a fact that Belafonte told Pitchfork he enjoyed.

Reservoir Dogs ("Stuck In The Middle With You" - Stealers Wheel)

The first of many iconic musical moments in Quentin Tarantino's movies occurs in 1992's Reservoir Dogs, when Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen) puts on K-Billy's Super Sounds of the '70s (which starts playing "Stuck In The Middle With You") and proceeds to torture Officer Marvin Nash (Kirk Baltz). We doubt there is a single person who can listen to Stealers Wheel's upbeat, 1973 rock single without imagining the criminal slicing the cop's ear off, even though that moment is thankfully kept off camera.

A Clockwork Orange (“Singin' In The Rain”)

If there is one cinematic use of 1929's "Singin' in the Rain" as, if not more, iconic as Gene Kelly's performance in the eponymous 1952 musical, it would be the rendition heard in A Clockwork Orange. As Alex DeLarge, Malcolm McDowell belts out the song about happiness that even weather cannot deter during one of the most unspeakably brutal moments from the 1971 Stanley Kubrick movie.

Stranger Things ("Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" - Kate Bush)

There have been many memorable musical moments from Stranger Things but none as impactful as its uses of "Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)" in Season 4, which made Kate Bush's definitive track more popular than ever. The English art pop queen’s 1985 ballad first helps rescue Max (Sadie Sink) from Vecna's trance before a remixed reprise accompanies the disparate gang's multi-faceted defeat of the villain in the action-packed finale.

10 Cloverfield Lane ("I Think We're Alone Now" - Tommy James & The Shondells)

While it experienced a new life in the 1980s with Tiffany's cover, the original version of "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tommy James & The Shondells was reintroduced to modern audiences via 10 Cloverfield Lane. The cute pop tune about a couple enjoying their time on their own took on a whole new meaning when it appeared in the 2016 thriller, which takes place in an underground bunker inhabited by survivors of an unknown disaster.

Supernatural ("Carry On, Wayward Son" - Kansas)

"Carry On, Wayward Son" by Kansas would become the de facto theme for Supernatural after it was used in the season finale following the first one. In fact, the series finale of the hit series, following the adventures of paranormal hunters Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam Winchester (Jared Padalecki), was named "Carry On," after the 1976 rock epic.

Get Out (“Run Rabbit Run” - Flanagan And Allen)

Originally released in the late 1930s and a hit during World War II, "Run Rabbit Run" became iconic to modern horror movie audiences as the first song featured in Jordan Peele's Oscar-winning 2017 thriller Get Out. The song is heard coming from the car that sneaks up on Andre Hayworth (LaKeith Stanfield), who tries to walk in the opposite direction before getting abducted.

Halloween II (“Mr. Sandman” - Chordettes)

The second installment of the Halloween franchise from 1981 opens in an unexpected manner. Instead of John Carpenter's unmistakable score, we hear the Chordettes' endearing doo-wop hit, "Mr. Sandman," which might have had a more endurable reputation as a retroactively creepy song if not for its use in the time travel movie classic, Back to the Future, four years later.

Kill Bill Vol. 1 ("Woo Hoo" - The 5.6.7.8's)

Before blood hits the screen at the House of Blue Leaves in 2003's Kill Bill Vol. 1, things are peaceful at the Japanese eatery. One major reason why is because the guests are treated to the head-knocking rock 'n roll song, "Woo Hoo," by The 5.6.7.8's, whom Quentin Tarantino discovered while shopping in Japan and wound up casting in the violent revenge movie.

Jeepers Creepers ("Jeepers Creepers" - Paul Whiteman and His Swing Wing)

The lyric "Jeepers creepers, where'd you get those eyes?" takes on a more frighteningly literal meaning in Jeepers Creepers. The eponymous love song by Paul Whiteman and His Swing Wing plays during the final moment of the 2001 horror flick as the grotesque, villainous "Creeper" (Jonathan Breck) shows off his new "peepers," which he stole from Darry (Justin Long).

Shaun Of The Dead ("Don't Stop Me Now" - Queen)

Like most Edgar Wright films, there are many moments from Shaun of the Dead in which music plays a large role but the best takes place at the Winchester. Nearly every move Shaun (Simon Pegg) and the gang make when battling the bar's undead owner is in near-perfect sync with Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now," which randomly starts playing from the jukebox as they are desperate to stay undetected from the horde outside.

The Shining ("Midnight, The Stars And You" - Ray Noble And His Orchestra)

The final moment of Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's The Shining slowly zooms into a photo taken at the Overlook in 1921 with a man resembling Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) shown front and center. The chilling shot is accompanied by 1934's "Midnight, the Stars and You" –performed by Ray Noble and his Orchestra with vocals by Al Bowlly – which is most notable today for its inclusion in the 1980 horror classic.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe ("Open Up Your Heart (and Let the Sunshine In)" - The McGuire Sisters)

In The Autopsy of Jane Doe, the titular corpse (actually a witch capable of nearly anything but moving a muscle) likes to taunt the father-son coroners examining her by playing the McGuire Sisters' version of "Open Up Your Heart (and Let the Sunshine In)" on the radio. The otherwise "shiny" tune makes a devasting reprise near the end when Austin (Emile Hirsch) believes he is being rescued by Sheriff Burke (Michael McElhatton) who repeatedly tells him to "open up" the stuck cellar doors until he hears him belt the song's chorus, indicating his nightmare is not yet over.

The Strangers ("My First Lover" - Gillian Welch)

Sometimes turning a happy song into nightmare fuel takes a little manipulation, such as how Gillian Welch's "My First Lover" appears in The Strangers. At one point in the 2008 home invasion thriller, a record scratch causes the romantic folk ballad to repeatedly loop on the lyric, "Quicksilver girl," which is enough to create relentless tension.

Us ("Les Fleurs" - Minnie Riperton)

Sung from the perspective of a flower, Minnie Riperton's 1969 hit "Les Fleurs" is a beautiful song about spiritual renewal. However, when it begins playing as the twist from the ending of Us is revealed and reaches its invigorating crescendo during the apocalyptic final shot, it creates a chilling juxtaposition for Jordan Peele's sophomore hit.

A Quiet Place Part II ("Beyond The Sea" - Bobby Darin)

In A Quiet Place Part II, Emmett (Cillian Murphy) tells Regan (Millicent Simmonds) that he has heard a radio station playing Bobby Darin's scintillating swing hit "Beyond the Sea" on repeat. She correctly deciphers this as a code sent from an island safe haven, which she and Emmett eventually find and, unwittingly, lead a sound-hunting alien to.

Candyman ("The Candy Man" - Sammy Davis Jr.)

Some might argue that 1971's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory has its creepy moments, but Aubrey Woods' performance of "The Candy Man" is not one of them. However, by playing Sammy Davis Jr.'s rendition of the song and slowly fading it out with the sound of buzzing bees during the production logos serves as a perfect way to set the tone for the 2021 Candyman requel.

Annabelle: Creation ("You Are My Sunshine" - Charles McDonald)

The end of Annabelle: Creation from 2017 leaves off where the rising action of its 2014 predecessor begins, revealing how Malthus entered the creepy doll. Playing over the closing credits is Charle McDonald's rendition of "You Are My Sunshine," making it the ironic defacto theme of the Conjuring Universe movie.

The House Of The Devil ("One Thing Leads To Another" - The Fixx)

Ti West's 2009 breakthrough feature, The House of the Devil, is a slow-burn horror film that waits to reveal its visceral frights with masterful pacing. During that time, he finds ways to catch you off guard with moments of levity, such as when Samantha (Jocelin Donahue) tries to distract herself from her creepy "babysitting" gig by dancing around her clients' house to The Fixx's "One Thing Lead to Another" on her tape player.

Dawn Of The Dead ("The Man Comes Around" - Johnny Cash)

Upon deeper examination, Johnny Cash's "The Man Comes Around" is a song about Jesus Christ's return to Earth on Judgment Day. Its foreboding apocalyptic message is greatly emphasized by its inclusion over the opening credits of Zack Snyder's 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead.

The Handmaid's Tale ("Cloudbusting" - Kate Bush)

Despite boasting one of Kate Bush's most cheerful melodies, "Cloudbusting" is actually one of her darkest hits, inspired by the true story of a boy whose father was taken away from him when he was abruptly arrested. However, that tale is far lighter than the story of The Handmaid's Tale, which uses the song in a scene from Season 3 in which evidence of a character's brutal murder is removed.

You're Next ("Looking For Magic" - Dwight Twilley Band)

Director Adam Wingard and writer Simon Barrett are known for using comedy in their horror movies, including their otherwise brutal 2013 home invasion thriller, You're Next. Much of the humor comes from the ironic use of the Dwight Tilley Band's "Looking for Magic" in two scenes, due to one victim of the masked assassins putting the 1977 pop tune on repeat accidentally before his death.

Final Destination ("Rocky Mountain High" - John Denver)

The uplifting music of John Denver has been used for ironically dark purposes in several movies and the most iconic example comes from the first installment of the Final Destination movies. Any time "Rocky Mountain High" is heard in the 2000 teen thriller is a signal that Death is near.

Nope ("Fingertips" - Stevie Wonder)

To be fair, Stevie Wonder's "Fingertips" never actually appears in Jordan Peele's third feature, 2022's Nope. However, a remixed version of it provides an ominous aura for the alien invasion movie's trailer.

Alright, let’s have a chat. Say that you’re on a date, hanging out with friends, or maybe you’re just on your own, and the desire to watch a horror movie arises. You’re scared at first because you’ve never watched a horror movie; you don’t know how you’ll react to them. Are they all as terrifying as Midsommar and Hereditary seem to be?

Rest assured, readers, we have the solution to that. Today, I’ll review several great picks for horror movies for beginners, whether you want something with a little less horror or maybe a little more. Let’s get into it. 

Poltergeist (1982)

Poltergeist is a classic horror movie from the 1980s that Steven Spielberg co-wrote. The film follows a family who has to find a way to save their daughter when vengeful spirits kidnap her in their own home. Out of most horror movies, this one is very light on the jumpscares and mainly builds fright through suspense – mixed in with some pretty okay-ish CGI. 

Halloween (1978)

You can’t get more of a classic horror movie villain than Michael Myers. Halloween was released back in 1978 and told the story of a young woman acting as a babysitter the night of Halloween and how she has to survive the wrath of Michael Myers, an escaped killer from a mental facility. Halloween isn’t gorey but has excellent music, suspense, and an unforgettable villain. Out of all the Halloween movies, this one is still the best. 

The Fog (1980)

The Fog is a horror movie directed by John Carpenter that makes you question what you see in the fog. It focuses on a group of strangers who all have to survive this strange fog that takes over their town, which seems to contain evil forces. The movie isn’t scary, but it is a nice entrance into a more suspenseful horror. 

The Sixth Sense (1999)

M. Night Shyamalan’s best movies often involve some horror, and The Sixth Sense follows that. The film mainly focuses on a child psychologist with a patient who can see dead people, but of course, the classic Shyamalan twist makes this movie all the better. It’s not scary, per se – just exciting. 

Psycho (1960)

I mean, yes. I have to put Psycho on here. Directed by Hollywood legend Alfred Hitchcock, Psycho is based on the novel of the same name and follows the story of an investigator looking into the strange life of Norman Bates at the Bates Motel and how one interaction with a young woman and her disappearance changes everything. It’s black and white with no gore, but it's a great horror movie to start on. Trust me. 

Friday The 13th (1980)

The Friday the 13th movies were essentially some of the films that began the subgenre of slasher within horror, but the first movie isn’t even that bad. It focuses on a group of teenage counselors trying to survive a serial killer at their summer camp after a tragedy occurred years prior. While there are some messier scenes, it’s not that bad and has some great music. 

Beetlejuice (1988)

With Beetlejuice Beetlejuice releasing, it’s the perfect time to watch the first film. Beetlejuice stars Michael Keaton as the titular character, a “bio-exorcist” contacted by two ghosts to get humans to leave their home – but he has tricks up his sleeves. Look, Beetlejuice, truthfully, is probably the best entrance into horror. This movie is way more funny than scary, but it has enough creepy moments to dip your toes in horror. 

The Black Phone (2022)

Starring Ethan Hawke, The Black Phone is an excellent horror film that follows the story of a teenager who is abducted by a child murderer and can use a rotary dial phone to speak to past victims to find a way out. This film has a few gorier moments, but they’re pretty tame. And truthfully, the plot alone is so creative you’ll be sucked in. 

Happy Death Day (2017)

There are plenty of fantastic horror comedies, and Happy Death Day is one of them. The film follows a young woman who, when she is killed, is forced to relive the day over and over again to find the murderer. Yes, this is a horror version of Groundhog Day, and it’s the best. 

Gremlins (1984)

Gremlins is a comedy horror film that everyone has seen at least once. The film follows the story of a man who receives a strange creature called a mogwai. At first, it seems fine, but once they get fed past midnight, they turn into monsters that wreak havoc. The movie isn’t scary, but it has some good makeup and will make you chuckle at the monsters. 

Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

Shaun of the Dead is a classic comedy zombie movie directed by Edgar Wright and starring Simon Pegg. The film follows a salesman who must survive the zombie apocalypse with his friends when the entirety of London falls. The zombies can sometimes be creepy, but trust me when I say you’ll be laughing a heck of a lot more than screaming. 

Night Of The Living Dead (1968)

Night of the Living Dead essentially created the zombie genre as a whole. This classic horror film from the 1960s, directed by George A. Romero, follows a group of survivors in Pennsylvania who must try to survive when they are all attacked by corpses that have come back to life. The movie features the slowest zombies ever, but they’re still pretty creepy – and powerfully told. 

Get Out (2017)

Jordan Peele’s movies are always hits; Get Out was his first big one. The movie follows a young Black man who travels to his Caucasian girlfriend’s house for the first time to meet her family, only to discover that they hold much darker secrets than ever before. There’s barely any gore in here—all the horror is in the storytelling and how evil humans can be. 

The Ring (2002)

Have you ever heard the phrase “Seven days?” Because it comes from here. Directed by Gore Verbinski and based on the Japanese horror film and novel of the same name, this movie follows the story of a journalist who discovers that when she watches a cursed tape, she will die in seven days—and now she must find a way to survive. Yes, the girl can be a little creepy, but truthfully, the movie isn’t that bad.

Insidious (2010)

When it comes to horror movies about demons, Insidious is pretty much the best you can get because it’s not “poop your pants” scary, but it’s effective in the way it scares. Directed by James Wan, the film follows a married couple who must find a way to save their son when he enters into a coma, and his body becomes host to several vengeful spirits and demons. There are a few jumpscares, but it’s nothing an average person can’t handle. 

Scream (1996)

This film isn’t scary, and I stand by it. Scream is the first in the Scream franchise, and it follows Sidney Prescott as she tries to avoid getting killed by Ghostface, a serial killer in her town. This movie is just a trope city, and there are undoubtedly bloody moments, but not enough to truly scare you. If anything, it’s a love letter to horror movies from decades before. 

Zombieland (2009)

Zombieland was one of the first zombie movies I ever watched, and I think it’s a great horror comedy for first-time viewers. It mainly follows four survivors as they try to survive the zombie apocalypse, but it’s the comedy that keeps you coming back for more. It’s so funny, and some of the ways the zombies are killed are hilarious. It’s one of Emma Stone’s best films. 

An American Werewolf In London (1981)

Starring David Naughton, An American Werewolf in London tells the story of two American backpackers who are attacked by a werewolf. One of them gets bitten, turning him into a werewolf when the moon rises. The scariest thing about this film is the realistic werewolf transformation, but other than that, it’s a great horror movie to start on. 

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

While the found-footage horror genre has only gotten bigger, I often credit The Blair Witch Project as the first to really set it off. The film focuses on a group of film students who are trying to make a documentary about a local legend, only to vanish. Their footage is found a year later—hence the name, “found footage.” The movie has a few scary movies but builds its scares on suspense. 

Jaws (1975)

Will you be scared of sharks a little after this? Sure, but Jaws is iconic for a reason. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, follows a marine biologist and a shark hunter working together to take down a man-eating great white shark. Yes, the score is as iconic as you think it is.

Alien (1979)

To me, the original sci-fi horror movie was always Alien. The movie, directed by Ridley Scott, follows the space crew as they have to survive aliens that make their way into their vessel. Truthfully, I don’t see the aliens as too creepy—the only thing that’s truly scary is the alien popping out of someone’s chest, but it’s not that bad. 

The Shining (1980)

One of the best Stephen King adaptations is The Shining. Based on the novel of the same name, The Shining follows a family in which a writer takes on the position of off-season caretaker in a hotel, only for him to lose his mind while he’s there. The movie itself is built on suspense and doesn’t really have that many gory or scary moments—it’s just a greatly shot film.

Old (2021)

Old is an M. Night Shyamalan movie that follows a group of vacationers who realize that they are aging inexplicably quicker on a beach, to the point where they grow closer and closer to death with each passing hour. I enjoy this film a decent amount and think it’s excellent for first-time horror viewers, mainly because there’s barely any gore, and it’s an exciting concept. 

Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark (2019)

For all my PG-13 peeps, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is a great first-time horror movie. Based on novels of the same name, the film follows how horror stories written in an ancient book come to life, and it’s up to three teenagers to figure out how. The movie is creepy, eerie, and so much more – but it doesn’t quite cross the line of unwatchable. I love it. 

Carrie (1976)

Carrie is hands-down one of the best horror films to start watching. The film, based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, follows a young woman who is bullied at school. She later finds out that she has telekinetic powers—ones she uses to exact revenge when she’s pushed too far. The film isn’t gory but expertly acted and brilliantly told. 

The Cabin In The Woods (2013)

This sci-fi comedy is everything. The Cabin in the Woods follows a group of close friends who go away to a remote cabin for a weekend. There, they all fall victim to different kinds of killers—only to find out that these killers aren’t who they thought they were. The twist is excellent; you have to watch it. It’s not scary at all. 

A Quiet Place (2018)

A Quiet Place is a great horror movie to start on. The film follows a family who are trying to live in a world where man-eating but blind monsters have taken out much of humanity. They have incredible hearing, and you're dead if you make a sound. The monsters can be a little creepy, but there’s so much more that makes this movie so good. 

Goosebumps (2015)

Goosebumps is an excellent PG-13 pick on here. Based on the R.L. Stine books of the same name, the film follows a group of kids and a fictionalized Stine as they struggle to capture all the monsters in the Goosebumps books when they come to live and terrorize their town. It stars Jack Black and is silly, goofy, and just a little scary – perfect for first-timers. 

The Birds (1963)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, The Birds follows the sudden invasion and attack of birds that look to kill in California and how it came to be. Yes, I know the premise sounds goofy, but it’s a well-shot film and a classic for a reason. 

Child’s Play (1988)

Child’s Play may sound like it’s for children, but it’s not. The film follows a widowed mother who gifts a doll to her son, unaware that a serial killer’s spirit possesses it and is looking to kill again. Look, this movie is goofy as heck. It is. It’s about a doll killing people – you’re not going to have nightmares after. Just make sure the kids don’t see it. 

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Everyone needs a horror musical sometimes. The Rocky Horror Picture Show, starring Tim Curry, is based on the musical of the same name and follows an engaged couple who take refuge in a castle when their car breaks down, only to see that it’s occupied by several interesting and enigmatic people. That’s all I’ll say. Now, let’s do the Time Warp!

Mama (2013)

Starring Jessica Chastain, Mama tells the story of two girls who are brought home by their uncle after their parents die and are haunted by a strange entity. The spirit follows them to their new house. The film certainly focuses more on the love a mother can bring than anything else, but it’s perfect for first-time horror fans. 

With all these options, now I feel like watching some of the best horror movies ever – I think it’s time for a horror movie marathon. 

Zombie movies have become one of the most beloved genres of films today. With hit shows like The Walking Dead dominating the ratings in recent years, it's no surprise that the genre has an enduring legacy that goes back decades. Rotten Tomatoes is a great resource for finding out what the critics think, but we've added our own flavor to this list of the best zombies out there. 

1. One Cut Of The Dead (2017) - 100%

It's a little bit of a surprise to see One Cut of the Dead at #1 on the list, but that's not because it's bad. It's a great movie, a very meta movie. It's a low-budget movie from Japan about the cast and crew filming a low-budget zombie. As the crew starts to turn, they decide to use the "real" zombies for the film. It's a great commentary on the genre and landing at #1 shows just how well done it is, despite the minuscule budget. 

2. Night Of The Living Dead (1968) - 95%

You can't argue with a classic, and there isn't a more classic zombie movie, or indeed, horror movie, than George A. Romero's Night Of The Living Dead. It's the movie that really invented the modern genres. It may have been controversial in its day, but there is nothing controversial about calling it one of the best of all time today. 

3. Train To Busan (2017) - 95%

In what has to be one of the deadliest zombie movies of all time, the Korean movie Train to Busan comes in at #3 on the list of Rotten Tomatoes' best zombie movies. The entire movie takes place on a train as the zombie apocalypse breaks out. It adds an element of claustrophobia to the already terrifying situation and it's remarkably effective, as are the zombies. 

4. Re-Animator (1985) - 94%

1985's Re-Animator is a stone-cold classic when it comes to low-budget horror. It's had an enduring legacy, including sequels and spinoffs in other media. It's funny, and gory in the best ways. It fits right in with movies like Evil Dead and The Toxic Avenger from the same era and should considered a must-see for fans of zombie flicks. 

5. Dawn Of The Dead (1978) - 91%

George A Romero is the godfather of the zombie genre, and his follow-up to Night of the Living Dead is an excellent example of why. It took him ten years to get the sequel made, but it was worth the wait, as it's at least as good, if not better than the first movie in the series.  

6. Shaun Of The Dead (2004) - 92%

As much a love letter to George A. Romero and a comedy as it is a zombie movie, Shaun of the Dead became an instant classic when it was released. It's not about being scared, it's about a deep appreciation for the genre and how funny it can be when presented in the abstract. Simon Pegg, who co-wrote the movie with director Edgar Wright, stars alongside his pal Nick Frost in a movie sure to have you rolling on the floor, laughing. 

7. The Return of the Living Dead (1985) - 91%

The Return of the Living Dead is notable for lots of reasons, but the biggest one has to be that it's the first to introduce what has since become a classic trope – brain-eating zombies. Believe it or not, it's considered the first to introduce the idea that has become standard fare for the genre, and even if it wasn't as funny and as cool as it is, it would be on any list of the best. 

8. Blood Quantum (2019) - 89%

It's rare for zombie movies to mix in political messages, but Blood Quantum does it, and does it well. Set in Canada, Blood Quantum's twist is that the indigenous First Nations people are immune to the disease that causes the zombie outbreak, so while there is plenty of good zombie action, there is an underlying message that sets it apart from much of its brethren.  

9. Rec (2007) - 90%

Zombie movies aren't just a North American thing, of course. From Spain comes 2007's Rec which uses the idea of "found footage" much like The Blair Witch Project. It's pretty much all contained in one apartment complex in Barcelona, Spain and is full of jump scares and thrilling moments. 

10. Zombieland (2009) - 89%

Director Ruben Fleischer hit one out of the (amusement) park with his debut film Zombieland. Not only is the movie a hilarious take on the genre, but it features one of the most out-of-blue appearances by Bill Murray, playing a zombified version of himself. Without Murray it's an A+ movie, with him, it's simply out of this world. 

11. Dead Alive (1992) - 89%

Right before director Peter Jackson hit the big time with Heavenly Creatures in 1994, he directed the low-budget zombie flick Dead Alive, which was originally called Braindead in his native New Zealand. The movie bombed at the box office but has since gained a huge cult following, hence its inclusion on this list. 

12. 28 Days Later (2002) - 87%

If you are director Danny Boyle, how do you follow-up to Trainspotting and The Beach? With a zombie movie, naturally.  28 Days Later is a terrifying movie, starring a young Cillian Murphy as one of the few survivors of the zombie apocalypse in London. The deserted streets of London were as spooky as anything ever done on film. 

13. The Girl With All The Gifts (2016) - 85%

One thing you have to love about a good zombie movie is what they call the zombies. In The Girl with All the Gifts, they are called "hungries" which has to be one of the best names ever. The other cool twist is that a zombie is also a savior, one that can save the world, or destroy it. 

14. The Autopsy Of Jane Doe (2016) - 86%

The Autopsy of Jane Doe is unique for zombie movies in that it's almost completely contained in one place, and really just one zombie, Jane Doe, who has been a zombie for centuries, presumably taking regular people out for all that time, including the two protagonists here, doing the autopsy. 

15. Day Of The Dead (1985) - 87%

When it comes to zombie movies, George A. Romeo's movies still remain the king, even Day of the Dead, which is generally considered one of the "weaker" movies in his zombie series but is still one of the best of the genre. There is nothing weak about it when you aren't comparing it to some of his other masterpieces. 

16. I Walked With A Zombie (1943) - 85%

Taking it way back, I Walked with a Zombie, is one of the earliest zombie movies out of Hollywood. The low-budget horror flick wasn't appreciated in its day but has since been regarded as a pioneer in the genre. The zombies come from voodoo rituals, rather than the more recent tradition of a disease or something more sci-fi-based, but that only makes it scarier in a way. 

17. Warm Bodies (2013) - 81%

Warm Bodies has two of the best twists on the zombie genre we've ever seen. First, it's from the zombie's perspective, and two, the zombie heals and becomes more human. R (Nicholas Hoult) is a zombie who falls in love with Julia (Teresa Palmer) and after saving her, they begin a romance, humanizing R along the way. A zombie love story, if you will. 

18. Little Monsters (2019) - 79%

There might be a little recency bias with the Rotten Tomato ranking of Little Monsters. It's a fun movie, no doubt, and it's funny, but it's not bringing a lot of new ideas to the genre. Lupita Nyong'o and Josh Gad are great, no question, and mixing rom-com tropes into a zombie movie is interesting, but it's not as good as some of the others on this list if you love zombie movies. 

19. Dawn Of The Dead (2004) - 76%

Remakes are always a little hit or miss. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. For the 2004 remake of George A. Romero's Dawn of the Dead, first-time director Zach Snyder teamed up with James Gunn to make one heck of a good remake. It's not quite as classic as the original, but it's still well worth any fan of the genre's time. 

20. Wild Zero (1999) - 100%

The Japanese film Wild Zero is, frankly, wild, as the name implies. The zombie part kind of comes out of nowhere, and while it fits in the madness of the movie, it adds a strange dimension to it. Rock 'n Roll zombies will save the world. 

21. Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998) - 88%

Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island is easily the most innocent and kid-friendly entry on this list. That said, it's a little different than traditional Scooby fare, as there are actual monsters, or zombies, not just the old man living in the abandoned amusement park. It's also notable and it kicked off the new era of Scooby movies and shows that have continued to this day. 

22. Let Sleeping Corpses Lie (1974) - 86%

Let Sleeping Corpses Lie is a classic that many fans of the zombie genre may have overlooked. The Italian film, set in England was released in 1974 and has a very European take on the genre. The unique spin here is that it's essentially set up as a murder mystery, with the undead as the murderers, not the innocent living who are suspected. 

23. Deathdream (1974) - 85%

Deathdream is unique in that it's a zombie movie with a political message. Released in 1974 towards the end of the Vietnam War, the movie is about an undead son who is struck down in Vietnam but returns home, seemingly ok. He's not ok, but it takes some time for his family to realize it. 

24. Juan Of The Dead (2010) - 83%

Great zombie movies can come from just about anywhere, including Cuba, as is the case of Juan of the Dead. It follows two men who discover the first walking dead while fishing, but not the last, as a zombie apocalypse breaks out on the island, mirroring in some ways the past revolution, as they see it, anyway. 

25. Night Of The Comet (1984) - 79%

Anyone who grew up with cable TV in the 1980s knows, and probably loves, Night of the Comet. The movie aired on cable all the time and while it was a huge box office hit, it really found its stride later, when it became a cult classic. It tells the story of the last few survivors of an apocalyptic event when Earth passes through the tail of a comet, rendering most of the world's population dead or undead. 

26. Planet Terror (2007) - 77%

Robert Rodriguez's take on zombies, Planet Terror, is exactly what you would expect from the From Dusk Till Dawn director. It's funny and full of wild, over-the-top action. Released as a double feature with Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof, it is sublimely silly and action-packed. 

27. Night Of The Creeps (1986) - 73%

The best thing about Night of the Creeps is that it doesn't try to be something more than it is. It's a first-rate B movie that doesn't pretend to be anything different. It's the directorial debut of one of the best horror creators of his generation, Fred Dekker, and is worth seeking out if you love campy B movies.  

28. Versus (2000) - 75%

Japan has produced some great, campy zombie movies, like 2000's Versus. It combines the best of horror and king fu movies, resulting in a cult classic that has stood the test of time. 

29. 28 Weeks Later (2007) - 75%

Normally, when a sequel comes around that doesn't include the creators of the original, it's best to steer clear. 28 Weeks Later is an exception to that rule, though. Even though Danny Boyle doesn't direct it, and Cillian Murphy doesn't star in it, the sequel to 28 Days Later brings all the same vibes and scares that the original does. 

30. Final Cut (2022) - 72%

Final Cut is a remake of a movie, in which a movie crew is remaking a movie of the fictional movie that the crew in the original was making. Got it? Very meta, right? This French remake of the Japanese zombie film One Cut of the Dead isn't as good as the original, but it's still really funny. 

31. Zombieland: Double Tap (2019) - 68%

Zombieland: Double Tap is about what you would expect from a sequel of this kind. It's not as good as the original Zombieland, it doesn't quite have the charm, nor the originality, but it's a worthy successor in the series. Is it a must-see? Only if you really love the first one.

32. Army Of Thieves (2021) - 68%

Critics of Army of Thieves called the film's plot unoriginal, and that's fair. It's not the unique zombie flick on this list, nor is close to the best. It's a prequel to Army of the Dead directed by, and starring, Matthias Schweighöfer, alongside Nathalie Emmanuel. They both do a great job with it, and it's worth watching if you love zombie movies, but it doesn't need to be at the top of anyone's list. 

It's a little surprising that some of the more well-known zombie movies like Army of the Dead, World War Z, and Resident Evil don't make this list, but then again, there are a lot of great zombie movies out there. 

If there is anything more irresistible in entertainment than romance, it has to be bromance. A bond between male friends almost as strong as a love between life partners is truly a beautiful thing, which is why it has been a staple in pop culture for decades. If you cannot take our word for it, just take a look at these essential, world-famous duos from movies and TV shows as proof.

Bert And Ernie (Sesame Street)

There are Sesame Street characters whom we love on their own, such as Big Bird and Elmo, and then are those we cannot separate from one another, particularly Bert and Ernie. Some have theorized that the roommates are really in a romantic relationship, but that could also just be a sign of just how strong their "bromantic" relationship is. 

Bill And Ted (Bill & Ted Movies)

The aspiring San Dimas-based musicians known as Wyld Stallyns — Ted “Theodore” Logan (Keanu Reeves) and Bill S Preston, Esq. (Alex Winter) — have a friendship defined by a philosophy to be excellent to each other and “party on, dude!” It is no wonder that the time-traveling pair from the Bill & Ted movies went on to make music that ensured a most non-heinous future.

Bing Crosby And Bob Hope (Road To… Movies)

Throughout and 1940s to the early 1960s, the multi-talented Bing Crosby and comedy legend Bob Hope were one of Hollywood’s most dynamic duos, appearing in several hilarious adventure movies together and as a different set of characters each time. The Road To… movies, as they came to be collectively known, would also star Dorothy Lamour to help add a little romance among the road trip comedies’ central bromance. 

Butch And Sundance (Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid)

While undisputed legends of cinema on their own, some would say that Paul Newman and Robert Redford were at their best when sharing the screen together. Case in point, their eponymous roles as a pair of desperate outlaws on the run in early 1900s Wyoming from 1969’s Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Chandler And Joey (Friends)

Some use their Max subscription to revisit Ross and Rachel’s bumpy relationship or Chandler and Monica’s aspirational romance, but I think the beloved sitcom’s most essential couple is Chandler and Joey. With how seamlessly they maintain a close bond even after their tenure as roommates ends, could there be a better duo in the Friends cast than Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry’s characters?

Cory And Shawn (Boy Meets World)

The transition from adolescence all the way to adulthood is a profoundly challenging time that's hard to survive without help from friends — something the Boy Meets World cast demonstrated beautifully. This is especially true in the way Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) and Shawn Hunter (Rider Strong) relied on each other for support almost completely without fail, despite coming from entirely different walks of life.  

Crockett And Tubbs (Miami Vice)

In the ‘80s, there was no cop pairing on TV cooler than James “Sonny” Crockett (Don Johnson) and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas) on Miami Vice. The detectives’ unexpected collaboration in the pilot turned into a trusting partnership against drug trafficking and other crimes that lasted five years.

Drake And Josh (Drake & Josh)

The titular teens from this popular Nickelodeon sitcom are the only duo on our list of bromances who are actually brothers… legally, that is. If their respective mother and father had not married, Drake (Drake Bell) and Josh (Oppenheimer cast member Josh Peck) — who could not have been more different upon meeting — might not have become so inseparable.

George And Grover (Silver Streak)

In one of the best movies set on a train, 1976’s Silver Streak, book editor George Caldwell (Gene Wilder) finds himself forcibly marooned when he witnesses a murder that he is later accused of. His only hope to make it back on board to his new lover (Jill Clayburgh) is street smart thief Grover T. Muldoon (Richard Pryor) in the first of many beloved collaborations by the comedy legends.

Hank And Manny (Swiss Army Man)

Before Best Picture Oscar winner Everything Everywhere All At Once made them household names, filmmaking duo DANIELS made their feature-length debut with another great A24 movie about a friendship like no other. The title of 2016’s Swiss Army Man refers to the inexplicable arsenal of magical abilities that reanimated corpse Manny (Daniel Radcliffe) possesses, which helps Hank (Paul Dano) survive the wilderness in this hilarious, highly inventive fantasy adventure.

