My Top 10 Favorite Horror Movies Of 2021

There have been quite a few horror movies that were released last year, whether they were released in theaters or on streaming services. Last year I’ve seen all the horror movies I’ve anticipated seeing and even some that I wasn’t anticipating. I feel like last year was a pretty great year for horror fans. So today I will be sharing my favorite horror movies of 2021 and I will be including some honorable mentions for movies that I’ve enjoyed as well. Here’s just a reminder that I haven’t seen all of the horror movies released last year lol. I’ll also include the streaming services that these movies are currently streaming on (at the time of this blog post). These movies are not listed/ranked in any order, however the first five movies you see are my top favorites lol. Keep on reading to check out my favorite horror movies of 2021.

1. Malignant (2021)

Photo Credit: Warner Bros

Summary: Madison is paralyzed by shocking visions of grisly murders, and her torment worsens as she discovers that these waking dreams are in fact terrifying realities. (from IMDb)

My Thoughts: Knowing very little about the film was the BEST way to experience this movie. I also have to praise Ingrid Bisu and Akela Cooper for their part in writing this movie along with James Wan, they knew what horror fans wanted. Malignant is a game changer. It’s gruesome, terrifying, memorable, entertaining, brilliant, it’s an absolute blast for horror fans, and one of my favorite films of the year !

Rent On Amazon Prime

2. Last Night In Soho (2021)

Photo Credit: Focus Features

Summary: An aspiring fashion designer is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer. But the glamour is not all it appears to be and the dreams of the past start to crack and splinter into something darker. (from IMDb)

My Thoughts: The film is visually stunning, from the cinematography to the lights and neon, the movie is aesthetically pleasing. The soundtrack was perfect, the 1960s music really transported us to that decade, and I felt like I was in London, it was great to get that feeling. Oh and is it okay to say that I was surprise to see Sam Claflin make a small appearance lol. This movie is an exhilarating ride to experience in theaters and I loved every minute of it. Last Night In Soho is stylish, thrilling, brilliant, dazzling, and is a must watch. Thank you Edgar Wright for this film, I loved it, and it’s one of my favorite movies of the year.

Buy On Amazon Prime

3. A Quiet Place: Part II (2021)

Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures

Summary: Following the events at home, the Abbott family now face the terrors of the outside world. Forced to venture into the unknown, they realize the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats lurking beyond the sand path. (from IMDb)

My Thoughts: This movie gave me goosebumps and there were more scares. The cinematography, the camera work, and the visual effects were fantastic. You definitely have to watch this in theaters to get that true movie experience. John Krasinski is doing an amazing job with these movies. A Quiet Place: Part II is nerve wracking, intense, terrifying, suspenseful, and a must watch. I loved the first movie, but Part II is my favorite of the two films.

Rent On Amazon Prime, Available on Paramount Plus app

4. Candyman (2021)

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

Summary: A sequel to the horror film Candyman (1992) that returns to the now-gentrified Chicago neighborhood where the legend began. (from IMDb)

My Thoughts: The cast gave stellar performances which included Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, and Colman Domingo. The kills are original, gory, and some of the best. The sound effects/sound editing of Candyman kills was just so good. The camera angles, cinematography, and the music are so great in the movie. DaCosta’s Candyman is chilling, effective, refreshing, and is a great companion to the original film.

Rent On Amazon Prime

5. Halloween Kills (2021)

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

Summary: The saga of Michael Myers and Laurie Strode continues in the next thrilling chapter of the Halloween series. (from IMDb)

My Thoughts: We saw Michael at his best doing what he does best, of course it’s bad but he doesn’t care, he’s an invincible killing machine. I felt the storyline was great for what this movie was about: the town of Haddonfield still being affected by Michael’s killings and wanting to do something about it. And can we talk about those 1978 flashback scenes and how they tied the characters story back to it, I was not expecting that and it was so exciting to see them. The ending of this film was quite the surprise, and overall this is a great middle film in the trilogy. Halloween Kills is brutal, fun, nostalgic, awesome and I cannot wait for Halloween Ends.

Streaming On: HBO Max

6. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

Summary: The Warrens investigate a murder that may be linked to a demonic possession. (from IMDb)

My Thoughts: While each Conjuring film may be about the Warrens cases, we also get a glimpse into their lives, and the love they have for each other is beautiful, and is the heart of the films. I always find it interesting when Lorraine uses her abilities which she uses in this film and it always proves to be insightful and helps. Even though James Wan did not direct this film, I still enjoyed it. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is suspenseful, dark, intense, and if you enjoyed the previous Conjuring films, you’ll enjoy this one.

