254

2019 was a watershed year for horror cinema. The genre not only dominated the box office but also redefined what audiences expected from scary movies. From psychological thrillers to supernatural chillers, the year delivered a diverse slate of films that pushed boundaries, introduced fresh talent, and cemented the horror renaissance that began earlier in the decade. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this guide ranks the best horror movies of 2019, highlighting the films that left a lasting impact on critics, audiences, and the genre itself.

The horror films of 2019 were more than just jump scares and gore. They explored deep social themes, showcased groundbreaking performances, and experimented with storytelling in ways that elevated the genre. Directors like Jordan Peele, Ari Aster, and Robert Eggers solidified their status as modern horror auteurs, while newcomers brought bold, original visions to the screen. This year also saw the rise of streaming platforms as major players in horror distribution, making it easier than ever to access both blockbusters and indie gems.

In this guide, we’ll rank the top horror movies of 2019, dive into the trends that shaped the year, and spotlight the filmmakers who made it all possible. Whether you’re looking for a spine-tingling thriller, a thought-provoking allegory, or a fun, campy scare-fest, 2019 had something for every horror fan. Let’s explore the films that defined the year and why they continue to resonate with audiences today.

The horror genre in 2019 was marked by its diversity. Films like Us and Midsommar tackled issues of identity, privilege, and trauma, while others like Ready or Not and The Lighthouse blended horror with dark humor and surrealism. The year also saw the return of classic franchises, with sequels like It Chapter Two and Annabelle Comes Home drawing crowds, even if they didn’t always live up to the originals. Meanwhile, original films like Crawl and Doctor Sleep proved that fresh ideas could still thrive in a genre often dominated by remakes and reboots.

One of the most notable trends of 2019 was the continued rise of “elevated horror,” a term used to describe films that prioritize atmosphere, character development, and thematic depth over cheap scares. Movies like The Lighthouse and In Fabric exemplified this approach, earning critical acclaim and awards buzz. At the same time, the year’s box office was driven by crowd-pleasers like Happy Death Day 2U and Zombieland: Double Tap, which proved that horror could be both smart and fun.

Another defining feature of 2019’s horror landscape was the emergence of female-led narratives. Films like Ready or Not and Tigers Are Not Afraid placed women at the center of their stories, offering fresh perspectives on survival, resilience, and revenge. This shift reflected broader cultural conversations about representation in cinema, and it resonated with audiences who were hungry for more inclusive storytelling.

The year also saw horror films making waves at major film festivals. Us premiered at SXSW to widespread acclaim, while Midsommar divided audiences at Cannes with its unsettling depiction of a Swedish pagan cult. These films not only terrified viewers but also sparked conversations about the role of horror in addressing real-world anxieties.

The Horror Landscape in 2019

2019 was a banner year for horror at the box office. According to industry reports, the genre generated nearly $1 billion in domestic revenue, with films like It Chapter Two and Annabelle Comes Home leading the charge. However, it was the original films that truly stood out, both commercially and artistically. Movies like Crawl and Doctor Sleep proved that audiences were eager for new stories, even in a market saturated with sequels and reboots.

The success of these films was driven in part by the growing popularity of streaming platforms. Services like Shudder and Netflix became go-to destinations for horror fans, offering a mix of original content and classic films. This shift allowed smaller, independent horror movies to find audiences that might have been overlooked in traditional theatrical releases.

One of the most exciting developments in 2019 was the rise of international horror. Films like Tigers Are Not Afraid (Mexico) and The Platform (Spain) brought global perspectives to the genre, introducing audiences to new cultural fears and storytelling techniques. These films not only expanded the horizons of horror but also demonstrated the universal appeal of the genre.

At the same time, 2019 saw the continued influence of horror on mainstream cinema. Directors like Jordan Peele and Ari Aster, who had broken out with Get Out and Hereditary in previous years, returned with highly anticipated follow-ups. Peele’s Us and Aster’s Midsommar were among the most talked-about films of the year, proving that horror could be both a commercial and critical success.

