Welcome to the Macabre Realm of the Ominous Aughts
Greetings horror fans! Today we’re diving into the blood-curdling world of horror cinema with a carefully orchestrated list of the 21 best horror movies of the 2000s. This decade produced some of the most spine-tingling, nail-biting and downright terrifying films the horror genre has ever offered.
From iconic classics to hidden gems, we’ve scoured through the 2000s to bring you the ultimate collection of movies that will have you sleeping with the lights on. These films are sure to give you nightmares, make you jump out of your seat, and leave you with a sense of dread that will linger long after the credits roll.
Filmmakers of the 2000s have taken the horror genre to new heights with advanced special effects, innovative storytelling techniques, and daring plot twists. This has led to a slew of box office hits and critical darlings that have cemented horror’s place as a major player in the film industry.
Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just looking for a good scare, these movies are sure to send shivers down your spine. So, grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and get ready for a heart-pumping ride through the best horror movies of the 2000s.
This collection is an episode of FrameTrek’s Best Horror Movies of All Time, a mega-journey dedicated to identify the spookiest films of each cinematic era, chronologically. It starts with the Horrors of the Silent Era and wanders ahead decade-by-decade, all the way to our ever-moving present.
Presenting the 21 Best Horror Movies of the 2000s
Chronologically
1. Final Destination (2000)
Supernatural horror thriller movie directed by James Wong, starring Devon Sawa, Ali Larter and Kerr Smith.
Story: When a boy starts having a premonition of Flight 180 crashing, he tells his friends before they board that it is a bad idea and to not to take the flight. His friends listen to him and don’t go and soon after the plane crashes. Now since his friends didn’t get on the plane one by one they are getting killed in mysterious ways. (IMDb)
Despite a panel of X-Files’ alums at the helm and a promising premise, flighty performances and poor execution keep Final Destination from ever taking off.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Final Destination among the greatest horror films of the 2000s?
✪ The tension is high: From the opening scene to the very end, the movie builds suspense and keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you’re a fan of thrillers that keep you guessing, you won’t be disappointed.
✪ It’s a classic of the horror genre: Final Destination has become a cult classic in the horror genre, with its unique take on the slasher film formula and inventive death scenes.
✪ The deaths are creative: Each death scene is meticulously planned and executed, with unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.
✪ It’s a must-see for horror fans: Final Destination is a staple of the horror genre and a must-see for fans of the genre who want to experience one of its most unique and creative entries.
2. American Psycho (2000)
Crime horror black comedy film directed by Mary Harron, starring Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe and Jared Leto.
Story: Patrick Bateman is handsome, well educated and intelligent. He is twenty-seven and living his own American dream. He works by day on Wall Street, earning a fortune to complement the one he was born with. At night he descends into madness, as he experiments with fear and violence. (IMDb)
If it falls short of the deadly satire of Bret Easton Ellis’s novel, American Psycho still finds its own blend of horror and humor, thanks in part to a fittingly creepy performance by Christian Bale.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is American Psycho among the most popular horror films from the 2000s?
✪ Brilliant Performance: Christian Bale delivers a stunning performance as Patrick Bateman. His portrayal of the character’s calm and collected demeanor while committing horrific acts is nothing short of mesmerizing.
✪ Stunning Cinematography: The film’s cinematography is visually stunning, with director Mary Harron expertly capturing the vibrant and decadent atmosphere of 1980s New York City.
✪ Psychological Thriller: American Psycho is a psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The tension and suspense build throughout the film, leading to a thrilling and unforgettable conclusion.
✪ Critically Acclaimed: American Psycho was well-received by critics and has since become a cult classic. Its legacy has endured, making it a must-see for any cinephile.
3. The Others (2001)
Gothic supernatural psychological horror film written, directed, and scored by Alejandro Amenábar, starring Nicole Kidman, Fionnula Flanagan and Christopher Eccleston.
Story: A woman who lives in her darkened old family house with her two photosensitive children becomes convinced that the home is haunted. (IMDb)
The Others is a spooky thriller that reminds us that a movie doesn’t need expensive special effects to be creepy.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is The Others among the classic horror films of the 2000s?
✪ The suspense is palpable: The Others is a slow-burn horror movie that builds tension and keeps you on edge throughout the entire film. If you love atmospheric horror movies that make you jump at every creak in the floorboard, this one is for you.