Harold And Kumar (Harold And Kumar Movies)

Whether they are desperate for some fast food, desperate to flee prison, or desperate to save Christmas, Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn) stick by each other through thick and thin. We would love to see another Harold and Kumar movie just to see more of the stoner buddies’ friendship continue to thrive.

Harry And Lloyd (Dumb And Dumber)

As Jeff Daniels recalled on Off Camera with Sam Jones, Jim Carrey had already been cast as Lloyd Christmas in the Farrelly Brothers' classic 1994 comedy, Dumb and Dumber, and had to fight to get and keep Daniels a Harry Dunne -- a role the studio wanted a real comedian for. Casting the actor -- primarily known for drama -- resulted in a beautiful onscreen bond that made these otherwise hopelessly infantile pals hard not to like.

Harry And Ron (Harry Potter Franchise)

The Harry Potter movies (and books that inspired them) have one of pop culture’s strongest trios in the titular wizard (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). However, the group’s core bromance may be even more iconic on its own in the astonishing loyalty Harry and Ron have toward one another and the way they bring out each other’s best qualities.

Holmes And Watson (Sherlock Holmes)

Out of the various onscreen iterations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law’s versions may be the most definitive. The Guy Ritchie movies depict the detective and his flatmate/assistant/biographer as almost more than friends with genuine affection for one another despite their constant bickering.

Jay And Silent Bob (Various)

The shared universe of Kevin Smith movies that include Clerks, Chasing Amy, and more is anchored by its two most important, most dynamic, and most hilarious characters: Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith). Usually stoned and rarely seen doing much of anything productive, the inseparable pair have still managed to make a lasting impression on pop culture even beyond the View Askewniverse without saying much, in Bob’s case at least.

J.D. And Turk (Scrubs)

One of the first times I ever heard the word “bromance” was by Zach Braff’s Dr. John “J.D.” Dorian to describe his relationship with his longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Christopher Turk (Donald Faison). Rarely have a pair of sitcom characters reflected the term so definitively and it helps that the Scrubs cast members have reunited on camera in recent years, as reflected in their T-Mobile ads lately.

Kenan And Kel (Kenan & Kel)

It was not until I recently rewatched Kenan & Kel that I realized these classic Nickelodeon characters (played by All That’s Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, who are reuniting for Good Burger 2) had such an aspirational relationship. Only friends who truly wholeheartedly care for one another would be able to put with up the insurmountable trouble they get each into on a regular basis.

Mike And Marcus (Bad Boys)

Detective Mike Lowery (Will Smith) is a well-to-do player, while his partner, Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence), is a committed family man. What makes the heroes of the Bad Boys movies (which have a fourth installment on the way) such a strong pair despite their different lifestyles is a shared commitment to fighting crime, even if it means breaking a few rules.

Mike And Trent (Swingers)

When struggling actor Mike (writer Jon Favreau) is dumped by his longtime girlfriend, his buddy, Trent (Vince Vaughn), goes out of his way to help him get back on his feet. It is this strong inclusion of supportive friendship as a central theme amid the raunchy comedy that makes director Doug Liman’s Swingers so “money.” 

Murtaugh And Riggs (Lethal Weapon)

While buddy cop action films had already existed before the Lethal Weapon movies did, director Richard Donner’s 1987 classic is easily the most quintessential example. If not for the brotherly bond between the otherwise unlikely pairing of widowed, sharp-shooting maverick Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and by-the-book veteran detective Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover), the film might not have spawned a four-part franchise. 

Pedro And Man (Cheech & Chong's Up In Smoke)

The many stoner buddies on our list likely would have never existed if not for Cheech Marin and Thomas Chong — the legendary comedy duo collectively known as Cheech & Chong. In their most esteemed cinematic achievement (and one of the best ‘70s movies), 1978’s Up in Smoke, they star as the motor-mouth Pedro (Marin) and slower-witted “Man” (Chong), who become fast friends and, eventually, bandmates over their mutual admiration for greens.

Peter And Sydney (I Love You, Man)

When straight-laced real estate agent Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) gets engaged, he suddenly realizes that he has no male friends to ask to be his best man, but finds the perfect choice instantly in outspoken investor, Sydney Fife (Jason Segel). I Love You Man was Rudd’s third collaboration with Segel and it certainly shows in how seamlessly their chemistry meshes in this instant classic “bromantic comedy.”

Schmidt And Jenko (21 Jump Street)

While they were enemies in high school, when Morton Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Greg Jenko (Channing Tatum) reunite at the police academy, they become brothers. Their new kinship certainly comes in handy when they soon have to go undercover as teenage siblings when leading the cinematic 21 Jump Street cast in 2012.

Shaun And Ed (Shaun Of The Dead)

Real life best friends and flatmates Simon Pegg and Nick Frost made their film debuts together playing best friends and flatmates in the classic horror-comedy movie, 2004’s Shaun of the Dead. Said friendship between our title hero (Pegg) and the aimless Ed (Frost), is not without its dysfunctions, but strong enough to survive a zombie apocalypse, even when one succumbs to a bite.

Shawn And Gus (Psych)

Charming con artist Shawn Spencer (James Roday Rodriguez) has been best friends with the nervous Burton “Gus” Guster (Dulé Hill) since they were children, as seen in nearly every cold open from the long-running USA dramedy, Psych. That likely explains why, despite Gus’ reluctance, he becomes Shawn’s business partner after convincing the Santa Barbara police that he is psychic.

SpongeBob And Patrick (SpongeBob Squarepants)

With the exception of Squidward, anyone would be lucky to have a friend like SpongeBob Squarepants (voiced by Tom Kenny) — case in point, his life-long pal and neighbor, Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke). The square, yellow fry cook does not just accept the dim-witted starfish for who he is, but is almost oblivious to anything beyond his positive character traits, which is something I think everyone hopes to find in a friend.

Steve And Bucky (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Before he received the chance to become Captain America, the only person who ever believed in Steve Rogers’ (Chris Evans) potential as a hero was his good friend, James Buchanon “Bucky” Barnes. After Bucky was discovered decades later to be a brainwashed assassin, Steve returned the favor by fighting for his protection, even if that meant antagonizing his fellow Avengers in one of the best Marvel movies, Captain America: Civil War.

Troy And Abed (Community)

It is not very common for a college student (even a community college student) to find a friend who brings out your inner child, but Troy Barnes (Donald Glover) and Abed Nadir (Danny Pudi) are a clear and most heartwarming exception. From participating in intense “Floor Is Lava” challenges, to hosting their own imaginary talk show, and more of their iconic Community moments, this duo defined the kind of friendship you hope to find once you reach adulthood and, together, were the heart and soul of Greendale.

Ted, Marshall, And Barney (How I Met Your Mother)

There are not very many trios in this list, but there was no way we were going to exclude all three of the inseparable boys from the How I Met Your Mother cast. While Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) has a longer history with Marshal Eriksen (Jason Segel) and Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) had his selfish tendencies, you could argue that he really did help teach his bros “how to live,” even if they were reluctant to take his advice most of the time.

Phil, Stu, Alan, And Doug (The Hangover)

Even though they are partially to blame for Doug Billings’ (Justin Bartha) disappearance during his bachelor party, Alan’s claim that he, Phil Wenneck (Bradley Cooper), and Stu Price (Ed Helms) are the “three best friends that anyone could have” is not so incorrect, considering the trouble they endure for his benefit in The Hangover. Though we see most of the main trio in this blockbuster comedy, it would be wrong to not count Doug as part of The Wolfpack.

Bromance is in the air and here to stay!

It's time to dust off those old DVD and VHS collections and rediscover the hidden treasures that made the 2000s a standout era in horror cinema. (Some even earned a spot on our list of the top 100 movies from the decade.) While there have been some amazing horror movies over the years -- see our list of the best horror movies of all time for evidence of that -- the early aughts marked a period of innovation and growth in the genre, thanks to filmmakers pushing boundaries, blurring the line between reality and nightmare, and crafting unforgettable spine-chilling experiences. 

Whether you're into paranormal thrillers starring Harrison Ford, or the emergence of "torture porn" in James Wan's Saw and others, this was a time when horror took on more captivating and diverse forms as it left the '90s behind. So, dim the lights, grab your popcorn, and join me as we explore the 15 best horror movies of the 2000s. (Note that the list is ordered by year of release, and is not ranked by quality.)

What Lies Beneath (2000)

Let's kick off our spooky journey with Robert Zemeckis' What Lies Beneath, a suspenseful masterpiece starring the charismatic Harrison Ford and the ever-enchanting Michelle Pfeiffer. The story follows Claire Spencer (Pfeiffer), who suspects her dream house by the waterfront is haunted. Zemeckis skillfully weaves through the atmospheric thriller with expertly built tension in a way that straddles the line between psychological and supernatural horror. Pfeiffer's captivating performance and Ford's descent into madness help cement What Lies Beneath as an enduring classic, keeping viewers on edge until the chilling climax. Unsurprisingly, this movie ranks among the highest-grossing supernatural horror movies of all time.

American Psycho (2000)

Another standout horror film in 2000 delved deep into the darkest recesses of the human psyche. American Psycho, directed by Mary Harron, introduced moviegoers to Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), a wealthy New York investment banker who may or may not be a completely unhinged serial killing sadist, depending on your interpretation of the chilling ending. Christian Bale's unforgettable portrayal of Bateman, a charismatic and profoundly disturbed character, cements American Psycho as a horror classic, with the actor earning his place as a genuinely terrifying modern horror villain. The film, adapted from Bret Easton Ellis' novel of the same name, hinges on a satirical exploration of materialism and the superficiality of society, adding layers of depth to its disturbing narrative.

The Others (2001)

The Others, directed by Alejandro Amenábar and starring the incomparable Nicole Kidman, earns its spot on our list as one of the best one-off horror films, as well as one of the most atmospheric flicks of the early aughts. Kidman takes on the role of Grace Stewart, a woman who becomes increasingly convinced her house is haunted. Amenábar's masterful storytelling weaves a tale brimming with suspense and dread, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The confirmation dress scene is one of the scariest scenes in cinematic history, and the highly lauded shock of a twist will leave you speechless.

Frailty (2001)

The late, great Bill Paxton wears multiple hats in this 2001 thriller. Not only does he star alongside Matthew McConaughey, but he also steps into the director's chair. The story revolves around a father who becomes convinced he has a divine duty to eliminate demons hiding among ordinary people. Frailty stands out for its deep exploration of faith, morality, and the hazy boundaries between good and evil. Paxton's direction and the exceptional performances by the cast elevate this film to the status of an underrated gem, one certainly meriting a revisit.

May (2002)

Lucky McKee's May invites us on a chilling exploration of its eponymous protagonist, brought to life by the talented Angela Bettis. This film unfolds as a dark character study, delving into the unsettling depths of isolation and the powerful yearning for human connection. Through the lens of a lonely young woman, we witness her obsessive quest to craft the ultimate companion. Angela Bettis, who impressively portrayed Carrie in a less-remembered Stephen King adaptation the same year, delivers a genuinely Award-winning worthy performance in this gripping psychological horror.

One Hour Photo (2002)

One Hour Photo, directed by Mark Romanek, deviates from supernatural horror, diving into the unsettling world of obsession and voyeurism. Robin Williams crushes it in this unexpected role, giving a chilling performance as Sy Parrish, a photo technician obsessed with a family whose pictures he develops. It's a slow-burning psychological thriller, capitalizing on Williams' ability to play charming and deeply disturbed characters. The film's exploration of loneliness and the consequences of obsession lingers long after the credits roll.

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Before Zack Snyder embarked on his ambitious Star Wars-inspired two-part saga, Rebel Moon, he breathed new life into the zombie genre with Dawn of the Dead. This reimagining of George A. Romero's iconic classic thrusts a band of survivors into a shopping mall, where they face relentless waves of the undead—only this time, the zombies are sprinters! Snyder's dynamic direction and the film's unrelenting momentum combine to deliver a heart-pounding and spine-tingling zombie adventure, an exhilarating rollercoaster of survival horror.

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

While Shaun of the Dead is often celebrated for its comedic elements, it's also a love letter to the zombie apocalypse movie genre. Directed by Edgar Wright, the film stars Simon Pegg as Shaun, a slacker who must save his loved ones from a zombie apocalypse. Shaun of the Dead blends humor and horror, delivering a unique and delightful experience. Wright's sharp wit and clever references to classic zombie films make this a must-watch for horror fans with a sense of humor.

Saw (2004)

James Wan's Saw ushered in a fresh era of horror, blending intricate puzzles with challenging moral choices, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. At its core, the film follows two men trapped in a harrowing room by the sadistic Jigsaw killer. Saw reshaped the horror landscape thanks to its complex narrative and bone-chilling traps, and even after two decades, it continues to captivate fans. Saw X promises to keep the terror alive on the big screen this Halloween season. Tobin Bell's iconic portrayal of Jigsaw still lingers in our nightmares, and the film's unparalleled ability to grip viewers in suspense remains undiminished.

10. The Descent (2005)

Neil Marshall's The Descent takes us underground into claustrophobic terror. A group of friends explores an uncharted cave system, but their adventure takes a horrifying turn when they encounter deadly creatures. The movie is a masterclass in tension-building and creature features and is one of the best horror movies of the century.  Marshall's direction, combined with solid performances from the female-led cast, makes this film a nail-biting and unforgettable experience.

11. Trick 'r Treat (2007)

It's rare for a more modern movie to join the esteemed ranks of great holiday classics, but Trick 'r Treat manages to do so. This horror anthology skillfully interlaces a collection of stories all unfolding on the mystical night of All Hallows' Eve, firmly establishing itself as a contemporary Halloween masterpiece. Directed by Michael Dougherty, the film delves into the traditions, legends, and supernatural phenomena that define the holiday, all while paying homage to Halloween folklore through a series of clever and spine-tingling tales. Its anthology format keeps the audience engaged, and Dougherty's genuine affection for the holiday radiates from every frame. We eagerly await the long-anticipated sequel to manifest.

Paranormal Activity (2007)

After its release, Oren Peli's found-footage horror film Paranormal Activity became a cultural phenomenon. The film follows a couple, Katie and Micah, as they document their haunting experiences at home. A low-budget triumph, this movie proves sometimes less is more. With its deliberate pacing, steadily mounting tension, and authentic chills, the film unexpectedly struck a chord with audiences, morphing into a sleeper hit. It left an indelible mark on the found-footage subgenre and stands tall among the best demonic possession films ever made.

The Mist (2007)

Frank Darabont, known for his exceptional Stephen King adaptations, continues his streak of excellence with The Mist. In this film, we follow a group of townspeople who find themselves confined within a supermarket, surrounded by an enigmatic mist teeming with lethal creatures. The Mist skillfully merges creature horror with a profound examination of human psychology and morality. Darabont's talent for crafting well-rounded characters and weaving suspenseful narratives elevates this movie to remarkable heights, delivering some of the most bone-chilling content ever seen in a King film.

The Strangers (2008)

According to director Bryan Bertino's claims, The Strangers delves deep into the primal terror of home invasion, drawing inspiration from real-life events. The film revolves around a couple, portrayed by Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman, who masked attackers hunt at their remote vacation residence. This movie is an unrelenting and atmospheric thriller, capitalizing on the unsettling vulnerability of one's home and the sheer dread of arbitrary acts of violence. Its minimalist style and chilling authenticity deliver a genuinely harrowing cinematic experience.

Jennifer's Body (2009)

Megan Fox faced heavy criticism upon the release of Jennifer's Body in 2009, but over the years, the movie has discovered its dedicated following. Under the direction of Karyn Kusama, the film features Megan Fox in the role of Jennifer, a high school student possessed by a malevolent entity. Penned by Diablo Cody, the writer of Juno, Jennifer's Body seamlessly combines elements of horror and dark comedy, all while delving into themes of female camaraderie and empowerment. Megan Fox's captivating and wicked portrayal adds a unique dimension to this horror-comedy blend, making it a perfect choice for a revisit during this Spooky Season.

Honorable Mentions

These honorable mentions may not have made it into the top 15, but they each bring something unique and memorable to horror cinema. If you want to expand your horror watchlist, remember to try these chilling titles.

• 28 Days Later (2002) - Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later reinvigorated the zombie genre by introducing fast-moving, rage-infected zombies. The film follows Jim (Cillian Murphy) as he wakes up in a post-apocalyptic London and must survive the infected hordes. It's a pulse-pounding and intense survival horror film that explores themes of isolation and societal collapse. 
• Wrong Turn (2003) - Directed by Rob Schmidt, Wrong Turn is a gruesome and unapologetic slasher, taking us on a terrifying journey through the backwoods of West Virginia, where a group of friends encounters a clan of deformed and cannibalistic mountain men.
• Hostel (2005) - Eli Roth's Hostel is not for the faint of heart. It follows a group of backpackers who fall victim to a sinister organization, offering wealthy clients the opportunity to torture and kill tourists.
• The Hills Have Eyes (2006) - Alexandre Aja’s remake of Wes Craven's classic, The Hills Have Eyes, follows a family stranded in the desert who becomes the prey of a group of mutated and cannibalistic mutants and is a brutal, unrelenting survival horror film that doesn't pull any punches.
• 1408 (2007) - Directed by Mikael Håfström, this Stephen King adaptation centers on Mike Enslin (John Cusack), a skeptical writer who checks into a notoriously haunted hotel room to debunk its supernatural claims. John Cusack's stellar performance and the film's mind-bending narrative make it a standout in the haunted hotel subgenre.

And there you have it, a chilling journey back in time through the 15 best horror movies of the 2000s. Whether you prefer jump scares, psychological dread, or eerie atmospheres, the 2000s had something to offer every horror enthusiast. So, the next time you're in the mood for spine-tingling entertainment, consider revisiting these timeless classics from a bygone era of fear.

Horror hounds should make sure to check out our schedule of upcoming horror movies, so that the future can always remain filled with promising new flicks.

There’s no single CinemaBlend opinion on anything. Through countless arguments over the years, I’ve learned we’re not even on the same page about how to define the word best, from our choices for the top 100 '90s movies to our picks for the best horror movies of all time. What makes a movie the best is impossible to nail down from one person to the next, though it's perhaps easier to consider when thinking about a decade of movies that came and went and can't be added to anymore. But for the most part, it's all about what you like.

It’s because of those clashing perspectives that this Best Movies Of The 2000s list is unlike any list that a single person from our team could have crafted, taking into account both Oscar-worthiness and popcorn-friendliness. The list accounts for movies that have aired 5,000 times on cable, and movies that have been shared lovingly from generation to generation. It’s a retro-hodgepodge of what we loved then and then, from Adam Sandler's raunch to Daniel Day Lewis' aplomb.

This list is CinemaBlend’s collective celebration of the 2000s, in all its neon-hued glory, and we hope everyone will find plenty to love, though a few disagreements and good-natured debate never hurt anyone. Let the arguments begin…

100. Avatar (2009)

While it's the last on this list, there's no denying Avatar's impact on the film industry back in 2009. The movie is a sci-fi masterpiece that features incredible visuals, mainly following the tale of Jake Sully, a human who finds love and acceptance within the world of the Na'vi, the native people of Pandora.

The film takes the audience on a wild ride for two and a half hours. While the story of saving a planet from foreign invaders could be more groundbreaking, the unique visual effects that fans get to see are. And now, with a successful sequel out more than ten years later, it's the perfect chance to revisit the original.

99. Erin Brockovich (2000)

Julia Roberts had established herself as one of the most beloved actors in the world in the 1990s, and as calendars flipped over to the year 2000, she didn’t waste any time starring in yet another critically acclaimed box office hit. Hitting theaters in March 2000, Erin Brockovich tells the story of the titular lawyer who started a landmark case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company for groundwater contamination, and it’s a stellar work that further cemented the clear talents of director Steven Soderbergh. It’s thrilling and dramatic, but also funny and fun – in large part due to Roberts’ charm and charisma.

98. The Hangover (2009)

The Hangover is part travelogue and part comedic shitshow. It races its characters through what feels like an entire TV season’s worth of odd locations and ridiculous scenarios, somehow finding time for hospital visits, naked gangsters, weddings, Blackjack heaters, stolen tigers, missing babies and stun gun demonstrations. It sounds like way too much plot for an hour and forty minute movie, but the key to a good comedy isn’t the situations the characters find themselves in, it’s the rapport and natural chemistry between the actors/characters going through those situations. And Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms are fantastic together. Their clashing vibes, energy levels and comedic sensibilities somehow blend into a perfect cocktail, and with Oscar-nominated director Todd Phillips stirring the drink, The Hangover is able to turn its B-movie premise into one of the funniest comedies of the 2000s.

97. Cloverfield (2008)

The first decade of the Aughts saw one word playing into many of its most cherished cinematic successes: reinvention. For director Matt Reeves’ Cloverfield, two different types of genre favorites were mashed together to create a wildly new, very mysterious product: monster movies like Godzilla and found footage pictures such as The Blair Witch Project. 

Amping up the scale of what a handheld camera could cover, Cloverfield’s ingenious marketing campaign kept audiences guessing about what its true intentions were. In the wake of a mysterious/title-free teaser, it was anyone’s guess what writer Drew Goddard’s movie was about. To live up to the hype after stoking such anticipation for an unknown quantity only cemented Cloverfield as a certified success. In a market where it felt like the trailers gave everything away, a major studio movie broke with the norm, all in the name of a monstrous triumph. 

96. National Treasure (2004)

The race to steal the Declaration of Independence was on in 2004 as Nicolas Cage and his team of treasure hunters went on a high stakes mission to find the greatest treasure. This story sweeps across American history, and is held together by Cage’s protagonist and his drive to find this great prize, and protect the Declaration of Independence by stealing it, of course.

This Disney staple is a family classic, and an action adventure bound to entertain just about anyone. It was such a success that a sequel soon followed, and maybe, someday, National Treasure 3 will happen. However, let us not forget the majesty that is the original National Treasure. 

95. The Notebook (2004)

There’s a reason that when one thinks of the genre “romance” The Notebook instantly comes to mind. The 2004 Nicholas Sparks adaptation is nothing short of a timeless classic that gracefully dances between being a forbidden and second-chance love story. It’s the movie that made Ryan Gosling a Hollywood hunk matched by a passionate yet grounding performance by Rachel McAdams. Together they are a firecracker of chemistry who left a generation longing to kiss in the rain. Cliché and mushy as The Notebook can be, when the music swells on the final scene, it never ceases to remind us why it’s one of the most endearing and cathartic love affairs we’ve ever seen. 

94. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

Though it's been nearly two decades since its release, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy still stands as one of Will Ferrell and Adam McKay’s greatest collaborations. The 70s-set movie marked McKay’s directorial debut and, with it, he masterfully injects humor and social commentary into a satirical workplace comedy set within the world of broadcast news. His screenplay is funny and occasionally, downright hilarious, but the cast truly makes the movie shine. Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carrell and more are just flawless. And of course, it’s Ferrell’s portrayal of the titular character that really puts it over the top.

93. Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Anyone angling for a great sports drama that not only delivers sheer emotion but also captures the spirit of the pastime it’s tackling should check out Million Dollar Baby. Director Clint Eastwood’s Best Picture-winning film tells the story of an aspiring boxer (played by Hilary Swank), who teams up with a veteran trainer (Eastwood) in the hopes of achieving in-ring glory. The result is an emotionally affecting – and sometimes brutal – story about resilience and parental bonds. This boxing flick won Swank, Eastwood and co-star Morgan Freeman all Oscars and, when you see the movie, you’ll understand why.

92. Saw (2004)

2004's Saw revitalized the horror genre years ago, thanks to James Wan and Leigh Whannell, with its shocking twists and equally astonishing violence. But while the movie did include some truly grotesque “games” for Jigsaw’s victims, this was more than the mere “torture porn” that plagued the aughts. There was intention behind Jigsaw’s pain — making people think about the lives they’d led before forcing them to, “Live or die, make your choice.” 

The audience was along for the ride, trying to figure out why Adam (Whannell) and Dr. Gordon (Cary Elwes) were chained up in a bathroom and how they could escape before it was too late. Thanks to some brilliant misdirection, the ensuing plot twist was truly gasp-inducing. These days you might not be able to get away with that ending, but don’t say you saw it coming back in 2004.

91. Super Troopers (2001)

Super Troopers From a plotting and acting perspective, Super Troopers isn’t exactly The Departed. Its basic premise, and even many of its specific scenes, are just nimbly bimbly excuses for the cast to make raunchy jokes about the natural absurdities of being a cop. That works, though, because the movie understands what we want as an audience: non-stop jokes and shenanigans about liters of cola, littering and smokin’ the reefer. From cat game to syrup fights to biker confusion, Super Troopers has its own vibe and unique sense of humor. It’s just out there, doing its own thing, and that’s why, more than two decades later, fans are still pulling over to watch it… even if they’re already pulled over and they can’t pull over any further.

90. War of the Worlds (2005)

Steven Spielberg wouldn’t be the first to adapt H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds novel for the screen, nor would he be the last. But his modern-day take on the 19th Century sci-fi novel certainly made an impression. From the main characters — led by Tom Cruise as Ray Ferrier, father to Rachel (Dakota Fanning) and Robbie (Justin Chatwin) — to the various settings, to the unnerving sight (and sound) of the tripods emerging from below the ground to decimate or capture any humans in their path, War of the Worlds made its mark as an epic sci-fi action movie about survival and the choices a struggling parent has to make to protect his children from a worst-case-scenario. In true Spielberg fashion, the movie is thrilling and occasionally chilling, but also offers that added layer of a family element to keep us invested from beginning to end. 

89. Sin City (2005)

Most comic book adaptations aim to reimagine the characters and events of the source material in a way that more closely resembles reality. However, when director Robert Rodriguez teamed up with famed author and illustrator Frank Miller (acting as co-director) to bring his graphic novel series, Sin City, to the big screen, they did more than just adapt it. They brought it to life.

This anthology-style collection of three interconnected stories — all of which take place in the same hopelessly down-trodden, crime-ridden metropolis — is a masterclass in noirish storytelling (the razor sharp dialogue is straight out of a Raymond Chandler classic), astonishingly unique visual design (every beautifully grayscale frame resembles a comic book panel), and flawless acting from the entire Sin City cast, including Bruce Willis, Rosario Dawson, Mickey Rourke, and so many more amazing A-listers. When it comes to non-superhero-related comic book movies, this might be the best of them all.

88. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

Anticipation for the feature adaptation of Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary — itself a reinterpretation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice — was high, to say the least, for those of us who adored the book, when it finally made its way into theaters in 2001. Renee Zellweger’s mix of charm, determination for romance and occasional awkwardness alone are reason enough to love the adaptation. Then factor in the excellent chemistry she shares with both love interests — Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver and Colin Firth as Mark Darcy — not to mention the fantastic supporting cast, well-timed bits of hilarity and genuinely heartfelt moments of romance and what’s not to love about Bridget Jones’s Diary? 

87. Taken (2008)

Taken isn’t the most emotionally complicated or the most realistic movie, but it has a really good sense of its own strengths and leverages that particular set of skills perfectly. Liam Neeson might not be the prototypical action star, but he’s an Oscar-nominated actor uniquely good at portraying single-mindedness and determination. Taken is able to harness the badass fatherly intensity of a desperate man searching for his daughter and pair it with ruthless action sequences that rely more on craftiness than brute strength. The result is one of the best and most rewatchable action movies of the 2000s, a tight 90 minutes that’s so much fun it produced two sequels, a TV series and an unexpected late career resurgence for Neeson.  

86. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Before Will Smith earned his third Oscar nomination for King Richard, and after his nomination for Ali, he received his second Academy Award nod for The Pursuit of Happyness. Based on the real story of Chris Gardner, the movie follows Gardner's struggle to find a job to provide for his son during a year when they are homeless. 

The movie is inspiring for anyone, featuring an uplifting and memorable story. That, paired with an incredible performance from Will Smith and his son, Jaden Smith – who made his acting debut in the film – makes this the perfect movie to watch on any given day. 

85. The Bourne Identity (2002)

Before Daniel Craig came along and ushered in a new era for the James Bond movie franchise a few years later, Doug Liman’s The Bourne Identity welcomed audiences to the 21st century with this fresh, unique, and action-packed spy thriller. Matt Damon, who had already shown a great deal of depth in movies like Good Will Hunting and The Talented Mr. Ripley a few years earlier, became a bonafide action star with his portrayal of Jason Bourne, a trained killer with no recollection of his dark past.

There are few early 2000s action sequences as memorable as the movie’s iconic car chase through the streets of Paris. Audiences, used to seeing spies and assassins whipping around in souped-up sports cars were in for the ride of their lives with Bourne behind the wheel of a weathered Mini Cooper.

84. Love Actually (2003)

Love Actually has become annual holiday viewing for many since its premiere in 2004. Renowned rom-com filmmaker Richard Curtis struck gold with an A-list cast, as ten loosely connected plotlines each portray a different kind of love. Everybody’s sure to have their favorite stories within the movie, but they all strike an emotional chord, albeit in different ways. 

As these characters navigate the holidays, Love Actually tackles themes of grief, infidelity, unrequited love, workplace romance and more, while never losing its charm and eliciting tons of laughs. Throw in infinitely quotable dialogue (“Let’s get the shit kicked out of us by love!”), an infuriatingly hilarious cameo by Rowan Atkinson, and one absolutely iconic dance from Hugh Grant, and you’ve got yourself a classic.

83. (500) Days of Summer (2009)

In a decade greatly defined by bubblegum romantic comedies where audiences can take comfort in the same three act structure often ending in wedding bells, (500) Days Of Summer flipped the genre on its head. Romance and love can be a tricky, complicated thing that not only may be finite, but clouded by one’s fantasies, projections of potential and manic pixie dream girls. Marc Webb’s indie rom-com announces up front that it is “not a love story” and cleverly plays with structure as Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Tom falls for Zooey Deschanel’s Summer. Between its stunningly memorable soundtrack, creative use of mixed media against its gorgeous L.A. backdrop, (500) Days Of Summer is a dark horse of a romantic comedy that tackles the expectations vs. reality of love with a sharp wit. 

82. Knocked Up (2007)

Most romantic comedies try a lot harder at one of those two things. They’re either romantic movies with a few solid laughs sprinkled in or they’re clearly comedies that shoehorn a romance in there as an afterthought. Knocked Up works so well because it tries really hard at both. It succeeds a little more as a comedy, given it has Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jason Segel, Martin Starr, Craig Robinson, Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd, but it also takes a lot of time and care with its love story and has many thoughtful things to say about relationships and parenting. It never takes the easy way out or betrays itself for a cheap, inauthentic laugh, which lets the natural chemistry between Rogen and co-lead Katherine Heigl grow into a budding relationship you actually root for. 

81. Dawn Of The Dead (2004)

As proven decades ago by George A. Romero, slow zombies are quite scary – but in 2004, director Zack Snyder and screenwriter James Gunn teamed up to show us just how freaky fast zombies can be. Dawn Of The Dead is a movie that stays true to its source material, gathering a bunch of strangers in a shopping mall as the dead come back to life, but it has its own energy and no shortage of standout moments. The beginning is a terror, the ending is deeply unsettling (including the material in the end credits), but the baby is where this one hits its peak.

80. Remember the Titans (2000)

Remember the Titans will make you laugh, cry, cheer and feel a whole range of emotions as you go on a journey with newly integrated T.C. Williams football team to win the state championship. This incredible movie about bringing a football team together is led by Denzel Washington, and it’s not only regarded as one of his best movies, but it’s also widely known as one of the greatest sports films. 

Washington and Will Patton lead the stacked cast of Remember the Titans, which includes Wood Harris and Ryan Hurst as the team’s leaders. Along with them, the movie also features Donald Faison, Craig Kirkwood and Ethan Suplee as well as a very young Ryan Gosling and 10-year-old Hayden Panettiere, among many others. Overall, it’s an inspiring and moving movie about acceptance and determination. Let’s just say Remember the Titans always has us saying “We want some more!” 

79. Juno (2007)

While Elliot Page was an actor at a young age, Juno was the movie that made him into a household name. And for good measure, as Jason Reitman’s quirky 2007 flick delivers in both comedy and heartfelt, human moments. Page earned an Academy Award nomination at the time for his performance, which surely feels justified. 

2007's Juno centers around its title character, a teenage girl who accidentally gets pregnant. She decides to carry the baby to term, arranging an adoption with a married couple (played by Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman). After being filled with plenty of funny moments (and a killer soundtrack) the ending provides an emotional catharsis that puts Juno above many movies around its time.

78. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

It’s no wonder that Disney has been trying for 20 years to recapture the lightning in a bottle that was Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Inspired by a theme park attraction, but blazing its own trail, Pirates created one of modern cinema’s most iconic characters in Captain Jack Sparrow. But the rest of the cast, including Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, and a scene-stealing Geoffrey Rush, is no less compelling. From sword fights to ship battles, Black Pearl’s action is near perfect, with the Johnny Depp vs. Orlando Bloom duel a textbook example of how to tell a story with an action scene. It set a bar so high that even its own sequels were never going to clear it.

77. Ray (2004)

Cinema lovers have been graced with plenty of great biopics over the decades, and Ray certainly stands as one of the best. Directed by Taylor Hackford, the movie chronicles the life and career of the great Ray Charles. James L. White’s screenplay effectively tells Charles’ story, chronicling his professional and personal highs and lows in the process. And of course, the production is (appropriately) infused with incredible music. There are plenty of great performances on display, but it’s Jamie Foxx’s uncanny – and Oscar-winning – turn as the titular musician that really makes this period drama worth a watch or two.

76. Unbreakable (2000)

M. Night Shyamalan had an unenviable task in 2000 – following up his overnight sensation, The Sixth Sense. Was that movie a flash in the pan? Or would Shyamalan live up to the billing he was receiving in the press as, “The next Spielberg?” Remarkably, Shyamalan came up with a deeper, more meaningful film that also started the bandwagon for superhero-movie fascination, only with a meditative origin story for a strong man (Bruce Willis) who doesn’t recognize his invulnerability. Pulp Fiction co-star Samuel L. Jackson tapped into his fiendish side to play Willis’s nemesis, a man plagued with brittle bones who assumed that his opposite had to exist in the world. But it was Night’s ability to generate an intense mood that boosted Unbreakable. We rode a wave of increasingly suspenseful tension until the moment Willis donned his raincoat and embraced his destiny. Unbreakable started a trilogy, but also guaranteed that Shyamalan was here to stay as one of our most original and effective storytellers. 

75. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Forgetting Sarah Marshall occasionally gets overlooked as being just another rom-com from the aughts – specifically the rom-com featuring the oddball pairing of Mila Kunis and Jason Segel, but I can’t imagine that anyone who’s lumping this movie into just another group of rom-coms has seen it recently because it is profoundly and consistently weird. 

Segel’s TV composer main character dreams of creating a Dracula musical featuring puppets called A Taste For Love. He also wants to get over his titular ex-girlfriend - hilariously played by Kristen Bell, who somehow ends up in the hotel room next to him having loud sex with her new rock star boyfriend. That messy journey of acceptance and moving on, amidst all its weirdness or maybe because of all its weirdness, never feels like a cliche. It’s consistently funny and has so many thoughtful things to say about relationships, break-ups and finding yourself. Don’t write it off.

74. School of Rock (2003)

Jack Black was many things in 2003, though many wouldn’t have considered his comedic stylings family-friendly until School Of Rock. Black’s musical abilities from his band Tenacious D paired with the wholesome story of teaching some kids how to rock, was fun for everyone and really skyrocketed him further into the mainstream and into more roles for younger audiences like Kung Fu Panda and Nacho Libre. Sure, he’d still do raunchier stuff like Tropic Thunder, but this movie was imperative to show the range he had as an actor. 

Let’s also not forget this movie boasted other celebrities who are notable talents in 2023, like Miranda Cosgrove and The White Lotus showrunner Mike White. Oh, and the music is still as great as it was then, even decades later. There’s a strong message here about the importance of teaching children about music and helping them follow their passion, and it’s that message that will keep this movie relevant for decades to come. 

73. Up (2009)

Pixar Animation Studios, a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios, has always been known for its films that have reached a broad audience, starting with their debut full-feature film, Toy Story. However, in 2009, the studio released Up, the first Pixar film to receive a nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Up is mainly about Carl, an older man living a lonely life, and to fulfill his promise to his late wife, he travels across the world in a floating house to South America – with the help of a local wilderness explorer who tags along for the ride. 

A lot can be said about Up, from its stunning animation to the beautiful soundtrack, but nothing beats the story. It's a tale of a found family and of finding love and compassion in places you would never expect. And you must always remember – the wilderness must be explored!

72. District 9 (2009)

Coming in at 72 on the list might just be an indicator of how underrated District 9 is, considering it’s one of the best science fiction movies of the 2000s. Neill Blomkamp’s feature walks the line between messaging about the various mistreatment marginalized groups are subjected to, to how humanity would respond if aliens were really discovered to be on Earth. Given recent reports at government hearings, it isn’t all that unbelievable that it wouldn’t take long for humanity to get back to normal after finding a bunch of alien refugees on Earth. 

Perhaps the best compliment to pay District 9 is that it’s a phenomenal standalone sci-fi movie with no sequels or prequels. This could be why it’s typically lower on the sci-fi lists as there may be a community of people that simply forgot about it as the years went on. Now is the time to revive the credit it deserves and maybe bump it up a few notches on future top lists. 

71. Shrek (2001)

Think of every DreamWorks Animation movie you can think of – I bet Shrek is one of the first that pops into your head. 

Shrek was a momentous occasion for DreamWorks Animation when it was released. It was a huge box office success, received rave reviews, and was even the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature winner. The movie mainly follows Shrek, an ogre whose swamp is suddenly overrun with fairytale creatures, and to get them out, he must save Princess Fiona from a tower guarded by a dragon on a mountain of lava and bring her to Lord Farquad. 

The DreamWorks Animation film created an empire of Shrek success. With numerous sequels and spinoff movies, Shrek is one of the most successful animated franchises ever. The first film featured some great CGI animation for 2001 but also had the hilarity of adult jokes that parents would get while their kids enjoyed the fantasy, animation, and love story. Besides, who wouldn't love listening to Eddie Murphy crack jokes as Donkey for an hour and a half? 

70. Mulholland Drive (2001)

There are two sides to David Lynch: the fairly normal filmmaker who wants to tell a linear story in a somewhat straightforward manner (examples include The Elephant Man and The Straight Story), and the absolute bonkers off-the-wall batshit fever dream of an avante-garde video artist (examples include Eraserhead and Inland Empire). What makes Mulholland Drive such a beautiful film, is that it’s the perfect balance of these two sides of the iconic writer/director. In fact, without spoiling anything, the film even has a pivotal moment where it completely changes tonally, effectively showing these two distinct sides of Lynch. Perhaps more importantly, this tonal switch is expertly pulled off by the film’s star Naomi Watts, who, between this and 2001’s 21 Grams, was at a point in her career where she was showing off her chops with an authenticity that was hard not to notice. Mulholland Drive will show you the full range of skill you need to see from both Watts, and the legendary auteur that is David Lynch. 

69. Watchmen (2009)

“Unadaptable” is a word that’s been used when approaching the most ambitious literary adaptations. Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ landmark graphic novel Watchmen was one such project, earning that brand after decades of potential adaptations failed to tackle the ambitious superhero narrative properly. 

Even in light of multiple cuts, and the ending being substantially altered from what was depicted in the 1985 source material, Watchmen is a miracle to behold. Somehow, the complicated narrative told through various mediums in that graphic novel was streamlined into a product that didn’t water down the full story. 

Only Zack Snyder’s third directorial effort, Watchmen is a powerful statement of the man’s developing skills in that point of his career. Arriving in the wake of Iron Man and The Dark Knight, it proved comic adaptations could be more than market-driving crowd pleasers. In the case of Watchmen, such movies could also be masterpieces.

68. Sideways (2004)

How the hell did Sideways, a dialogue-driven dramedy about a schoolteacher who loves wine, become such a mainstream pop-culture phenomenon? Try going wine-tasting without hearing a joke about drinking from the spit bucket, or somebody saying, “I am not drinking any fucking merlot!”

Sideways’ writer and director, Alexander Payne, has always told stories that are rather grounded in reality. Aside from Downsizing where he literally shrank Matt Damon, these are movies about common issues that most folks can relate to. The Descendants is about grief, About Schmidt is about aging, and Sideways is about letting go. With the script came Payne’s first Academy Award, a life-changing role for Paul Giamatti, and one of the best films of that decade. The bleak nature of the ending with just a dash of hope is a testament to real-life, and relatable for the average person. That is how a movie about a failed middle-aged writer with a drinking problem managed to cement its place in film history. 

67. Lost In Translation (2003)

Bob Harris (Bill Murray) is an American actor past his prime. Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) is a young, married, recent college graduate. Both are in Tokyo — Bob to shoot promos for a Japanese whiskey and Charlotte to follow her photographer husband (Giovanni Ribisi) on his latest assignment — and overcome with feelings of loneliness and disillusionment until a chance meeting at their hotel bar gives the unlikely duo a sense of fulfillment when they both need it most.

Lost in Translation is one of the first films produced by Focus Features and is still considered to be one of the production company’s best releases two decades later for the refreshingly unique — albeit, unlikely — love story that still manages to warm hearts from its unforgettable opening shot to its cryptic, much-debated final moment. The charming, invigoratingly honest dramedy also managed to be a major turning point for Murray (who earned his sole Academy Award nomination), Johansson (a breakthrough performance), and second-time writer and director Sophia Coppola, who earned a well-deserved Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

66. The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)

In the mid-2000s, big screen comedy underwent a titanic shift. Through the late ‘90s and the turn of the century, the genre was dominated by the so-called Frat Pack (Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jack Black, Owen Wilson and Luke Wilson)… but then along came The 40-Year-Old Virgin, the directorial debut from Judd Apatow. The film is hilarious and sweet, with a collection of wonderful characters exploring the high highs and low lows of sexuality and romance in the 21st century – and while not everything about it has aged perfectly, it does a tremendous job at leaning into the talents of its stars. And it’s a game-changer.

While it’s Steve Carell’s movie, a huge part of its legacy is featuring the breakout performance by Seth Rogen. In the wake of The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Rogen and Apatow became the biggest names in funny, with not just their own comedic voices becoming popular, but also their improvisation-heavy styles.

65. Hot Fuzz (2007)

Hot Fuzz is the kind of action movie where every second feels crafted by a team of action movie fans, as opposed to a cast and crew just going through the motions. Co-written by the A+ pair Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg, starring Pegg opposite frequent co-star Nick Front, Hot Fuzz is mostly set far from metropolitan skylines and endless high-rises, and its quaint Wicker Man-esque village makes for a wildly unique setting for any story filled with this many Point Break references.

As the second film in the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, Hot Fuzz built on Shaun of the Dead's already stellar cast with a host of UK legends such as Jim Broadbent, Timothy Dalton, Bill Nighy, Edward Woodward, Billie Whitelaw, Olivia Colman, Bill Bailey, and the list goes on and on. (When you have Cate Blanchett making uncredited appearances, you're doing something right.) Unlike the other two Cornetto films, though, Hot Fuzz probably deserves another straightforward sequel set in this universe, with a new killer crime for Nicholas Angel and Danny Butterman to get crackin’ on.

64. Walk The Line (2005)

Music biopics might feel like they’re a dime a dozen, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t gems to behold in the genre, and one of those is absolutely James Mangold’s Academy Award-winning drama, Walk the Line. In it, Joaquin Phoenix portrays country music legend Johnny Cash through his tumultuous rise to fame, which includes his relationship with eventual wife, June Carter (Reese Witherspoon).

Sure, on one hand, we’ve seen music’s superstars descend into alcoholism and drug addiction on the big screen time and time again, but it’s how all the pieces of Cash and Carter’s story are put together that make the film a must watch. As such, the performances of the leads are everything here, and seeing June attempt to staunch her feelings for her married co-performer, while also trying to knock some sense into him as she watches his addictions grow and Johnny become more erratic, are some of the best parts of the movie. Witherspoon didn’t win a Best Actress Oscar for nothing, and Phoenix is at his peak here, as well.

63. Lilo & Stitch (2002)

With Walt Disney Animation fresh out of its renaissance after the ‘90s, the 2000s were a particularly experimental period for the studio which, looking back, found inspiration from numerous science fiction classics. The best 2D animated movie from the House of Mouse of the decade is a lively spin on E.T., but this mysterious alien is an intergalactic fugitive with a bad temper who falls to the Hawaiian Islands, becomes best friends with a young orphaned girl who teaches him the gospel of Elvis Presley. 

Not only is Lilo & Stitch an incredibly quotable, fun, family adventure, it’s one of Disney’s most authentic and original films that speaks to finding one’s ohana in unexpected places amidst great loss. Few Walt Disney Animation movies have felt as simultaneously intimate and commercial as Lilo & Stitch. Experiment 626 remains a gem that made Disney’s growing pains of the 2000s worth the while. 

62. Monsters, INC (2001)

Before Up, The Incredibles and even Finding Nemo, there was Monsters, Inc. Pixar’s decision to make its fourth feature a story about a company that generates scream-based power in a world inhabited by ferocious creatures may have seemed odd at the time. However, it ultimately turned out to be an inspired (and very) lucrative decision. Set in the world of Monstropolis, the film centers on two pals – both employees of the titular corporation – who must return a human child to her world in order to keep her out of harm’s way. And the result is a hilarious and heartwarming romp about loyalty and tolerance.

Pete Docter – who’d go on to direct Up, Inside Out and more – really proved himself as a filmmaker with this directorial debut. The flick is beautifully animated and populated with plenty of lovable characters. Speaking of which, John Goodman’s James P. “Sully” Sullivan and Billy Crystal’s Mike Wasowski still stand as two of Pixar’s most popular creations. The interactions between the two sometimes mirror the interplay of some of cinema’s best comedic duos. Monsters, Inc. would spawn a sequel and TV spinoff, but it’s the 2001 movie that’s truly an eclectic piece of storytelling.

61. The Hurt Locker (2008)

Best Picture award, but the voters got it right when it came to the prize handed out at the end of the 21st century’s first decade. Director Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker is a heart-stopper that tears down the wall between film and audience: when Jeremy Renner’s Staff Sergeant William James is suited up and defusing bombs, you hold your breath in fear, terrified to feel the heat of the fiery explosion that will result with one false move by the protagonist.

Screenwriter Mark Boal’s work puts us directly in James’ mind – a soldier who is incapable of leaving the battlefield behind – and Jeremy Renner’s turn is a career best. In retrospect, it’s wholly understandable why Renner’s performance changed the trajectory of his career and turned him into the Marvel-bona fide star that he is today.

60. Moulin Rouge (2001)

On paper, Moulin Rouge is a movie that just should not exist. The premise alone, a modern jukebox musical set in 1890s Paris, creates a level of cognitive dissonance on its own that suspension of disbelief should be impossible. It’s the sort of thing that only a director like Baz Luhrmann would even try, but somehow, he not only makes it happen, he makes it work.

Everything about Moulin Rouge goes hard. The performances, the songs, the sets. It creates its unreality so perfectly that it’s near-impossible to avoid being swept up by it and brought along for the ride. And the absinthe-infused magic is so far removed from reality that even 20 years later Moulin Rouge feels just as fresh. Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor are perfect as the star-crossed lovers. We know how the story will end before it begins, but it doesn’t make any of it less heartbreaking. Luhrmann’s films can sometimes focus on style over substance, but there’s no lack of substance here. 

59. Elf (2003)

Elf is probably the most recent Christmas movie that became an instant classic. Jon Favreau crafted a delightful and bonkers story for the 2003 movie, with Will Ferrell offering one of his most iconic performances of all time. And it’s a movie that’s re-watched annually by countless families every Holiday Season… or other times in the year when you need a good laugh.

Elf’s concept is both ridiculous and simple; Buddy is a human raised by elves who eventually goes to New York City to find his birth father (played by Godfather icon James Caan). The juxtaposition between Buddy’s eternal optimism and the hard streets of the Big Apple is fodder for countless funny bits throughout its runtime. There’s also a touching story about family and the holiday spirit that makes Elf a true beloved Christmas movie. Plus, it’s got a pre-Game of Thrones appearance by Peter Dinklage. And of course, Santa (I know him!).

58. Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)

In the 1950s, few people were as outspoken about the threat of Communism than Wisconsin senator Joseph McCarthy, whose blacklisting of anyone he deemed suspicious was so notoriously frequent that “McCarthyism” — a term associated with fear mongering — was coined after him. One of the few people brave enough to take a stand against him was CBS reporter Edward R. Murrow, whose defiance of the politician and the Red Scare nearly cost him his career, but also made him into one of the most influential icons of his craft.

This monumental moment in journalism history is dramatized with nearly the same level of passion for truth and justice in Good Night, and Good Luck. — named after the famous concluding catchphrase of Murrow, portrayed here in an Academy Award-nominated performance by David Strathairn. George Clooney, who also plays Murrow’s producer, Fred Friendly, earned his first Oscar nominations as a director and co-writer for this riveting history lesson, made even better with Robert Elswit’s gorgeous cinematography and exquisite acting from the star-studded ensemble, which also includes Jeff Daniels, Patricia Arquette, Robert Downey Jr., and Frank Langella.

57. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Wes Anderson’s style is so distinct that it has become something of a joke in pop culture, frequently being parodied on shows like Saturday Night Live. When folks reference Wes Anderson, and the trademarks of a Wes Anderson film, they’re primarily lifting it from The Royal Tenenbaums. The point is, Tenenbaums is by far the most Wes Anderson-y film to ever Wes Anderson; absolutely jam-packed with quirkitude, a variety of eccentric characters and deadpan dialogue delivery. This is the quintessential hipster flick that helped to define a generation of indie millennial film buffs.

Aside from The Royal Tenenbaums’ effect on pop culture, it truly exists as a wonderful, honest, hilarious, and heartbreaking film. Over twenty years ago when the film was released, there wasn’t a lot like it in mainstream American cinema, with the somewhat privileged (yet painfully relatable) themes it explores being limited to conversations had by those gathering to watch Jean-Luc Godard in their NYU dorm rooms. With his first Oscar nomination, The Royal Tenenbaums introduced much of the world to Wes Anderson, and many still consider it to be his finest work to date. 

56. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Oftentimes sequels don’t measure up to their predecessor, but Spider-Man 2 is one of the exceptions. Director Sam Raimi and screenwriter Alvin Sargent kept the best elements from the first Spider-Man movie and improved upon them, with the follow-up doing an excellent job exploring how Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker handles the burden of heroism and trying to balance his web-sliding activities with his civilian life. However, Spider-Man 2’s MVP is Alfred Molina, whose more sympathetic take on Doctor Octopus quickly cemented him as one of the best superhero movie villains of all time. It’s no wonder we still have yet to see another actor play the tentacled antagonist in a live-action movie. As a bonus, I love how the movie recreated the panel from 1967’s The Amazing Spider-Man #50 of Peter Parker leaving his costume behind in the garbage. A touch like that is a great Easter egg for Marvel fans, but is also just a gorgeous shot for the casuals watching the tale unfold.

55. Ratatouille (2007)

Pixar Animation’s eighth feature film, Ratatouille, is as surprising as its premise. It came at a time when the studio was high on a winning streak, redefining how we looked at toys, bugs, monsters, cars, superheroes and fish. Sure, making an audience empathetic to rats feels like a stretch, but the 2007 movie had a fresh and quirky way in that kept Pixar at an all-time high. What if one rat was secretly a gourmet cook in Paris, France? The results are so charming. 

Fronted by a charismatic voice performance from Patton Oswalt as Remy, packed with decadent and often mouth-watering animation greatly displayed inside a top-tier French kitchen and beautifully underlined by an all-time great score from Michael Giacchino, Pixar told a hilarious underdog story with the creativity and wonder the studio remains beloved for. It’s one of those movies that has one doing a double take at every human and animal you encounter next time you walk outside in playful curiosity about the world thinking “Anyone Can Cook.” 

54. Superbad (2007)

Seth Rogen has touted himself as a “permanent teenager,” and never has that title been truer than in the 2007 teen buddy comedy Superbad. The movie — which he penned with Evan Goldberg and stars a number of the regular Judd Apatow players — carries the funky vibe of the 1970s throughout, but its story is timeless. The only thing more relatable than high-school seniors Seth and Evan (played perfectly by Jonah Hill and Michael Cera) trying to get to a party to impress some girls was their underlying anxiety over not knowing what would happen to their friendship after graduation.

The laughs come a mile a minute — some may say it’s the funniest movie of all time — with an impressive cast that also includes Bill Hader, Joe Lo Truglio, Emma Stone and, of course, Seth Rogen. But in the end it’s the friendship at the heart of the story that makes this one worth watching again and again. Superbad is also responsible for giving us “McLovin,” for which we should be forever grateful.

53. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

One of the most intriguing stories related to the crime of check fraud is that of Frank Abagnale Jr., who impersonated various professions, passed off millions of dollars worth of phony checks, and outran the FBI between the ages of 16 and 21. At least, that is what the fraud prevention consultant claimed in his memoir, Catch Me If You Can. The book inspired an excellent movie of the same name.

This 1960s-set crime drama stars future Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio as the young, elusive con artist, who enters an intense, enduring game of cat-and-mouse with two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks as a veteran FBI agent who will stop at nothing to bring him to justice, even if he becomes friends with him in the process. Following Minority Report, director Steven Spielberg completed his one-two punch of masterfully entertaining films in 2002 with this dazzling, devilishly charming, and even heartwarming tale. 

52. Cast Away (2000)

Everybody scream “Wilson!” with me! Now, let’s all break into violent sobs as we remember Tom Hanks losing his best friend… a volleyball with a face painted on it. Cast Away is a miracle. It’s essentially a one-man show that you can’t pull your eyes off of, because you root so hard for Hanks and want to see how he’s going to get off the deserted island on which he is stranded. Director Robert Zemeckis places us in Hanks’ sandals, so we feel frustration as he fails to get a makeshift raft over the incoming tide, and elation when he figures out how to start a fire. Hanks already was viewed as one of our greatest actors before he single handedly carried this survival story, but the gripping performance earned him his fifth Oscar nomination. (He lost to Russell Crowe in Gladiator.) Listen to this remarkable stat: Zemeckis filmed Cast Away’s first half with a chunky Hanks, then had to pause production while his leading man lost enough weight and grew enough hair to play his marooned self in the movie’s second half. During that pause, Zemeckis filmed an entire feature: 2000’s marital thriller What Lies Beneath, with Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford.

51. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

One thing to know about Ang Lee is that he keeps audiences guessing when it comes to his projects. And given his body of work leading up to the 2000s, not too many people might’ve expected him to helm a wuxia martial arts epic with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Yet movie lovers should be so glad he did. His seventh directorial effort is a masterpiece featuring beautifully choreographed fight sequences, impeccable production design, imposing performances and more.

Based on Wang Dulu’s 1942 novel of the same name, the highly ambitious production centers on a seasoned warrior and his equally skilled ally (and love interest), who aim to hunt down the former’s fabled sword so it can be delivered for safekeeping. Their quest ultimately leads them down a path neither could’ve ever imagined. Ang Lee assembled a highly formidable ensemble of actors led by Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi, who all give career-best performances. The martial arts genre features a wide array of movies, but few can meet the standard set by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

50. Legally Blonde (2001)

“What? Like it’s hard” to be one of the top 50 movies of the 2000s? It’s not for Legally Blonde, that’s for sure. Casually going to law school at Harvard to win back your ex-boyfriend is a far-fetched idea, but Reese Witherspoon’s Elle Woods doesn't just pull it off, she succeeds in grand fashion, obviously.  

Elle Woods is such an icon, she’s funny, gorgeous, and hyper-intelligent, and seeing her harness all of that to succeed at Harvard was empowering. Reese Witherspoon and the cast of Legally Blonde are also on their A-games in this movie, creating a hilariously smart and unique story. From Jennifer Coolidge’s “bend and snap” moment with our leading lady to the adorable rom-com subplot between Elle and Luke Wilson’s Emmett, the film is packed with memorable stories from fabulous characters.

Since then, Withersoon’s lawyer’s story has expanded into a sequel and a Broadway musical, because a world with more Elle Woods in it is “So Much Better.” 

49. Tropic Thunder (2008)

Tropic Thunder is a relentless and vicious commentary on the motion picture industry and all the absurdities associated with it. For two unyielding hours, Ben Stiller’s satirical action comedy mercilessly skewers the executives, the actors, the directors, the writers, the agents and even an explosives coordinator, painting them as deeply flawed and emotionally unstable people who will do anything to stay relevant and protect their own fragile egos. From blackface to stolen valor to exploiting the mentally handicapped, there’s no line they won’t cross in pursuit of their next award, their next paycheck or their next high.

Tropic Thunder shouldn’t work. From one angle, it’s a big budget, big studio action comedy filled with explosions, fart jokes and Tom Cruise dancing to Flo Rida. From another angle, it’s a deeply clever satire that repeatedly and without apology seeks out complicated and problematic subject matter. It’s a movie within a movie disguised as another movie, but instead of a disorganized mess, it somehow all comes together thanks to a fantastic script, an Oscar-nominated Robert Downey Jr. performance and the greatest little kid reaction shot in the history of movies.

48. Gladiator (2000)

Russell Crowe went on an absolute tear in the 2000s with a number of memorable movies, so it’s no surprise that the one he won the Best Actor Oscar for is on this list. Gladiator is an absolute triumph from start to finish, with knockout performances led by the direction of Ridley Scott. Maximus is an immediately likable character brought down to the lowest point of his life. He keeps fighting and survives solely because of the revenge he hopes to deliver to Commodus. 

And while Joaquin Phoenix did not win an Oscar for his nominated performance as Commodus, Maximus’ journey isn’t quite as sweet without him being every bit as unlikable as he should be. When the big scene finally comes for Maximus and Commodus to square off, how can you not be on the edge of your seat? Without a doubt one of the best gladiator movies of all time.

47. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

While not strictly a love story, Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire definitely owes a lot to the genre, as Jamal’s (Dev Patel) lifelong love for childhood friend Latika (Freida Pinto) drives much of what he does. The drama follows Jamal as he relays the events of his young life that have led him to correctly answering questions on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, after he’s arrested and tortured for cheating.

As Jamal takes us through the harrowing events of his childhood that led him not only to fall for Latika, but to compete on the show in an effort to find her again, we’re taken through an action-packed tale of survival under extreme circumstances, what a young man will go through to save the love of his life, and how we all probably know a lot more than we think we do. Definitely hard to watch at times, but inspirational nonetheless.

46. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

On one hand, Jonathan Daylon and Valerie Faris’ Little Miss Sunshine is one of the funniest movies of the 2000s, but on the other hand it’s one of the most tragic stories to come out of the decade. The “road trip from Hell” setup had been done countless times prior to the film’s 2006 release, but rarely had the subgenre been as effective, emotional, or laugh out loud funny.

Michael Arndt’s hilarious, heartbreaking, and nuanced screenplay, which earned him an Oscar, doesn’t play it safe by avoiding life’s tragedies (both major and minor), but instead faces them head-on, creating a cathartic experience for his characters and audience alike. Transformative performances by the late Alan Arkin (he also won an Academy Award), Abigail Breslin, Toni Collette and the rest of the Little Miss Sunshine cast make you feel their characters are family, which is the heart and soul of this outstanding film.

45. Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Keira Knightley’s Pride & Prejudice is hardly the first take on the novel of the same name, but the 2005 film arguably set the standard for modern Jane Austen movie adaptations. The love story between Elizabeth Bennet (Knightley) and Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) is beautifully told, and made all the more memorable for the cinematography, soundtrack, and chemistry between the stars. In fact, the cast was stacked with stars who either already had or would become big names, including Donald Sutherland, Judi Dench, Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, Carey Mulligan, and Kelly Reilly in addition to Knightley and Macfadyen. 

The world of the Bennet family in this Pride & Prejudice feels lived in and domestic in a way that adds a touch of modern realism to a Regency-era period drama and contrasts the more austere beauty of Mr. Darcy’s Pemberley estate. The film isn’t as faithful to the book as the beloved 1995 BBC miniseries, but it hits the important beats of the original Jane Austen story in just over two hours while also being completely accessible to viewers who haven’t read the book, with moments like the iconic hand flex of Mr. Darcy that fans far and wide know well. 

44. Adaptation (2002)

Adaptation is a book adaptation about the adaptation process. Understood? Wonderful. 

Nicolas Cage plays dual roles as the most neurotic possible version of screenwriter Charlie Kauffman, as well as his fictitious twin Donald Kauffman. Originally hired to write the film adaptation for Susan Orlean’s bestseller The Orchid Thief, Charlie Kauffman experiences a debilitating case of writer’s block, stemming from a slew of mental health issues including social anxiety, body dysmorphia and depression. This sends him on something of a tortured artist’s odyssey that leads him to write himself, and the experience, into his script. Thus, we get Adaptation, a hybrid of both the story of The Orchid Thief, and Kauffman’s experience adapting it.

These days, such a meta concept is somewhat commonplace, but over 20 years ago, this was the most bonkers script since Kauffman’s Being John Malkovich. Malkovich was even worked into Adaptation’s storyline, with John Cusack, Catherine Keener and the titular John Malkovich playing themselves. The point is, this film is WEIRD in the best of ways, yet still managed to grab Oscar nominations for Nicolas Cage and Meryl Streep, as well as a win for Chris Cooper. Adaptation is perhaps the greatest cinematic insight into the creative writing process, and the effect it has on one’s psyche, ever made.

43. Love & Basketball (2000)

The best romantic comedies might get a lot of attention from fans of lovey dovey stories, but romantic dramas deserve our eyeballs as well, and Love & Basketball is one that really should be praised. This romance (which is also a fantastic sports drama) tells the story of Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps), two talented, basketball-obsessed kids who bond over their love of the sport, but have several trials as they attempt to take their relationship from friends to lovers in their high school and college years and, later, in their twenties.

Gina Prince-Bythewood’s feature-length directorial debut does an amazing job of showing how hard it can be for two people who are so dedicated to their craft to make time for one another, especially as the pressure to succeed in their sport pulls them in different directions. But, it goes much further than that, with each of their complicated family dynamics and emotional wounds taking this love story to the next level.

42. Minority Report (2002)

If you had the chance to predict and prevent a tragic crime, the choice sounds obvious, right? That is until you are faced with the possibility that the prediction is wrong and your arrestee was destined to be innocent. That provocative idea was the basis for a 1956 short story by prolific science-fiction writer Philip K. Dick, which was later adapted into one of director Steven Spielberg’s most exciting films of the decade, if not his full career.

Tom Cruise stars as John Anderton — the chief for a special police unit that uses a trio of clairvoyant siblings to detect future murders — who begins to question their seemingly “perfect” system when he makes the horrifying discovery that the potential perpetrator of his next case is himself, forcing him to go on the run. The truth behind this prediction revealed in the brilliant twist ending of Minority Report is one of the many fascinating and thought-provoking aspects of this astonishingly inventive sci-fi masterpiece that is not quite dystopian, but far from utopian either.

41. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Over the past few years, there have been great strides for representation and diverse stories in Hollywood. But back in the early 2000s, this wasn’t exactly the case. Which is why Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain was such a groundbreaking movie upon its release. Hollywood simply wasn’t telling queer love stories through major blockbusters, let alone honoring them with major Awards Nominations.

While there’s been some backlash about straight actors playing LGBTQ+ roles, Brokeback likely only got produced because of its bankable (and yes straight) lead actors. For their part, both Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger offer moving and complicated performances that still stand up today. Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway also really deliver, which is par for the course for those talented actresses. This quartet of performers tell their characters’ stories through decades of time, and to devastating results. And the acclaimed film is still so beloved that it’s being adapted for the stage on the West End, starring Mike Faist and Lucas Hedges. 

40. American Psycho (2000)

Author Bret Easton Ellis’ novel American Psycho is a shocking literary experience. There are scenes in it that will make even the most seasoned horror fan blanche – and reading it, you can understand why it was deemed unadaptable for a time after its publication. When it did finally get brought to the big screen, co-adapted by screenwriter Guinevere Turner and director Mary Harron, the material was understandably pulled back a bit, but the movie still remains a scary and biting satire that takes aim at the hardcore capitalism in the 1980s.

Years before he became a big screen legend playing Batman, Christian Bale became a horror icon with his performance as Patrick Bateman – a white, rich sociopath who enjoys torturing and slaughtering women… but who nonetheless blends in with all the rest of New York’s white, rich sociopaths. It’s a rich cinematic experience that manages to be both satisfyingly scary and surprisingly funny.

39. 28 Days Later (2002)

Certain movies can be credited as causing shifts so powerful, an entire genre felt its influence. Director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland’s 28 Days Later is one such film, as this lo-fi British horror-thriller would go on to see interest in movies like Dawn of the Dead (2004) and Shaun of the Dead being boosted. 

Revitalizing the zombie genre, while not calling its own creatures by the Z-word, the normal rules didn’t apply in this horror masterpiece. In the world of the previously coma-ridden Jim (Cillian Murphy), the vicious “infected” could come from anywhere, with blazing speed. Survival, in some situations, could be measured in a heartbeat, with a drop of blood or saliva making the difference. 

Stocked with a who’s who of actors like Brendan Gleeson, Christopher Eccleston, and Naomie Harris, 28 Days Later did for zombies what Scream did for slasher films. Challenging the status quo with relentless energy, the film is all at once terrifying, heartbreaking, and hopeful. Danny Boyle and Alex Garland resurrected the undead genre with stunning results.

38. Amelie (2001)

One of the most delightful stories committed to film. French ingénue Audrey Tautou was perfectly cast as the title character Amelie, who is believed to have a delicate heart condition and so is overprotected by her doting parents. As a result of her gently-imposed isolation, Amelie develops an overactive imagination, which leads her on a series of whimsical adventures. Amelie director Jean-Pierre Jeunet embraces magical realism as a style, with Tautou basically gliding through this giddy fantasy as she works to make the lives of everyone around her happy, and possibly find love on her own in the process. Amelie seems to transmit joy, and if you aren’t uplifted by Tautou’s effervescent performance, you might want to check to ensure you still have a pulse. Now, go borrow someone else’s lawn gnome, photograph it in front of a celebrated vacation spot, and spread the joy of Amelie with anyone who hasn’t yet seen this delightful gem. 

37. Donnie Darko (2001)

There may not be a more aggressively strange and maddeningly perplexing movie on this list than Donnie Darko. Yet, its mysterious and nearly off-putting nature may be the reason why — despite nearly becoming a cable TV movie (if not for Christopher Nolan’s praise) and ultimately bombing at the box office — it remains an enduring cult hit.

At its core, writer and director Richard Kelly’s feature-length debut is the story of an emotionally troubled young man (Jake Gyllenhaal) whose struggle to navigate adolescence in the late 1980s is worsened by visions of an apocalyptic soothsayer in a horrifying rabbit suit, but it is much more than that. It is a sharp coming-of-age satire on par with some of John Hughes’ films, a classic time travel movie, and a pervasively grim fantasy tale that serves as a perfect Halloween tradition, among other things. Above all, however, Donnie Darko is unique enough to defy categorization, resulting in a one-of-a-kind experience. 

36. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

If we’re only including one adaptation of the Harry Potter series on this list, it has to be Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The source material has our lead trio entering into their teen years with more studies than ever and higher stakes all around. New characters are introduced, major reveals transpire and there’s also that twisty bit of time travel. Oh, and let’s not forget the bone-chilling Dementors, whose powers include dredging up a person’s darkest memories and fears. 

Those things on their own give Prisoner of Azkaban an edge over some of the other books, but Alfonso Cuarón’s adaptation does more than just bring one of the best installments of the series to life. New layers of the magical world emerge on the screen thanks to the cinematography, not to mention Cuarón’s vision and patient approach to the pacing, which gives us the chance to really soak in the surroundings in any given scene. Whether it’s showing the change of seasons at Hogwarts or the stunning sight of Harry soaring over the lake on the back of a Hippogriff, it’s more than enough to set the film above its predecessors and raise the bar firmly for the adaptations that would follow. 

35. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

The Devil Wears Prada is already a classic. While the film quality itself is high, the movie has also become part of the fabric of pop culture, thanks to its quotable lines and the unbelievable performance of one Meryl Streep. Anne Hathaway is regularly transformed into a meme thanks to the scene where Annie shows up to work post-makeover in Chanel Boots.

Aside from the pop culture of it all, The Devil Wears Prada is a delightful movie romp. The fashions are aspirational, and the cast is truly on top of their game. Special points to Emily Blunt, who became a household name following her performance as Emily. And considering how light and frothy even the movie’s drama is, the rewatchability of this book to movie adaptation cannot be understated. If you haven’t watched Devil Wears Prada recently, by all means move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.

34. The Lord Of The Rings Movies (2001-2003)

There are very few fantasy movie franchises out there that have been great all the way through. They have their dips and slides, but if there’s one major fantasy franchise to rule them all, it has to be The Lord of the Rings movies. 

The film franchise mainly follows Frodo Baggins as he travels with the Fellowship on a quest to destroy the One Ring in order to take down the person who made it, Sauron. But don't take that premise at face value – there is so much more to this story than meets the eye. 

The Lord of the Rings movies are perfect in every shape and form. From the battle sequences to the visual effects to the acting, there is much to love and adore about these films. The Lord of the Rings delivers in ways fans can't even imagine. There's a reason why the franchise is so popular years later – and how spinoffs, such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, have been released in recent years. The love keeps pouring in. 

33. Casino Royale (2006)

When James Bond was given his iconic Walther PPK in Dr. No, Sean Connery’s initial incarnation is told the weapon has “a delivery like a brick through a plate glass window.” The same could be said for 2006’s Casino Royale, as the introduction to Daniel Craig’s James Bond movies wasn’t shy about changing things up, and surprising even the most experienced 007 fans with how it would depict Commander Bond’s exploits.

Director Martin Campbell’s franchise reboot was as lean and mean as they come. Casino Royale showed 007 getting his ass handed to him, and his heart broken. Such vulnerability didn’t weaken the character, but rather it humanized him and added a suspense that the Bond movies had lost for some time.

Daniel Craig stepped into the role of the modern James Bond as if it were a tuxedo perfectly tailored for his presence. Wryly funny, yet cold and calculating when he had to pull the trigger, Craig made the role his own from frame one. To see such an iconic series redefined so perfectly, after 20 movies and over four decades of history before it, is something that still astonishes as much now as it did upon initial viewing.

32. Batman Begins (2005)

One of the most notorious bombs in Hollywood history is 1997’s Batman & Robin — a movie that, despite having some fans, is so cartoonishly absurd and dismissive of the source material’s essential themes and tone that it would be the last we would see of one of DC Comics’ most important characters on the big screen for years. The Caped Crusader’s resurgence in cinema — and in modern pop culture — can be traced back to when director Christopher Nolan went back to basics and all the way back to the beginning of his war on crime in Batman Begins.

Christian Bale immediately asserted himself as one of the best actors to play Batman with his grounded and stoic performance as a Bruce Wayne desperate to rescue his beloved Gotham City — one of the most stunningly realistic and effectively grimy depictions of the burdened metropolis — from the cesspool of crime and corruption it has become. While it is not widely considered to be the absolute best of the live-action Batman movies so far (more on that one later), most would agree that Batman Begins is one of the best superhero movies in general for its refreshingly earnest and complex approach to comic book lore, exhilarating action sequences and technical mastery, and reinventing the Dark Knight for a new generation without losing sight of what made him an icon in the first place.

31. Children of Men (2006)

In a dystopian future, environmental malpractice has led to constant war, famine, and total human infertility. So imagine the surprise felt by former political activist Theo Faron (Clive Owen) when he learns that a young female refugee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) is pregnant, and is poised to deliver the first natural childbirth in eighteen years. 

Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron was coming off of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (considered by many to be the best film in that saga) when he unleashed his talents on Children of Men. His breathtaking approach to editing and cinematography propels the action forward at a feverish pitch, with Cuaron often choosing to stage his movements in long, eye-popping, unbroken shots that lure the audience to the edge of their seats. Cuaron says this is a movie about hope, but you have to endure a lot of credible despair to finally unearth it. It’s worth the effort.

30. Ocean's Eleven (2001)

As times change, what’s considered popular is as fluid as water itself. Sometimes a movie can be ahead of the curve in that respect, dictating a whole era of cool in its very existence. Director Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven did just that, as both an uber slick heist movie, and as a modernized remake of a pre-existing film. 

The 1960’s Rat Pack extravaganza about war veterans looking for one big score was turned into a gathering of thieves, assembled by one man (George Clooney) looking for something more than cash. While the stakes were changed, and the number spelled out in the title, this film nailed the breezy energy that made the original so lovely.

Be it an all-star cast including Bernie Mac, Carl Reiner, Andy Garcia, and Julia Roberts, the insanely slick soundtrack, or even just the way George Clooney could rock a suit without a tie, Ocean’s Eleven doesn’t telegraph its style. It presents it with great confidence, and allows you to decide if it’s worth your while. It’s a love letter to the past, while playing to the viewer of today; with a result as cool as that drink you just ordered at the bar.

29. Chicago (2002)

If you look at just about any list of the best musicals of the 21st century, it’s basically a guarantee that Chicago will be there. The adaptation of Bob Fosse’s long-running musical is one of few musical films to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Catherine Zeta-Jones took home a trophy as well for her stellar performance as the “All That Jazz” singer who killed her husband and sister, Velma Kelly. This film has intrigue, sex, murder, genius performances and a whole lot of jazz, and it's truly a masterful musical adaptation.

Rob Marshall ultimately made a musical that stays true to its stage roots, but also heightens the entire story through movie magic. Take “Cell Block Tango” for example, the majority of the song is performed on a stage, and the women singing about murdering their husbands are in black costumes similar to the wardrobe from Broadway. However, it’s bigger as a whole, and it flashes between the actual prison, and this staged dream-like sequence. By doing this for every number, the film both elevated and paid homage to its predecessor, which is just one of the many reasons it’s so incredible.

28. Iron Man (2008)

From being the first self-financed Marvel Studios production, executives initially being opposed to casting Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, and most of the dialogue being improvised since the script wasn’t finished when production began, there was a lot that could have gone wrong with Iron Man. And yet, the end result stands as a triumph in large part due to Downey’s performance as the genius/billionaire/playboy/philanthropist.

But of course, one can’t discuss Iron Man without addressing how it changed the film franchise game. Once Nick Fury emerged from the shadows and mentioned the Avengers Initiative in the post-credits scene, that was the first big tipoff that this movie was the first chapter in a shared universe, just like in the original Marvel comics. More than a decade later, the MCU still stands as a Hollywood powerhouse, and many franchises, both superhero and from other genres, have followed in its footsteps. 

27. Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

The slacker bastard child of George Romero's Dead films and Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later, Shaun of the Dead is a rarity in cinema, and not just for having the gall to sacrifice the soundtrack to 1989's Batman. It's a largely perfect amalgam of authenticity and parodical storytelling, anchored to the comedic whims and wiles of  director Edgar Wright, his co-writer Simon Pegg,  and Pegg’s co-star Nick Frost. As it goes with that trio’s other film on this list (see #65), Shaun’s biggest strength is its characters who feel real enough to legitimize the zombie apocalypse chaos, while also making viewers care about them even when the gory threats aren’t around the corner.

Shaun of the Dead may go down as the funniest horror movie to have ever existed, while also delivering some genuinely disturbing moments throughout that keep the adventure from falling too far into the funnies. Simon Pegg even transcends the dual genre description by spinning palpable emotion out of his struggle to prioritize the safety of his relationship, his BFF, and his mom. And if that wasn’t enough, it allowed moviegoers to spend some time in the Winchester, and that’s a slice of fried gold that makes everyone’s life better.

26. Moon (2009)

Whenever we sit down for a sci-fi film, especially one that takes place on a remote station somewhere away from our planet, we all know that we’re in for a twisty tale, and Moon certainly fulfills that promise. Duncan Jones’ 2009 directorial debut (he also came up with the story) focuses on Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell), the lone human working a mostly automated mining facility on the far side of the moon, who begins to have troubling hallucinations as he nears the end of his work contract.

What follows is surprising, as not only does the story take several intriguingly unexpected turns, but it also examines what it’s like to be isolated from others (including loved ones), holding on to a sense of community, and one’s willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. Throw in a creepy AI, which can’t quite be determined as a helper or a hindrance for a time, and you get science fiction gold.

25. The Incredibles (2004)

Released during the early years of the superhero movie’s surging popularity, The Incredibles still holds up tremendously after all this time, despite so many other offerings from Marvel, DC and other studios being delivered nearly two decades after its release. To be sure, Pixar’s sixth full-length feature does a spectacular job at both honoring classic superhero stories and tropes, as well as poking fun at them, including the hilarious ‘no capes’ gag. But The Incredibles’ greatest feat isn’t how it handles these larger-than-life elements, but rather how it makes these characters feel relatable and complex in the midst of the action.

From Bob and Helen Parr being concerned about their children’s welfare, whether they’re living everyday life in suburbia or fighting bad guys in costume, to understanding that Syndrome’s sinister motivations stem from the hurt he endured as an adolescent, The Incredibles never pushes aside its humanity in favor of spectacle; instead, they compliment each other quite nicely. Throw in outstanding vocal performances from actors like Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter, and Brad Bird excelling as both the director and screenwriter, this movie stands out not just as a superhero movie, but as one of the greatest entries in Pixar’s library.

24. Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Join Us In Creating Excellence. More powerful than any anti-drug ad, Requiem for a Dream hit theaters in 2000 and has stood the test of time as possibly the most affecting portrayal of addiction to date. Based on the Hubert Selby Jr. book of the same name, Darren Aronofsky’s film explores more than just the heroin addictions of Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans’ characters. Ellen Burstyn’s obsession with being on television and fitting into her red dress is haunting, and there’s no questioning why the role earned her an Academy Award nomination.

The work behind the camera was equal to the all-around horrifying performances, as Darren Aronofsky and cinematographer Matthew Libatique added to the story in how every shot was framed, the choreography of the characters’ movements, and the use of sound effects and split screens. The score was worthy of praise all on its own, with "Lux Aeterna" — the song that played over the climax of the film — leaving such an impression that it has gone on to be re-orchestrated for several other movie and video game trailers. 

Combine all of this and add a little of Christopher McDonald’s Tappy Tibbons J.U.I.C.E., and you’ve got a real feel-bad movie that may never fully leave you.

23. Oldboy (2003)

Because many have such good storylines, South Korean films have become some of the biggest international movies.. A few examples could be Parasite and The Wailing. One movie in particular stands above many of them, and that's Oldboy. 

Directed by Park Chan-wook, the film is loosely based on the Japanese manga of the same name and focuses on Dae-su, a man imprisoned in a cell that looks like a hotel room, for fifteen years, without knowing who the person was behind his capture. But when he gets his chance at freedom, he makes it his mission to find out who committed the crime all those years ago – only to find out there is much more to his imprisonment than he thought. 

Oldboy is incredible. The action scenes are probably some of the best recorded on a movie screen and have been imitated many times – just the corridor fight scene itself is enough to satisfy any action-movie fan. The story is intriguing all the way until the end, which will blow the minds of first-time viewers. Truly, Oldboy is a staple of the South Korean film industry – and a fantastic movie of the 2000s. 

22. Collateral (2004)

Michael Mann had already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest directors in the world of crime thrillers, but he further made a case for himself with his 2004 thriller, Collateral. Clocking in at exactly two hours, this cool, violent, and ruthless neo-noir classic not only sees one of the best Jamie Foxx performances with his portrayal of cab driver Max (a role that should have earned him an Oscar), it also introduces one of Tom Cruise’s most unhinged characters: Vincent, a mysterious and deadly assassin.

Cruise, who was coming off movies like Minority Report and The Last Samurai, is incredibly refreshing as the film’s antagonist, and it shows a side of the star that audiences don’t get to see as much. Seeing the actor’s undeniable charm and big-screen energy used to breathe life into someone who is pure evil is quite the experience, and really messes with the viewers’ mindset. In addition to actors like Mark Ruffalo, Javier Bardem, and Jada Pinkett Smith, the movie also treats the city of Los Angeles less like a backdrop and more as another character, one that feels more alive as the story goes on, much like Mann’s 1995 heist film, Heat.

21. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Since the early days of moviemaking, Walt Disney’s viewpoint of the fairytale has had a stake in popular culture. It’s G-rated, soft and sweet, and there’s always a happy ending. Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth brings to life a fairytale that redefined what a fantasy movie can look like with its distinct and unforgettable vision. Set in 1944 Spain as the country picks up the pieces of the Spanish Civil War, the R-rated fantasy film follows a young girl named Ofelia as she faces the violent reality of the Francoist period and stumbles upon a dark wonderland in the shadows (or at least the shadows of her imagination). 

As del Toro was coming off two more commercial movies in Blade II and Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth is a breathtaking highlight in an all-time great filmmaker’s career. Across two hours, the Spanish-language movie brings to life an extraordinary vision that beautifully balances being twisted and innocent all at once with memorable horror, gore, mythical creations and a ton of gorgeous practical creature effects. How does he balance a magical quest with political drama? Some especially memorable words in Pan’s Labyrinth answers that question: If “door is locked,” one must “create your own.” In a landscape where fairytales can be predictable, del Toro opened a wonderfully defiant world of his own with Pan’s Labyrinth.

20. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) And Vol. 2 (2004)

After turning the heist movie on its head with 1992’s Reservoir Dogs, and changing the way audiences perceive movies in general (and winning a screenwriting Oscar) with 1994’s Pulp Fiction, Quentin Tarantino very quickly made himself into one of the most unique and esteemed icons of the medium. However, after releasing his 1997 Elmore Leonard adaptation, Jackie Brown, we would not see him direct anything for another six years. Little did we know that he was planning to come back with something big — so big, that just one movie was not enough to tell the story. Based on a character Tarantino created with star Uma Thurman on the Pulp Fiction set, Kill Bill follows a deadly assassin initially known only as The Bride — one of the greatest female action heroes — who wakes up from a four-year coma with a furious urge to punish those who tried to put her to sleep permanently, with her former boss (David Carradine) being the primary target. 

For years, it was debated whether or not the stylistically disparate halves of the story — with Vol. 1 being an ode to ‘70s kung fu movies and Vol. 2 counting as Tarantino’s first western, essentially — should count as one film. Well, even if the director had never officially clarified that he does see Kill Bill as one movie, we still would have designated one spot for both volumes of this exquisitely crafted, gorgeously choreographed, visually and emotionally breathtaking epic on this list, because that is the only way to experience "the whole bloody affair.” 

• A Kill Bill Quote To Remember: “That's right. I killed your master. And now I'm gonna kill you too, with your own sword, no less, which in the very immediate future, will become... my sword.” (The Bride)

19. Training Day (2001)

In 100 years, when film historians look back to determine why Denzel Washington was considered one of the best actors of his generation, director Antoine Fuqua's Training Day should be at the top of any screening list. Detective Alonzo Harris is a special kind of monster, and Washington’s work offers incredible escalation and power. At first, he just seems like a hardened detective who has made some scary discoveries about how best to patrol the city of Los Angeles, but he becomes a whole different kind of beast by the end – one that King Kong ain’t got nothin’ on.

But while Training Day features an all-time great performance from one of the all-time great actors, not to be ignored is just how terrific the movie as a whole is. Ethan Hawke is also at the top of his game as up-and-coming officer Jake Hoyt, who faces death and peril as he slowly understands the real game that Alonzo is playing, and David Ayer’s screenplay is special – packing the believable character arcs and growing stakes into a limited 24-hour time frame. Even on the tenth viewing it is successful at raising your pulse and getting you to invest in the protagonist’s peril, and that’s the mark of a truly great thriller.

• A Training Day Quote To Remember: “You gotta control your smiles and cries, because that's all you have and nobody can take that away from you.” (Jake Hoyt)

18. The Wrestler (2008)

Still considered one of the best movies of 2008 more than a decade later, Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler is a grueling battle royale of emotions that doesn’t pull any punches with its story about a broken-down professional wrestler looking for one last shot at redemption. Channeling both the triumph and tragedy, and the agony and ecstasy of putting one’s life on the line day-in and day-out for decades, Mickey Rourke gave audiences the performance of a lifetime with his portrayal of washed-up wrestler, Randy “The Ram” Robinson, a one-time larger-than-life titan caught somewhere between his past and uncertain future.

There are a lot of parallels between the character and Rouke’s own journey in this semi-autobiographical drama, which adds a tremendous amount of depth to not only his performance, but also the movie in general. Though wrestling is often considered a fake sport, Rourke’s performance and Aronofsky’s commitment to portraying the industry in an honest and genuine light is incredibly real. The physical, mental, and emotional pain can be felt in each of Randy’s movements, heard in his voice, and seen in his eyes as the former champ wrestles in high school gyms and attempts to make ends meet by taking on shifts at a local grocery store deli. Then there are the religious allegories that are explored through Randy’s character, as well as Marisa Tomei’s Cassidy, which make it all even more potent.

• A The Wrestler Quote To Remember: “I'll tell you somethin', I hate the fuckin' 90's.” (Randy Robinson)

17. Finding Nemo (2003)

Pixar has created some of the greatest animated films of all time, and Finding Nemo may be the studio’s true crowning achievement. It is as beautifully animated as it is emotionally powerful. The undersea world of Nemo is gorgeous simply to look at, and that’s just as true today as it was when the film was released. 

2003's Finding Nemo’s voice casting is second to none. Nobody does neurotic like Albert Brooks. Nobody can play clueless like Ellen DeGeneres. Nobody plays a tough guy of questionable sanity like Willem Dafoe. These are the actors you would cast if you were telling this story in live-action, and they bring it all to the voice performances in a way that truly brings these characters to life.

And Finding Nemo is able to balance its emotional extremes perfectly. We’re used to Pixar movies making us cry but years before Up, Finding Nemo opened with an incredibly heartbreaking moment. But after that, it’s able to be hilarious, scary, and even exciting. Finally, it concludes with the sort of resolution that stands the test of time, as young children will see the film and relate with Nemo, then grow up, and begin to understand Marlin in a new way.  Nemo does it all, not bad for a clownfish with a bad fin. 

• A Finding Nemo Quote To Remember: “Of course I like you. It’s because I like you, I don’t want to be with you. It’s a complicated emotion.” (Marlin)

16. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

“I think this just might be my masterpiece.” That’s the final line in writer/director Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, and coming as it does at the end of 153 minutes of perfection, it’s hard not to read it as a message directly from the filmmaker to the audience. In 2009, Tarantino was coming off of a low point in his career with the disappointing theatrical release of Grindhouse, but his follow-up is a phenomenal World War II epic that only he could make: Nazi-killing action packaged in a love letter to cinema.

Two stories – the revenge of Mélanie Laurent's Shosanna Dreyfus and the mission of the titular troop – play out in parallel with equal captivating energy right up until they collide in the (literally) explosive finale. While there isn’t a star in the expansive ensemble who doesn’t deliver a memorable performance (from Brad Pitt to Michael Fassbender to even Mike Myers), there isn’t a person who can watch the film and not walk away mesmerized by the work done by Christoph Waltz in his star-making turn as Hans Landa. It’s not an easy thing to blend a vibe of dastardly evil with sharp charisma, but Waltz is a force in the role, and it remains the best thing he has done in his career.

• An Inglourious Basterds Quote To Remember: “Well, you don't got to be Stonewall Jackson to know you don't want to fight in a basement.” (Lt. Aldo Raine)

15. Spirited Away (2001)

Studio Ghibli is one of the world's most-known anime film studios. Co-founded by legendary anime director Hayao Miyazaki, the studio has created some of the best anime films of all time, one of which is Spirited Away – which Hayao Miyazaki directed. 

Spirited Away is about a journey into the spirit world following the young Chihiro. Taking place in Japan, we follow the little girl, who happens to be moving to a new neighborhood with her family. When her parents decide to take a shortcut to their new home and explore what looks to be an abandoned amusement park, Chihiro is forced to go along. However, there's magic everywhere, and her mom and dad turn into pigs against their will for eating a gluttonous feast. For her to get them back, she must work for the spirits in the bathhouse, so they can return to the human world. 

The premise itself sounds like a lot at first, but it's become Studio Ghibli’s – and Hayao Miyazaki's – highest-grossing film. It’s also the only anime film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and the only hand-drawn film (so far) to accomplish the task. The movie features themes about love and learning to grow up and be brave. It's the perfect gateway movie into the anime film – indeed, one of the best movies of the 2000s. 

• A Spirited Away Quote To Remember: “I don't need any help; this place is full of soot.” (Kamaji)

14. The Prestige (2006)

The Prestige is a battle of wills between two talented and irreparably flawed magicians, who can’t stay out of each other’s lives. Their differing roles in a shared tragedy push them apart and then repeatedly back together, as their initial determination to succeed steadily gives way to an obsession for vengeance. That obsession drives them to sacrifice and abandon everything healthy about their lives until they’re each left with only a singular drive to sabotage the other.

Based on that description, The Prestige sounds like a really dark movie. In many ways, it is, but in director Christopher Nolan’s hands, it’s also often really fun. It has a sense of wonder and mystery about it, as it not only dives into the idiosyncrasies of magic but also the exciting possibilities of science in the 1890s and early 1900s. It was a time and place in which anything felt possible, and you really feel that hopeful uncertainty thanks to a timeline that jumps to and fro and fantastic performances from Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall and a perfectly cast David Bowie as Nikola Tesla. Like a great magic trick, the first time you watch The Prestige, you’re fascinated by the spectacle and simply along for the ride. Then every time you rewatch it afterwards, you’re blown away by all the subtle skill required to pull it off.

• A The Prestige Quote To Remember: “Nobody cares about the man in the box.” (Robert Angier)

13. There Will Be Blood (2007)

Looking back, 2007 was one of the best movie years in recent memory, considering classics like No Country For Old Men, Zodiac, and Superbad all premiered on the big screen. But one of the biggest, baddest, and most arresting of those releases was Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood. An epic period drama about oilman Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) doing everything in his power and stepping on anyone in his way in his quest for wealth in the early 20th-century oil boom, the movie is a deep and vast exploration of a man’s psyche and desire to become the biggest player in the game.

While Day-Lewis’s performance is tremendous and more than deserving of the Oscar he received, it’s made even better thanks to his character’s conflict with Eli Sunday (Paul Dano), a religious zealot who is just as tenacious and hungry for power as his counterpart. Several of the movie’s most iconic scenes (like the oil-town baptism and shocking ending sequence) are the result of the actor’s tremendous chemistry and ability to play off each other’s words. The pair, who get along like oil and holy water, create a dynamic that’s not quite a battle between good and evil, but instead something much deeper than that, which adds another level to this incredible cinematic achievement.

• A There Will Be Blood Quote To Remember: “You're an orphan from a basket in the middle of the desert, and I took you for no other reason than I needed a sweet face to buy land.” (Daniel)

12. In Bruges (2008)

Prior to 2008, Martin McDonagh was established as a talented and popular playwright, but he had ambitions to make his way into movies. In 2004, he directed the incredible short film Six Shooter (which won an Academy Award), and then he moved to features. He made his debut with In Bruges, and anyone who saw it instantly recognized McDonagh’s potential to become one of the best filmmakers working today (potential he has made good on with the genius of Seven Psychopaths, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and The Banshees of Inisherin).

In Bruges takes a high concept premise – two hitman hide out in Belgium waiting for instructions after a job goes bad – and weaves a remarkable meditation on life and death. It’s a dark comedy (and a hilarious one at that), but it has a beautiful blend of tones that radiate from the genius work of stars Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes. Farrell and Gleeson have a unique chemistry that works on both comedic and dramatic levels (it’s far from a mystery why McDonagh reunited them for The Banshees of Inisherin) and the bizarrely rage and logic-filled energy that Fiennes brings in the third act is icing on the cake.

• An In Bruges Quote To Remember: “I kinda like hearing people having sex. Means at least somebody around here's happy.” (Ray)

11. Almost Famous (2000)

If a 15-year-old going on tour with a raucous rock band wasn’t enough of a hook, Almost Famous also happens to have one of the most memorable posters/ DVD box covers of all time. It focuses on the enigmatic Penny Lane, the heroine of Cameron Crowe’s film, whom everyone loves to love and admire and most don’t bother to understand. With distinct shades and tendrils of blonde hair, she draws you into her world of Humble Pie and heartbreak, and in between commentary on what made the ’70s the ’70s and a slick soundtrack including Led Zeppelin, The Who and of course Elton John, she helps turn the film into one of the best of the 2000s.

It’s a career-defining performance for Kate Hudson, and she’s not the only one who delivers. Jason Lee grows a mustache and long hair to fall into his hilarious lead singer role while Billy Crudup is similarly unrecognizable as the talented and moody Russell Hammond. Patrick Fugit plays William Miller, younger than most but wiser than some, and he finds a terrific foil in Philip Seymour Hoffman, who plays famed music writer Lester Bangs. Throw in great work from Frances McDormand, Zooey Deschanel and even Jimmy Fallon and it’s a masterclass of terrific performances. If it’s been a while since you’ve revisited the movie, maybe throw on some purple-tinted sunglasses and kick back to the tune of Simon & Garfunkel’s “America.” Settle in, you’re almost home.

• An Almost Famous Quote To Remember: “If you never take it seriously, you never get hurt. If you never get hurt, you always have fun. And if you ever get lonely, you just go to the record store and visit your friends.” (Penny Lane)

10. No Country For Old Men (2007)

No matter what kind of film genre is up for discussion, the power and breadth of the Coen Brothers' filmography is worthy of inclusion, and they don't make 'em much better than 2007's No Country for Old Men. An adaptation of Carmac McCarthy’s 2005 novel that’s every bit as faithful as it is chilling, the film meticulously dips its toes most heavily into the cinematic waters of crime thrillers and westerns. That said, Javier Bardem’s unflinching hitman, Anton Chigurh, would be at home in any horror narrative, with his Two-Face-esque coin flips and an unstoppable drive that rivals Jason Voorhees or Michael Meyers. At least if a big ol’ stack of cash was also their end goal.

Despite being one of Joel and Ethan Coen’s driest films regarding their signature screwball humor, the movie is an exercise in tension that thrives on its lack of levity, though it’s hard not to smile whenever Woody Harrelson is on the screen in any capacity. With a stellar cast including Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt and more, No Country for Old Men is, to date, the only Coen brothers masterpiece to win them the Oscars for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture, with Bardem taking the gold for Best Supporting Actor. It’s not the awards that best signify its impact, however, but the bolt pistol gripped in Chigurh’s ever-steady hand.

• A No Country For Old Men Quote To Remember: “Well all the time ya spend trying to get back what's been took from ya, more is going out the door. After a while you just have to try to get a tourniquet on it.” (Ellis)

9. Memento (2000)

Talk about a movie that you definitely need to watch without your phone in your hand. Christopher Nolan’s Memento is a mind-bending combination of different angles that demands and deserves your entire attention. The story is told backward, broken up by clips of a black and white, forward-moving montage of a mysterious one-sided phone call in a hotel, led by Guy Pearce, whose character Leonard, also happens to have anterograde (or short-term) amnesia, stopping our protagonist from creating new memories as he looks for his wife’s killer, who also gave him this debilitating injury.

As mentioned, Nolan basically begins at the end and works his way back, for the most part. The juxtaposition of the timelines bring the audience into the obvious confusion that Leonard lives with every day. "Even if you get revenge, you're not going to remember it," he's told by his new friend Teddy (played by Joe Pantoliano) but his reply shows just how far his love and determination will go, stating "My wife deserves revenge whether or not I remember it."  Toss in Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss) to add some confusing sympathy (or treachery) and you will probably want a second viewing just to wrap your mind around what you might have initially dismissed as unimportant plot points from this Nolan classic. You’ll notice that Nolan has popped up numerous times on this list (and rightfully so) and he has also once again recently hit it out of the park with 2023’s Oppenheimer.  

• A Memento Quote To Remember: “So you lie to yourself to be happy. There’s nothing wrong with that. We all do it.” (Teddy G.)

8. Wall-E (2008)

Do you know who is a genius? Sound designer Ben Burtt. You might not know his name, but you certainly know the movies he contributed to over the years, including Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and 2009’s Star Trek. Burtt designed the “vocals” for R2-D2, Darth Vader’s heavy breathing, and the “voice” of E.T. But, his work truly soared when he lent dialogue to the adorable Waste Allocation Load Lifter assigned to an abandoned Earth. MIraculously, the first half of Pixar’s ingenious WALL-E works as a silent film, following our main character as it goes about its daily routine with a pet cockroach in tow. WALL-E’s life is upended when another robot named EVE arrives, searching for any sign of life. 

From there, the fate of humanity starts to be revealed, and it’s rather grim. Director Andrew Stanton’s animation for the film ranks as some of Pixar’s most magnificent, embracing the scorched orange of a deserted Earth and then painting with vivid colors for WALL-E’s eventual outer-space adventure. The environmental messages of the film are important without ever being preachy. And, the eventual romance felt and shared by WALL-E and EVE will lift every single heart, with the lovers sharing hardly any words. 

• A Wall-E Quote To Remember: “I see the ship's log is showing that today is the 700th anniversary of our five year cruise. Well, I'm sure our forefathers would be proud to know that 700 years later we'd be... doing the exact same thing they were doing.” (Captain B. McCrea)

7. The Departed (2006)

There are crime films and then there are Martin Scorsese crime films, and when it comes to The Departed, the director doesn’t let us down. A remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, the 2006 movie gives us a range of characters to root for, root against or simply watch just to see what they’ll do or say next. That includes Leonardo DiCaprio’s undercover cop character Billy Costigan, Matt Damon’s sneaky, spying Colin Sullivan, Jack Nicholson’s mob boss character Frank Costello, and Vera Farmiga’s well-meaning therapist Dr. Madolyn Madden. To say that things get complicated might be understating it, but it’s the complexity of the characters and their roles in this story that makes The Departed such a fantastic and gripping movie from beginning to end. 

In a way, it’s all business for everyone involved, but it’s also personal for each character on some level or another. It’s impossible not to feel anxious for DiCaprio’s character as he attempts to navigate the criminal world without being caught for who he really is, just as it’s impossible not to grow increasingly frustrated by Matt Damon’s character for posing as an upstanding law enforcer who’s actually up to no good. It’s thrilling, stressful, riveting and ultimately satisfying, and that’s not even factoring in Mark Wahlberg’s character every time he has something to say (that’s just a bonus). 

• A The Departed Quote To Remember: “You know what I like about restaurants? . . . You can learn a lot, watching things eat.” (Frank Costello)

6. Best In Show (2000)

Nobody does mockumentaries like Christopher Guest, and 2000’s Best in Show is an absolute masterclass. The mundane musings of everyday conversation combine with outlandish characters and awkward situations to deliver one of the best movies of the decade. The dog show is the event that brings these unique and individually brilliant characters under one roof, but it’s no Maguffin. As bonkers as each dog-lover’s trip is to get to the show, everything is turned up to 11, if you will, when they all come together, and the event itself is perfectly colored by Fred Willard’s commentary.

There’s a reason this phenomenal cast has stuck together to appear in other projects. The chemistry between Eugene Levy’s Gerry and Catherine O’Hara’s Cookie (with her “hundreds” of boyfriends) left people begging for more, which they got in A Mighty Wind. Jennifer Coolidge was excellent in her attempts to substantiate her marriage to her ancient sugar daddy husband by saying they bonded over a love of soup and the ability to “not talk or talk forever.” The genius casting of John Michael Higgins and Michael McKean gave audiences the married couple they never knew they needed. 

Best in Show exploits the banal in some situations while heightening reality in others, to where Harlan Pepper naming nuts and the couple describing how they met at Starbucks (but two different Starbucks) land laughs just as hard as Gerry’s literal two left feet or Cookie walking with her knee out of socket.

• A Best In Show Quote To Remember: “Why don’t they put the bloodhound — put on one of those Sherlock Holmes hats and put a little pipe in his mouth? Are they ever allowed to do anything like that? Dress up the dog in a funny way? It would really get the crowd going. You know what I mean? The Sherlock Holmes hat with a pipe. I don’t know if you could make it look like smoke is coming out of the pipe.” (Buck Laughlin)

5. Zodiac (2007)

David Fincher’s greatest accomplishment, and that’s saying a lot. The director has spent countless hours analyzing the compulsion that drives people to seek the truth – be it lawyers parsing through statements to figure out who invented Facebook (The Social Network), or detectives tracking a serial killer who is inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins (Seven). But Zodiac is Fincher’s magnum opus, an engrossing true-crime thriller based on the books of Robert Graysmith tracking the diligent work of three men consumed by the search for the identity of the Zodiac Killer. 

Jake Gyllanhaal serves as the ideal audience surrogate, a puzzle designer for the San Francisco Chronicle who gets swept up in the mystery of the serial killer, who antagonized the police and the media as he committed vicious murders around San Francisco in the 1970s, Fincher painstakingly recreates the time period with breathtaking visuals and top-notch costuming and set design. His emphasis on the bustle of a newsroom is particularly spot on. The film also lingers in the haze of fear, anxiety, and suspense that comes from a killer on the loose. But it’s the supporting roles of Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo, as well as an inability to truly deliver a concrete ending, that makes Zodiac such a rewatchable movie, and a captivating masterpiece.

• A Zodiac Quote To Remember: “I am not the Zodiac. And if I was, I certainly wouldn't tell you.” (Arthur Leigh Allen)

4. Mean Girls (2004)

From wearing pink on Wednesdays to shouting “You go Glen Coco” it’s undeniable that Mean Girls has seriously influenced pop culture over the last (almost) two decades. So, “get in loser,” it’s time to appreciate this beloved coming-of-age comedy from Tina Fey.