Top 10 Horror Movies of 2019: Ranked & Reviewed

Ranking the best horror movies of 2019 is no easy task, given the sheer number of standout films. However, based on critical reception, audience response, and cultural impact, these ten films rise to the top:

Us (Jordan Peele): A chilling exploration of duality and class, Us follows a family as they confront their doppelgängers in a night of terror. Lupita Nyong’o delivers a powerhouse performance, and Peele’s direction cements his status as a master of modern horror. The film’s social commentary and unforgettable imagery make it a standout of the year.
Midsommar (Ari Aster): This surreal, daylight horror film follows a group of friends who travel to a remote Swedish village for a midsummer festival. What begins as a trip into folk traditions quickly spirals into a nightmare of cult rituals and psychological breakdowns. Aster’s meticulous direction and Florence Pugh’s raw performance make Midsommar one of the most disturbing films of the year.
The Lighthouse (Robert Eggers): A black-and-white psychological horror film set in the 1890s, The Lighthouse stars Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson as two lighthouse keepers descending into madness. The film’s claustrophobic atmosphere and surreal visuals make it a modern classic.
Ready or Not (Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett): A darkly comedic thriller about a bride who must survive a deadly game of hide-and-seek with her wealthy in-laws. Samara Weaving’s performance and the film’s sharp satire of class and privilege make it a standout.
Crawl (Alexandre Aja): A tense, action-packed horror film about a daughter and her father trapped in a flooding house with alligators. Crawl is a masterclass in suspense, with heart-pounding set pieces and genuine emotional stakes.
Doctor Sleep (Mike Flanagan): A sequel to The Shining, Doctor Sleep follows an adult Danny Torrance as he confronts his traumatic past and battles a cult of psychic vampires. Flanagan’s film is both a loving homage to Kubrick’s classic and a compelling story in its own right.
In Fabric (Peter Strickland): A surreal, anthology-style horror film about a cursed dress that brings misfortune to its owners. Strickland’s unique visual style and dark humor make In Fabric one of the most original films of the year.
Tigers Are Not Afraid (Issa Lopez): A Mexican fairy tale about a group of orphaned children navigating a world of cartels and supernatural horrors. The film’s blend of fantasy and realism is both heartbreaking and haunting.
Brightburn (David Yarovesky): A twisted take on the superhero origin story, Brightburn follows a young boy who discovers he has supernatural powers—and a taste for violence. The film’s dark tone and shocking twists make it a standout in the genre.
Child’s Play (Lars Klevberg): A modern reboot of the classic horror franchise, Child’s Play updates the story of Chucky for the digital age. While not as iconic as the original, the film’s blend of horror and humor makes it a fun, if uneven, entry in the series.
Annabelle Comes Home (Gary Dauberman): The third film in the Annabelle series, this installment follows the demonic doll as she wreaks havoc on a group of teenagers. While not as groundbreaking as other films on this list, it’s a solid entry in the Conjuring universe.
It Chapter Two (Andy Muschietti): The highly anticipated sequel to 2017’s It, this film reunites the Losers’ Club as adults to face Pennywise once again. While the film struggles with pacing, its emotional core and standout performances make it a worthy follow-up.

Each of these films brought something unique to the horror genre in 2019. Whether through innovative storytelling, stunning visuals, or powerful performances, they pushed the boundaries of what horror could achieve. As the genre continues to evolve, these films will be remembered as defining works of their time.

Honorable Mentions & Hidden Gems

While the top ten films of 2019 garnered the most attention, there were plenty of other standout horror movies that deserve recognition. These hidden gems and underrated films offered fresh perspectives and unforgettable scares:

Daniel Isn’t Real (Adam Egypt Mortimer): A psychological horror film about a troubled young man who befriends an imaginary friend with sinister intentions. The film’s exploration of mental illness and identity is both unsettling and thought-provoking.
Extra Ordinary (Mike Ahern, Enda Loughman): A quirky Irish horror-comedy about a driving instructor with supernatural abilities. The film’s blend of humor and horror makes it a charming and unique entry in the genre.
Sweetheart (J.D. Dillard): A survival horror film about a woman stranded on a deserted island with a mysterious creature. The film’s minimalist approach and strong lead performance make it a standout.
The Nightingale (Jennifer Kent): A brutal revenge thriller set in 19th-century Tasmania. While not strictly a horror film, its unflinching depiction of violence and trauma makes it one of the most harrowing films of the year.
One Cut of the Dead (Shin’ichiro Ueda): A Japanese zombie comedy that subverts expectations with its clever storytelling and heartfelt themes. The film’s twist ending and meta-narrative make it a must-watch for horror fans.