✪ The acting is top-notch: Nicole Kidman delivers a stunning performance as the troubled mother of two children who are seemingly haunted by ghostly apparitions. The child actors are also impressive in their roles, making for a truly engaging and emotionally-charged experience.
✪ It’s a sophisticated horror movie: The Others is not your typical jump-scare horror movie. It’s a sophisticated and intelligent film that will appeal to those who enjoy thought-provoking horror movies that leave an impression.
✪ It’s a critically acclaimed classic: The Others is widely regarded as one of the best horror movies of the early 2000s and was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It’s a classic that has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among horror fans.
4. Resident Evil (2002)
Action horror sci-fi film written and directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, starring Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez and Eric Mabius.
Story: A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident. (IMDb)
Like other video game adapations, Resident Evil is loud, violent, formulaic, and cheesy.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Resident Evil among the best horror films of the 2000s?
✪ The cast is great: Milla Jovovich delivers a fantastic performance as the film’s protagonist, Alice, and the supporting cast also does an excellent job of bringing their characters to life.
✪ The visuals are impressive: The movie’s visual effects and production design are impressive, creating a dark and gritty world that perfectly captures the mood of the video game series.
✪ The soundtrack is excellent: The movie’s soundtrack perfectly complements the intense action and horror elements of the film, making for a truly immersive movie experience.
✪ The zombie makeup is top-notch: The movie’s zombies are some of the best you’ll see in any horror movie. The makeup and special effects are top-notch, creating truly terrifying creatures that will haunt your nightmares.
5. 28 Days Later… (2002)
Post-apocalyptic horror sci-fi film directed by Danny Boyle, starring Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris and Christopher Eccleston.
Story: Four weeks after a mysterious, incurable virus spreads throughout the UK, a handful of survivors try to find sanctuary. (IMDb)
Kinetically directed by Danny Boyle, 28 Days Later is both a terrifying zombie movie and a sharp political allegory.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is 28 Days Later… among the greatest horror films from the 2000s?
✪ It’s a suspenseful thrill ride: From start to finish, 28 Days Later is a suspenseful thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The tension and action never let up, making for an exciting and engaging movie.
✪ The acting is excellent: Cillian Murphy delivers a fantastic performance as the film’s protagonist, and the supporting cast also does an excellent job of bringing their characters to life.
✪ The zombies are terrifying: 28 Days Later redefined the zombie genre, creating a new kind of zombie that was fast, ferocious, and terrifying. If you’re a fan of zombie movies, this one is a must-watch.
✪ It’s a classic of the zombie genre: 28 Days Later has become a classic of the zombie genre, with its unique take on the zombie apocalypse and its influence on subsequent zombie movies.
6. The Ring (2002)
Psychological supernatural horror film directed by Gore Verbinski, starring Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson and Brian Cox.
Story: A journalist must investigate a mysterious videotape which seems to cause the death of anyone one week to the day after they view it. (IMDb)
With little gore and a lot of creepy visuals, The Ring gets under your skin, thanks to director Gore Verbinski’s haunting sense of atmosphere and an impassioned performance from Naomi Watts.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is The Ring among the most popular horror movies of the 2000s?
✪ It’s a cultural phenomenon: The Ring became a cultural phenomenon upon its release, spawning a whole host of imitators and copycats. If you’re a horror fan, this is a movie that you simply can’t afford to miss.
✪ The pacing is perfect: The Ring is a slow-burn horror movie that builds tension and keeps you on edge throughout the entire film. The pacing is perfect, making for a truly suspenseful and engaging movie.
✪ The acting is superb: Naomi Watts delivers a stunning performance as the investigative journalist who sets out to uncover the mystery behind the videotape. The supporting cast is also excellent, making for a well-acted and emotionally charged film.
✪ The visuals are haunting: The movie’s haunting visuals and imagery perfectly complement the overall atmosphere of the film, making for a truly unsettling cinematic experience.
7. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Zombie comedy horror film directed by Edgar Wright, starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Kate Ashfield.
Story: Shaun doesn’t have a very good day, so he decides to turn his life around by getting his ex to take him back, but he times it for right in the middle of what may be a zombie apocalypse… But for him, it’s an opportunity to show everyone he knows how useful he is by saving them all. All he has to do is survive… And get his ex back. (IMDb)
Shaun of the Dead cleverly balances scares and witty satire, making for a bloody good zombie movie with loads of wit.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Shaun of the Dead among the classic horror movies from the 2000s?