Streaming On: HBO Max

7. Spiral (2021)

Photo Credit: Lionsgate

Summary: A criminal mastermind unleashes a twisted form of justice in Spiral, the terrifying new chapter from the book of Saw. (from IMDb)

My Thoughts: Spiral moves in a new direction with its drama like plot, along with its unique and gruesome traps. Plus the twist/reveal of the Jigsaw copycat killer at the end I did not expect, but I did have suspicions about another character. Hearing the iconic score, “Hello Zepp” at the end during the flashback montage made me so happy because that song is iconic to the Saw films and is always used to reveal the twists in the films. Spiral is suspenseful, unique, exciting, fresh, and a must see for Saw fans.

Rent On Amazon Prime, Available on Starz app

8. Lamb (2021)

Photo Credit: A24

Summary: A childless couple, María and Ingvar discover a mysterious newborn on their farm in Iceland. The unexpected prospect of family life brings them much joy, before ultimately destroying them. (from IMDb)

My Thoughts: The movie is a slow burn that builds up suspense that you can expect in some scenes, especially when the audience is being teased with something we’re expecting and wanting to see. This movie can best be described as a horror fantasy mixed with some drama and folktale but these variety of genres makes the film enjoyable ! The film does have an abrupt ending that feels like a cliffhanger. Overall I really liked Lamb, it’s strange, sweet, well acted, and eerie, although it might not be everyone !

Rent On Amazon Prime

9. Old (2021)

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

Summary: A vacationing family discovers that the secluded beach where they’re relaxing for a few hours is somehow causing them to age rapidly, reducing their entire lives into a single day. (from IMDb)

My Thoughts: The movie had you guessing to what was going on throughout the film. The acting was good, Thomasin McKenzie and Alex Wolff were the standouts for me. Some of the characters had awkward/weird moments, but it didn’t badly impact the movie. The cinematography and camera angles were great. I wasn’t sure how the movie was gonna end, but I was satisfied with it. Old is enjoyable, thrilling, original, and entertaining. I would definitely recommend watching it if you’re interested.

Rent On Amazon

10. Fear Street Trilogy (2021)

Photo Credit: Netflix

Summary: 1994 -A circle of teenage friends accidentally encounter the ancient evil responsible for a series of brutal murders that have plagued their town for over 300 years. Welcome to Shadyside. 1978: Shadyside, 1978. School’s out for summer and the activities at Camp Nightwing are about to begin. But when another Shadysider is possessed with the urge to kill, the fun in the sun becomes a gruesome fight for survival. 1666: The origins of Sarah Fier’s curse are finally revealed as history comes full circle on a night that changes the lives of Shadysiders forever. (from IMDb)

My Thoughts: 1994: This movie also reminded me of Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark and Stranger Things if the show took place in the 90s. Fear Street Part One: 1994 is a breath of fresh air, it’s a fun slasher, eerie, entertaining and will keep you wanting more of the Fear Street movies. 1978: My favorite of the trilogy. I loved how this movie was scarier, darker, and more gruesome than the first film, plus we got to see the origin of Tommy Slater. The ending of the movie gave it a great and unexpected twist. Fear Street 1978 is scarier, intense, thrilling, and entertaining. 1666: The pacing of 1666 was steady and worked well for the film. It had to build up so we can see why things were/are happening in the films. The plot twist of the film was not expected and something I enjoyed seeing. The scares were decent but it’s the gripping plot that gets the audience. Fear Street 1666 is a satisfactory conclusion to the trilogy. It’s thrilling and an entertaining watch.

Streaming On: Netflix

Honorable Mentions

The Forever Purge (2021) – Rent On Amazon Prime

Antlers (2021) – Rent On Amazon Prime

Don’t Breathe 2 (2021) – Rent On Amazon Prime

Blood Red Sky (2021) – Streaming On: Netflix

Wrong Turn (2021) – Rent On Amazon Prime, Available on Showtime app

There’s Someone Inside Your House (2021) – Streaming On: Netflix

Army Of The Dead (2021) – Streaming On: Netflix

Til Death (2021) – Streaming On: Netflix

Well this wraps up my favorite horror movies of 2021 list. Did you watch any of these last year ? Let me know your favorite horror films of 2021 in the comments below. As always thanks for reading !