People have been saying it everywhere you look: 2022 was an excellent year for horror. And who could disagree? There were cenobites, a crazy-looking alien showed up, and the internet broke over whether Halloween Ends was a good movie… and that’s barely scratching the surface. For that reason, lest we ever forget the substantial year for the horror film industry that was 2022, we have comprised a reference list for you. So, when you hear 2022 was a great year for horror, these are some of the movies we’re talking about.
The 10 Best and Most Iconic Horror Movies of 2022
10. Smile
Even those who didn’t see this movie were familiar with the premise, given the creepy marketing campaign. A sinister demon who takes on the appearance of a person with a strange smile begins following a woman. While the film has gotten mixed reviews, its promotion game makes it a memorable 2022 entry.
9. Orphan: First Kill
Despite the original Orphan debuting 13 years prior, Isabelle Fuhrman is back as Esther and younger than ever. This prequel gave audiences a much-desired peek into Esther’s origin story and did such a good job more Orphan films are more than welcome.
8. Prey
The film Prey took the horror icon Predator to a place we hadn’t yet seen him before: prehistory. Delivering a bad-ass heroine, nail-biting battles, and a message to never judge a book by its cover, this film did exceedingly well. Because it’s more of a sci-fi/action/drama than a spine-ripping terror is the only reason it isn’t ranked higher on this list.
7. Terrifier 2
Following the brutal return of Art the Clown, Terrifier 2 was immediately popularized by the claims that it was causing moviegoers to pass out and vomit. This gore-soaked thriller was so popular that its theatrical release was extended. On a mere $250,000 budget, this film made $11.5 million at the box office.
6. X
Upon its release, this movie was lovingly regarded for being half slasher/half sex tape. Following a group of adult filmmakers, as they discover the hard way that they’re not where they should be, X combines 70s classic horror with modern-day obscenity.
5. Hellraiser
This film was heavily anticipated, as Jamie Clayton taking the lead role of the Hell Priest generated much discussion and hype long before the first trailer dropped. The film follows the deadly puzzle box finding its way into new hands, and the glorious return of the Cenobites, setting the standard for how a hell-spawned being should look.
4. Scream
With a January release, the fifth installment of the Scream franchise kicked off horror for 2022. By including a cameo from an original cast member and the death of another original cast member, this film returned to its roots and then subverted them – a subversion that will undoubtedly continue through Scream 6, which will be released in March this year.
3. Pearl
As people were still reeling from the events of X, Ti West delivered a second film to the franchise in record time, just six months after the first film was released. That alone made waves in the realm of horror, setting precedents for future filmmakers to traverse. This prequel paints the origin story of X’s antagonist Pearl, and with a remarkable performance by Mia Goth, received high marks amongst horror fans.
2. Nope
After blowing audiences away with his breakout film, Get Out, Jordan Peele made an immediate name for himself in horror. Ever since then, a Peele film is always anticipated, knowing that we are all in for a captivating ride that’s sure to be heavy on metaphors and impossible to see the whole picture on the first watch. Nope is no different as this film introduces a new concept of UFOs and simultaneously showcases and subverts humanity’s need to spectate.
1. Barbarian
The horror debut of writer/director Zach Cregger is so promising that people are already anxiously awaiting Zach Cregger’s next movie. This movie was immediately beloved, spawning massive interest for its unpredictability and brutality. Following the story of a woman who finds that a stranger occupies her rental, the twists and turns are only a part of what makes this indie flick number one for the year.
Honorable Mention: Halloween Ends
Love it or hate it, this film generated internet-wide interest and discussion. It would be disgraceful to cover a year filled with horror and leave out this movie and the impact it made. Releasing weeks before Halloween, Halloween Ends marks the end of the Halloween franchise, which spanned fifty years (…or does it?). Some welcomed it with open arms, proclaiming it the Halloween 3 of its time, while others saw it as a disappointing way to end things.
Undoubtedly, 2022 delivered horror movies of all varieties. Original stories, remakes, reboots, and sequels galore, here’s to the magnificent year of horror in the rearview mirror and the promising prospect of scary movies for the coming year ahead.
Did any of your favorites make the list? Is there anything you wish had been included? Let us know in the comments. For up-to-date coverage on all the horror greatness of 2023, before and beyond, sign up for the Apparitions Newsletter and stay tuned to the Horror Press Podcast.