✪ It’s a great parody of the zombie genre: Shaun of the Dead is a great parody of the zombie genre, poking fun at all of the tropes and cliches of zombie movies while still delivering a great horror-comedy.
✪ The zombies are great: Shaun of the Dead features some of the best zombies you’ll see in any movie. They’re scary, gross, and hilarious all at once, making for a perfect mix of horror and comedy.
✪ It’s a cult classic: Shaun of the Dead has become a cult classic since its release, with fans all over the world loving its mix of humor and horror. If you’re a fan of cult movies, this is one that you simply can’t miss.
✪ The direction is great: Edgar Wright is a fantastic director, and his vision for Shaun of the Dead is clear from start to finish. The movie is full of clever visual gags and stylistic flourishes that add to the movie’s humor and horror.
8. Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Action horror film directed by Zack Snyder, starring Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames and Jake Weber.
Story: A nurse, a policeman, a young married couple, a salesman and other survivors of a worldwide plague that is producing aggressive, flesh-eating zombies, take refuge in a mega Midwestern shopping mall. (IMDb)
A kinetic, violent and surprisingly worthy remake of George Romero’s horror classic that pays homage to the original while working on its own terms.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Dawn of the Dead among the classic horror films from the 2000s?
✪ Intense Action: Dawn of the Dead is an action-packed horror movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The fast-paced scenes and intense action sequences make for an exciting and thrilling viewing experience.
✪ Terrifying Zombies: The makeup and special effects used to create the zombies are top-notch, making them one of the most frightening depictions of the undead in horror movie history.
✪ Creative Kills: The film’s kills are creative and gruesome, making it a must-watch for horror fans who enjoy gore. The kills are unique and add to the movie’s overall suspense and horror.
✪ Iconic Soundtrack: The movie’s soundtrack is iconic, featuring music from artists such as Johnny Cash and Disturbed. The music adds to the movie’s overall atmosphere and helps to create a sense of dread and unease.
9. Saw (2004)
Horror mystery thriller film directed by James Wan, starring Cary Elwes, Danny Glover and Monica Potter.
Story: Two strangers awaken in a room with no recollection of how they got there, and soon discover they’re pawns in a deadly game perpetrated by a notorious serial killer. (IMDb)
Saw ensnares audiences with a deceptively clever plot and a myriad of memorable, nasty set pieces, but its lofty ambitions are undercut by a nihilistic streak that feels more mean than profound.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Saw among the scariest horror movies of the 2000s?
✪ Psychological Thriller: Saw is not just a typical horror movie with jump scares and gore. It’s a psychological thriller that will leave you questioning what you thought you knew. It delves into the minds of the characters and keeps you guessing until the very end.
✪ Iconic Villain: Jigsaw, the movie’s antagonist, is one of the most iconic villains in horror movie history. He is a complex and compelling character that adds to the movie’s overall appeal.
✪ Unique Concept: Saw’s concept of traps and games is unique and unlike anything you’ve seen before in a horror movie. It’s a fresh take on the genre and will keep you intrigued from start to finish.
✪ Strong Direction: Director James Wan’s strong direction sets the tone for the movie and keeps you engaged from start to finish. His attention to detail and ability to create a tense atmosphere make Saw a must-see film.
10. Constantine (2005)
Superhero horror action film directed by Francis Lawrence, starring Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz and Shia LaBeouf.
Story: Supernatural exorcist and demonologist John Constantine helps a policewoman prove her sister’s death was not a suicide, but something more. (IMDb)
Despite solid production values and an intriguing premise, Constantine lacks the focus of another spiritual shoot-em-up: The Matrix.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Constantine among the top horror films of the 2000s?
✪ Strong Cast: The movie features a strong cast, including Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz, and Tilda Swinton. Their performances are compelling and add depth to the characters.
✪ Thought-Provoking Themes: The movie explores thought-provoking themes such as redemption, sacrifice, and faith. The themes are woven seamlessly into the plot and add depth to the story.
✪ Visual Effects: The movie’s visual effects are stunning and add to the overall atmosphere of the film. The depiction of hell and demons is both terrifying and captivating.