This movie is a classic teenage tale about a girl who moves from Africa to the United States where she experiences the rude awakening that is high school by way of The Plastics. While it’s your typical coming-of-age story, it’s infused with the signature sense of humor from Fey – who was in the midst of her legendary run at Saturday Night Live – and it shows the high school experience in a totally unique way with a cast of characters played by actors who have since become icons. 

Not only did the film solidify Lindsay Lohan as an early 2000s star, it also simultaneously jumpstarted the careers of many in the Mean Girls cast, including little known actresses like Rachel McAdams and Amanda Seyfried. On top of that, its legacy has lived on, as it was adapted into a Broadway musical, and is eventually coming back to the screen with an adaptation of said stage production. To say this film is a quintessential 2000s classic almost feels like an understatement because of the lasting impact it has managed to have on people of all ages since its release in 2004. 

• A Mean Girls Quote To Remember: "She doesn't even go here!" (Damian)

3. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)

You could argue that Jim Carrey makes much better dramatic movies than he does comedic features. And that opinion is coming from someone who adores Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, as well as Dumb & Dumber. But when you factor in the dramatic detours he embarked on for The Truman Show, Man on the Moon, and this incredible romance, you begin to wonder how many Oscars Carrey might have if he got the industry to treat him seriously, instead of talking out of his ass (literally). 

Carrey and Kate Winslet are magnificent as Joel and Clementine, two soul mates who undergo a radical procedure to have their memories of each other erased after a bitter argument. Only screenwriter Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation) could keep such a twisty premise from flying off the rails. And while the side-mission actions of the memory technicians can get a little silly, we remain wholly invested in Joel and Clementine’s complicated journey because of the heartbroken and beautiful chemistry shared between Carrey and Winslet. It’s a real challenge presented to these stars, as we’re not supposed to know whether Joel and Clementine are better off together or apart. But the satisfying resolution says as much about fate as it does about the existence of true love, so long as we remember how and when to look for it.

• An Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind Quote To Remember: “Constantly talking isn’t necessarily communicating.” (Joel Barish)

2. The Dark Knight (2008)

It’s been said before, but it’ll be said again – The Dark Knight is one of the greatest superhero films (and one of the greatest movies) ever made. Christopher Nolan’s ambition as a filmmaker has been well-noted, but even he outdid himself with his 2008 follow-up to 2005’s Batman Begins. The second chapter in the journey of Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne sees the iconic DC Comics hero going up against the dangerous and unpredictable Joker. All the while, the Caped Crusader and his allies must also contend with mob bosses and Harvey Dent, Gotham City’s honorable district attorney who becomes the deformed Two-Face.

Where does one even start when it comes to singing this movie’s praises? There’s the impeccable screenplay, massive set pieces, engrossing score and much more. Yet I suppose what stands out the most are the performances, especially that of the late Heath Ledger. The actor, who posthumously won an Oscar for his work, fully committed to his role as the Clown Prince of Crime and is absolutely mesmerizing. His villainous turn is just one of the many reasons why Nolan’s film is a thrilling and compelling piece of work that’s still incredibly entertaining now, over a decade later.

• A The Dark Knight Quote To Remember: “Do I really look like a guy with a plan? You know what I am? I'm a dog chasing cars. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it! You know, I just...do things.” (The Joker)

1. City Of God (2002)

Making its Brazil and festival run in 2002 and eventually hitting theaters in the U.S. and elsewhere  in the year that followed, Fernando Meirelles’ City of God, based on Paulo Lins’ semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, served as an inflection point in the world of cinema and served as a preview of what the the next few years would look like. Told through the eyes of young photographer Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues), the movie explores the life of street kids in the Cidade de Deus (City of God) favela in Rio de Janeiro, an expansive slum filled with endless supplies of drugs, ruthless gangsters, and corrupt cops who allow the madness to continue. One of the most violent movies of the 2000s, City of God is a lesson in brutality, especially whenever depicting the exploits of Li’l Dice (Douglas Silva), a ruthless and sociopathic young criminal who stops at nothing in his quest for complete control. Oddly enough, the older version of the character known as Li’l Ze (Leandro Firmino) never comes off as cold blooded as his younger self, which further illustrates the movie’s point about youth and violence. 

At the same time, City of God is also one of the most beautiful movies of the 2000s, and not just on an aesthetic level (though César Charlone’s cinematography is out of this world). The endearing spirit of those who wish to escape a life of crime, ranging from Rocket to the ill-fated drug dealer Benny (Phellipe Haagensen), adds a level of heart and soul one may not expect from a two-hour crime drama about young criminals with short fuses and, in many cases, tragically  shorter lifespans. 

• A City Of God Quote To Remember: “You need more than guts to be a good gangster; you need ideas.” (Rocket)

How we put this list together

Using a combination of internal recommendations and other best of lists, we compiled a spreadsheet of all the movies from the 2000s that we considered to be culturally relevant and/or critically well-reviewed. We pushed together some multi-part movies like Kill Bill and Lord Of The Rings and then had our staff of almost 30 go through and assign a score for each movie they’ve seen based on their own personal opinions. We disqualified any movies that didn’t get a minimum number of ratings and dropped the lowest score for each, as if we were judging a figure skating competition. We then ordered the top 100 based on average score and had someone who gave that movie a particularly high score write up a paragraph explaining what’s so great about it. This rigorous scientific process resulted in Idiocracy being slotted at 101, an omission I’m still furious about.

While some horror sequels can be awesome, for every Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 there is the critically reviled The Exorcist 2: the Heretic. In a genre plagued by an overabundance of sequels and never-ending franchises, it’s refreshing to stumble upon some great horror movies that break the mold and refuse to tread the familiar path. As horror enthusiasts, we know too well the deluge of repetitive sequels that water down the impact of a once-terrifying concept. However, there are some hidden gems in the horror vaults—films that dared to stand alone, eschewing the allure of franchise riches. 

In this list, we celebrate 20 such remarkable horror movies that never succumbed to the temptation of a sequel, proving that a well-crafted one-off tale can haunt our nightmares just as effectively as an entire franchise.

Peeping Tom (1960) 

Directed by Michael Powell, Peeping Tom was far ahead of its time. He broke new ground in horror. While countless flicks have explored voyeurism and the twisted psyche of a serial killer through Mark Lewis, a shy and reclusive film crew member who secretly films and murders his victims, Powell was a trailblazer. Despite its cult classic status and influence on the slasher genre, the film remained a stand-alone masterpiece with no sequels. It received scathing reviews upon release but later gained recognition as an unsettling cult classic.

Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things (1972)

Bob Clark, known for directing Black Christmas, A Christmas Story (check out 10 behind-the-scenes facts about the holiday classic), and Porky’s, began his career with the tragically underseen Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things, a unique blend of horror and dark comedy. The story follows a theatre troupe that accidentally awakens the dead during a macabre ritual, leading to a night of terror. Although a remake was planned, it never came to fruition after Director Bob Clark died in 2007, leaving the original as a cherished one-time experience.

Frogs (1972) 

Jaws is arguably one of the best '70s movies and is responsible for reigniting the killer animal flick, but before we were all afraid to set foot into the ocean, there was Frogs – a creepy eco-horror directed by George McCowan. Despite the misleading title, it’s not just frogs involved but amphibians and reptiles launching a deadly assault on humanity, causing chaos on an isolated island. The story centers around grumpy Southern chemical baron Jason Crockett and wildlife photographer Pickett Smith, who discovers bizarre animal behavior on the island. Remaining a stand-alone tale of ecological revenge, Frogs rejects franchise aspirations and holds significance as one of Sam Elliott’s earliest starring roles.

My Bloody Valentine (1981)

Long before the slew of slasher sequels flooded the market, My Bloody Valentine stood as a grisly standout, directed by George Mihalka. The film gained cult status and had a 2009 remake. Still, despite the development of a potential sequel titled The Return of the Miner in the '90s and Aughts, it never materialized possibly due, at least in part, to a tragic accident involving the original producer, John Dunning. With the release of the mostly positively received 2009 remake, any chance of a sequel faded away, leaving My Bloody Valentine as a stand-alone '80s horror gem.

Possession (1981) 

Possession, helmed by Andrzej Żuławski, defies easy categorization, blending horror, drama, and surrealism elements. The film explores a crumbling marriage through an arthouse cinema lens while mixing with a creature feature as a bizarre creature emerges from the void. With its nightmarish visuals and intense performances, Possession carved its own niche, never needing a follow-up to maintain its enigmatic allure.

 The Stuff (1985) 

Larry Cohen’s The Stuff is one of the '80s movies that don’t get enough love. Serving up satirical horror as an addictive alien substance becomes a popular dessert, turning people into zombies. Despite its humorous approach to consumerism and body horror, the film stands alone, avoiding franchise potential.

Scarecrows (1988) 

Bearing a chilling atmosphere and over-the-top violence, Scarecrows, directed by William Wesley, introduced us to a group of bank robbers trapped on a haunted farm. The scarecrows’ curse and their unrelenting pursuit of the intruders gave horror fans a memorable experience. Nevertheless, the film never branched out, keeping its haunted harvest confined to a single terrifying tale.

The Faculty (1998)

The Faculty is one of a number of great Robert Rodriguez films. Blending sci-fi and horror, high school students battle against parasitic aliens invading their school. With a stellar young cast and sharp writing, the film enjoyed moderate success but never propagated sequels, preserving its status as an enjoyable stand-alone thriller.

Idle Hands (1999) 

Part horror, part comedy, Idle Hands, directed by Rodman Flender, is an iconic '90s flick that delivers a macabre coming-of-age story about a slacker whose hand becomes possessed and commits murder on its own. Despite its cult following, the film never received a follow-up appendage, though its star, Devon Sawa, says he’s open to returning to the quirky and delightful universe. 

Frailty (2001) 

Frailty, the directorial debut of Bill Paxton, enchanted audiences with its chilling tale of a father who believes God has commanded him to destroy demons hiding among ordinary people. This underrated horror movie’s dark and haunting narrative and a masterful Matthew McConaughey performance left a lasting impression, but the story remained contained within a single gripping installment.

The Others (2001) 

As Nicole Kidman’s tour-de-force performance captivated audiences, The Others emerged as a psychological horror experience that is legitimately scary, despite being PG-13. Alejandro Amenábar’s atmospheric ghost story earned critical acclaim and became a benchmark for haunted house tales. However, the film chose not to linger in the realm of sequels, preserving its haunting essence, though a remake has been in development since 2020. 

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead breathed new life into the zombie genre with its brilliant blend of horror and comedy. Simon Pegg’s titular Shaun faced an undead apocalypse with wit and charm, making this British rom-zom-com, though part of the director’s unofficial “The Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy,” a beloved and best zombie movie with no intentions of resurrection.

Trick ‘r Treat (2007) 

Trick ‘r Treat holds a special place as one of the best horror anthologies and Halloween movies. This delightful and dark anthology, directed by Michael Dougherty, weaves interconnected stories of terror and mischief on Halloween night. With its beloved status among horror fans, the movie’s director has faced challenges getting a sequel off the ground, but for now, it remains content as a stand-alone and unique tale of Halloween horrors.

The Loved Ones (2009) 

Sean Byrne’s Australian horror The Loved Ones took the theme of teenage obsession to twisted extremes. As a lovelorn girl orchestrates a horrifying prom night, the film sends shockwaves through audiences. Despite its spine-tingling effect, filmmakers chose not to relive its horrors in any further installments.

The Crazies (2010) 

Breathing new life into George A. Romero’s original, The Crazies 2010 remake, directed by Breck Eisner, was critically well received and amplified the tension and terror of a small town struck by a military-engineered virus. With its gripping suspense and visceral scares, the film earned its place as a stand-alone horror tale.

The Cabin in the Woods (2012) 

Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard turned the horror genre on its head with The Cabin in the Woods, a meta deconstruction of horror movie tropes. Combining satire, comedy, and genuine scares, the film offered a fresh take on horror, and while fans may have wanted more, the director said he doesn’t want to “fuck it up” and has wisely kept it an isolated excursion into the unknown, which makes sense given its ending.

It Follows (2014) 

David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows breathed new life into the supernatural horror genre with its haunting premise of a malevolent entity passing from person to person through sexual contact. The film’s artistic flair and haunting score left a lasting impression. Still, its narrative never ventured beyond the confines of a single, terrifying pursuit, even though the movie’s director expressed interest in a sequel in a 2015 Slate interview.

Hush (2016) 

In Hush, director Mike Flanagan delivers a taut and suspenseful home invasion thriller with a unique twist - the protagonist is deaf and mute. The film follows a writer living a solitary life in the woods, fighting for survival in silence, when a masked killer appears at her window. With its innovative premise and heart-pounding tension, Hush is a well-regarded stand-alone gem in the horror genre.

Terrified (2017) 

Terrified (Aterrados), an Argentinean supernatural horror film, follows paranormal researchers investigating strange events in a Buenos Aires neighborhood. The film’s inventive scares and clever storytelling left audiences craving more, but its creators chose to keep its eerie mysteries contained. However, a 2018 report by Variety revealed that Guillermo Del Toro is set to produce a remake for Fox Searchlight.

Hereditary (2018) 

Ari Aster’s directorial debut, Hereditary, stunned audiences with its unflinching exploration of grief and terror within a family, solidifying it as one of the best A24 horror films. One of Toni Collette’s most haunting and best performances, which should have won her an Oscar, and the film’s dread-soaked atmosphere earned widespread acclaim. Nevertheless, the film embraced its status as a self-contained nightmare, never seeking to continue the harrowing tale.

While sequels and franchises are an integral part of the horror genre, the films mentioned above stand as shining examples of the power of a well-executed stand-alone horror experience. These one-off wonders have etched their indelible mark on the genre’s history, reminding us that sometimes, the scariest stories are the ones that know when to end. As we continue to seek the thrill of the unknown, let’s celebrate these 20 great horror movies for their unique ability to leave us terrified and satisfied, all in a single unforgettable sitting. And, who knows, maybe some of the upcoming horror flicks on the 2023 movie schedule will soon find their way on this list.

Jamie Foxx tried his hand at horror-comedy movies in 2022 with Day Shift, in which the Academy Award winner plays a hunter of vampires lurking in the San Fernando Valley. If you are like me, this addition to the 2022 Netflix movie schedule might have gotten you in the mood to revisit other flicks about monsters like werewolves, ghosts, zombies, or other creatures from more traditional horror stories that also have a good sense of humor. If you are looking to have a scary good time, the following are some of the most hilarious creature features now available on streaming — starting with one of the best funny vampire moves in recent memory.

What We Do In The Shadows (2014)

A group of centuries-old bloodsuckers (including Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement, and Jonathan Brugh) invite a film crew into their New Zealand home to document their struggles with romance, sunlight, rival werewolf packs, and modern times in general. 

Why it’s a great funny monster movie: Waititi (the future Academy Award-winning director of Jojo Rabbit and two of Marvel’s Thor movies) and Flight of the Conchords star Clement also co-wrote and co-directed What We Do in the Shadows — a cleverly convincing and thoroughly hilarious, mockumentary-style send-up of lore pioneered by Bram Stoker that later inspired a hit sitcom on FX.

Rent (or buy) What We Do In The Shadows on Amazon.

Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

An aimless technology store salesman (Simon Pegg), his lazy best friend and housemate (Nick Frost), his fed-up ex-girlfriend (Kate Ashfield), and others struggle to survive an outbreak of flesh-eating, reanimated corpses attacking London.

Why it’s a great funny monster movie: The film that put director Edgar Wright on the map and solidified his star and co-writer Pegg as one of the sharpest talents in both comedy and genre story-telling is Shaun of the Dead — less a spoof than it is a love letter to the horror subgenre pioneered by George A. Romero and, genuinely, one of the most believable zombie movies of all time for its authentic use of humor amongst earnest and grisly thrills.

Stream Shaun Of The Dead on Peacock Premium.
Rent (or buy) Shaun Of The Dead on Amazon.

Zombieland (2009)

A mild-mannered slacker (Academy Award nominee Jesse Eisenberg), a Southern-fried loner (Academy Award nominee Woody Harrelson), a strong-willed con artist (Academy Award winner Emma Stone) and her younger sister/partner-in-crime (Academy Award nominee Abigail Breslin) become unlikely companions on the road to a possible safe haven after the world becomes overrun with the undead.

Why it’s a great funny monster movie: While not quite as realistic or even as scary as the aforementioned British horror-comedy above, this hit from Uncharted director Ruben Fleischer and Deadpool scribes Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick — is easily one of the most exhilaratingly fun takes on the zombie movie genre ever made, with special thanks to the Zombieland cast — who reunited for a follow-up a decade later. 

Rent (or buy) Zombieland on Amazon.

An American Werewolf In London (1981)

After suffering a horrific attack while backpacking in the English countryside, a student from the U.S. (David Naughton) is haunted by the ghost of his best friend (Griffin Dunne), who warns him about the vicious beast he will soon become at the next full moon.

Why it’s a great funny monster movie: While cleverly witty and overtly silly enough to be considered a comedy, writer and director John Landis’ An American Werewolf in London is still considered to be among the all-time finest movies about lycanthropes, especially for a monumental transformation sequence courtesy of Rick Baker’s Academy Award-winning makeup effects.

Stream An American Werewolf In London on Amazon Prime.

Ghostbusters (1984)

Three fired parapsychologists from New York (Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis) and a fourth team member who joins later (Ernie Hudson) hunt and trap paranormal entities terrorizing the city.

Why it’s a great funny monster movie: No film about spiritual hauntings has ever been more of an uproarious, feel-good time than Ghostbusters — an undisputed classic written by stars Aykroyd and Ramis and directed by the influential comedic filmmaker, Ivan Reitman.

Stream Ghostbusters on Hulu.
Rent (or buy) Ghostbusters on Amazon.

Gremlins (1984)

An absent-minded inventor (Hoyt Axton) brings home a Christmas gift for his son (Zach Galligan) in the form of an adorable, furry, one-of-a-kind creature that — if a certain set of rules are not followed — could mean danger for his small town.

Why it’s a great funny monster movie: There is no doubt that the titular batch of little green monsters in Gremlins are deadly, but they will also surely have you dying with laughter at their cartoonish antics in this classic holiday horror flick from writer Christopher Columbus, producer Steven Spielberg, and director Joe Dante.

Stream Gremlins on HBO Max.
Rent (or buy) Gremlins on Amazon.

Tremors (1990)

In a small, dreary desert community in Nevada, a pair of disillusioned handymen (Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward) are forced to put their plans for leaving town on hold when a horde of giant, underground-dwelling, man-eating worms begin swallowing up their friends.

Why it’s a great funny monster movie: Also one of the best Kevin Bacon movies and the one proved him to be an all-time great Scream King a decade after starring in Friday the 13th, director Ron Underwood’s Tremors is one of the best monster movies of its time while, itself, being a fun, cheeky throwback to creature features of yesteryear.

Rent (or buy) Tremors on Amazon.

Slither (2006)

In a small, quiet town in South Carolina, a police officer (Nathan Fillion) and others must band together when a horde of small, parasitic worms from outer space begin to turn their friends into grotesque, flesh-eating mutants.

Why it’s a great funny monster movie: Imagine if the Graboids from Tremors were much smaller and capable of a fate worse than death, add even more splatteriffic gore and gross-out humor, and you would essentially have Slither — the acclaimed feature-film debut of writer and director James Gunn (who would work with Fillion several more times).

Stream Slither on Peacock Premium.
Rent (or buy) Slither on Amazon.

Grabbers (2012)

On a small island off the coast of Ireland, townsfolk band together at their local bar to do the one thing that, for some reason, will protect them from getting snatched by a pack of bloodthirsty, sea-dwelling aliens: drink as much alcohol as possible.

Why it’s a great funny monster movie: The invasion of Lovecraftian extra-terrestrials with a resistance to intoxicated humans is a hilarious enough concept on its own, but, luckily, director Jon Wright and writer Kevin Lehane’s execution of Grabbers is a blast all the way through. 

Rent (or buy) Grabbers on Amazon.

Killer Klowns From Outer Space (1988)

In a small-town, a young couple (Grant Cramer and Suzanna Snyder) struggle to outrun and outwit a group of alien invaders who have disguised their deadly labyrinth of a ship as a circus tent and taken the form of grotesque, humanoid harlequins.

Why it’s a great funny monster movie: With a title like Killer Klowns from Outer Space, you might expect the Chiodo Brothers’ cult favorite to be an aggressively cheesy mess, and you would not be wrong, but its unique production design, cleverly constructed macabre humor, and genuinely unnerving makeup effects make this a truly investing alien invasion thriller and the perfect clownish horror flick for people who are not ready to see It.

Stream Killer Klowns From Outer Space on Showtime.
Rent (or buy) Killer Klowns From Outer Space on Amazon.

Men In Black (1997)

A young, wise-cracking New York cop (Will Smith) is recruited into a top secret organization that specializes in monitoring extra-terrestrial activity on Earth by an uptight veteran agent (Tommy Lee Jones).

Why it’s a great funny monster movie: I would be willing to argue that no film has ever mastered the combination of the alien invasion subgenre with comedy as flawlessly nor with as much acute sophistication as Men in Black — director Barry Sonnenfeld and executive producer Steven Spielberg’s dazzling adaptation of an irreverent Marvel comic starring two Oscar winners at the top of their game.

Stream Men In Black on Netflix.
Rent (or buy) Men In Black on Amazon.

The Monster Squad (1987)

A group of youngsters discover that the iconic cinematic villains that they are obsessed with are not only real, but are causing trouble in their home town and the kids assume the responsibility of saving the day.

Why it’s a great funny monster movie: If you are looking for something that has all the most essential movie monsters in one (including Count Dracula, The Mummy, The Wolfman, a Creature from the Black Lagoon-esque fishman, and Frankenstein’s Monster) and is not that scary, look no further than The Monster Squad — director Fred Dekker and co-writer Shane Black’s cult favorite fusion of a fun family adventure like The Goonies with Universal’s horror classics. 

Stream The Monster Squad on Starz.
Rent (or buy) The Monster Squad on Amazon.

The Cabin In The Woods (2012)

A sexually innocent woman (Kristen Connolly), a ditzy blonde (Anna Hutchinson), a brutish jock (Chris Hemsworth), a brainy student (Jesse Williams), and a stoned slacker (Fran Kranz) find their much-needed break from college interrupted by a family of killer zombies, but soon discover that nothing is truly as it seems.

Why it’s a great funny monster movie: Now, if you are looking for something a little (or a lot) scarier than The Monster Squad and one that has, literally, every type of beastly horror antagonist you could ever imagine, look no further than The Cabin in the Woods — director Drew Goddard’s brilliantly subversive and unapologetically insane deconstruction of the ill-fated cabin-in-the-woods trope.

Rent (or buy) The Cabin In The Woods on Amazon.

Sometimes the best kind of monster movies are the ones that do not take themselves all that seriously. There are no better examples of this than the 13 creepy comedy classics above.

There are plenty of horror comedies out there that people love, whether they be movies or TV shows, ones that have truly exploded over the last couple of years, and others that are certified classics. One that has grown in popularity since its premiere is What We Do In The Shadows, a series that follows vampire roommates who live on Staten Island. 

It’s funny, well-acted, and will have you on your knees for days laughing about some of the jokes that come out of these actors' mouths. But if you’re like me and you binge all the episodes very quickly and need to find something new to watch, look no further, as we have plenty of great options here for you to enjoy. 

Santa Clarita Diet (Netflix)

First up on this list, we have Santa Clarita Diet. This Netflix original series, starring Drew Barrymore, follows a seemingly normal couple where one of them ends up turning into a zombie with a strange connection to ancient rituals - and their life is turned upside down. 

To this day, I will never forgive Netflix for cancelling this show, because it was so funny. Like What We Do In The Shadows, this series was more like a parody, except it was of the zombie genre - and from the moment it began, it was just so damn hilarious. The Santa Clarita Diet cast had such great chemistry, the story was full of fun - seriously, so upset it ended the way it did. Could we get a Season 4, please?

Stream Santa Clarita Diet on Netflix.

Wellington Paranormal (HBO Max)

Oh, you want parody? You’re getting parody. This show, Wellington Paranormal, is a mockumentary series that dives into the world of horror, following the two officers from the film it was based on, What We Do In The Shadows, as they investigate paranormal events - and have a hell of a crazy time doing it. 

That’s right, this series was literally based off of the original What We Do In The Shadows that released in 2014, and this show even came out before the series named for the movie. And it’s so funny. Good God, I don’t think I’ve laughed this much in a long time. It’s seriously so funny and as someone who likes those spooky ghost investigation shows, this one is one of the best ones parodying them. It was also co-produced by film director Taika Waititi, so you know it’s going to be funny. 

Stream Wellington Paranormal on HBO Max.

Shaun Of The Dead (Amazon Prime)

Y'all, I love zombies - and I love them even more when they are funny. In Shaun of the Dead, we follow two blokes in England as a zombie outbreak begins, and their journey to try and rescue Shaun’s girlfriend from her impending doom. 

There is just something about this funny horror comedy that is so damn perfect. Like What We Do In The Shadows, there are plenty of elements of horror included without it being too scary, and it’s so funny from the moment it begins to the very end. I love Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, as they do make some really great projects together, and this movie is proof of that. Now, if a Shaun of the Dead sequel would come, that would be great. 

Stream Shaun of the Dead on Amazon Prime.
Rent/Buy Shaun of the Dead on Amazon.

Ash Vs Evil Dead (Netflix)

Moving on, we have Ash vs. Evil Dead, a horror comedy that was made by Sam Raimi, one of the creators of the Evil Dead franchise. This show, taking place in the Evil Dead universe, follows legendary character Ash Williams (played by Bruce Campbell) who has to leave his mundane life behind and take on the titular Evil Dead again as it begins reeking havoc. 

Evil Dead, in of itself, is honestly pretty scary, but this show isn’t like that at all. While it has plenty of elements of horror, as you would expect, this show is so funny in so many ways - mainly from Bruce Campbell’s amazing performance as the lead. He really shines in so many ways, and for fans of What We Do In The Shadows, there are plenty of hilarious moments that will make you laugh just like those vampires do. 

Stream Ash Vs. Evil Dead on Netflix.

Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil (Amazon Rental)

We got another horror comedy coming up. In Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, we follow two hillbillies who mean well but end up falling into a peculiar predicament - they are mistaken for killers by some college students who don’t know any better, throwing their lives into chaos. 

As fan of horror comedies, this one is certainly a little less on the gory side, but if you’re a fan of What We Do In The Shadows, there are plenty of funny moments that will make you snicker, and you can’t help but love Tucker and Dale, played by Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine, who have some of the funniest chemistry on screen. 

Rent/Buy Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil on Amazon.

The Cabin In The Woods (Amazon Rental)

Now this is such a great horror movie mixed in with some great comedy - just like What We Do In The Shadows. The Cabin In The Woods follows a group of young adults as they go away to a cabin far away in the woods, but as they are out there, they start to experience strange things and end up having their trip turn deadly. 

What I love the most about The Cabin in the Woods is that while it is a horror-comedy at its core, it’s almost like a commentary on the state of horror movies as a whole, because they really do dive deep into the psyche of how horror movies work on the viewer and what is scary to someone. The cast is also great, too, with stars like Chris Hemsworth, Bradley Whitford, and more. I only wish a sequel would happen - but I don’t think that’s coming any time soon. 

Rent/Buy The Cabin in the Woods on Amazon.

Miracle Workers (HBO Max)

Ah, another fun comedy series that you definitely need to check out. In Miracle Workers, this anthology series documents different works from writer Simon Rich, following different characters in new stories in each season as they all try to perform different kinds of miracles in worlds where they seem impossible. 

Miracle Workers and What We Do In The Shadows have one thing in common - and that’s the amazing dynamic between the main stars. They are so funny and truly carry this show no matter what timeline or what story we are following. Also, Daniel Radcliffe as the star does some of his best acting I have ever seen, and I have never seen him so funny. Steve Buscemi is also a hit, as well. 

Stream Miracle Workers on HBO Max.

Flight Of The Conchords (HBO Max)

This show is so funny. In this sitcom, Flight of the Conchords, we follow a real-life two-man band, called Flight of the Conchords, as they travel from New Zealand to the United States and to New York City, trying to find fame and success. 

Starring Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie (who play fictionalized versions of themselves), they are so funny. For fans of What We Do In The Shadows, this is another case where the lead characters really draw you in, and you’ll love the dynamic that they have from the moment they step on the screen. I still can’t believe that this show only lasted for two seasons. 

Stream Flight of the Conchords on HBO Max.

Penny Dreadful (Showtime)

I know its horror, but hear me out. Penny Dreadful is an excellent Showtime series that is filled with suspenseful and creepy stories, as our characters try to fight scary creatures, like vampires, demons, monsters, or even just the personal demons you’re fighting on the inside. 

While What We Do In The Shadows is a mockumentary, at its core are vampires - and fans of the show have to have some interest in vampires in the first place to enjoy a show like this. Which is why I seriously suggest checking out Penny Dreadful, as it not only tells some great stories, but has some creepy creatures. 

Stream Penny Dreadful on Showtime.

Reno 911! (HBO Max)

Last up, we have another mockumentary for fans to enjoy, Reno 911!. In this show, we follow a police department as they go on their daily duties, chasing criminals, and everything else in their lives - all while taking a hilarious twist, mainly parodying the show, Cops. 

While this series doesn’t have any crazy fantasy aspects, it’s still a mockumentary, something that What We Do In The Shadows very much is, and is so funny. I’ve never been the biggest fan of cop shows, but I do love myself a good parody - as you can see - so if you’re like me, you’ll certainly enjoy this one as well. 

Stream Reno 911 on HBO Max.

There are so many great picks on this list, and I’m sure that no matter what you end up watching, you’re going to have a hell of a good time, mixed in with some great laughs and a whole lotta blood. What will be your next binge? 

It’s no secret that platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+ are home to some of the greatest movies of all time (and largest monthly fees), but did you know there are even more free movies streaming out in the wild? No, I’m not talking about the kind you find sailing the seas as a pirate, but instead on services like Tubi, Plex, Pluto TV, and even YouTube.

At any given moment, you can watch intense dramas, over-the-top action flicks, anxiety-inducing horror films, family-friendly movie night options, and so much more. Let’s dive into some of the best free movies streaming right now…

Intense Dramas

Are you looking for a night of intense drama? Well, the following titles will give you that and more, without breaking the bank.

Platoon (1986)

The Director: Oliver Stone

The Cast: Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe

What It’s About: A fresh-faced U.S. soldier is thrust into the middle of combat (and a combative relationship between his sergeant and squad leader) soon after arriving in Vietnam.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: The first of Oliver Stone’s Vietnam War trilogy, Platoon is a harrowing, unflinching, and unforgettable exploration of armed combat and its effect on the human psyche.

• Stream Platoon on Pluto TV.

A Few Good Men (1992)

The Director: Rob Reiner

The Cast: Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore

Based On: A Few Good Men by Aaron Sorkin

What It’s About: A group of JAG attorneys are tasked with representing two Marines charged with the murder of one of their own only to uncover an even bigger controversy hiding beneath the surface.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: Even if you take away the classic “You can’t handle the truth” back-and-forth between Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson’s characters, A Few Good Men is a top-notch legal drama with an intense pace, demanding performances, and so many twists and turns.

• Stream A Few Good Men on Tubi.

No Country For Old Men (2007)

The Director: The Coen Brothers

The Cast: Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem

Based On: No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy

What It’s About: After stumbling upon a bag of cash at a drug deal gone wrong in the middle of the desert, a Vietnam veteran finds himself being hunted by an ice-cold killer who’ll stop at nothing.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: Winner of countless awards, including Best Picture, No Country for Old Men is a slow, methodical, and extremely violent exploration of good and evil.

• Stream No Country for Old Men on YouTube.

Requiem For A Dream (2000)

The Director: Darren Aronofsky

The Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans

Based On: Requiem for a Dream by Hubert Selby Jr.

What It’s About: Four drug addicts attempt to pull themselves out of dangerous situations, only to be pulled further down the drain.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: Requiem for a Dream isn’t for the light of heart, but the distressing and gut-wrenching moments that make up this movie do a remarkable job of capturing the pain, suffering, and delusions of someone who just can’t quit.

• Stream Requiem for a Dream on Plex.

Over-The-Top Action Movies

Sometimes, nothing is better than watching an absurd and over-the-top action movie. Here are some of the best examples!

Robocop (1987)

The Director: Paul Verhoeven

The Cast: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Kurtwood Smith

What It’s About: After being brutally murdered by a ruthless gang, a Detroit police officer is brought back as an armored, state-of-the-art cyborg to clean up the streets.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: Paul Verhoeven’s Robocop is one of the most utterly ridiculous sci-fi action movies of the ‘80s… in all the best ways.

• Stream Robocop on Pluto TV.

First Blood (1982)

The Director: Ted Kotcheff

The Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Brian Dennehy, Richard Crenna

Based On: First Blood by David Morrell

What It’s About: A Vietnam veteran attempting to pay respects to an old Army buddy is accosted by a sheriff and his deputies in a small Washington town.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: Though not as wild as the later Rambo films, First Blood is a dramatic, action-packed, and incredibly violent movie that doesn’t hold back.

• Stream First Blood on YouTube.

Toy Soldiers (1991)

The Director: Daniel Petrie Jr.

The Cast: Sean Astin, Wil Wheaton, Lou Gossett Jr.

Based On: Toy Soldiers by William P. Kennedy

What It’s About: When a prestigious boarding school becomes the center of an international hostage crisis, it’s up to a group of wise-cracking and rebellious students to save the day.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: Toy Soldiers may have gotten lost in the shuffle of a busy 1991 (T2 and Point Break both came out that year), but this movie is just so much fun. With elements of Die Hard and Home Alone combined with killer performances from Sean Astin and Wil Wheaton, there’s so much to love here.

• Stream Toy Soldiers on Tubi.

