FTS takes a look at the best of 2013 with a series of genre top 5 lists for 2013 In Review. Up next, we count down the best horror movies of the past year. Keep reading to see what we picked!
#5. VHS 2
VHS 2 is a horror anthology showing some more tapes in the collection started in the original VHS. New directors show their take on short horror stories with unique methods of filming. VHS 2 does a great job of keeping the viewer entertained, and if you don’t like the story you’re watching don’t worry, there will be others. -Rob
#4. Insidious Chapter 2
While not as scary as its predecessor, part two of the Insidious story expands on the original concepts presented in the first film and takes viewers on a spooky journey. There are still a few bumps in the night but I really enjoyed how this installment tied into the first film and opened up the door for more sequels down the line. Insidious Chapter 2 should be a treat for any horror franchise fans out there. Wanna know more? Read my review here. -Lindsay
#3. Evil Dead
In a year of great horror, Evil Dead stood out. By remaking a beloved classic, Director Fede Alvarez had the deck stacked against him but he was able to craft a great new film worthy of the original. Even if the film wasn’t a remake, the plot – a group of friends gather in a cabin in the woods – is nothing new. But the film was slick and gory and offered so much more than the common remake or sequel. If this film isn’t on your top horror of 2013 list you’re sorely delusional. -Robert
#2. You’re Next
Can a horror film be brutally dark and fun at the same time? Well, yeah. Just take You’re Next. The film’s about home invaders maliciously slaughtering a family at their secluded cabin but it also features a great throwback horror vibe and subtle humor that doesn’t feel tasteless. If you’re still not convinced, the film has a great cast, a talented young director by the name of Adam Wingard, and a few fun twists. -Robert
#1. The Conjuring
James Wan is one of the freshest directors in the horror genre right now. That’s why it’s so depressing that he wants to move on to try his hand at other types of projects. After the success of Insidious, he crafted this beaut of a horror film. His take on the typical haunted house story is a tense, scary success. It helps that his talented cast (Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Lili Taylor, and Ron Livingston) is a step above most movies in the genre. Even the kids do a great job. Wan knows how to direct a scene to jump the scare factor to 10 in an instant. It’s incredibly exciting for a horror fan, and generally scary as hell for anyone watching. -Jess
*Notable Exceptions: Mama, Dark Skies, Black Rock, Stoker