✪ Cult Following: Constantine has developed a cult following over the years, with fans appreciating the movie’s unique style and storytelling. It’s a movie that you can watch multiple times and still discover something new each time.
11. The Descent (2005)
British adventure horror film written and directed by Neil Marshall, starring Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza and Alex Reid.
Story: A caving expedition goes horribly wrong, as the explorers become trapped and ultimately pursued by a strange breed of predators. (IMDb)
Deft direction and strong performances from its all-female cast guide The Descent, a riveting, claustrophobic horror film.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is The Descent among the scariest horror movies from the 2000s?
✪ Realistic Setting: The movie’s setting feels authentic and realistic, adding to the suspense and horror. The underground caves are claustrophobic and terrifying, and the movie uses the setting to great effect.
✪ Surprising Twists: The Descent has several surprising twists that keep you guessing until the very end. The twists are well-executed and add depth to the story.
✪ Tense Atmosphere: The Descent creates a tense and unnerving atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The movie uses silence and sound effects to great effect, making even the quiet moments feel unsettling.
✪ Critical Acclaim: The Descent has received critical acclaim and has been praised for its strong female characters, excellent cinematography, and well-executed scares. The movie is a must-see for horror fans and has become a cult classic over the years.
12. 1408 (2007)
Psychological fantasy horror film directed by Mikael Håfström, starring John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson and Mary McCormack.
Story: A man who specialises in debunking paranormal occurrences checks into the fabled room 1408 in the Dolphin Hotel. Soon after settling in, he confronts genuine terror. (IMDb)
Relying on psychological tension rather than overt violence and gore, 1408 is a genuinely creepy thriller with a strong lead performance by John Cusack.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is 1408 among the scariest horror films of the 2000s?
✪ Terrifying Atmosphere: The movie’s atmosphere is genuinely terrifying, with the hotel room feeling like a character in its own right. The room’s eerie ambiance and unexplainable events will send chills down your spine.
✪ Stellar Performance: John Cusack delivers a stellar performance as Mike Enslin, bringing both charm and vulnerability to his character. He carries the movie on his shoulders and keeps you invested in his character’s journey.
✪ Psychological Thriller: 1408 is more of a psychological thriller than a typical horror movie. The movie focuses on the psychological toll that the room takes on Mike and his descent into madness.
✪ Creative Visuals: The movie’s visuals are creative and add to the overall sense of unease. The room’s constantly changing appearance and the use of distorted images are particularly effective.
13. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Musical slasher horror film directed by Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and Alan Rickman.
Story: The legendary tale of a barber who returns from wrongful imprisonment to 1840s London, bent on revenge for the rape and death of his wife, and resumes his trade while forming a sinister partnership with his fellow tenant, Mrs. Lovett. (IMDb)
Full of pith and Grand Guignol grossness, this macabre musical is perfectly helmed and highly entertaining. Tim Burton masterfully stages the musical in a way that will make you think he has done this many times before.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Sweeney Todd among the iconic horror films of the 2000s?
✪ Intricate Plot: The movie has an intricate and complex plot that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The story weaves together several characters and subplots, building towards a climactic finale that is both satisfying and shocking.
✪ Strong Performances: The movie features strong performances by the entire cast, with Johnny Depp delivering a standout performance as Sweeney Todd. The actors bring depth and nuance to their roles, making the characters feel fully realized and believable.
✪ Dark and Disturbing Tone: Sweeney Todd has a dark and disturbing tone that immerses you in its twisted world. The movie doesn’t shy away from violence, gore, or the macabre, making it a unique and unforgettable experience.
✪ Expert Direction: Director Tim Burton’s expert direction brings the story to life, creating a world that is both fantastical and grounded in reality. Burton’s attention to detail and visual style make Sweeney Todd a feast for the eyes.
14. The Mist (2007)
Science-fiction horror film directed by Frank Darabont, starring Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden and Laurie Holden.
Story: A freak storm unleashes a species of bloodthirsty creatures on a small town, where a small band of citizens hole up in a supermarket and fight for their lives. (IMDb)
Frank Darabont’s impressive camerawork and politically incisive script make The Mist a truly frightening experience.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is The Mist among the top horror films from the 2000s?
✪ Tense Atmosphere: The Mist is a horror movie that excels at creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere. The movie builds suspense from the beginning and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end.