Hard Boiled (1992)

The Director: John Woo

The Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Tony Leung, Teresa Mo

What It’s About: After his partner is gunned down in Hong Kong, Inspector "Tequila" Yuen Ho-yan (Chow Yun Fat) goes on a one-man mission to find and take out the gun smugglers with blood on their hands.

Why It’s One of the Best Movies Streaming: One of the most decorated collaborations between John Woo and Chow Yun Fat, Hard Boiled is a bullet-ridden, blood-soaked, and action-packed crime flick like no other.

• Stream Hard Boiled on Pluto TV.

Fun Comedies

Are you ready to laugh so hard your sides are going to hurt?

48 Hrs. (1982)

The Director: Walter Hill

The Cast: Nick Nolte, Eddie Murphy, Annette O’Toole

What It’s About: The unlikely duo of a down-on-his-luck cop and a charismatic convict are forced to team up to track down a pair of sadistic criminals who are willing to cross any and every line.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: The movie that turned Eddie Murphy into one of Hollywood’s biggest, brightest, and baddest stars, 48 Hrs. revolutionized the game and influenced countless “buddy cop” movies in the years and decades that followed.

• Stream 48 Hrs. on Pluto TV.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

The Director: John Hughes

The Cast: Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, Alan Ruck

What It’s About: With his adolescence all but over, a high school senior decides to have the most epic “skip day” of all time with his girlfriend and best friend in the “Windy City.”

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: One of John Hughes’ best movies, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, perfectly captures the heart and soul of the high school experience and those not-so-small acts of rebellion that turn teenagers into legends.

• Stream Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on Pluto TV.

A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

The Director: Charles Crichton

The Cast: John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline

What It’s About: With their leader in jail, a gang of diamond thieves begins to turn against one another in hopes of finding a hidden, and massively valuable, stash.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: An all-time great heist film, a laugh-a-minute comedy, and some of the best comedic performances of the ‘80s, A Fish Called Wanda has it all.

• Stream A Fish Called Wanda on Plex.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

The Director: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones

The Cast: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam

What It’s About: King Arthur and his knights set off on an epic adventure to find the mythical Holy Grail. However, the Black Knight, a man-eating rabbit, and other obstacles stand in their way.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: If you’ve never watched a Monty Python movie or show, you’re in for a wild, nonsensical, and utterly hilarious journey. If you are familiar, you know what to expect.

• Stream Monty Python and the Holy Grail on YouTube.

Intense Horrors

Yup, already horrified by all of these:

Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

The Director: Edgar Wright

The Cast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield

What It’s About: A 20-something slacker in London is given a chance to prove himself when he is thrust into the middle of a zombie apocalypse.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: Inspired by iconic zombie movies like Night of the Living Dead, Shaun of the Dead feels less like a parody comedy and more like a love letter to the horror subgenre. It’s vulgar and violent, but this one has a whole lot of heart.

• Stream Shaun of the Dead on YouTube.

Killer Klowns From Outer Space (1988)

The Director: Stephen Chiodo

The Cast: Grant Cramer, Suzanne Snyder, John Vernon

What It’s About: When a race of clownlike aliens invades the planet and starts trapping humans in cotton candy cocoons, a handful of heroes attempt to stop them before it’s too late.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: Killer Klowns from Outer Space is the very definition of campy horror. It’s silly, it’s violent, and it’s over-the-top. While it’s not for everyone, this classic is just too sweet to pass up.

• Stream Killer Klown from Outer Space on YouTube.

Scream (1996)

The Director: Wes Craven

The Cast: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette

What It’s About: A quiet California town becomes the center of a national news story when a masked killer begins attacking local residents and testing others.

What To Expect: A movie that reinvented horror as we know it, Scream is an incredibly violent and viciously funny slasher where anything can happen.

• Stream Scream on Pluto TV.

Night Of The Living Dead (1968)

The Director: George A. Romero

The Cast: Duane Jones, Judith O’Dea, Marilyn Eastman

What It's About: A group of strangers forced to take refuge together attempts to survive the sudden onslaught of flesh-eating, reanimated corpses, while also struggling to survive each other.

Why It's One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: Romero basically defined the zombie genre as a whole, so this is the zombie movie to check out, but trust me, it’s really not that scary – at least in comparison to today’s zombies.

• Stream Night of the Living Dead on Peacock.

Fun For The Whole Family

Everyone could check out and have fun with these films:

Uncle Buck (1989)

The Director: John Hughes

The Cast: John Candy, Amy Madigan, Macaulay Culkin

What It’s About: When his brother and sister-in-law have to leave for a family emergency, Buck Russell (John Candy) swoops in to save the day and take care of their three kids. If only it were that simple…

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: One of John Candy’s most iconic films, Uncle Buck does so many things right (even if Buck can’t get his act together). Full of unforgettable moments and hilarious encounters, this one never goes out of style.

• Stream Uncle Buck on YouTube.

Real Genius (1985)

The Director: Martha Coolidge

The Cast: Val Kilmer, Gabe Jarret, William Atherton

What It’s About: An incredibly smart college senior teams up with the new kid on campus to construct a chemical laser, but only if they don’t blow up the school (and their futures) in the process.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: Though critics were brutal on this one back in the day, Real Genius is a fun, funny, and utterly ridiculous comedy about finding your place in the world, even if it doesn’t accept you.

• Stream Real Genius on Tubi.

The Iron Giant (1999)

The Director: Brad Bird

The Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr., Vin Diesel

Based On: The Iron Giant by Ted Hughes

What It’s About: A young boy finds and befriends a mysterious robot from outer space and is then forced to hide and protect him from the U.S. military.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: With a whole lot of heart and wonder, The Iron Giant has become a beloved classic and one of the most consequential films of its time, even if it failed to move the needle back in 1999.

• Stream The Iron Giant on YouTube.

Osmosis Jones (2001)

The Director: The Farrelly Brothers

The Cast: Chris Rock, Bill Murray, Laurence Fishburne

What It’s About: An anthropomorphic white blood cell police officer attempts to prevent his human host from being destroyed by a raging virus determined to wipe out all life.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: With a combination of live-action and animation, a variety of wild action set pieces, and performances from two Saturday Night Live legends, there’s so much to love here.

• Stream Osmosis Jones on Tubi.

Thrilling, Twisty, And Exciting Sci-Fi And Fantasy

In the mood for some old-fashioned escapism? Look no further than these sci-fi and fantasty stories.

Death Race 2000 (1975)

The Director: Paul Bartel

The Cast: David Carradine, Simone Griffeth, Sylvester Stallone

Based On: “The Racer” by Ib Melchior

What It’s About: The defending champion of a nitro-fueled and blood-soaked contest called the Transcontinental Road Race tries to win it all again in a dystopian future. But it isn’t just his fellow racers he’s looking out for this time…

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: Released in the mid ‘70s, Death Race 2000 is a shockingly violent and intense sci-fi action film full of over-the-top personalities, death machines, and wild vibes.

• Stream Death Race 2000 on Tubi.

The War Of The Worlds (1953)

The Director: Byron Haskin

The Cast: Gene Barry, Ann Robinson, Les Tremayne

Based On: The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

What It’s About: After witnessing an alien war machine kill defenseless victims, two scientists attempt to find a weakness and save humanity from total annihilation.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: One of the most transformative sci-fi movies of the ‘50s, The War of the Worlds takes H.G. Wells’ classic novel and turns it into a frightening and exciting race against time.

• Stream The War of the Worlds on YouTube.

Heavy Metal (1981)

The Director: Gerald Potterton

The Cast: Rodger Bumpass, Jackie Burroughs, John Candy

Based On: Heavy Metal magazine

What It’s About: A series of animated shorts connected by a mysterious and powerful sphere explores vastly different locations, ranging from civilizations in deep space to a futuristic NYC.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: This is definitely not a kid-friendly animated movie, as it’s full of drugs, sex, and violence. It’s painstakingly animated, full of a wide range of stories, and has some of the most unforgettable movie moments of the ‘80s.

• Stream Heavy Metal on Tubi.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

The Director: Steven Spielberg

The Cast: Haley Joel Osment, Jude Law, William Hurt

Based On: “Superboys Last All Summer Long” by Brian Aldiss

What It’s About: A young android programmed with the ability to love embarks upon an epic journey to find a place where he belongs and can feel love.

Why It’s One Of The Best Free Movies Streaming: Originally supposed to be a Stanley Kubrick movie, A.I. Artificial Intelligence is a thoughtful, ambitious, and visually impressive sci-fi epic that touches on so many universal themes.

• Stream A.I. Artificial Intelligence on Pluto TV.

With all these free movies, you’ll be busy for some time! After that, just think of all the other free movies you could check out.

If you ask me, any horror movie can be a great date movie if the people in the couple have a shared love of all things spooky. However, some thrillers especially earn that distinction by incorporating a romantic element into madness. The following are some of the best horror movies that could either warm your heart or leave you heartbroken but will undeniably have you and your significant other holding each other in fear.

Heart Eyes (2024)

Director: Josh Ruben

Starring: Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding

What it's about: Two colleagues are forced to fight for their lives when they are mistaken for a couple by a masked killer who works on Valentine's Day.

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: One of the latest horror movies that is thematically perfect for date night is Heart Eyes, which cleverly blends tropes from classic slasher movies with that of classic rom-coms into a fun, crowd-pleasing mix.

How to watch Heart Eyes

• Rent or buy Heart Eyes on Amazon

Beetlejuice (1988)

Director: Tim Burton

Starring: Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton

What it's about: The lingering spirits of a recently deceased married couple take desperate measures to scare off the posh, irritating family now occupying their house.

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: While Keaton ends up stealing the show as the titular bio-exorcist in one of Tim Burton’s best movies, Beetlejuice, at its core, is the story of a husband and wife struggling to make a good life (er, afterlife) for themselves.

How to watch Beetlejuice

• Rent or buy Beetlejuice on Amazon
• Buy Beetlejuice on Blu-ray on Amazon

Life After Beth (2014)

Director: Jeff Baena

Starring: Dane DeHaan, Aubrey Plaza

What it's about: A young man is, at first, delighted to discover his girlfriend has come back from the dead, until she begins to show signs of erratic and deadly behavior.

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: In one of two movies on our list about humans falling in love with zombies, Life After Beth is easily the more unapologetically disturbing of the two but is still quite funny.

How to watch Life After Beth

• Stream Life After Beth on Pluto TV
• Stream Life After Beth on Plex
• Rent or buy Life After Beth on Amazon
• Buy Life After Beth on Blu-ray on Amazon

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Director: Jim Jarmusch

Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Tilda Swinton

What it's about: A miserable musician is thankfully reunited with his old flame, whom he has been romantically involved with for centuries.

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: Only Lovers Left Alive is a powerful story about vampirism and love’s long-lasting power, told in a bizarre and quirky way that only writer and director Jim Jarmusch could.

How to watch Only Lovers Left Alive

• Rent or buy Only Lovers Left Alive on Amazon
• Buy Only Lovers Left Alive on Blu-ray on Amazon

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night (2014)

Director: Ana Lily Amirpour

Starring: Arash Marandi, Sheila Vand

What it's about: A poor, young man is entranced by a mysterious woman who is not quite what she seems.

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: Another powerful love story on our list that involves themes of vampirism is the modern Iranian classic A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night – one of the best horror movies by a female director.

How to watch A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night

• Stream A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night on Kanopy
• Rent or buy A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night on Amazon
• Buy A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night on Blu-ray on Amazon

Valentine (2001)

Director: Jamie Blanks

Starring: David Boreanaz, Denise Richards, Marley Shelton

What it's about: Years after they all cruelly rejected their geeky high school classmate at a Valentine’s Day dance, five women suspect he may have returned to seek revenge when they find themselves stalked by a maniac disguised as Cupid.

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: In the tradition of holiday-inspired horror flicks like Halloween and creepy cautionary tales like I Know What You Did Last Summer, 2001’s Valentine is an entertaining, Agatha Christie-style cult slasher that could inspire kinder reactions to unwanted romance… if not some killer love letter quotes.

How to watch Valentine

• Rent or buy Valentine on Amazon
• Buy Valentine on Blu-ray on Amazon

My Bloody Valentine (1981)

Director: George Mihalka

Starring: Paul Kelman, Lori Hallier

What it's about: Citizens of a mining town get their hearts ripped out (literally) when they decide to ignore the legend of a killer who punishes anyone celebrating February 14th.

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: Exactly 20 years before Valentine, My Bloody Valentine brought terror to the most romantic day of the year and would since be remembered as one of the best ‘80s slasher movies by many fans, including Quentin Tarantino.

How to watch My Bloody Valentine

• Stream My Bloody Valentine on Pluto TV
• Rent or buy My Bloody Valentine on Amazon
• Buy My Bloody Valentine on Blu-ray on Amazon

Bride Of Chucky (1998)

Director: Ronny Yu

Starring: Brad Dourif, Jennifer Tilly

What it's about: Chucky, a cuddly doll possessed by the spirit of a serial killer, reunites with his former flame, Tiffany, by magically transferring her soul into another doll and teaming up to find a pair of new human hosts.

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: A sequel to one of the best ‘80s slasher movies that actually encourages a celebration of love is 1998’s Bride of Chucky, which was also the first installment of the Child’s Play movies to really go head first into the franchise’s campier appeal.

How to watch Bride of Chucky

• Rent or buy Bride of Chucky on Amazon
• Buy Bride of Chucky on Blu-ray on Amazon

Bride Of Frankenstein (1935)

Director: James Whale

Starring: Boris Karloff, Elsa Lanchester, Colin Clive

What it's about: Dr. Henry Frankenstein is forced by an even "madder" scientist to create a female companion for The Monster.

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: A sequel to a classic monster movie that offers a cautionary perspective on love is 1935’s The Bride of Frankenstein, which is easily the most definitive and instantly recognizable example of a romantic horror film ever made.

How to watch Bride of Frankenstein

• Rent or buy Bride of Frankenstein on Amazon
• Buy Bride of Frankenstein on Blu-ray on Amazon

Ready Or Not (2019)

Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett

Starring: Samara Weaving, Adam Brody

What it's about: A newly married young woman learns a dark secret about her wealthy in-laws when a seemingly innocent invitation to play a game on her wedding night turns into a desperate fight for survival.

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: One of the best horror-comedy movies in recent memory is Ready or Not – a wonderfully manic wild ride from Radio Silence that exaggerates any common bride-to-be (or even groom-to-be’s) worst fears to the goriest degree.

How to watch Ready or Not

• Rent or buy Ready or Not on Amazon
• Buy Ready or Not on Blu-ray on Amazon

Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

Director: Edgar Wright

Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield

What it's about: A recently dumped aging slacker, along with his even less responsible best friend, tries to rescue his ex-girlfriend and other loved ones after London becomes overrun with reanimated, flesh-eating corpses.

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: Another bloody brilliant horror-comedy classic is 2004’s Shaun of the Dead, which also made history as the first romantic zombie comedy… let alone one of the most surprisingly relatable and grounded zombies movies since George A. Romero invented the sub-genre.

How to watch Shaun of the Dead

• Rent or buy Shaun of the Dead on Amazon
• Buy Shaun of the Dead on Blu-ray on Amazon

Warm Bodies (2013)

Director: Jonathan Levine

Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer

A young, reanimated victim of the zombie apocalypse begins to show unusually human characteristics after crossing paths with a beautiful female survivor

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: The romantic zombie comedy would continue with an inventive twist in 2013’s Warm Bodies – a heartwarming adaptation of Isaac Marion’s novel that reimagines Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet as a post-apocalyptic, coming-of-age story.

How to watch Warm Bodies

• Stream Warm Bodies on Amazon Prime
• Buy Warm Bodies on Blu-ray on Amazon

Tucker And Dale Vs. Evil (2010)

Director: Eli Craig

Starring: Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk, Katrina Bowden

What it's about: A horrible misunderstanding causes a group of vacationing college students to assume two well-meaning hillbillies are out to kill them.

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: Another example of a great horror-comedy about unlikely romance is Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, in which Dale, and his attractive new friend, Allison, grow quite fond of each other amid the ensuing chaos surrounding them in this clever slasher send-up.

How to watch Tucker and Dale vs. Evil

• Stream Tucker and Dale vs. Evil on Kanopy
• Rent or buy Tucker and Dale vs. Evil on Amazon
• Buy Tucker and Dale vs. Evil on Blu-ray on Amazon

Happy Death Day (2017)

Director: Christopher Landon

Starring: Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard

What it's about: A stuck-up sorority girl finds herself trapped in a time loop, which gives her an advantage in figuring out who is trying to kill her and why.

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: Unlikely romance would continue to be a common theme in the horror-comedy sub-genre with Happy Death Day, in which Tree, begins to grow more fond of Carter every time she wakes up in his bed.

How to watch Happy Death Day

• Rent or buy Happy Death Day on Amazon
• Buy Happy Death Day on Blu-ray on Amazon

Spring (2014)

Director: Justin Benson, Aaron Moorhead

Starring: Lou Taylor Pucci, Nadia Hilker

What it's about: Desperate for a getaway following his mother's death, a young American man takes a trip to Italy where he soon falls for a woman who is not quite what she seems.

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: Less a story about unlikely romance as much as it is a meditation on the transformative power of love, Spring is a surprisingly inspirational tale that imagines what a collaboration between Richard Linklater (a la the Before Trilogy) and H.P. Lovecraft might be like.

How to watch Spring

• Stream Spring on Tubi
• Rent or buy Spring on Amazon
• Buy Spring on Blu-ray on Amazon

The Fly (1986)

Director: David Cronenberg

Starring: Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis

What it's about: Soon after he has struck up a romance with a beautiful journalist, a brilliant scientist begins to undergo a slow, horrifying metamorphosis when his self-conducted test of an instant transportation device goes haywire.

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: Speaking of transformation, I would not be surprised if Spring was at all inspired by the 1986 remake of The Fly – one of the best Jeff Goldblum movies that is also widely praised as a great body horror movie (courtesy of Oscar-winning makeup effects) but not praised enough as a moving romantic tragedy.

How to watch The Fly

• Rent or buy The Fly on Amazon
• Buy The Fly on Blu-ray on Amazon

Let The Right One In (2008)

Director: Tomas Alfredson

Starring: Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson

What it's about: A neglected and bullied young boy becomes smitten with a mysterious girl hiding a very strange and disturbing secret.

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: Another film about a person unwittingly falling in love with a supernatural creature is Let the Right One In – a masterful Swedish vampire drama (which Matt Reeves remade in 2010) that brilliantly exaggerates the perils of childhood crushes to an exceptionally grim degree.

How to watch Let the Right One In

• Stream Let The Right One In on Kanopy
• Rent or buy Let The Right One In on Amazon
• Buy Let the Right One In on Blu-ray on Amazon

Ghost (1991)

Director: Jerry Zucker

Starring: Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg

What it's about: The lingering spirit of a Manhattan banker enlists a medium to help him avenge his murder and prevent his girlfriend from experiencing the same fate.

Why it’s a good date night horror movie: Less a horror film as much as it is an intense supernatural thriller, the commercially successful Best Picture Oscar nominee Ghost is remembered even better for moments like the memorable pottery spinning scene, set to the Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody,” that makes it one of the most uplifting and sexiest films of its time or any time.

How to watch Ghost

• Stream Ghost on Paramount+
• Rent or buy Ghost on Amazon
• Buy Ghost on Blu-ray on Amazon

Call me crazy, but, to me, the perfect romantic evening is one filled with chills and thrills. Thankfully, my wife agrees. If that sounds like your kind of date night, too, you cannot go wrong with any of the titles above.

I think it is safe to say that Simon Pegg is the embodiment of every pop culture nerd’s dream come true. For instance, he was raised on the Star Wars movies and would go on to make a cameo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and also loved the original Star Trek TV show as kid before he was offered the part of Scotty in the cinematic reboot. And, those are just a few of his space movies.

The British actor, comedian, writer, and producer has explored just about ever genre imaginable, and to consistently wonderful effect, on both the big screen and small screen. In fact, narrowing down the best Simon Pegg movies and TV shows is a task not for the faint of heart, but I think I managed to do it pretty well, along with a tip on how to watch them streaming, digitally rent, or physically purchase each title. We shall start with the brilliant comedy series that made him a household name…in the United Kingdom, at least.

Spaced (1999-2001)

A recently dumped young man (co-creator Simon Pegg) and his platonic female friend (co-creator Jessica Hynes, née Stevenson) pretend to be a couple in order to live in a flat that fits their demanding budgetary restrictions.

Why it is one of the best Simon Pegg TV shows: Simon Pegg officially launched his iconic working relationship with filmmaker Edgar Wright when he and Hynes asked him to direct Spaced - an award-winning, cult favorite comedy series that brilliantly subverts common, relatable sitcom tropes by cleverly incorporating recognizable genre conventions.

Stream Spaced on Tubi.
Stream Spaced on IMDb TV.

Buy Spaced digitally on Amazon.
Buy Spaced on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

A recently dumped slacker (co-writer Simon Pegg) and his best friend and housemate (Nick Frost) try to save their loved ones when London becomes overrun with flesh-eating, reanimated corpses.

Why it is one of the best Simon Pegg movies: Speaking of Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright subverting sitcom tropes with genre conventions, that is essentially what they do with Shaun of the Dead, resulting in not just one of the best horror-comedy movies and most believable zombie movies, but the very first romantic comedy with zombies ever made.

Stream Shaun Of The Dead on Starz.
Rent/buy Shaun Of The Dead digitally on Amazon.
Buy Shaun Of The Dead on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Hot Fuzz (2007)

A forcibly transferred, but competent, police officer (co-writer Simon Pegg) and his new partner and friend (Nick Frost) investigate a series of strange, deadly “accidents” in their quaint, seemingly idyllic village.

Why it is one of the best Simon Pegg movies: Co-writer and director Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg strike fried gold once again with Hot Fuzz, which is not only renowned for its brilliant blend of comedy with over-the-top, gun-toting action, but Pegg’s earnest and heroic performance and Wright’s masterful visual storytelling. 

Rent/buy Hot Fuzz digitally on Amazon.
Buy Hot Fuzz on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

The World’s End (2012)

An aging slacker (co-writer Simon Pegg) and his four childhood friends (including Nick Frost and Martin Freeman) unwittingly become the last hope for humanity when they reunite for an epic pub crawl on the night of a terrifying, apocalyptic invasion.

Why it is one of the best Simon Pegg movies: Co-writer and director Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg complete what has come to be known as the Cornetto Trilogy with the dazzling The World’s End - their own comedic interpretation of the sci-fi disaster thriller that also sees Pegg and Frost in a refreshing role reversal from the two previous installments.

Rent/buy The World’s End digitally on Amazon.
Buy The World’s End on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Paul (2011)

A pair of British sci-fi fans (co-writers Simon Pegg and Nick Frost) touring the most famed UFO sightings in the United States cross paths with an actual extra-terrestrial (voiced by Seth Rogen) who has escaped Area 51 after decades of captivity.

Why it is one of the best Simon Pegg movies: A film that could have been the third installment of the Cornetto Trilogy, if not for Edgar Wright not being involved, was Paul - director Greg Mottola’s hilarious road trip movie that also offers a clever revisionist history of the alien invasion movie genre.

Stream Paul on Starz.
Rent/buy Paul digitally on Amazon.
Buy Paul on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Truth Seekers (2020)

A group of amateur paranormal investigators who post videos on the internet of their adventures scoping out supposedly haunted areas come across a bizarre conspiracy that puts the fate of the world in their hands.

Why it is one of the best Simon Pegg TV shows: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost would later reunite on the small screen as both co-stars and co-creators of Truth Seekers - an Amazon Prime exclusive series basically made for X-Files fans, that offers a hilarious take on the phenomenon of ghost hunting reality shows. 

Stream Truth Seekers on Amazon Prime.

The Boys (2019-Present)

Feeling vengeful toward the world’s celebrated costumed vigilantes after a devastating tragedy, an electronics store clerk (Jack Quaid) teams up with a former CIA operative (Karl Urban) and his ragtag team to expose corrupt and simply evil superheroes for who they really are.

Why it is one of the best Simon Pegg TV shows: Fun fact: for Garth Ennis’ original The Boys comic book series, Hughie Campbell was designed by illustrator Darick Robertson to look like Simon Pegg, which is why the then 49-year-old was cast as the character’s father on Eric Kripke’s viscerally brutal and powerfully sardonic TV series adaptation for Amazon Prime.

Stream The Boys on Amazon Prime.

Mission: Impossible Movies (2006-Present)

A highly-skilled, daring agent for a top secret intelligence organization (Tom Cruise) finds himself going rogue and being forced to improvise his way through insurmountable obstacles for the sake of the world’s safety, with the help of his trusted crew.

Why they are some of the best Simon Pegg movies: After first appearing as a technician in director J.J. Abrams’ Mission: Impossible III, Simon Pegg would reprise his role as Benji Dunn in 2011’s Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol as a newly minted field agent and has since become one of the Mission: Impossible movies’ most important protagonists, and his tenure is far from over.

Stream Mission: Impossible III on Amazon Prime.
Rent/buy Mission: Impossible III digitally on Amazon.

Stream Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol on Amazon Prime.
Rent/buy Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol digitally on Amazon.

Stream Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation on Paramount+.
Rent/buy Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation digitally on Amazon.

Stream Mission: Impossible - Fallout on Paramount+.
Rent/buy Mission: Impossible - Fallout digitally on Amazon.

Buy the Mission: Impossible movies on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Star Trek Movies (2009-2016)

The son of a dead space explorer (Chris Pine) leads the crew of the USS Enterprise against a malevolent extra-terrestrial race, a dangerous mole within their organization, and another ruthless enemy they find while stranded on an uncharted planet.

Why they are some of the best Simon Pegg movies: The second time J.J. Abrams cast Simon Pegg in a cinematic adaptation of a cult favorite 1960s television show was in the role of Montgomery “Scotty” Scott in his 2009 Star Trek reboot, which the actor would reprise in Star Trek Into Darkness in 2013 and in 2016’s Star Trek Beyond (which Pegg also co-wrote) to unanimous praise.

Rent/buy Star Trek digitally on Amazon.

Stream Star Trek Into Darkness on Hulu.
Stream Star Trek Into Darkness on Paramount+.
Rent/buy Star Trek Into Darkness digitally on Amazon.

Stream Star Trek Beyond on Hulu.
Stream Star Trek Beyond on Paramount+.
Rent/buy Star Trek Beyond digitally on Amazon.

Buy the Star Trek movies on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Ready Player One (2018)

A teenager (Tye Sheridan) who spends most of his time escaping the punishing reality of 2045 in an immersive virtual reality simulation, competes to gain control of the game before a corrupt corporate executive (Ben Mendelsohn) can claim it for himself.

Why it is one of the best Simon Pegg movies: Simon Pegg has also had the pleasure of working with director Steven Spielberg a number of times, most prominently in the role of OASIS co-creator Ogden Morrow in the Ready Player One cast in this thrilling and often foreboding blast of nostalgia inspired by Ernest Cline’s best-selling novel.

Stream Ready Player One on HBO Max.
Rent/buy Ready Player One digitally on Amazon.
Buy Ready Player One on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Hector And The Search For Happiness (2014)

After a psychiatrist (Simon Pegg) realizes that he can longer give his patients any honest solutions to their problems, he decides to travel the world and seek out what it truly means to be happy.

Why it is one of the best Simon Pegg movies: In one of his more down-to-earth films, Simon Pegg gives heartfelt performance in the title role of Hector and the Search for Happiness - an inspiring drama based on the novel by François Lelord.

Stream Hector And The Search For Happiness on Amazon Prime.
Rent/buy Hector And The Search For Happiness digitally on Amazon.
Buy Hector And The Search For Happiness on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Keep in mind, there will be more upcoming Simon Pegg movies to look forward to after this binge, such as his Mission: Impossible sequels and the animated movie, Hump. Speaking of animated movies about animals, you can also hear Pegg reprise his role as an adventurous, one-eyed weasel in the Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild cast on Disney+. 

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While you may have fond memories of the most thrilling moments from your favorite classic horror movies (such as the original Halloween from 1978 or the Oscar-winning The Exorcist), when is the last time you thought about the effort that went into creating these frightful experiences? Despite being one of the most influential and successful film genres, horror does not always get the appreciation it deserves, especially when you consider the passion, patience, technical mastery, and even suffering the cast and crew endure for the sake of a good scare. You may never look at some of the best horror movies the same way again after learning these shocking behind-the-scenes facts, starting with a clever trick used in one of history’s most iconic shockers.

The Blood From Psycho’s Shower Scene Is Really Chocolate Syrup

As hard as some may try (including star Janet Leigh herself), it is impossible to forget the frightening scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho in which Leigh’s character, Marion Crane, meets a bitter end while using the shower at the Bates Motel, right down to the shot of her blood swirling down the drain. Of course, as a retrospective by History.com reveals, the blood is actually chocolate syrup, which the 1960 thriller’s black and white cinematography hides perfectly.

Future Freddy Krueger Actor Robert Englund Worked On The Halloween Set

Janet Leigh’s daughter, Jamie Lee Curtis, also went on to become one of the greatest horror Scream Queens after playing Laurie Strode in Halloween, which arguably pioneered the modern day slasher. Apparently, according to a report by ScreenRant, director John Carpenter’s breakout hit was one of the first gigs for another legend of the genre - A Nightmare on Elm Street star Robert Englund, who was hired for one day to spread fake leaves on set in order to hide the fact the film (set in the Midwest on October 31st) was shot during the spring in Pasadena, years before he was cast as Freddy Kreuger.

Kane Hodder Plays Freddy Krueger In Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday

Speaking of Freddy Krueger, the burned boogeyman would fight Jason Voorhees in Freddy vs. Jason, 10 years after the duel was teased in the Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday ending in 1993. Kane Hodder, known for playing the Friday the 13th movies’ prolific killer the most, revealed during an interview with Pop Horror that he was actually the one wearing the ratty sweater and bladed glove that pulled Jason’s mask underground for that teaser and not Robert Englund. In other words, Hodder has had the honor of playing both Jason and Freddy.

Fake Blood Flooded The Nightmare On Elm Street Set During Johnny Depp’s Death Scene

I bet Robert Englund almost wished it was Kane Hodder playing Freddy instead of him when filming Johnny Depp’s death scene in A Nightmare of Elm Street resulted in a literal blood bath. The stunning sequence from Wes Craven’s 1984 hit was shot on a set built to rotate 360 degrees to create the effect of blood erupting from Glen’s bed. Star Heather Lengenkamp recalls in an oral history by Rolling Stone how a mistake sent gallons of blood where it should not have touched:

Robert Englund goes on to describe how he immediately grabbed the hand of the woman playing his victim in the film and ran to save her and himself from getting electrocuted when the blood literally hit the floor. You certainly cannot blame Freddy Krueger for breaking character at a time like that.

Carrie’s Sissy Spacek Slept In Her Bloody Clothes For Days To Maintain Continuity

Academy Award winner Sissy Spacek had no choice but to get covered in fake blood for the climax of 1976’s Carrie, but apparently had no qualms about staying covered in it for an extended period of time. P.J. Soles, who played Norma in the Stephen King adaptation from director Brian DePalma, revealed to Vulture why her co-star voluntarily stayed bloody for longer than most actors would agree to:

With the lengths that Sissy Spacek went just for the sake of continuity, it is almost a shame that her Oscar nomination for playing the telekinetic teen did not result in a win.

Tony Todd Really Had Live Bees In His Mouth And On His Face When Filming Candyman

One horror movie actor who especially deserves recognition for the suffering he endured for a role is Tony Todd, who played the title role of Candyman in writer and producer Clive Barker’s 1992 classic. Those bees that the Scream King had on his bare skin and inside of his mouth as the terrifying urban legend were not created with any CGI trickery, but were 100% real. Todd, who wore a dental dam to prevent the insects from flying down his throat, told The Guardian that he requested a $1,000 for each time he was stung, which happened 23 times by his count.

Drew Barrymore Never Met The Man On The Phone Before Filming The Scream Intro

Drew Barrymore did not go to such extremes when starring in the original Scream, but there was one particularly creepy choice made to improve her performance (and that of her co-stars, too) in the 1996 slasher revival. Roger L. Jackson, the voice of Ghostface, told Vice that the phone conversation between him and the E.T. actress in the riveting opener was a live conversation and that she had not met him before filming. This created an authentic feeling of a stranger being on he other line and was repeated with other actors throughout the film.

Stanley Kubrick’s Secretary Spent Months Typing Jack’s Novel In The Shining

A non-actor who I certainly empathize with for her contribution to a classic horror movie is Margaret Warrington, who was Stanley Kubrick’s secretary around the time he was making The Shining. The Oscar-winning filmmaker had the woman type every word of Jack Torrance’s (Jack Nicholson) book that he works on during his family’s stay at the Overlook Hotel, which his wife, Wendy (Shelly Duvall), discovers consists of the same 10 words - “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” - over and over and over again. If only the epic 1980 Stephen King adaptation had been made after the invention of copy+paste.

A Shaun Of The Dead Zombie Extra Bit Edgar Wright’s Leg

Sometimes the director is the one who ends up suffering for his art, such as Edgar Wright. The Last Night in Soho director co-wrote a piece for The Guardian with Simon Pegg about their experience making Shaun of the Dead (one of the greatest horror-comedy movies ever made) which mentions the time one of his zombie actors took their role a little too far and chomped down on Wright’s leg. In the actor’s defense, the director did ask the horde to attack him.

George Lucas Got Stuck In The Mechanical Shark From Jaws

Steven Spielberg was also not prepared for the hysteria he would face the set of his breakout horror hit Jaws, which was mostly due to the technical difficulties that their mechanical star frequently suffered. Someone who experienced these flaws first-hand, and terrifyingly so, was George Lucas, who got his head stuck in the shark as the result of a prank gone wrong while was visiting the set. Curious about it inner-workings, the future Star Wars movies creator voluntarily put his head inside the shark when Spielberg and John Milius activated the jaw clamp, only to panic when they became temporarily unable to get Lucas out.