These films may not have received the same level of attention as the year’s biggest hits, but they are essential viewing for anyone looking to explore the full range of horror in 2019. From psychological thrillers to supernatural chillers, they demonstrate the genre’s versatility and creativity.

Director Spotlights

2019 was a year of standout performances from both established and emerging directors. Jordan Peele, Ari Aster, and Robert Eggers continued to redefine the genre with their bold, original visions, while newcomers like Issa Lopez and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin made their mark with fresh, innovative films.

Jordan Peele’s Us was one of the most anticipated films of the year, and it did not disappoint. Building on the success of Get Out, Peele delivered a film that was both a gripping thriller and a sharp social commentary. His ability to blend horror with deeper themes has made him one of the most important voices in modern cinema.

Ari Aster followed up his critically acclaimed debut, Hereditary, with Midsommar, a film that divided audiences but cemented his reputation as a fearless storyteller. Aster’s willingness to take risks and explore dark, uncomfortable themes sets him apart in the horror genre.

Robert Eggers, meanwhile, continued to push the boundaries of historical horror with The Lighthouse. The film’s striking visuals and psychological depth make it a modern classic, and Eggers’ meticulous attention to detail has earned him a devoted following.

Other directors who made waves in 2019 include Mike Flanagan, whose Doctor Sleep was a loving tribute to both Stephen King and Stanley Kubrick, and Issa Lopez, whose Tigers Are Not Afraid brought a fresh, international perspective to the genre. These filmmakers, along with many others, helped make 2019 one of the most exciting years for horror in recent memory.

Subgenre Deep Dives

One of the strengths of horror as a genre is its ability to encompass a wide range of subgenres, each with its own unique appeal. In 2019, several subgenres stood out, offering audiences a variety of scares and thrills.

Psychological Horror was particularly strong in 2019, with films like Us and The Lighthouse exploring the darker corners of the human mind. These films relied on atmosphere, tension, and character development to create their scares, proving that horror doesn’t need jump scares to be effective.

Folk Horror also had a resurgence in 2019, with films like Midsommar and The Hole in the Ground drawing on ancient myths and rural settings to create a sense of dread. These films tapped into primal fears, using nature and tradition as sources of terror.

Horror-Comedy continued to thrive in 2019, with films like Ready or Not and Zombieland: Double Tap blending scares with laughs. These films proved that horror could be both fun and frightening, appealing to a wide range of audiences.

Finally, Supernatural Horror remained a staple of the genre, with films like Annabelle Comes Home and Doctor Sleep delivering classic ghost stories and demonic possession tales. These films may be more traditional, but they continue to resonate with audiences who love a good scare.

Where to Watch

One of the great things about horror in 2019 was its accessibility. Many of the year’s best films are available on streaming platforms, making it easy to enjoy them from the comfort of your own home. Here’s where you can find some of the top horror movies of 2019:

Us: Available on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu
Midsommar: Available on Amazon Prime Video
The Lighthouse: Available on Amazon Prime Video and Kanopy
Ready or Not: Available on Hulu and HBO Max
Crawl: Available on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
Doctor Sleep: Available on HBO Max
In Fabric: Available on MUBI and Kanopy
Tigers Are Not Afraid: Available on Shudder and Netflix

Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, supernatural chillers, or horror-comedies, there’s something for everyone in 2019’s horror lineup. With so many great films to choose from, it’s the perfect time to dive into the genre and discover your new favorite scare.

Conclusion

2019 was a landmark year for horror cinema. The genre not only delivered some of the most terrifying and innovative films of the decade but also proved its ability to tackle complex themes and push artistic boundaries. From the social commentary of Us to the surreal nightmares of Midsommar, the year’s best horror movies offered something for every type of fan.

As we look back on 2019, it’s clear that horror is more than just a genre—it’s a reflection of our deepest fears and anxieties. The films of 2019 challenged audiences to think, to feel, and to confront the darkness both on screen and in the world around us. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the genre, these films are essential viewing, offering a masterclass in storytelling, atmosphere, and scares.

As horror continues to evolve, the films of 2019 will be remembered as a turning point—a year when the genre truly came into its own. So dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and prepare to be terrified. The best horror movies of 2019 are waiting for you.