✪ Believable Characters: The movie’s characters are believable and well-drawn. They feel like real people with their own motivations, fears, and flaws, making it easy to care about what happens to them.
✪ Excellent Visuals: The movie has excellent visuals that bring the mist and its otherworldly creatures to life. The special effects are well-done and add to the movie’s overall sense of dread and terror.
✪ Critical Acclaim: The Mist received critical acclaim upon its release and has since become a cult classic. The movie’s mix of horror, sci-fi, and drama makes it a unique and unforgettable experience.
15. Paranormal Activity (2007)
Supernatural mystery horror film produced, written, directed, photographed and edited by Oren Peli, starring Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat.
Story: After moving into a suburban home, a couple becomes increasingly disturbed by a nightly demonic presence. (IMDb)
Using its low-budget effects and mockumentary method to great result, Paranormal Activity turns a simple haunted house story into 90 minutes of relentless suspense.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Paranormal Activity among the greatest horror movies from the 2000s?
✪ Cultural Impact: Paranormal Activity had a significant cultural impact upon its release, launching a found-footage horror movie trend that continues to this day.
✪ Tense Atmosphere: The movie creates a tense and unsettling atmosphere from the beginning. The movie builds suspense slowly, and the tension steadily increases until the movie’s terrifying climax.
✪ Believable Characters: The movie’s characters feel like real people, which makes it easier to relate to them and care about their fate. The couple’s realistic reactions to the paranormal activity also add to the movie’s authenticity.
✪ Scary Moments: Paranormal Activity has several genuinely scary moments that will make you jump out of your seat. The movie’s scares are effective because they feel earned and build on the tension that the movie has been building.
16. I Am Legend (2007)
Post-apocalyptic science fiction action horror film directed by Francis Lawrence, starring Will Smith.
Story: Years after a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters, the sole survivor in New York City struggles valiantly to find a cure. (IMDb)
I Am Legend overcomes questionable special effects and succeeds largely on the strength of Will Smith’s mesmerizing performance.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is I Am Legend among the most popular horror films of the 2000s?
✪ Riveting Performance by Will Smith: Will Smith delivers a riveting performance as Robert Neville, conveying the character’s isolation, desperation, and grief with nuance and intensity.
✪ Stunning Visual Effects: The movie’s stunning visual effects create a haunting and immersive world that draws you into the story. The deserted streets of New York City and the monsters that haunt them are rendered with impressive detail and realism.
✪ Emotional Depth: The movie has emotional depth, exploring the loneliness, fear, and grief that the protagonist experiences as he struggles to survive in a world that has been destroyed.
✪ Exploration of Humanity: I Am Legend explores what it means to be human and the lengths that people will go to in order to survive. The movie raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of humanity and the value of life.
17. Planet Terror (2007)
Science-fiction action comedy horror film written and directed by Robert Rodriguez, starring Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodriguez and Michael Biehn.
Story: After an experimental bio-weapon is released, turning thousands into zombie-like creatures, it’s up to a rag-tag group of survivors to stop the infected and those behind its release. (IMDb)
A cool and hip grindhouse throwback, Planet Terror is an unpredictable zombie thrillride.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Planet Terror among the most popular horror movies from the 2000s?
✪ Retro Aesthetic: The movie’s retro aesthetic is spot-on, with grainy film quality, fake trailers, and intentional scratches and damage to the film. This gives the movie an authentic feel and adds to its charm.
✪ Intense Action: The movie is packed with intense action scenes, including car chases, shootouts, and explosions. These scenes are well-choreographed and thrilling to watch.
✪ Gruesome Gore: The movie’s gore is over-the-top and gruesome, with severed limbs, exploding heads, and zombie attacks. If you’re a fan of gory horror movies, you won’t be disappointed.
✪ Fun and Entertaining: It’s just a fun and entertaining movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you’re in the mood for an over-the-top action movie with lots of gore and humor, Planet Terror is the perfect choice.
18. Let the Right One In (2008)
Swedish romantic fantasy horror film directed by Tomas Alfredson, starring Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson and Per Ragnar.
Story: Oskar, an overlooked and bullied boy, finds love and revenge through Eli, a beautiful but peculiar girl. (IMDb)
Let the Right One In reinvigorates the seemingly tired vampire genre by effectively mixing scares with intelligent storytelling.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Let the Right One In among the classic horror movies of the 2000s?
