26 Best Horror Films of 2013 – A Cinematic Journey into Fear

Description: A reboot of the classic horror series, this film takes a darker, more visceral approach to the story of friends who unleash demons by reading from the Necronomicon.

Fact: The film features a scene where a character cuts off her own arm with a chainsaw, a nod to the original series' iconic imagery.

Description: This film, based on the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren, delivers a masterclass in building tension and delivering jump scares. It's a chilling tale of a family terrorized by a dark presence in their new home.

Fact: The film was so successful that it spawned a franchise, including several sequels and spin-offs. The real-life Annabelle doll, featured in the film, is kept in the Warrens' Occult Museum.

Description: A remake of the 1976 classic, this version of "Carrie" brings Stephen King's tale of a telekinetic teenager to a new generation, with updated visuals and a fresh take on the iconic prom scene.

Fact: Chloë Grace Moretz, who played Carrie, had to wear a wig for most of the film because her natural hair was too short for the character's iconic look.

Description: Directed by Andy Muschietti, "Mama" tells the story of two young girls who are raised by a mysterious entity after their parents' tragic death. The film blends emotional depth with supernatural horror, making it a unique entry in the genre.

Fact: The film was originally a short film by Muschietti, which caught the attention of Guillermo del Toro, leading to its expansion into a feature film.

Description: Continuing from the first film, this sequel follows Nell Sweetzer as she tries to rebuild her life, only to find herself once again in the grip of demonic forces.

Fact: The film shifts from the found footage style of the original to a more traditional narrative, focusing on Nell's personal struggle.

Description: Set in a dystopian future where all crime is legal for one night a year, "The Purge" explores the moral and societal implications of this annual event through the eyes of a family trying to survive.

Fact: The film was made on a modest budget but became a surprise hit, spawning a franchise with sequels and a TV series.

Description: Continuing the story from the first film, this sequel delves deeper into the Lambert family's encounters with the supernatural, offering more twists and turns in their haunted journey.

Fact: The film features a cameo by the director James Wan as the voice of the demon. It also explores the backstory of the haunting, providing a richer narrative than its predecessor.

Description: This film explores the terror of alien abduction through the lens of a suburban family, offering a fresh take on the alien invasion sub-genre with its focus on psychological horror.

Fact: The film's director, Scott Stewart, also worked on the visual effects for films like "Avatar" and "Iron Man."

Description: This film cleverly intertwines past and present as siblings attempt to prove that a haunted mirror was responsible for their parents' death, blending psychological horror with supernatural elements.

Fact: The film was directed by Mike Flanagan, who would later become known for his work in horror with films like "The Haunting of Hill House."

Description: An anthology horror film where each segment is presented as a found footage video, "V/H/S/2" ups the ante with more intense and varied tales of terror.

Fact: One of the segments, "Safe Haven," was directed by Timo Tjahjanto and Gareth Huw Evans, known for their work in Indonesian action cinema.