There is just something magical about the horror genre. Each movie goes as far as it can to creep out its audience as much as possible, delivering an unforgettable and haunting story. 2023 has seen a whole host of critically lauded horror movies, so far, and they range from those that lean into jump scares and gore to the more psychological storylines.

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When it comes to the best horror movies of 2023, there are the iconic series that are still running, recent surprise hits, and even completely new features just waiting to be discovered the next time you’re looking for the best horror movies to watch this year.

Evil Dead Rise (2023)

While some have mixed opinions on this film, Evil Dead Rise proved that the Evil Dead series was back in a big way. This claustrophobic movie will have you cringing in horror the entire time thanks to the brand of gore and dark comedy that fans of the series have come to expect.

The movie focuses on a small family who finds themselves trapped in an apartment building after the mother is taken over by the forces of evil. It really is that simple of a setup, but the movie stays gripping from start to finish, making it a great watch, even if you still have to buy or rent it on most streaming services.

Barbarian (2022)

This 2022 horror film might just be one of the best of the year and so many people completely missed it. Barbarian stars some heavy hitters like Bill Skarsgard, Justin Long, and Georgina Campbell, and it will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time.

You won’t know what to expect throughout much of the movie, as it keeps you guessing about what the true evil might be. Cutting away from the action during what could be considered a high point was a bold choice, but a brilliant decision in the long run for this strange horror movie that begins in a rented house.

Scream 6 (2023)

While some people take issue with how the killer reveal went down in this latest entry of the Scream franchise, that doesn’t mean that the movie isn't still enjoyable. There are a lot of the Scream tropes everyone knows and loves, but this movie, and likely the next Scream 7 movie, offers plenty of its own unique twists.

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Many viewers think they know exactly who Ghostface is the entire time throughout Scream 6, but each scene will have most people thinking the culprit is an entirely different person. Featuring the most brutal Ghostface the series has seen to date, Scream 6 is a ton of fun as the core four try to survive in the Big Apple.

Terrifier 2 (2022)

Those who were able to stomach the gore of the first Terrifier film will be in for a twisted treat with Terrifier 2, all the way to its ending. Art the Clown is back, and he’s doing what he does at his absolute bloody best.

The movie will feel a bit long for some, and the storyline isn't really the focus here, but those who love gorey movies are going to feel right at home. Art the Clown is as legendary as ever, solidifying his new place among the top icons of the horror genre.

The Menu (2022)

While it does exist much more firmly in the thriller genre, The Menu, particularly as it nears its ending, does have some horrific aspects to it. The film sees a group of people trapped on a remote island during a famous chef’s final night of service, which sounds a bit tame, at first.

The deeper viewers get into the film, the more unsettled they'll feel, as all the little clues dropped throughout the movie begin to make sense. The Menu is filled with twists and turns, and pretty much all of them are horrible, but in the best way possible.

Resident Evil: Death Island (2023)

If you’re a fan of the bonkers action-horror combination that comes with the Resident Evil game and movie series, you’ll enjoy Resident Evil: Death Island. Offering tons of action and many of the fan-favorite characters from the series, this film manages to feel almost like a horror-based Avengers movie.

The storyline itself isn’t the best in the series, but fans of the franchise will still be able to have fun. The action is top-notch, and the classic Resident Evil horror that everyone expects is still in there.

Smile (2022)

Those who somehow still haven't seen one of the most talked about films of 2022 will have, at least, seen some of the viral marketing. Smile stands out as one of the creepiest and most bizarre horror movies in recent years, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Fans of supernatural horror need to be capable of stomaching some of the darker aspects of life to enjoy the film, but it’s well worth the turmoil for those who can get through it. The story follows a therapist as her life suddenly becomes haunted by horrific smiling figures, and that’s all anyone needs to know in advance.

Beau Is Afraid (2023)

A24 has been on an absolute roll over the last few years, and Beau Is Afraid is not different. Anyone who thinks they've seen all the strangest horror movies out there hasn’t watched this horrific dark comedy yet.

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The whole film is about Beau trying to get home to his mother, but despite how simple this sounds, the story is still shockingly complex, both literally and emotionally. It may be far from the typical horror, but it’s a movie everyone should experience once.

Cocaine Bear (2023)

While it’s far from the most amazing horror film of 2023, Cocaine Bear is one that every fan of the genre needs to watch as soon as possible. The fact that the story is at least partially based on a true event is absolutely wild, but the movie goes so much farther than anyone could expect.

It’s almost like a creature-feature film, except that the creature is a bear absolutely blasted on elicit drugs. Anyone who loves bizarre stories and plenty of violent kills, take note.

Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

This surprise delight from 2022 came out of nowhere and became an instant modern classic of the slasher genre. Bodies Bodies Bodies tells the story of a group enjoying a night of partying that quickly turns into a night of horror.

Thanks to the ridiculous yet somehow believable performances of the cast, this horror movie is filled with great moments of humor and satire. Viewers will be wondering who the killer is throughout the entire movie, and the way it closes will have everyone massaging their temples while the credits roll.

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