Horror Movies of 2021

 There have been plenty of horror movies to satisfy the palate of a horror movie fan this year. But not many movies impressed and some of the low budget movies were exceptional and enjoyable. 

Here’s my list of favorite horror movies: 

1) Last Night in Soho: 

This was easily my favorite movie of this year. Apart from the stellar cast, the story and the plot twists were simply mind-blowing. 

Eloise wins a scholarship to study fashion in London, ends up taking a room at a house where a murder takes place. Eloise is gifted and sees visions of a girl called Sandie in the 1960s. When Eloise sees her getting murdered, she tries to find the man behind it. 

The ending is a little heart-wrenching and all in all it makes us sympathize with the two leads. 

The scary parts may not be very scary but are at least effective. 

The best part of the movie is of course the soundtrack that complements the lights and the hues of the bygone era. 

They do say London can be a bit too much. Perhaps it is…

2)  Malignant: 

I doubt anyone must have seen the twist coming or thought that the bizarre reveal could be pulled off. But it all just works out so seamlessly. Malignant, for me, was quite a surprise. 

We meet Madison who has these crazy dreams about people getting murdered. When she discovers her passive role in it, a secret about her past is revealed. 

Only a good director could pull this story off without making the whole things crumble and look ridiculous. James Wan pulls it off effortlessly. 

The movie is fast-paced, entertaining, and will leave you awestruck. You’ll understand why when you see the ending. 

3) The Trip:

This was a surprise for me and a really pleasant one. I don’t easily laugh although I do enjoy dark humor. There were some movies that posed as horror comedies this year (The House Next Door, Silent Night, etc.) but hardly generated a chuckle. 

The Trip was highly entertaining, has actual laugh out loud moments while at the same time is very terrifying. Yes, there is a lot of blood spilt around, but it is the dark humor parts that make the movie re-watchable. 

Lisa and Lars spend a weekend at a cabin to repair their marriage only to find criminals using it as a safe house. Now Lisa and Lars were already planning to murder each other so the criminals have no idea that the couple can’t be easily dominated and have a few tricks up their sleeve. 

There are a lot of scenes that make you laugh at unexpected moments, especially after tense scenes. Only good writing and direction can manage to do that effortlessly. 

4)Willy’s Wonderland: 

There has to be a Nicolas Cage movie every year. And that too in horror. This year there were three (Prisoners of the Ghostland, Pig, Willy’s Wonderland). 

Willy’s Wonderland was easily my favorite. Why? Because Nicolas Cage doesn’t get a single dialogue, yet manages to pull in attention whenever he is on screen. Now, that is star power. 

Nicolas Cage plays a man stranded on the side of the road, offered a job as a janitor at an amusement centre where the animatronics are possessed. But Nicolas Cage’s character already knows that and comes prepared. And he has his own unique way to take them down. 

This movie is another perfect combination of slasher and comedy. 

5) Fear Street Trilogy: 

I was honestly hyped when the trilogy was announced because I was a huge fan of R.L. Stine while growing up. I can’t think of any teenager in the 1990s and early 2000s not having read the Goosebumps or Fear Street series. 

When the first part came out, I was a bit disappointed. It seemed disjointed and the characters didn’t appeal to me at all. 

Then the second part came out and my interest grew. Perhaps there was something to the story after all. 

The third part neatly wraps up the trilogy in the best way possible. So yes, I can say that overall, the Fear Street Trilogy is a must-watch. 

In a town called Shadyside, crime is rampant and the residents blame it on the witch who lived there centuries ago: Sarah Fier. When her grave is accidentally disturbed, Sarah Fier’s most terrifying secrets are revealed. 

The movies are entertaining and the second part was easily my favorite.