11 Recent Horror Films (2020–2025) That Actually Scare

If you’re a fan of spine-chilling movies that keep you up at night, this collection of recent horror films will definitely hit the mark. From psychological thrillers to supernatural terror, these films have earned a reputation for their ability to genuinely frighten audiences. Whether you’re into tense, slow-burning stories or fast-paced, heart-pounding scares, there’s something here to satisfy every horror lover’s craving for fear.

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Talk to Me (2022)

“Talk to Me” stands out as a modern horror film that delves into the complexities of grief and the supernatural. The story revolves around a group of friends who discover a severed hand that allows them to communicate with spirits. What begins as a thrilling experience soon turns terrifying as they realize the consequences of their actions. The film’s strength lies in its ability to blend emotional depth with supernatural horror, creating a narrative that is both compelling and chilling.

The performances, particularly by the lead actress, are noteworthy, adding authenticity to the eerie events unfolding on screen. The film’s pacing keeps the audience engaged, with suspense building steadily towards its climax. “Talk to Me” offers a fresh take on the possession genre, making it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts seeking a film that combines emotional resonance with genuine scares.

The Invisible Man (2020)

Directed by Leigh Whannell, “The Invisible Man” reimagines the classic tale with a contemporary twist. The film follows Cecilia, a woman who believes she is being stalked by her abusive partner, who has turned invisible. The horror in this film is psychological, with tension building through the unseen presence of the antagonist. The use of sound and cinematography enhances the sense of dread, making the audience feel as though they are experiencing Cecilia’s fear firsthand.

Elisabeth Moss delivers a compelling performance, portraying a woman on the edge as she grapples with her trauma and the terror of being hunted by an invisible force. The film’s exploration of themes such as control and gaslighting adds depth to the horror, making it not just a tale of supernatural terror but also a commentary on real-world issues. “The Invisible Man” is a masterclass in suspense, offering a fresh perspective on the horror genre.

A Quiet Place Part II (2020)

The sequel to the 2018 hit, “A Quiet Place Part II,” continues the story of a family trying to survive in a world overrun by blind monsters with acute hearing. The film expands the universe established in the first movie, introducing new characters and exploring different facets of the post-apocalyptic world. The tension remains high, with the constant threat of the creatures keeping the audience on edge throughout the film.

Emily Blunt reprises her role, delivering a powerful performance that anchors the film’s emotional core. The film’s pacing is tight, with suspenseful sequences that keep viewers engaged. “A Quiet Place Part II” successfully builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, offering a thrilling continuation of the story that will satisfy fans and newcomers alike.

Barbarian (2022)

“Barbarian” is a horror film that plays with audience expectations, delivering unexpected twists and turns. The story follows a woman who rents an Airbnb, only to find that the house has already been booked by someone else. What ensues is a series of events that spiral into terror as secrets of the house are uncovered. The film’s strength lies in its unpredictability, keeping the audience guessing about what will happen next.

The performances are strong, with the cast effectively conveying the fear and confusion of their characters. The film’s direction and pacing contribute to its suspenseful atmosphere, with each revelation adding to the mounting tension. “Barbarian” offers a fresh take on the horror genre, providing thrills and scares that will keep viewers hooked until the very end.

When Evil Lurks (2023)

“When Evil Lurks” is an Argentinian horror film that delves into the supernatural, exploring themes of possession and the battle between good and evil. The story centers on a rural community that becomes the target of a demonic force, leading to a series of terrifying events. The film’s atmosphere is thick with dread, with the setting contributing to the sense of isolation and fear.

The performances are compelling, with the cast bringing authenticity to their roles. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing tension to build gradually, leading to a climax that is both shocking and satisfying. “When Evil Lurks” is a standout in the possession horror subgenre, offering a fresh perspective and genuine scares that will resonate with audiences.

Smile 2 (2024)

The sequel to the 2022 hit, “Smile 2,” continues the story of a woman who becomes cursed after witnessing a traumatic event. The film expands on the original’s premise, introducing new characters and deepening the lore surrounding the curse. The horror in this film is psychological, with the protagonist’s descent into madness depicted in a way that is both compelling and terrifying.

The performances are strong, with the lead actress delivering a portrayal of a woman struggling to maintain her sanity. The film’s pacing keeps the audience engaged, with suspenseful sequences that build towards a chilling conclusion. “Smile 2” successfully builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, offering a continuation of the story that will satisfy fans of the original.

The First Omen (2024)

“The First Omen” serves as a prequel to the 1976 classic, exploring the origins of the Antichrist. The film delves into the backstory of Damien, providing insight into his early life and the events that led to his rise. The horror in this film is psychological, focusing on the manipulation and deceit that set the stage for the original film’s events.

The performances are compelling, with the cast effectively conveying the tension and fear that permeate the story. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the narrative to unfold in a way that builds suspense and anticipation. “The First Omen” offers a fresh perspective on the classic tale, providing a deeper understanding of the events that led to the original film’s horror.

The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)

The latest installment in “The Conjuring” franchise, “Last Rites,” follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they confront their most terrifying case yet. The film delves into the supernatural, with the Warrens facing a demonic entity that tests their faith and resolve. The horror in this film is both supernatural and psychological, with the characters’ beliefs and fears playing a central role in the narrative.

The performances are strong, with Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga delivering compelling portrayals of the iconic characters. The film’s pacing keeps the audience engaged, with suspenseful sequences that build towards a climactic confrontation. “The Conjuring: Last Rites” offers a fitting conclusion to the Warrens’ story, providing fans with the scares and emotional depth that have defined the franchise.

Weapons (2025)

Directed by Zach Cregger, “Weapons” is a horror film that intertwines multiple storylines, each exploring different facets of fear and human nature. The film’s structure is non-linear, with each segment adding depth to the overarching narrative. The horror in this film is multifaceted, ranging from psychological terror to supernatural elements, keeping the audience on edge throughout.

The performances are strong, with the cast delivering nuanced portrayals of complex characters. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing tension to build gradually, leading to a series of interconnected climaxes. “Weapons” offers a fresh take on the horror genre, providing a thought-provoking and terrifying experience for viewers.

The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020)

A follow-up to “The Haunting of Hill House,” “Bly Manor” is a gothic horror series that delves into themes of love, loss, and the supernatural. The story centers on a young woman who becomes the governess of two orphaned children at a secluded manor in England. The horror in this series is atmospheric, with the setting contributing to the sense of dread and unease.

The performances are compelling, with the cast effectively conveying the emotional depth of their characters. The series’s pacing allows for character development, with the horror elements gradually intensifying as the story unfolds. “The Haunting of Bly Manor” offers a blend of emotional storytelling and supernatural horror, making it a standout in the genre.

Saint Maud (2020)

“Saint Maud” is a psychological horror film that explores themes of faith, obsession, and mental illness. The story follows a hospice nurse who becomes convinced that she has been chosen to save the soul of her patient. The horror in this film is psychological, with the protagonist’s descent into delusion depicted in a way that is both compelling and terrifying. The tension builds steadily as the line between religious devotion and madness blurs, keeping the audience guessing about the protagonist’s intentions.

The film’s eerie atmosphere and slow-burning pacing create an unsettling experience that stays with viewers long after the credits roll. Morfydd Clark’s performance is mesmerizing, making the character’s obsession both sympathetic and frightening. “Saint Maud” proves to be a masterclass in psychological horror, offering a chilling exploration of a mind on the edge.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.