3. Mandy
Seeing pure, undiluted Nic Cage is probably the scariest thing that can happen any year. Thankfully, the universe blessed 2018 with the chance to see the man unleashed his rage in the cult film, Mandy! The film follows Red (Nicolas Cage) as he attempts to get his wife Mandy back from a sadistic cult. Mandy is not only a great horror film but a psychedelic trip for viewers…no drugs needed!
This movie is firing on all cylinders at all times; never giving the characters and the audience a moment to relax. With such a frantic and bizarre film, it’s even more shocking that Mandy is sitting nicely with a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. That’s higher than previous entries on this list Suspiria, Upgrade, and even Halloween. For anyone looking for one of the year’s wildest rides, look no further than the Nic Cage-led Mandy.
2. Annihilation
The unknown is always the scariest thing. Annihilation revels in the unknown as the surreal sci-fi horror piece from Alex Garland confused many viewers. Starring Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, and Tuva Novotny as a team tasked with exploring the mysterious Shimmer, a prism of light that kills whoever enters it. From the moment you enter this film, you are engulfed in the atmosphere of fear and confusion. Producer David Ellison even complained that Annihilation was “too intellectual” and “too complicated” for viewers.
No matter how the studio treated this beautiful movie, you still need to see one of 2018’s best horror experiences. Nothing is quite like Annihilation, not even Alex Garland’s first obscure film Ex Machina. If you’re looking for something wholly original and quite the daunting task of viewing, this is the perfect movie for you. Turn your brain on and let the insanity that is Annihilation wash over you.
1. Hereditary
Nothing is more frightening than family, hidden secrets, and a cult trying to steal your body. Hereditary, released by A24 and directed by newcomer Ari Aster, captivated audiences with its strange marketing and even more mysterious final product. Critics went wild for the film as it earned an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, and viewers put money into the film as well; making it the highest-grossing movie worldwide for A24.
Other than the money it made and the career-making turn for Aster, the real star of the film is Toni Collette, and her breathtaking turn as a mother trying to grieve the many loses in her life. Hereditary dives into the stages of grief and add the extra layer of a cult to scare viewers. Everything about the film will make you uncomfortable, looking for the nearest exit. You will also be left jaw-dropped by one of the year’s scariest scenes: the infamous car scene that happens about halfway into the film. Check out this film as soon as you can as this truly the year’s horror masterpiece.
What are your favourite horror movies of 2018? Let us know in the comments below…
EJ Moreno
