Top 10 Horror Films of the 21st Century

Description: This film blends courtroom drama with supernatural horror, telling the story of a priest on trial for the death of a young woman he attempted to exorcise. Its chilling depiction of possession and the legal battle that ensues makes it a standout in the horror genre.

Fact: The film is loosely based on the real-life case of Anneliese Michel, whose exorcism and subsequent death in 1976 caused a legal stir in Germany.

Description: This British horror film follows a group of women on a caving expedition that turns into a nightmare when they encounter monstrous creatures in the cave. Its claustrophobic setting and relentless tension make it a must-watch for horror fans.

Fact: The film features two different endings, one for the UK and another for the US, with the latter being more optimistic.

Description: This Spanish film tells the story of a woman who returns to her childhood home, now an orphanage, to reopen it, only to encounter ghostly children. Its emotional depth and haunting visuals make it a standout in horror cinema.

Fact: The film was produced by Guillermo del Toro, who was so impressed by the script that he decided to help bring it to life.

Description: A psychological horror film about a widow and her son who are haunted by a sinister presence from a children's book. Its exploration of grief and fear of motherhood adds layers of depth to the horror.

Fact: The film was initially banned in several countries due to its intense themes but later received critical acclaim for its emotional depth.

Description: A unique horror film where a sexually transmitted curse causes the victim to be pursued by a shape-shifting entity. Its slow-burn approach and existential dread have made it a modern classic.

Fact: The film was shot in Detroit, Michigan, using many abandoned locations to enhance its eerie atmosphere.

Description: This film revolves around a father-son team of coroners who uncover supernatural secrets during the autopsy of an unidentified woman. Its confined setting and escalating horror make it a gripping watch.

Fact: The film was shot in just 25 days, with much of the action taking place in a single location.

Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film explores the disintegration of a Puritan family due to supernatural forces. Its historical accuracy, atmospheric dread, and folk horror elements make it uniquely terrifying.

Fact: The film uses authentic 17th-century English dialect, making it linguistically accurate for the period.

Description: Jordan Peele's directorial debut combines social satire with horror, telling the story of a young African-American man who uncovers a sinister plot at his white girlfriend's family estate. Its commentary on race and identity horror is both chilling and thought-provoking.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, a rare feat for a horror movie.

Description: In this post-apocalyptic horror, a family must live in silence to avoid creatures that hunt by sound. Its innovative use of silence as a narrative device creates a palpable tension throughout the film.

Fact: The film was directed by John Krasinski, who also stars alongside his real-life wife, Emily Blunt.

Description: This film delves into family trauma and occultism, following a family that uncovers dark secrets after the death of their grandmother. Its slow build-up to terror and shocking twists have cemented its place in modern horror.

Fact: The film's director, Ari Aster, was inspired by his own family dynamics, particularly his relationship with his mother.