Real Humans Skeletons Were Used For The Ending of Poltergeist

Steven Spielberg would return to the horror genre as just a story writer and producer (on paper at least) for Poltergeist, in which a suburban family suffers terrifying circumstances in their house that was built above a former cemetery site. They do not realize this, however, until the final act of the film when JoBeth Williams’ character is attacked in their unfinished backyard swimming pool by skeletons, which (according to ScreenRant) were not fake, but came from real human skeletons purchase from a medical supply company. No wonder so many people believe this movie is cursed.

All But Regan’s Room On The Exorcist Set Was Destroyed In A Fire

Another “cursed movie” is The Exorcist, which really has director William Friedkin’s questionable methods (dropping the temperature below freezing, slapping actor Jason Miller before a scene, or using Ellen Burstyn’s genuine reaction to a back injury for a take) to blame for much of its infamy. However, The Sun’s report about the thriller does include one eerie fact that makes a good case for its haunting history. A bird flew into a circuit box on the MacNeill house set, causing a fire that destroyed everything except for the bedroom where the possessed Regan (Linda Blair) lived.

The Conjuring 2 Set Was Allegedly Haunted

Strange things also happened on the set of The Conjuring 2, according to star Patrick Wilson. While promoting the James Wan-directed sequel to Metro UK, the actor claimed that the cast and crew witnessed a large curtain moving violently on its own with no apparent explanation as "there was no door open or no fan on. No nothing." Wilson then said that a priest was brought on set in hopes to calm whatever spirits could have been behind the unusual occurrence.

Stories like that make a moviegoer wonder if they are watching something that is not meant to be seen by human eye. However, for a horror movie fan, it only makes the experience that much better.

Zombies: they’re movie monsters so numerous and mysterious in nature, you never really need to give them a personality. For the most part, if your zombie character has special characteristics that separate them from the horde, it’s because someone we knew as a human got turned. But sometimes we’re introduced to zombies of all sorts of stripes that can capture our imaginations with their personalities. As Netflix is undoubtedly going to introduce even more of that sort with the debut of Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead, it’s a good time to have a zombie history lesson.

We’re about to take a look at the best movie zombies that, good or bad, have made the audience really dig their style. There are some zombies we get to know personally, and there’s even a pretty horrific piece of work that’s on this list as we’re running the gamut. And spoilers, Disney even managed to land a zombie on this list! Keep that level of intrigue up, as we’re about to discuss zombies that were more than just shambling monstrosities.

Bub, Day Of The Dead

Bub from George A. Romero’s Day of the Dead is a a perfect example of the sort of zombie that’s made fans over the decades since he was introduced. One of the first movie zombies to be shown as maintaining a level of intelligence above merely needing to feed, Bub enjoys simple human pleasures. He’s a Stephen King fan, he loves “Ode To Joy” and even grasps the concept of revenge, as he hunts down a human antagonist in this Dawn of the Dead sequel. Bub saluted his friends, and we’re saluting him!

Big Daddy, Land Of The Dead

When George Romero first returned to his zombie legacy in Land of the Dead, he revisited the concept that he was branching out into with Bub in the previous film. Tired of seeing other zombies slaughtered by humanity, Big Daddy (Eugene Clark) is an undead figure you can’t help but feel sympathy for, even as he and his army tear apart humanity’s upper crust. With Romero’s zombies getting smarter, Big Daddy also exhibits that intelligence and empathy, as he and his generation of zombies can use guns and other instruments as weapons, and they’re even capable of mercy killings.

R, Warm Bodies

Being different from the zombie pack isn’t enough, as we see in our next entry focused on R (Nicolas Hoult), the love interest/zombie from the cinematic adaptation of Warm Bodies. While the undead still eat flesh and brains, and can’t really say much, the personalities of the zombies in director Jonathan Levine’s romantic comedy are still very much intact. So while we don’t know much about R’s life before he was turned at the time, upon meeting him, we get to like him; the feeling only grows during his courtship with Julie (Teresa Palmer). What’s more, these zombies can actually come back to life, so rooting for them to become more human is another dimension that makes R’s story more intriguing.

Ed, Shaun Of The Dead

Up until this point, we’ve been talking about zombies that are introduced to the audience as undead denizens. But Ed (Nick Frost) from Shaun of the Dead is a firm example of someone we befriended as a human, only to see sadly turned into a zombie towards the end of the film. That said, when we see that Shaun (Simon Pegg) has not only kept the zombified Ed alive, but in a shed ready to still play rounds of Timesplitters to pass the time, it’s a friendship that earns another trademark Edgar Wright needle drop. Even if he tries to eat Shaun every now and then, Ed is still a friend worth having.

Dr. Carl Hill, The Re-Animator Series

Not all memorable zombies are good, and Re-Animator’s Dr. Carl Hill (David Gale) is an absolute piece of trash. Hill’s pompous infamy still makes him one of the best movie zombies because he’s able to control people, and his formerly living body, through extremely powerful telekinesis. Using these abilities to control a zombie army of his own, and in one special case to rape a human woman (Barbara Crampton), Dr. Hill’s skills are the epitome of evil. Not even cool powers, and the addition of bat-wings to his head in the sequel Bride of Re-Animator, can stop Dr. Hill from being trash, but he’s one of the best zombie villains you’ll ever see get crushed to death.

Billy Butcherson, Hocus Pocus

Yes, friends, Disney has a memorable zombie to count as their own. Hocus Pocus’s Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones) is a gateway horror icon that can help introduce your own children to the concept of the walking dead... without showing them The Walking Dead. Played mostly silent, except for one memorably mouthy moment with the Sanderson sisters, Billy’s memorably goofy role helps nail the entire film’s legacy as a family-friendly horror movie. Only the undead could ever square off against Winifred Sanderson and live to tell the tale!

Be they kind or cruel, vicious monsters or hysterical pratfaller, zombies can be pretty memorable when you let them. Our hall of fame and shame above are the best examples of zombies that helped make the movies they starred in examples of not just falling back on the same old groaning tropes. Thanks to the reason we all gathered here today, we’re probably going to see this list grow real soon.

There’s probably room on this list for one or two of the creations that Zack Snyder is about to unleash on the world in Army of the Dead, especially when we’re already being teased with the unveiling of a zombie tiger. As the film debuts in wide theatrical release this Friday, with the streaming release hitting Netflix the week after, we’ll see who the public latches onto and who gets the double tap. Though if we were to place an early bet, that tiger’s probably going to steal the movie. Fingers crossed that's the case.

Once upon a time, Netflix and other streaming services didn’t exist. If you wanted to watch a blockbuster movie, then you either had to wait for a heavily edited version (if it was an R-rated film or had a few “bad words.”) to appear on basic cable, or you had to purchase a premium cable package that included channels like HBO or Starz. It was a scary time. Because all these streaming services now exist, people may have forgotten that Starz and other premium channels still operate. These channels offer a lot of great content even before they reach Netflix or Hulu. There are so many exciting movies streaming on Starz.

To keep you away from the endless black hole of movie browsing, here is a list of some of the popular, entertaining, and award winning movies available to stream on Starz.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio star in the latest Quentin Tarantino thrill ride. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood follows Rick Dalton (DiCaprio), who realizes that his fame is fleeting. He travels to Italy to try reinventing his career. Rick brings his loyal stunt man Cliff Booth (Pitt) along with him. Things take an unexpected turn when the Manson family plans to kill actress Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie). Brad Pitt earned his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for playing Cliff Booth.

Stream it on Starz here.

Also try: Pulp Fiction, Snatch

Schindler’s List

Steven Spielberg directed Schindler’s List, a movie about how German businessman Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) and his wife Emilie Schindler (Caroline Goodall) save more than a thousand refugees from the Holocaust during World War II. Ben Kingsley and Ralph Fiennes also star in this powerful drama.

Stream it on Starz here.

Forrest Gump

Tom Hanks gives one of his most praised and memorable performances in Forrest Gump. Slow-witted Forrest Gump lives a life without limits. This allows him to accomplish amazing things like exposing the Richard Nixon Watergate scandal and becoming a ping-pong champion and celebrity. Forrest Gump’s optimism inspires and touches all those that he encounters, including the love of his life Jenny (Robin Wright).

Stream it on Starz here.

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind

Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet are a former couple who both see a specialist to have their memories removed of each other. They have a chance encounter on a train and immediately feel a connection. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a beautifully written movie by acclaimed screenwriter Charlie Kaufman. The ensemble cast includes Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, and Tom Wilkinson.

Stream it here.

Fargo

In Fargo, Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy) is in a lot of debt and trouble. To try to solve his problems, he hires thugs played by Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare to kidnap his wife Jean (Kristin Rudrud) and collect the ransom. As they say “the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Jerry’s plans quickly hit a snag when police Chief Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand) suspects something sketchy is going on.

Stream it here.

Also try: Very Bad Things

Spider-Man: Far From Home

After the events of Avenger: Endgame, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) and his friends MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) take a European vacation with their classmates. Peter wants to get away from the stress and heartbreak of being a superhero, but a mysterious new superhero Quentin Beck (Jake Gyllenhaal) claims danger is on the horizon.

Stream it here.

Also try: Spider-Man (2002), Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Shaun of the Dead

Shaun (Simon Pegg) and his mate Ed (Nick Frost) find themselves caught in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. They seek refuge in what else but a local pub. Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis, Dylan Moran, and Bill Nighy co-star in this hilarious horror comedy film. Edgar Wright directs Shaun of the Dead and it kicked off the Cornetto trilogy.

Stream it here.

Scarface

Al Pacino plays Tony Montana in Scarface, a film about his rise to fame as a powerful drug lord. Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, and Robert Loggia also star. This violent thrill ride keeps you glued until the very end.

Stream it here.

Also try: Chinatown

Night At The Museum

Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) takes a job working as a night watchman at a museum. He soon learns that the exhibits become animated at night. Ben Stiller brings his usual comedic charm to this family adventure film. Night at the Museum has become a series of films with a reboot in the works.

Stream it here.

Also try: Daddy Day Care, Cheaper by the Dozen 2

The Nutty Professor

Eddie Murphy stars in this remake of the Jerry Lewis 1960s film. Murphy plays Sherman Klump, a sweet and smart overweight man who develops a weight-loss drug that turns him into a skinnier, more devious version of himself. Murphy portrays multiple members of the Klump family in The Nutty Professor.

Stream it here.

Also try: Bowfinger

Zombieland: Double Tap

Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin return for this Zombieland sequel. These characters have built a strong family unit over the years, but commitment phobia and smothering lead to a break in the family. Zombieland: Double Tap tries to take things up a notch with even more ridiculous and evolved zombies.

Stream it here.

Also try: 21 Jump Street

Breakfast At Tiffany’s

Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard star in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, a romantic classic about the romance between over the top socialite Holly Gollightly (Hepburn) and writer Paul (Peppard). This is one of Audrey Hepburn’s most memorable and iconic roles.

Stream it here.

Also try: Barefoot in the Park

Mamma Mia!

Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, Mamma Mia follows Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) as she tries to discover which of her mother Donna (Meryl Streep)’s former suitors is her father. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgard play the three potential fathers. Mamma Mia’smusic is completely comprised of ABBA songs.

Stream it here.

Also try: Rent, West Side Story

Four Weddings And A Funeral

Charlie (Hugh Grant) and Carrie (Andie MacDowell) meet at a wedding. Charlie thinks he’s found the one, but Carrie returns to the USA the next day. The two then encounter each other at several other weddings and a funeral, but their timing always seems off.

Stream it here.

Also try: About a Boy

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure

Bill (Alex Winter) and his best friend Ted (Keanu Reeves) are in danger of failing their history class. This is a total bummer because they’re trying to form a band, but Ted will be sent to military school if he fails. They get their hands on a time machine and travel throughout history searching for historical figures who can help with their final presentation.

Stream it here.

Also try: The Brady Bunch Movie, Hot Shots, WarGames

The Breakfast Club

Five high school students from different high school cliques find themselves in detention together. One Saturday afternoon, they discover they’re not as different as they once believed. Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, and Ally Sheedy star in The Breakfast Club.

Stream it here.

Also try: Sixteen Candles, Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Pride & Prejudice

Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen star in this 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved Pride & Prejudice. Spirited Elizabeth Bennet (Knightley) and Mr. Darcy (MacFadyen) have immediate chemistry but both of their stubbornness may end their romance before it even starts.

Stream it here.

The Blues Brothers

John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd star in The Blues Brothers, a concept that originated as a Saturday Night Live segment, but grew to cult movie status. Jake (Belushi) and his blood brother Elwood (Aykroyd) must get their old band back together to raise money to save their old orphanage.

Stream it here.

Also try: Animal House

Brokeback Mountain

Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal play forbidden lovers in this romantic drama. Anne Hathaway and Michelle Williams play their wives in Brokeback Mountain. In another world, these two men could love each other without bounds, but they haven’t been born into a tolerant world.

Stream it here.

Dazed And Confused

Dazed and Confused follows different groups of high school students as they roam around aimlessly looking for something to do after the last day of school in 1976. The film’s cast includes Jason London, Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey, Parker Posey, Joey Lauren Adams, and Mila Jovovich.

Stream it here.

Coraline

Neil Gaiman’s novel Coraline comes alive in this stop-motion adaptation. Coraline (Dakota Fanning) finds a secret door in her new home. This door leads to an “Other World” with alt-universe versions of her family. This creepy yet brilliant animated film also includes voice work by Teri Hatcher and Ian McShane.

Stream it here.

Also try: An American Tail, FernGully

Milk

Sean Penn plays Harvey Milk in this biographical film about the politician and gay rights activist. Milk also stars Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Diego Luna, and James Franco.

Stream it here.

Paranormal Activity

Paranormal Activity uses the found-footage technique to tell a story of a young couple (Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat) haunted by a supernatural presence. The style of this film sets a real scary and sinister tone that almost makes you forget that you’re watching a film and not living a real life nightmare.

Stream it here.

Venom

Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) develops superpowers after being linked to an alien symbiote. He becomes Venom, an infamous Marvel villain who becomes an anti-hero in this version of Venom.

Stream it here.

8 Mile

In 8 Mile, Eminem plays white rapper B-Rabbit. He dreams of using his passion and musical talents to escape Detroit and his lower-class lifestyle. 8 Mile also stars Mekhi Phifer, Brittany Murphy, Anthony Mackie, and Kim Basinger.

Stream it here.

Atonement

James McAvoy and Keira Knightley play young lovers Robbie and Cecilia. They have one passionate night together before being torn apart by a lie. Atonement follows the journey of Robbie and Cecilia as they fight to get back to each other. Their story is told through the eyes of Cecilia’s little sister Briony (Saoirse Ronan).

Stream it here.

You no longer need a cable subscription to enjoy Starz. You can order the channel directly on platforms like Amazon Prime, Hulu, and directly from the Starz website.

As movie-fans have eased into quarantine life during the COVID-19 pandemic, many have taken to watching films that can be described as "on theme." One such title is Edgar Wright's zom-rom-com Shaun Of The Dead, which has been particularly spotlighted because of one scene where the titular Shaun (played by Simon Pegg) lays out a plan that allows him and his friends and family to relax while waiting for the whole undead apocalypse to "blow over."

Now, to entertain us all during this time of crisis, Simon Pegg and his Shaun of the Dead co-star Nick Frost have created an updated version of the fan-favorite sequence specifically tied to the on-going threat from the novel Coronavirus:

While everyone around the world is staying at home, fretting about livelihoods and personal safety, entertainers have been doing their best to try and raise public spirits – be it Arnold Schwarzenegger's various video updates or Mel Brooks and his son informing us how we can all work together to protect legends like Carl Reiner and Dick Van Dyke. Now we have this latest entry to a strange chapter of pop culture from Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, and it's absolutely delightful.

The duo that played Shaun and Ed in Edgar Wright's brilliant 2004 film are clearly practicing social distancing, recording their respective sides of the phone conversation from their own homes, but have provided a wonderful and super funny new version of a great scene that is also an informative PSA. For comparison, you can watch the original scene from Shaun of the Dead below:

Not only is it nice to watch this updated take, but it's also great just to see Simon Pegg and Nick Frost on screen together again. Their history together is full of hilarious brilliance, from the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy (of which Shaun of the Dead is a part), to the amazing sitcom Spaced, and seeing more of them together is definitely welcome. The good news is that this is actually the first YouTube video posted by their co-founded production company, Stolen Picture, so perhaps this will be just the first of more re-teams in the near future.

After this, now I'm hoping that we'll start seeing more actors reunite (albeit not in-person) to recreate scenes from their careers that can be adjusted to become PSAs about the COVID-19 pandemic. If they can be even half as fun as this Shaun of the Dead video, they will provide much needed smiles during a time of tension and worry.

This is a beat we definitely find ourselves now following here on CinemaBlend as all theatrical releases have been delayed and major cinemas shut down, so stay tuned here for all of the latest updates from the world of entertainment.

For about as long as I can remember, I have always been drawn to zombie apocalypse movies, and have long thought that the best horror movies involve armies of the undead. What started out as a fear of flesh-eating ghouls slowly turned into an enjoyment of the genre. If there was a zombie movie on DVD, I had it in my collection. And whenever there was a possibility of some kind of ghoul showing up in an upcoming horror movie, I would make plans to be there.

I've watched a lot of zombie movies over the years and thought it would be fun to put together a list of my favorites and the various ways you can watch them online. And yes, George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead and Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later are finally on the list after not being available digitally for years.

Apocalypse Z: The Beginning Of The End (2024)

Seemingly released out of nowhere in late 2024, Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End premiered on Prime Video and quickly became a massive hit. Set in Spain, Carles Torrens’ zombie thriller follows a grieving widow named Manel (Francisco Ortiz) as he tries to survive a mysterious viral outbreak turning people into flesh-eating monsters. Equipped with a dirtbike, some great improvised armor, and his trusty pet cat, Manel races against time (and an army of the undead) to reach safety.

Stream Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End on Prime Video.

28 Days Later (2002)

After being missing from streaming for a few years, Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later is finally available in digital storefronts. First released in 2002, this low-fi thriller centers on a courier named Jim (Cillian Murphy) as he awakes from a coma to discover that London has been devastated by a mysterious virus. Joined by other survivors, Jim seeks to make sense of the mad world around him, ultimately ending up in an abandoned mansion with a group of soldiers.

Rent/Buy 28 Days Later on Amazon.

Dead Snow (2009)

A skiing trip in Norway seems like a great way for a group of medical students to blow off some steam, until they find themselves fighting an army of the undead north of the Arctic Circle. But these aren’t just normal zombies - they’re a battalion of Nazis whose corpses have come back from the dead decades after the end of World War II. Tommy Wirkola’s has everything you’d want in a zombie movie: thrills, chills, blood, gore, and Nazis getting absolutely wrecked.

Rent/Buy Dead Snow on Amazon.

Blood Quantum (2020)

Jeff Barnaby’s Blood Quantum offers a unique spin on the zombie genre. Set in an isolated Red Crow reserve, the movie follows a group of natives immune to the zombie plague as they try to protect those who are not while also keeping order in their community. Blood, drama, guts, action, and an interesting premise make this 2020 horror flick an engaging and intense thriller like no other.

Rent/Buy Blood Quantum on Amazon.

Alone (2020)

When a zombie outbreak turns his city into a feasting ground for the undead, a young man named Aidan (Tyler Posey) makes the decision to barricade himself in his apartment in an attempt to wait it out. As the days turn to weeks and weeks to months, Aidan makes the brash decision to go out into the world to save another survivor, a decision that could cost him his life.

Rent/Buy Alive on Amazon.

Maggie (2015)

If someone were to pitch a zombie movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, most would assume it would be an action-packed thriller with some wild sequences and catchy one-liners. However, Henry Hobson’s Maggie is anything but that. In this tense and incredibly emotional drama, Schwarzenegger plays the devoted father of a young girl (played by Abigail Breslin) who has become infected after being bitten by a zombie. A touching and gut-wrenching affair, the movie shows the great lengths parents go to protect their children, even in the face of an inevitable fate.

Stream Maggie on Prime Video.
Rent/Buy Maggie on Amazon.

The Night Eats The World (2018)

Dominique Rocher’s The Night Eats the World (or La nuit a dévoré le monde in French) follows a musician living in Paris (played by Anders Danielsen Lie) as he awakens one morning to discover that a zombie outbreak has taken over the French capital. Less of a movie about daring escapes and the search for answers, this thrilling horror film instead focuses on a lone man’s attempt to survive the apocalypse one day at a time.

Stream The Night Eats the World on Peacock.
Stream The Night Eats the World on Prime Video.
Rent/Buy The Night Eats the World on Amazon.

The Dead Next Door (1989)

The Dead Next Door is perhaps one of the cheesiest zombie movies of all time, but that’s honestly part of its charm. J. R. Bookwalter’s 1989 horror flick follows a group known as the Zombie Squad as they attempt to get control of a massive outbreak of undead flesh-eaters. Things take a turn, however, when they enter the turf of a crazed cult that may or may not have a cure. Outrageous gore, voiceovers by Bruce Campbell, and the home video look and feel make this a cult classic worth revisiting.

Stream The Dead Next Door on Plex.
Stream The Dead Next Door on Tubi.

Dawn Of The Dead (1978) 

Featuring some of the most resourceful horror movie characters, a great setting, and more social commentary than we know what to do with, George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead is still considered one of the best zombie movies of all time more than 45 years after its release. This 1978 classic follows a helicopter pilot, his pregnant TV news station producer girlfriend, and two cops as they escape Philadelphia and take refuge at a massive indoor mall. Bountiful resources and a place to lay their heads await, but so do hundreds of flesh-eating ghouls trapped within.

Sure, this horror sequel is campier than its predecessor, Night of the Living Dead, and it doesn’t feel as claustrophobic, but this doesn’t mean it’s lacking in any way. In fact, thanks to Tom Savini’s impressive and inventive make-up and special effects work, this movie blows away anything that came before.

Rent/Buy Dawn Of The Dead on Amazon.

Braindead (1992)

Before Peter Jackson became a director known for The Lord of the Rings, King Kong, and documentaries like The Beatles: Get Back, the New Zealand filmmaker made a name for himself in the world of horror. One of his best features is 1992’s Braindead, a zombie movie that combines equal parts horror and comedy to create a hilarious and blood-soaked cinematic experience.

Also known as Dead Alive, the movie follows Lionel Cosgrove (Timothy Balme) as he tries to keep his mother, Vera (Elizabeth Moody) in quarantine after she is bitten by a rat, only for her to repeatedly escape and infect more and more of their neighbors. Filled with camp, comedy, romance, and buckets of blood, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Rent/Buy Braindead on Amazon.

Nightmare City (1980)

Umberto Lenzi’s 1980 Italian horror film, Nightmare City (also released as City of the Walking Dead) combines elements of zombie movies, vampire thrillers, and anti-nuclear sentiments to tell its wild, engaging, and terrifying story. Sent to cover the emergency landing of a military plane carrying scientists investigating a nuclear accident, a news reporter (played by Hugo Stiglitz) instead witnesses a group of crazed and seemingly invincible men attacks and drink the blood of soldiers on the runway.

What follows is a race against time to not only tell and warn people of the ensuing danger but also try to get to the bottom of the story and figure out its cause before it's too late. Forced quarantine, a city bursting at the seams with ghouls, and other dangers make this no easy task.

Stream Nightmare City on Kanopy.

Night Of The Creeps (1986)

Fred Dekker, who’d go on to work on everything from The Monster Squad to Tales from the Crypt, got his start with the 1986 sci-fi/horror comedy, Night of the Creeps. When two college students (played by Jason Lively and Steve Marshall) steal a cadaver as part of an initiation ceremony to join a frat at their college, they unwittingly take a corpse that is under the control of alien invaders. As the zombies begin to grow in numbers (thanks to extraterrestrial slugs), Corman University becomes ground zero of the apocalypse.

If you’re a fan of B movies, zombies, aliens, and all things ‘80s, then this campy yet earnest horror flick is going to quickly become one of your go-to cult classics.

Rent/Buy Night Of The Creeps on Amazon.

28 Weeks Later (2007)

Released in 2007, 28 Weeks Later is one of those awesome horror movie sequels that works despite being a major departure from its predecessor. Set months after the initial release of the “Rage” Virus that decimated England, the movie centers on a group of U.N. soldiers as they try to contain its spread.

Though none of the actors from the 28 Days Later cast return for this one, the audience is introduced to some outstanding characters throughout this action-packed horror thriller. Oh, and that opening sequence is still just as great more than a decade-and-a-half later. And with the upcoming 28 Years Later on the way, now would be a fun time to revisit this thrilling zombie flick.

Rent/Buy 28 Weeks Later on Amazon.

Army Of The Dead (2021) 

Seventeen years after coming onto the scene with his surprisingly good Dawn of the Dead remake, Zack Snyder returned to the zombie genre with the Netflix exclusive, Army of the Dead. This flashy, over-the-top, and action-packed Las Vegas adventure feels like Ocean’s Eleven with zombies, because of its setting and large ensemble cast.

Set years after a zombie outbreak devastated Las Vegas, a group of mercenaries led by Scott Ward (Dave Bautista) is sent into the ruins of Sin City to break into a massive vault and recover $200 million hidden inside. Just like his Dawn of the Dead movie, this action-packed, blood-filled, and rather emotional zombie flick has a lot of brains and heart.

Stream Army of the Dead on Netflix.

Little Monsters (2019)

In 2019, Abe Forsythe gave the world his unique spin on the zombie genre with the horror-comedy, Little Monsters. Instead of a group of mercenaries sent into a deadly location or a group of scientists trying to find a cure, this charming tale centers around a kindergarten teacher played by Lupita Nyong’o, a children’s TV show host portrayed by Josh Gad, and Alexander England’s washed-up musician as they try to protect a group of young kids from a deadly zombie outbreak.

With a lot of heart, soul, and so much gore, this remarkably funny zombie romp is full of surprises and great moments around each corner. Like zombies grabbing your limbs, this movie takes hold of your heart.

Stream Little Monsters on Hulu.

Zombie (1979) 

Zombie (or Zombi 2) is Lucio Fulci’s 1979 unofficial sequel to George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead. But instead of taking place in a shopping mall, the movie is mostly set on a Caribbean island and follows a researcher, a journalist, and several other new characters as they investigate claims of a strange viral outbreak.

This movie is just as terrifying as it is campy (a zombie fights a shark), features one of the most disgusting eye scenes of all time, and is definitely not for the faint of heart. However, this is a classic addition to the genre that is a must for horror fans, even if it is just to check out the impressive zombie effects and all that incredible gore.

Rent/Buy Zombie on Amazon.

Land Of The Dead (2005)

After a 20-year break, the late George A. Romero returned to his iconic zombie franchise with 2005’s Land of the Dead. Set in a walled-off Pittsburgh protected from the millions of ghouls outside its gates, the movie plays out like A Tale of Two Cities but with zombies, in that the wealthy live a life of luxury and security in a massive tower while everyone else fights for scraps (and their lives).

If a rebellion to overthrow the ruthless Paul Kaufman (Dennis Hopper) isn’t bad enough, the survivors also have to deal with a group of undead who have evolved and started to work under the direction of Big Daddy (Eugene Clark), one of the smartest and best movie zombies of all time.

Rent/Buy Land of the Dead on Amazon.

Planet Terror (2007) 

Released as one half of the Grindhouse double-feature, director Robert Rodriguez’s 2007 zombie thriller, Planet Terror, is one hell of a ride. On a seemingly normal night, a rural Texas town becomes overrun with zombies that bring death, destruction, and chaos to the once-quiet community.

Injured go-go dancer Cherry Darling (Rose McGowan), whose leg is ripped off in the mayhem and later replaced with an assault rifle, and her ex-boyfriend El Wray (Freddy Rodriguez) lead a group of survivors through the night in hopes of creating a better tomorrow. This proves to be no easy task, however, and survival is far from guaranteed.

Rent/Buy Planet Terror on Amazon.

One Cut Of The Dead (2017) 

Shin'ichirō Ueda’s uniquely funny 2017 Japanese zombie comedy, One Cut of the Dead, follows an obsessive filmmaker, his cast, and crew as they film a horror movie in an abandoned and haunted plant that is attacked by real zombies. Instead of screeching to a halt, the production continues and is completed in a single take due to various reasons.

It’s best to stop reading about One Shot of the Dead there, as the movie takes some wild and crazy turns that are so off-the-wall they’re hard to believe.

Rent/Buy One Cut of the Dead on Amazon.

Train To Busan (2016)

Nearly a half-century after George A. Romero introduced audiences to the idea of the flesh-eating undead masses, South Korean filmmaker Yeon Sang-ho gave us one of the most refreshing and beautifully crafted films in the genre with 2016's Train To Busan. Set aboard a high-speed train infested with the walking dead, this movie carries on a lot of the messages that Romero inserted into his classic Dead anthology.

Throughout its nearly two-hour runtime, Train To Busan contains some of the best and most inventive trappings for its survivors. With one half of the survivors stuck on the back of the train and the other half on the front, they must find a way through the wall of zombies separating the two.

Stream Train to Busan on Peacock.
Rent/Buy Train to Busan on Amazon.

Rec (2007) 

Often considered one of the best found footage horror movies, the 2007 Spanish thriller, Rec, follows a young reporter (Manuela Velasco) as she and her cameraman (Pablo Rosso) become trapped in an apartment complex in which the residents are turned into flesh-eating zombies.

Directed by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza, this streamlined thriller makes the most of its 78-minute runtime to produce one of the most frightening and unique experiences that pumped new life into the zombie horror subgenre upon release.

Stream Rec on Tubi.
Rent/Buy Rec on Amazon.

Cargo (2018) 

Based on their 2013 short film of the same name, Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke’s 2017 zombie drama, Cargo, follows a father (Martin Freeman) as he and his infant daughter navigate rural Australia in hopes of being rescued in the midst of a massive viral outbreak that turns people into rabid monsters within 48 hours.

In a race against time, and the onset of infection, the father searches for a way out of the terrifying situation, one that only gets more dire by the minute. Far more dramatic than most zombie movies, Cargo will absolutely leave you gutted by the time it’s finished.

Stream Cargo on Netflix.

Night Of The Living Dead (1968)

You couldn't have a list of the best zombie movies without including George A. Romero's landmark low-budget thriller, Night Of The Living Dead. Not only did this 1968 classic start one of the greatest horror franchises in the history of cinema, it was also paramount in the creation of the modern zombie movie.

This black-and-white tale of the undead follows a small group of strangers who seek shelter in an old farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania. As the zombies slowly begin to overtake the exterior of the house, the survivors are verbally ripping one another apart as they fail to put aside their differences.

Stream Night of the Living Dead on Max.
Stream Night of the Living Dead on Peacock.
Rent/Buy Night of the Living Dead on Amazon.

Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

Not all zombie movies have to be dark and dreary retellings of the apocalypse as Edgar Wright showed us in the hilarious horror comedy Shaun Of The Dead. Written alongside the film's star, Simon Pegg, this parody of the genre remains one of the best zombie movies.

Following the life of Shaun (Pegg), a down-on-his-luck electronics salesman and his best friend Ed (Nick Frost), the film pits the two deadbeat losers against hordes of undead on the streets of London. While technically a comedy, Shaun Of The Dead doesn't hold back on the gore, guts, or headshots as Shaun, Ed, and their friends and family try to escape to their favorite bar, the Winchester, where who knows what'll happen.

Rent/Buy Shaun of the Dead on Amazon.

Zombieland (2009)

If you are looking for a star-studded cast, loads of comedy, and plenty of zombie kills then Zombieland is the movie for you. Released in 2009, this Ruben Fleischer picture brings together Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin as the group of outcasts come together and make their way across the continental United States that has been all but destroyed by the masses of undead littering the landscape.

One part comedy and one part horror, this highly imaginative mashup of the genres offers some of the most inventive zombie kills and plot devices ever seen in horror movies. With a long list of "rules" in order to prolong their survival, this ragtag group gives us laughs, chills, and plenty of kills. There are even a few tears along the way.

Stream Zombieland on Netflix.
Rent/Buy Zombieland on Amazon.

Day Of The Dead (1985)

In 1985, George A. Romero completed his original Dead trilogy with Day of the Dead, an extremely bleak concluding chapter that picked up years into the zombie apocalypse. Confined to a military base established in an old mining system, a group of scientists and soldiers attempt to coexist in hopes of finding a cure for the virus that has brought humanity to its knees.

While Romero's previous efforts lacked in the detailed gore department, Day of the Dead goes all out with some of the best work by legendary special effects artist Tom Savini. It’s slower, meaner, and less action-packed than Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead, but this ‘80s horror movie has quite the bite.

Stream Day of the Dead on Peacock.
Rent/Buy Day of the Dead on Amazon.

Dawn Of The Dead (2004)

Zack Snyder’s Dawn Of The Dead, which was written by James Gunn, is similar to George A. Romero’s horror classic in name and setting only, but that's not to say it's a bad movie. Instead, it's just a different approach to the zombie mall concept. With an ensemble cast that includes Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, and Ty Burrell before he went on to become the lovable Phil Dunphy on Modern Family, this reimagining has some bright spots.

The most memorable of those scenes is the film's opening, in which Polley's character must escape her suburban neighborhood as it's being ripped apart by the undead masses. The way the scene transitions to the superb title sequence still amazes me.

Rent/Buy Dawn of the Dead on Amazon.

Warm Bodies (2013)

Who says you can't have a romantic comedy set inside a world that has been overtaken by millions of zombies? I guess no one told Jonathan Levine that before he adapted and directed the 2013 zombie comedy Warm Bodies about a ghoul by the name of "R" (Nicholas Hoult) who falls in love with a very living Julie Grigio (Teresa Palmer).

Based on a novel by the same name, the oddball comedy horror mashup is as funny as it is terrifying as the romance blooms in a world that is nearly a decade into a widespread zombie outbreak. With their perfect mixture of romance, thrills, and chills, Warm Bodies is perfect for anyone looking for a happier approach to the zombie genre.

Rent/Buy Warm Bodies on Amazon.

