Skip to main content

TOP 5 BEST AND WORST HORROR FILMS OF 2013



Another year of horror has come and gone. Was it a banner year? Probably not, but it wasn’t a terrible year either. I guess you could say there were a lot of average to just above average movies. Of course we had sequels and remakes, which seems to be a hot topic these days. There were some movies with some originality to them, which seems to be what horror fans are looking hard for. Some of the movies in my list surprised me in a good way, while others turned out just as bad as I thought. So here we go starting with my favorites...



Why not start off the list with a surprise, and a movie you probably won't find on many other lists. While “Warm Bodies” has similarities to Romeo and Juliet, it certainly isn’t just a sappy love story. It’s a different kind of zombie movie about a very special zombie. Allowing audiences to first hear R’s thoughts and later speak, makes him a likeable character from the start, and provides plenty of humorous moments throughout. There is also just enough action, and yes romance to complete this story full of interesting ideas. The great chemistry between the lead actors makes this movie complete.



#4 V/H/S/2

Before seeing this movie I would never have thought it would be on this list, at least not on the good side. It’s not often that audiences find sequels that are better than the original, but that is definitely the case in the V/H/S series. It’s a pleasant surprise to see the improvement from V/H/S to V/H/S/2. It starts with a set up story that actually makes sense, and then moves on to some solid short stories. There is definitely some imagination in the unique way each story is shot. The movie also gives audiences something a little different in each story, as it as something for fans of ghosts, zombies, bloodshed, or aliens.




“Insidious: Chapter 2” does just enough to prove it’s a worthy sequel. Most of that is due to how well the story is constructed around the events of chapter 1. It’s not surprising that the scares didn’t match chapter 1, but the tension and creepiness is still present. The actors seem more comfortable with their characters this time around, so they should be ready for chapter 3. 




I really thought this was going to be #1 for a long time, but changed my mind when putting this list together. The expectations for “The Conjuring” were high, and thanks to James Wan, it met those expectations. The movie is well done from beginning to end. There is little wasted time, and characters for the audience to care about. The acting is good enough not to distract from the story at hand. While admitting that “Insidious” had me jumping out of my seat, this movie didn’t. However, there are plenty of scary scenes, which will leave audiences freaked out. I’m already looking forward the sequel, and spin off of Annabelle. 




This movie is just so much fun to watch, I just couldn't resist making it #1. It might get off to a suspect start, but it surprisingly becomes an absolute pleasure to watch. Sharni Vinson puts on a terrific performance, as she quickly gets the audience on Erin’s side. She effortlessly makes her character seem so sweet and innocent, and then turns her into a killing machine. There are plenty of victims suffering some brutal, and bloody deaths. While the twists might not be hard to figure out, they in no way hurt the story. If you liked “The Purge,” or thought it needed to be upgraded, than you should find “Your Next” even more to your liking. 

And now my top five least favorite movies of 2013…




My favorite five featured an anthology so why not include one for the worst five. A sanitarium makes a good backdrop for this kind of movie. Malcolm McDowell serves as the perfect lead doctor for a sanitarium, and narrator for the story. However, it would have been nice to see the tales have a little more bang to match that sanitarium feeling. Yes, each main character proves to be crazy, but the tales don’t match that crazy feeling because they take too long to develop. Each story has a twist, some better than others. The first tale stands out above the others from top to bottom featuring an excellent performance from John Glover.




What audiences get in "I Spit on Your Grave 2" is a different story, but the same theme as the previous movies. There isn't much new except for an unexpected change of scenery. The rape and torture is still tough to watch. Katie's revenge is all right, but not better than any of the movies. Since nothing new is accomplished, it lands on this list!




I can't say Rob Zombie doesn't come up with some wild ideas. While it might seem pointless, the movie is still well shot. Some horror fans will really enjoy the craziness, and bloodiness of the dreams. Sherri Moon Zombie does a surprisingly good job as Heidi. However, while the audience can see the reason why the witches go through all of this, the pointlessness of it all is too much to overcome.




Sometimes I can’t wait for sequels, but “The Last Exorcism 2” wasn’t one of them. I’m sure those who loved the original were extremely let down by this one. It really is just another movie. The story is simple, the acting isn’t too bad, there are some decent scare attempts, and everything leads to the exorcism once again. At least this time it really might be the “last” exorcism!     



Why call this “Fright Night 2: New Blood?” They should have dropped the “2.” It isn't a sequel, but a reboot, which didn't make a lot of people happy. A lot of it is the same story with different actors. The few minor changes aren't good enough to save it. Since there really is no need for a reboot after a superior one was just done, it lands the top spot in a bad way!

Agree, or not, that is my list. I wish I saw all of the movie 2013 had to offer, but unfortunately I didn't. Maybe I left off something you liked or didn't, but I missed it. While "Gravity" is an amazing movie, I decided to leave it off the my favorite list just because it would have been too easy to include it. Also, while what happens is true horror, I didn't quite think it should be measured against the horror films on theses lists.

And now a few additional awards to wrap this up...

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters 3D: Best 3D horror film
A Haunted House: Best horror comedy
Evil Dead: Most painful injuries/deaths for the characters
Hazmat: Best horror movie you might not know about
Curse of Chucky: Best come back of a horror icon
Fist of Jesus: Must see short film 

  HorrO

Comments

  1. I thought I was alone in my thinking that Lords of Salem was pretty much pointless! I watched it and when it was over, I wasn't entirely sure that I had actually watched a movie... it was more like just a bunch of random cool-looking stuff put together. And Sheri Zombie had dreds. That's all I got from it.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

THE WRATH OF BECKY REVIEW

  Two years after she escaped a violent attack on her family, Becky attempts to rebuild her life in the care of an older woman - a kindred spirit named Elena. But when a group known as the “Noble Men” break into their home, attack them, and take her beloved dog, Diego, Becky must return to her old ways to protect herself and her loved ones. Starring: Lulu Wilson, Seann William Scott, and Denise Burse Directed and written by: Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote EXCLUSIVELY IN THEATERS:  May 26, 2023 Check out the video below and find out how many pools of blood it received...

TOP 10 HORROR MOVIES OF 2023

  Here’s my list of the top 10 horror movies of 2023! Some surprises probably! We can agree on some maybe! Let me know your thoughts and favorites!

THE PUPPETMAN REVIEW

  The Puppetman, a convicted killer on death row always maintained his innocence and that it was an evil force controlling his body as he slaughtered his victims. Now Michal, the killer's daughter, begins to suspect that there may be some truth to her fathers claim when those around her begin to die in brutal ways. She must try and break the curse of The Puppetman before all her loved ones are killed. Starring: Alyson Gorske, Michael Paré, and Caryn Richman Directed by: Brandon Christensen Written by: Brandon Christensen, Ryan Christensen, and Matt Manjourides Check out the video below and find out how many pools of blood it received...