✪ Unique Storyline: Let the Right One In offers a fresh take on the vampire genre. The film is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of isolation, friendship, and love, and the vampire element adds an eerie and mysterious quality to the narrative.
✪ Brutal Violence: Let the Right One In doesn’t shy away from showing the violent side of vampirism. The movie has some gruesome and bloody scenes, but they serve a purpose in the narrative and add to the film’s impact.
✪ Tension-Building: The movie builds tension masterfully, with moments of quiet contemplation interspersed with sudden bursts of action. The result is a movie that keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
✪ Critically Acclaimed: Let the Right One In has been universally praised by critics and audiences alike. It’s a movie that has stood the test of time and is widely regarded as a modern classic of the vampire genre.
19. Cloverfield (2008)
Found footage monster horror film directed by Matt Reeves, starring Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas and T.J. Miller.
Story: A group of friends venture deep into the streets of New York on a rescue mission during a rampaging monster attack. (IMDb)
A sort of Blair Witch Project crossed with Godzilla, Cloverfield is economically paced, stylistically clever, and filled with scares.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Cloverfield among the best horror films of the 2000s?
✪ Unique Cinematography: Cloverfield is shot entirely from the point of view of a handheld camera, which creates a sense of realism and immediacy. This technique is rarely used in mainstream movies and makes for a unique viewing experience.
✪ Suspenseful Plot: The movie’s plot is suspenseful and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. It’s a classic monster movie with a modern twist, and the mystery surrounding the creature’s origin and motives adds to the tension.
✪ Impressive Visual Effects: Despite its low budget, Cloverfield has impressive visual effects that bring the monster to life. The creature design is unique and terrifying, and the destruction it causes is realistic.
✪ Intense Action: The movie is packed with intense action scenes, including the creature attacking the city and the characters trying to escape. These scenes are well-executed and thrilling to watch.
20. Zombieland (2009)
Post-apocalyptic zombie comedy film directed by Ruben Fleischer, starring Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg and Emma Stone.
Story: A shy student trying to reach his family in Ohio, a gun-toting tough guy trying to find the last Twinkie, and a pair of sisters trying to get to an amusement park join forces to travel across a zombie-filled America. (IMDb)
Wickedly funny and featuring plenty of gore, Zombieland is proof that the zombie subgenre is far from dead.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Zombieland among the top horror movies of the 2000s?
✪ Unique Take on the Zombie Genre: Zombieland takes a humorous and irreverent approach to the zombie apocalypse, which sets it apart from other movies in the genre.
✪ Memorable Characters: Each of the main characters in Zombieland is distinct and memorable, with their own quirks and personalities. The movie does a great job of making you care about the characters and their fates.
✪ Heartwarming Moments: Despite its humor and action, Zombieland also has some touching and heartwarming moments. The relationships between the characters are well-developed, and their bonds are tested throughout the movie.
✪ Critical and Audience Acclaim: Zombieland has been well-received by both critics and audiences. It’s a movie that’s both entertaining and well-made, and it’s sure to provide a fun and memorable viewing experience.
21. Drag Me to Hell (2009)
Supernatural horror film directed and co-written by Sam Raimi, starring Alison Lohman, Justin Long and Lorna Raver.
Story: A loan officer who evicts an old woman from her home finds herself the recipient of a supernatural curse. Desperate, she turns to a seer to try and save her soul, while evil forces work to push her to a breaking point. (IMDb)
Sam Raimi returns to top form with Drag Me to Hell, a frightening, hilarious, delightfully campy thrill ride.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Drag Me to Hell among the most famous horror movies from the 2000s?
✪ Scary and Suspenseful: The movie is genuinely scary and suspenseful, with a number of intense and terrifying sequences. It’s a horror movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
✪ Creative Use of Practical Effects: Drag Me to Hell features a number of impressive practical effects, including some gruesome and gory scenes. The effects are well-executed and add to the movie’s horror elements.
✪ Dark Humor: Drag Me to Hell has a great sense of dark humor, which helps to balance out the movie’s more intense and scary moments. The humor adds an extra layer of entertainment to the movie.
✪ Classic Horror Tropes: The movie plays with a number of classic horror tropes, including curses, demons, and possessions. Fans of the horror genre will appreciate these nods to classic horror movies.
…end of the reel…
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