The beginning of the 21st century begins with apprehension because, as most audiences have a preconceived idea of the horror genre’s innate formula of fear, people everywhere are paralyzed by fear of the unknown, as the year 2000 bug, as well as shattered by violent and tragic events. news, especially 9/11. In other words, the turn of the new millennium invites the uncertainty of the unknown.
Over the decades, horror films have become increasingly diverse, spawning subcategories ranging from controversial torture pornography to rampant psychological dissection of character studies. This list includes some and certainly not all of the horrifying must-haves as well as some overlooked gems released in the 2000s.
“Orphan” (2009)
With the recent release of the highly anticipated prequel Orphan: first murder (2022), Isabelle Fuhrman reprises her role as Esther, a woman in her thirties who often passes herself off as a little girl due to hypopituitarism that has stunted her growth, not to mention her predilection for wreaking havoc on families.
Fuhrman’s most famous role is first featured in the 2009 psychological horror thriller. This sequel centers on married couple, John and Kate Coleman (Pierre Sarsgaard and Vera Farmiga), who decides to adopt 9-year-old Esther after the stillbirth of their third child puts a strain on their relationship. Suspicions about Esther’s true identity begin to arise when Kate realizes the little Russian girl’s hostile behavior and unusual affection towards John.
“Soldier Dogs” (2002)
One of the best werewolf movies since An American werewolf in London (nineteen eighty one), Neil MarshallThe directorial debut puts the “cool” tag back on lycanthropes with high-octane action sequences that don’t give up bloody violence and dry wit.
dog soldiers (2002) follows a squad of British soldiers conducting training exercises in the remote Scottish Highlands when they stumble upon a badly injured special forces captain amid the gruesome remains of his squad. As night falls, the team soon finds themselves stranded in an abandoned house facing powerful werewolves and some terrible secrets.
‘Ju-On: The Grudge’ (2002)
Launching various sequels, remakes, TV series and copies, none of these successors will ever be as iconic as 2002’s J-horror masterpiece. Ju-On: The Grudge (2002). Whether you’re an active adult or a teenager, alone or with a group of friends, the vengeful spirit of Kayako and Toshio spares no one from their vendetta.
Encompassing a nonlinear sequence of gruesome events that feature intersecting subplots, the anecdotes included in Ju-on demonstrate how no place is safe from the wrath of Onryo, Japanese spirits capable of physically manifesting and killing their victims. Holding the record for the scariest shower scene since Alfred Hitchcockit is psychology (1960), this groundbreaking horror film expands on Japanese urban legends while terrifying audiences around the world with death rattles and a spooky atmosphere.
‘Bubba Ho-Tep’ (2002)
Featuring Bruce Campbell like Elvis Presley and Ossie Davis as Jack, a black man who claims to be former US President John F. Kennedy, Bubba Ho-Tep (2002) is a horror-comedy that sees this atypical duo defend their retirement home against the invasion of a reanimated ancient Egyptian mummy.
Bringing to light themes such as the fear of aging and the temperament of fame, Bubba Ho-Tep is a cult classic that offers a delightfully wacky glimpse into the lives of two old men who face absurd situations beyond their wildest dreams, despite their equally questionable identities.
“28 Days Later” (2002)
very inspired by George A. Romeroit is night of the living dead film franchise, this 2002 zombie apocalypse depicts a devastated city of London 28 days after the release of a highly contagious virus known as “Rage”. Not to mention the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s also a movie many can relate to today, albeit in a bittersweet way.
After Jim (Cillian Murphy), a bike courier who recently woke up from a coma, watch this zombie thriller with anticipation and foreboding as Jim joins other survivors he’s encountered along the way in a desperate attempt to stay alive. , as murderous humans are just one of many concerns they have to deal with.
“One Hour Photo” (2002)
A significant departure from his typically comedic and light-hearted roles, the late Robin Williams‘ Standout performance as Seymour Parrish, a photo technician in dire need of rudimentary human attention and affection, will always be one of the versatile actor’s breakthrough roles.
One hour photo (2002) is a psychological horror thriller where Seymour has always been enamored with the idyllic facade of his favorite client, the Yorkin family, sometimes even crossing personal boundaries to be close to them. Upon discovering that Will Yorkin is having an extramarital affair that endangers the family’s happy life, Seymour’s mental state is disturbed and is determined to punish Will for his betrayal.
‘Shutter’ (2004)
Boasting one of the most infamous Asian horror films of the decade in Thailand, Shutter (2004) recounts the supernatural phenomenon that afflicted a photographer and his girlfriend after the latter had a hit-and-run accident. What begins with mysterious white mists shrouding faces in photographs slowly unveils a terrible secret and a past waiting to see the light of day.
This Thai horror film has gone through multiple remakes, including the 2008 American remake which is questionable to say the least. One thing is for sure, viewers who have finished watching this horror classic will be spellbound, especially if they suffer from neck pain.
“Jennifer’s Body” (2009)
A feminist horror film and a cult classic these days, Jennifer’s body (2009) was a thoroughly misunderstood film at the time of its release, overshadowed by its problematic marketing direction that focused on the star Megan Foxthe sex appeal of instead of the meaningful symbolism of its role in the new millennium.
The dark comedy horror film essentially explores teenage experimentation and highlights female empowerment in a male-dominated setting. Fox portrays Jennifer, a high school cheerleader who was demonically possessed after a satanic ritual went wrong. With a new fondness for human flesh that gives her instant healing, it’s up to her best friend Needy (Amanda Seyfried) to end Jennifer’s killing of immature and frivolous high school kids.
‘The Descent’ (2005)
Quite possibly the scariest movie of all time for viewers suffering from claustrophobia, this horror thriller witnesses a group of female travelers on a caving adventure in North Carolina after their friends are killed. Hoping to boost the group’s morale, the Travelers are instead thrust into a life-or-death situation as they are pursued by aggressive humanoid creatures known as creepers.
Though blind as bats, the keen senses of hearing and smell of these underrated movie monsters gave them the advantage of tracking down intimidated victims unaware of cave mapping. Nevertheless, these female travelers won’t just lie down without a fight.
‘A Tale of Two Sisters’ (2003)
south korean filmmaker Kim Jee Woonit is A story of two sisters (2003) is a melancholy beautiful play about relentless guilt and broken family ties. Backed by a musical score that acts both as an impetus for emotionally opulent scenes as well as an effective vehicle for the eerie, oppressive vibe that pervades the entire film.
Inspired by a Joseon A folk tale of dynasty, the psychological horror film sees a mental institution patient who recently returns home with her sister and father, only to deal with an ongoing volatile relationship with her stepmother and uninvited ghouls. who haunt the house. Mysteries slowly unfold as the dark consequences of jealousy and betrayal are revealed.