The Dead Don't Die (2019)

I could hem and haw about the intricacies of Jim Jarmusch's absurdist The Dead Don't Die, but I'll cut to the chase and say that this is one of the most refreshing and hilarious zombie movies I've ever seen. Not quite a horror movie and yet still not exactly your typical comedy, this mishmash of genres, along with the insane cast (Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Tilda Swinton, Iggy Pop, Tom Waits, etc.), The Dead Don't Die is a gem.

When a zombie outbreak takes over a small city, the local police force, mortician, and hermit must make sense of the world around them as the dead mysteriously return from the grave. This one isn't for everyone, but man is it great.

Stream The Dead Don’t Die on Netflix.
Rent/Buy The Dead Don’t Die on Amazon.

The Return Of The Living Dead (1985)

I was just a kid when I first saw The Return Of The Living Dead, so young that I failed to see the humor in this 1985 oddball horror comedy and thought it was the scariest movie I'd ever seen. It was truly frightening watching this classic on WGN that fateful October afternoon. Since then, I've grown to love this unconventional zombie movie about a viral outbreak in Louisville, Kentucky, of all places.

Written and directed by Dan O'Bannon, who's mostly known for writing the screenplay for Ridley Scott's Alien six years earlier, The Return Of The Living Dead takes place in a world in which Night Of The Living Dead was based. Add a medical disaster, a gang of street punks, and a soundtrack for the ages, and you have yourself one of the goofiest and goriest comedies to come out of the 1980s.

Rent/Buy The Return of the Living Dead on Amazon.

World War Z (2013)

And then there is the Marc Foster-directed World War Z, starring Brad Pitt as Gerry Lane, a former United Nations investigator who is tasked with finding the cause of a viral outbreak that has spread throughout the world. Based on the novel of the same name by Max Brooks, World War Z, is a fun, globetrotting adventure about a man who happens to find himself in the face of danger at every turn.

The film is a departure from the narrative structure of the well-written novel on which it was based, but World War Z does have some of the most exciting action sequences and a finale in the zombie-infested World Health Organization headquarters that still makes me quiver all these years later.

Stream World War Z on Paramount+.
Rent/Buy World War Z on Amazon.

Well, this should be enough to hold you over while we wait for the next great zombie movie to take us back to the graveyard.

I am the kind of movie fan who loves to see filmmakers attempt to combine two different genres that, in theory, should not blend smoothly but result in one exciting and uproarious concoction. That being said, I love horror-comedy movies and would even say that some of the best horror movies of all time have successfully managed to be as frightening as they are funny. See for yourself by looking at my recommendations for some of the best horror-comedy movies ever, along with a tip on how to watch them.

Dead Alive (1992)

Director: Peter Jackson

Starring: Timothy Balme, Diana Peñalver

What it’s about: A bite from a Sumatran rat-monkey unleashes a virus that turns most of a New Zealand town into ravenous, flesh-eating monsters.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: Before he was best known as the Oscar-winning director of the Lord of the Rings movies, Peter Jackson bread and butter was uproarious gorefests like Dead Alive, which is also known as Braindead.

How to watch Dead Alive

• Buy Dead Alive on Blu-ray on Amazon

Ghostbusters (1984)

Director: Ivan Reitman

Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson

What it’s about: A group of New Yorkers work together to eliminate bizarre paranormal encounters throughout the city.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: Also written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis and one of Ivan Reitman’s best movies, the original Ghostbusters is one of the most universally beloved examples of fusing horrifying story elements with hilarious hijinks.

How to watch Ghostbusters

• Stream Ghostbusters on Max
• Rent or buy Ghostbusters on Amazon
• Buy Ghostbusters on Blu-ray on Amazon

The Menu (2022)

Director: Mark Mylod

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult

What it’s about: Wealthy food enthusiasts discover that a special dining event curated by a prestigious chef is not quite the delicious experience they were hoping for.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: Anya Taylor-Joy (arguably the top Scream Queen of her time) proves that she possesses a striking wit as the central hero of The Menu – a pitch-black satire of elitist culinary culture with some real bite.

How to watch The Menu

• Stream The Menu on Netflix
• Rent or buy The Menu on Amazon
• Buy The Menu on Blu-ray on Amazon

Killer Klowns From Outer Space (1988)

Director: Stephen Chiodo

Starring: Grant Cramer, Suzanne Snyder

What it’s about: A young couple struggles to protect their town from an invasion of grotesque aliens disguised as clowns.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: Oddly enough, the antagonists from one of the truly funniest examples of the typically earnest creepy clown movie genre, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, are not actual harlequins but evil extraterrestrials who adopted a thematic aesthetic inspired by circus culture, for whatever reason.

How to watch Killer Klowns from Outer Space

• Stream Killer Klowns from Outer Space on MGM+
• Stream Killer Klowns from Outer Space on Tubi
• Rent or buy Killer Klowns from Outer Space on Amazon
• Buy Killer Klowns from Outer Space on Blu-ray on Amazon

Little Shop Of Horrors (1986)

Director: Frank Oz

Starring: Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene

What it’s about: A meek floral shop employee discovers that an unusual plant he recently purchased does not feed on water or sunlight, but human beings.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: Based on a popular stage show inspired by a Roger Korman classic, Little Shop of Horrors is also one of the best horror-comedy musical movies for its toe-tapping numbers and boasts one of the best ‘80s movie villains: the “mean, green” Audrey II.

How to watch Little Shop of Horrors

• Rent or buy Little Shop of Horrors on Amazon
• Buy Little Shop of Horrors on Blu-ray on Amazon

Happy Death Day (2017)

Director: Christopher Landon

Starring: Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard

What it’s about: A conceited college student finds herself reliving the same day over and over, allowing her the chance to identify the masked murderer who keeps killing her.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: The horror genre has plenty of great time-loop movies, but none are as funny as the wonderfully silly slasher, Happy Death Day.

How to watch Happy Death Day

• Rent or buy Happy Death Day on Amazon
• Buy Happy Death Day on Blu-ray on Amazon

The Return Of The Living Dead (1985)

Director: Dan O’Bannon

Starring: Thom Matthews, James Karen

What it’s about: A pair of medical supply warehouse employees accidentally release a strange gas that causes the dead to rise.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: The origin of zombies being hungry for brains can be traced back to The Return of the Living Dead, which is arguably the better 1985 zombie movie over Day of the Dead but undeniably the more magnificently ridiculous.

How to watch The Return of the Living Dead

• Stream The Return of the Living Dead on MGM+
• Stream The Return of the Living Dead on Tubi
• Rent or buy The Return of the Living Dead on Amazon
• Buy The Return of the Living Dead on Blu-ray on Amazon

Tucker And Dale Vs. Evil (2010)

Director: Eli Craig

Starring: Alan Tudyk, Tyler Labine

What it’s about: Disaster strikes when a couple of hillbillies just trying to enjoy a vacation in the mountains are mistaken for slashers by a group of frightened college students.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: The classic slasher movie trope of shady country folk who are clearly psychopathic, possibly cannibalistic murderers is turned on its head in a hilarious and graphic fashion in Tucker and Dale vs. Evil.

How to watch Tucker and Dale vs. Evil

• Stream Tucker and Dale vs. Evil on Amazon Prime
• Stream Tucker and Dale vs. Evil on Peacock
• Stream Tucker and Dale vs. Evil on Tubi
• Buy Tucker and Dale vs. Evil on Blu-ray on Amazon

Ready Or Not (2019)

Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett

Starring: Samara Weaving, Adam Brody

What it’s about: A newlywed agrees to her wealthy in-laws’ seemingly innocent game of hide-and-seek that turns out to be a deadly, all-night hunt in which she is the sole target.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: Radio Silence crafts Ready or Not into an intense, expertly paced cat-and-mouse game that is a little bit Die Hard, a little bit Rosemary’s Baby, and thoroughly batshit crazy, and secured Weaving as one of the top Scream Queens of her time and any time.

How to watch Ready or Not

• Rent or buy Ready or Not on Amazon
• Buy Ready or Not on Blu-ray on Amazon

Behind The Mask: The Rise Of Leslie Vernon (2006)

Director: Scott Glosserman

Starring: Nathan Baesel, Angela Goethals

What it’s about: A documentary crew follows an aspiring masked killer as he prepares to embark on his first murder spree.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: Set in the same universe as classic slasher movies like Halloween and A Nightmare on Elm Street, Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon is a mockumentary that cleverly makes light of the genre’s cliches by presenting them in a hilariously and refreshingly informal way.

How to watch Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon

• Stream Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon on AMC+
• Rent or buy Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon on Amazon
• Buy Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon on Blu-ray on Amazon

Zombieland (2009)

Director: Ruben Fleischer

Starring: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin

What it’s about: A mismatched group of travelers struggles to tolerate the undead flesh eaters dominating the earth, as well as each other.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: Despite its graphic imagery and dark themes, Zombieland is a light, breezy road trip movie with a killer celebrity cameo that puts a bright, blood-stained smile on your face.

How to watch Zombieland

• Rent or buy Zombieland on Amazon
• Buy Zombieland on Blu-ray on Amazon

Slither (2006)

Director: James Gunn

Starring: Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks

What it’s about: After a small town becomes overrun by large parasitic worms from another planet, a police officer races to prevent the plague from transforming more townsfolk into revolting mutant creatures.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: Slither is a body horror movie of the grossest kind and a horror-comedy of the most crass kind but James Gunn (years before Guardians of the Galaxy) crafts it into something uniquely endearing.

How to watch Slither

• Rent or buy Slither on Amazon
• Buy Slither on Blu-ray on Amazon

Gremlins (1984)

Director: Joe Dante

Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates

What it’s about: When Billy Peltzer receives an unusual furry creature called a Mogwai from his father as a Christmas gift, he soon learns that, lurking beneath its cuddly exterior, is a vicious, green monster that takes the ignorance of a few important rules to unleash.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: The frightening nature of the titular creatures in Gremlins is not to be underestimated, yet they often indulge in some wacky, cartoonish mischief that makes the holiday horror movie an undisputed classic.

How to watch Gremlins

• Rent or buy Gremlins on Amazon
• Buy Gremlins on Blu-ray on Amazon

The Cabin In The Woods (2011)

Director: Drew Goddard

Starring: Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams

What it’s about: Five young friends fall prey to horrifying circumstances at a remote cabin where nothing is truly as it seems.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: The less you know about The Cabin in the Woods and its wild ending, the better but I will, at least, mention that it is one of the most dizzyingly clever and unabashedly witty deconstructions of the horror genre yet.

How to watch The Cabin in the Woods

• Stream The Cabin in the Woods on Amazon Prime for free
• Buy The Cabin in the Woods on Blu-ray on Amazon

What We Do In The Shadows (2014)

Director: Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement

Starring: Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement, Jonathan Brugh

What it’s about: A film crew documents the daily activities of three centuries-old bloodsuckers while living together in modern-day New Zealand.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: What makes What We Do in the Shadows one of the funniest movies about classic monsters is its surprisingly relatable and convincingly executed tale of friendship that takes great pleasure in its respectful mocking of traditional vampire lore.

How to watch What We Do in the Shadows

• Rent or buy What We Do in the Shadows on Amazon
• Buy What We Do in the Shadows on Blu-ray on Amazon

Trick ‘R Treat (2007)

Director: Michael Dougherty

Starring: Quinn Lord, Dylan Baker, Anna Paquin

What it’s about: Sam (a lone trick-r-treater who is more than meets the eye) is the connective tissue for a collection of stories all taking place on one particularly unusual Halloween night.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: In addition to being one of the best anthology horror movies, the enduring cult favorite, Trick ‘r Treat, makes a great case for being the ultimate Halloween movie, as a wonderfully wacky, often chilling, and clearly proud celebration of the holiday.

How to watch Trick ‘r Treat

• Rent or buy Trick ‘r Treat on Amazon
• Buy Trick ‘r Treat on Blu-ray on Amazon

Beetlejuice (1988)

Director: Tim Burton

Starring: Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton

What it’s about: A recently deceased couple runs into trouble after enlisting a crude, revolting bio-exorcist to rid their house of its pretentious current inhabitants.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: Tim Burton’s signature macabre whimsy, fused with Michael Keaton’s laugh-a-minute, high-energy wit make Beetlejuice a time of your afterlife film that was later adapted into a Tony-nominated Broadway musical and spawned a long-awaited follow-up called Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

How to watch Beetlejuice

• Rent or buy Beetlejuice on Amazon
• Buy Beetlejuice on Blu-ray on Amazon

An American Werewolf In London (1981)

Director: John Landis

Starring: David Naughton, Griffin Dunne, Jenny Agutter

What it’s about: While visiting the United Kingdom, American college students David and Jack are attacked by an animal that kills Jack but turns David into a half-man, half-wolf creature.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: While the humor that made John Landis a household name is present, what really makes An American Werewolf in London a one of the best werewolf movies is its horrific body horror imagery, thanks to Rick Baker’s Academy Award-winning makeup effects.

How to watch An American Werewolf in London

• Stream An American Werewolf in London on Tubi
• Rent An American Werewolf in London on Amazon
• Buy An American Werewolf in London on Blu-ray on Amazon

Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

Director: Edgar Wright

Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield

What it’s about: An everyman struggles to protect his friends and family after mindless flesh-eaters overrun London.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: Instead of spoofing the zombie genre, Shaun of the Dead honors George A. Romero’s formula and splices it with sitcom conventions that result in, surprisingly, one of the most realistic zombie movies ever made.

How to watch Shaun of the Dead

• Rent or buy Shaun of the Dead on Amazon
• Buy Shaun of the Dead on Blu-ray on Amazon

Evil Dead II (1987)

Director: Sam Raimi

Starring: Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry

What it’s about: A man stranded at a remote cabin in the woods is forced to contend with malevolent and mischievous spiritual forces after accidentally unleashing them with a mysterious book.

Why it is one of the best horror-comedy movies: The second installment of Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead movies is a near-perfect marriage of gross-out gore with classic slapstick unlike anything the subgenre had seen before.

How to watch Evil Dead II

• Stream Evil Dead II on Amazon Prime
• Buy Evil Dead II on Blu-ray on Amazon

I believe that it can be healthy for us to be able to find the humor in everything, sometimes even the most grisly topics. That being said, there is no better way for us to exercise that concept than by indulging in a fun horror-comedy movie like the favorites above.

Most movies don't "need" sequels, but sometimes a sequel can surprise in a good way. The Godfather, Back to the Future, Raiders of the Lost Ark -- they would've been more than fine as standalone movies, but instead led to some fantastic (and some just OK) sequels.

Stanley Kubrick's The Shining is a fantastic horror movie on its own, but now it's getting a sequel, and a worthy one. The Doctor Sleep movie -- which is getting solid reviews -- is taking a thoughtful approach as a joint sequel. It's based on Stephen King's own Doctor Sleep book -- his sequel to his novel The Shining -- but it's also a sequel to Kubrick's The Shining movie.

It got me thinking about other classic horror movies that could use a well-thought-out continuation, not just Movie Title 2. Something to make them closer to Doctor Sleep and 2018's Halloween movie than, say, Exorcist II: The Heretic.

Some of these films have already gotten sequels, but not worthy ones. Too often, a movie gets a slapdash sequel just because the first made a lot of money. Or the film gets a remake like Gus Van Sant's ill-fated 1998 Psycho. Let's never do that again.

I doubt any of this will happen, but it's interesting to speculate about where thoughtful new sequels could go. Here are seven horror classics that created worlds I'd love to revisit in theaters.

The Birds

This is the good sequel I want most. My little Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece collection is one of my most prized possessions. But as much as I loved The Birds, the 1963 film could definitely use the help of modern technology for those unintentionally funny moments. Birds are a lot easier to handle when they're CGI, and modern VFX could mix real and fake in a way that is completely seamless. A couple of years ago, the BBC announced it was working on a TV series more closely adapting Daphne du Maurier's U.K.-set story, which Hitchcock's film heavily diverged from. But today I'm not looking for a new adaptation, I'm curious about a sequel.

The Birds never explained why the birds started attacking, and maybe that should never be explained in a sequel. Up to the writers. There's a lot of room for creativity here, branching off from the original novel or Hitchcock's movie, or a combination. But we shouldn't leave the world with the 1994 made-for-TV movie The Birds II: Land's End as the definitive sequel. Come on.

Rosemary's Baby

What happened after the demon baby was born? It's open to interpretation. Sure, a 1976 TV movie with the rather cringe-worthy title Look What's Happened to Rosemary's Baby tried to answer that question. Nobody really liked liked that much, though, and NBC's Rosemary's Baby miniseries wasn't even an attempt at a sequel.

So the door is still open for a worthy continuation. Roman Polanski's 1968 classic horror film was based on the book by Ira Levin. He wrote a sequel novel in 1997 called Son of Rosemary, and a sequel movie could be based on that ... or not. This may call for a modern filmmaker's more creative vision. I wouldn't say no to Jordan Peele taking a stab at it, or Karyn Kusama or James Wan. Can you imagine if Guillermo del Toro decided what happened next? I'm game.

Carrie

Here's another classic Stephen King adaptation with quite a different ending than the novel. A decent sequel -- don't talk to me about The Rage: Carrie 2 -- could pick up from the end of King's 1974 novel rather than Brian De Palma's 1976 movie, or do another combination ala Doctor Sleep. There have been other adaptations of King's Carrie, including a stage musical and a 2013 movie with Chloë Grace Moretz, but we've yet to see a worthy successor story.

Drag Me to Hell

I definitely consider Sam Raimi's 2009 horror film to be a modern classic. Unlike so many, it's an original work written by director Raimi and his brother Ivan. Every so often, Raimi gets asked why this movie never got a sequel. Since this year marks the 10th anniversary, Raimi answered Bloody Disgusting's question about it earlier in 2019. Here's what the Evil Dead creator said:

Bloody Disgusting offered its own suggestion for a sequel: "Drag Me FROM Hell, in which we learn Justin Long’s character has spent the last ten years studying the occult, trying to figure out how to get the love of his life back, and comes up with his own, terrifying plan?" Honestly, I'm into it. And it sounds like Justin Long would love to come back for more too. If nothing else, he needs to go back for that beautiful blue coat. She just bought it!

Get Out And/Or Us

Jordan Peele has made a name for himself in the past couple of years as a high-quality original horror director. Both 2017's Get Out and 2019's Us were hugely profitable hits, and Get Out was nominated for Best Picture and won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Both Get Out and Us left fans curious about the worlds they created, and Peele has left the door open for sequels to both. Here's what he said about a Get Out sequel:

And here's what he told Polygon about ever returning to the world of Us:

One Us actor said the movie doesn't need a sequel, which is fair. Most movies don't need sequels. But if Jordan Peele has an idea that works to continue the story, I certainly think we can trust his vision on that. Now we wait and see.

Shaun of the Dead

I'll take any excuse to spend more time with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Shaun of the Dead was the first movie in the Cornetto trilogy -- followed by one of my all-time favorite movies, Hot Fuzz, and the fantastic The World's End. The movies are perfect as they are. That said, Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg have talked half-jokingly about sequel ideas for Shaun. Here's what Pegg said a couple of years ago:

Why haven't I already seen From Dusk Till Shaun? That is a perfect movie title just waiting to be made. Edgar Wright also shared an idea, then immediately discarded it (via IndieWire):

I think we need to send them back to the pub to keep talking this out. I'm game for a vampire sequel or some other twist like that. Their heads are in the right place, just let them get drunk enough to come up with something suitably wild and let's get this going!

Hereditary

Ari Aster's 2018 horror film was a polarizing hit. He followed with another polarizing hit in Midsommar, and told Fandango the 2019 movie was "a companion to Hereditary." I'd be OK with a companion as a worthy sequel cousin -- good enough for me -- but Aster did also tell Fandango he had "an idea for a Hereditary sequel that is extremely unorthodox." When he said it, he was waiting to see if Hereditary made the kind of money that would justify that, adding "It would be very weird and crazy." Well, no one would expect less!

Hereditary was made on a roughly $10 million production budget and made about $80 million, becoming A24's biggest movie to date. I'd say that justifies funding whatever sequel Aster had in mind. He's a true artist and when an artist has an organic idea to continue his or her own story, I say let 'er rip.

What worthy horror sequels would you like to see? I'm not really interested in another Psycho sequel, but a good script could possibly convince me otherwise. I'm also burnt out on The Exorcist movie sequels, although I did love the new Fox TV show ... so of course it was cancelled.

What is scarier than a machete-wielding maniac in a hockey mask or an abandoned mansion where vengeful spirits lurk? If you ask me, zombies are the most horrifying concept in horror cinema and zombie movies are among some of the finest in the genre.

Some may ask, "Why? How does the idea of a hungry, rotting corpse suffering from rigor mortis sound scary? It's completely impossible!"

Not to say that these naysayers are wrong, and even television shows (see The Walking Dead), exploring the concept of the rise of the undead have provided thought-provoking looks at how society is consumed by chaos, widespread hysterics, senseless violence, and our own loss of humanity. So, while the supernatural plot device may not be as convincing, the message is shockingly believable.

Through generations of zombie movies from the works of George A. Romero to Jim Jarmusch's upcoming The Dead Don't Die, what cinematic tale of gore and survival challenges our beliefs most effectively? I have picked eight iconic creature features (and one franchise that you could probably guess) and rank them by how realistically they imagine a world that has been overrun by the dead.

9. Overlord (2018)

Gamers all over the world eyed this J.J. Abrams-produced gem with ecstatic anticipation that they were finally seeing the film adaptation of the zombie-inspired levels of Call of Duty they had dreamed of. As it turns out, it is not the Army vs. undead splatterfest they expected, but that is essentially what helps Overlord maintain some shred of plausibility.

As a twist on true accounts of human experimentation by the Third Reich during World War II, Overlord follows a small group of American soldiers who discover the Nazis’ scientific approach to achieve immortality has spawned horrifying results.

The film is more war than gore, with references to reanimated corpses and violent mutants appearing less frequently than traditional armed combat, but a zombie outbreak on the eve of D-Day would have had you shaking your head, saying, “That never happened.” Overlord keeps it covert without beating you over the head with its horror elements, resulting in a WWII fantasy more believable, at least, than Inglourious Basterds.

Speaking of Brad Pitt...

8. World War Z (2013)

Author Max Brooks stated in the documentary Doc of the Dead that zombies do not scare him; he is not convinced by the idea of cannibalistic reanimated corpses at all. What does scare him is the concept of a virus powerful enough to create widespread mania and destroy humanity as we know it.

Max Brooks took that approach to his novel, World War Z, framed as an oral history of an epidemic turning people into ravenous, flesh-craving mutants, which producer and star Brad Pitt made into this action-packed disaster flick.

The film manages to treat the subject matter maturely, not treating its zombie themes as excuses for gore or even going for the apocalyptic aftermath route. Instead, it puts you right into the middle of the event, as Pitt’s United Nations investigator struggles to figure out the cause and, hopefully, the cure for this international catastrophe, while also serving up potent political commentary.

However, I cannot say I find mindless flesh-eaters smart enough to climb a several-hundred foot wall particularly realistic, so it loses points there.

7. Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

Despite being pretty straightforward, Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead still managed to become one of the most iconic movies of the zombie genre. The key to Shaun of the Dead's success, and its realism, may be its highly relatable characters.

Shaun (co-writer Simon Pegg) and Ed (Nick Frost) are a couple of average slackers who are far from prepared to take on a horde of undead overrunning London, leading them to make some very bad decisions as they struggle to avoid the fate of the infected. But how can you blame them?

The characters’ ill-advised efforts only make them more authentic and, while they also serve as setups for some memorably hilarious moments, they lead to heartbreaking consequences that make you wonder why you were laughing in the first place. People are dying here!

6. Train To Busan (2016)

The Korean horror extravaganza Train to Busan may be the most potent example in recent memory of the key elements of a perfect zombie movie: relentless terror, critical thinking, and a heart.

A divorced businessman (Yoo-Gong) is taking his daughter (Su-an Kim) on a train from Seoul to Busan to visit her mother when a woman infected by a mysterious virus comes aboard. Infection breaks out as the passengers find themselves trapped in a mobile fight for survival.

Train to Busan is a brainy, highly entertaining, no-holds-barred gore fest that is not for the faint of heart, but the scariest thing about the film is not the cannibalistic monsters just one train car away. It is the constant dread of being caught in uncontrollable chaos and the lengths one must go to protect loved ones and even strangers alike.

5. [Rec] (2007)

Before the found footage horror trend took its time running itself into the ground, many credit this Spanish-language thriller as the genre’s peak of brilliance.

[Rec] follows a young television reporter and (Manuela Velasco) her cameraman (Pablo Rosso) who become trapped inside an apartment building experiencing an outbreak of a deadly virus turning its victims into hunters and the uninfected into their prey.

Directors Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza use the found footage method as an effective way to authenticate [Rec]’s horror elements and take advantage of its singular internal setting to provide the audience with a first-hand, claustrophobic experience that feels almost too real to handle.

4. Colin (2008)

Zombie movies are always concerned with how the living deal with the dead. This low budget British thriller asks the question, “How do the dead deal with being dead?”

Alastair Kirton stars as the title character of Colin, who discovers a zombie bite on his arm within the first few minutes of the film. Following his death and reanimation, he serves as our apocalyptic tour guide, mindlessly stumbling through the wreckage of suburbia longing to satisfy his new appetite.

Colin features top-notch acting and surprisingly good special effects for one, but its most impactful moment comes when Colin comes across his own family, horrified to discover their loved one, who can’t even recognize them, is now their greatest danger. It is a thought-provoking reminder these monsters steal not just human lives, but also humanity, and sees the traditionally feared undead earn our unexpected sympathies.

3. The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988)

Today, the term “zombie” is often associated with rotting corpses seeking fresh, live meat, thanks to George Romero, but if you look back to the first inception of the concept, it gets a little weirder.

Directed by Wes Craven, The Serpent and the Rainbow focuses on the concept of black magic, which anthropologist Dennis Alan (Bill Pullman) travels to Haiti to investigate following reports of a drug resurrecting people from the dead. His findings bring him closer to the truth than he wanted, as, not just his life, but his soul soon becomes threatened.

The film is a return to the origin of zombies, defined as corpses reanimated by the use of witchcraft as a tradition of Haitian folklore. While still regarded as a supernatural thriller by execution, considering its nightmarish themes and historical significance, it sure makes you want to steer clear of voodoo.

2. George A. Romero’s Dead Series (1968-2009)

For the definitive depiction of a soulless, subhuman flesh-eater that we have come to know, love, and fear, we have the late George A. Romero to thank.

After first introducing us to the modern incarnation of the zombie in 1968’s revolutionary Night of the Living Dead, Romero kept bringing us back to his nightmarish vision of survival and carnage throughout the decades with more iconic films like Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, and Land of the Dead, imposing a new concept of potent social commentary with each.

He even took advantage of the found footage trend with Diary of the Dead in 2007 and a more sympathetic approach to his monstrous creations with Survival of the Dead two years later.

Despite inspiring many films to come forward later, what keeps Romero’s Dead series standing out among the rest is how their highly plausible depiction of the aftermath of chaos and how they serve as a reflection of human nature, commenting on topics like race, modern consumerism, and war.

But, if we’re talking about realism here, even Romero can’t beat this modern classic.

1. 28 Days Later... (2002)

The debate over whether or not it is accurate to call director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland’s chaotic tour de force a “zombie” movie is a little pointless to me.

Sure, the plot revolves around agile maniacs infected by biological rage as opposed to slow-moving dead people, yet that is precisely what makes it the most realistic “zombie” movie of all time.

The story picks up speed after Jim (Cillian Murphy) wakes up from a coma four weeks after a virus that is non-fatal, but turns most of London into senseless, adrenaline-fueled predators, breaks out. Not even simply avoiding a bite can save you as Brendan Gleeson’s fate shows that a single drop of blood entering your eye is enough to awaken the rage.

28 Days Later... makes the concept of society crumbling in the wake of disease scarier than the stories that inspired it because it forces you to believe it could happen.

What do you think of our realistic zombies movies ranking? Still not convinced, or are you prepping to zombie-proof your house now? However you feel about zombie movies, hopefully you can survive long enough to check back for movie updates and more here on CinemaBlend.

Out of all the monster movie genres out there, few have gotten as many entries as the zombie genre. Some may argue hype on the genre has somewhat cooled, although with The Walking Dead set to start making Rick Grimes features, and more shows and films springing up all the time, it's safe to say the zombie genre will not die. Kind of ironic, right?

With that said, there have been so many entries in the zombie genre that some of the better quality features have been lost in the mix as decades pass. Additionally, some audiences may have specific zombies they want to see in a movie, be it the iconic walker, aggressive runners, classic voodoo, or the lighthearted funny zombie flick. These are the definitive picks for the best zombie films someone should hit up first before getting into the other offerings.

The Best Walker Zombie Movies

Walker zombies are the traditional type of zombie most people are familiar with. They're slow moving, work in large numbers and aren't always the sharpest tools in the box. There are exceptions, of course, but these types of zombies are built more towards building films more on suspense and claustrophobic situations than fast-paced over-the-top action.

Dawn Of The Dead

It's impossible to make a list of great zombie films without featuring at least one by the godfather of modern zombies. George A. Romero's Dawn of the Dead is one of his most profitable and critically acclaimed features, and has served as the inspiration for numerous zombie movies that followed. The effects may be a bit dated compared to shows like The Walking Dead, but the story is as timeless as ever and remains a classic.

Zombie

Zombie, or Zombi 2 in Italy, features the traditional type of walker zombie, although this one is technically a mixture between walker/voodoo genres. With that said, voodoo isn't as heavy to the plot as some of the entries seen later. What this movie is heavy on is some truly gross and cringe-worthy imagery to see in this feature. There's also an underwater zombie that gets into it with a shark, and that alone is worth the price of admission.

Planet Terror

Planet Terror isn't the most conventional zombie film out there, which may be why more folks are drawn to it as time goes on. While Robert Rodriguez's feature was viewed as the lesser in the grindhouse double feature, there's no denying its unique style and aesthetic have helped it become a stand out of the genre. It also helps Rose McGowan's character has a gun for a leg.

The Best Runner Zombie Movies

As the name would imply, runner zombies are more fast-moving and generally more athletic than the walker-types. These zombies plow ahead with reckless abandon, and generally have little regard for their own preservation or other zombies around them. Speed is obviously a scary attribute for a monster that doesn't have to worry about endurance, so runner zombie movies are often high-action and high intensity throughout a bulk of the feature.

28 Days Later

There are some movies that, if someone is looking to get into the zombie genre, can't be missed. 28 Days Later is mandatory viewing for its heart-pounding action, fast and strong as hell zombies, and view of just how bleak a post-apocalyptic zombie world can be. There's also times where Danny Boyle's film is beautiful, in what may be one of the most aesthetically pleasing zombie movie for film buffs.

Train To Busan

South Korea isn't typically known as a hub for films that appeal to an American audience, but the nation has had a few hits over the years. Even for those who aren't too psyched for foreign language films with subtitles, Train To Busan is worth checking out. Perhaps the best part of this film is the zombies' one weakness being an inability to see in the dark, which makes for incredibly tense and heart-pounding scenes.

World War Z

A lot of die hard zombie fans will take issue with this entry, mainly because it's not the same quality of the Max Brooks novel it was adapted from. Be that as it may, World War Z has some fantastic sequences with runner zombies, and it takes advantage of its big Hollywood budget to show some scenes most zombie movies haven't pulled off. Unfortunately, the long in-development sequel was cancelled, so chances of a follow up are slim.

The Best Voodoo Zombie Movies

Before George Romero brought zombies back into the mainstream, voodoo zombies were typically the cinematic standard for zombies in cinema. These creatures are typically similar attribute-wise to walker zombies, but enslaved throughout the use of Haitian Voodoo magic or some spell that enslaves them to an individual. For those looking for some of the beginnings of zombies in Hollywood, these are the films to start with.

White Zombie

White Zombie is regarded as the first feature length zombie film, and the movie that laid the groundwork for others. Dracula icon Bela Lugosi plays a witch doctor who is capable of taking dead bodies, re-animating them and making them his slaves. It's far from the modern interpretation of a zombie, but it is based in the Haitian voodoo interpretation of zombies. For those that want to see where it all started, this is where it starts.

Sugar Hill

One of the more contemporary voodoo zombie films, Sugar Hill is a '70s blaxploitation film about a vengeful woman who seeks revenge on the mob boss who killed her boyfriend. Diane "Sugar" Hill goes to a former voodoo queen and ends up summoning Baron Samedi and zombies to take the fight to the mob. This might be one of the only movies where the main character is actually the source of a zombie outbreak.

Voodoo Man

Voodoo Man is one of the weirder entries on this list, as it goes from traditional voodoo zombie film to meta by the movie's end. Without revealing too much about the film's ending, a character suggests making a movie called "Voodoo Man" and requests that Bela Lugosi (who is in the film) be in the movie. Considering this movie starts with a doctor tricking women into stealing their essences to resurrect his dead wife, that's kind of impressive.

The Best Comedy Zombie Films

These aren't necessarily a type of zombie per se, but there's been a handful of zombie comedy movies that are some of the best zombie films out there. These movies typically have a mixture of different zombie types, and can poke fun at the overall silliness of the genre. For those looking for a laugh just as much as gore, look no further than these great movies.

Zombieland

One of the zombie genre's funniest films is also one of its most star-studded, as Zombieland boasts talent like Emma Stone, Jesse Eisenberg, Abigail Breslin, Woody Harrelson and Bill Murray. The zombie rules of survival in this movie are great advice should an actual zombie apocalypse ever hit, and the zombie attacks highlight some of the sillier encounters a more serious zombie film wouldn't tackle. It's no wonder audiences are still excited for a sequel a decade later!

Shaun of the Dead

Had Shaun of the Dead never been made, it's possible the careers of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost wouldn't have skyrocketed to the status they enjoy now. That's not important when it comes to the film, which is a fantastic zombie flick regardless of its impact on those individuals. Shaun's story is exceptionally well told, and most zombie movie lovers can attest that strong individual stories are not a strength of the zombie genre.

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