Top X Horror Movies Of 2022: Ranked & Reviewed

Hey horror fans! Are you ready to dive into the scariest, most thrilling, and downright unforgettable horror flicks that 2022 had to offer? Get ready because we're about to explore the best of the best! In this article, we're breaking down the top X horror movies of 2022, ranking them, and giving you the lowdown on what made each one a standout. Whether you're a seasoned horror veteran or just dipping your toes into the genre, there's something here for everyone. So, grab your popcorn, turn off the lights, and let's get started!

What Makes a Great Horror Movie?

Before we jump into the list, let's quickly chat about what actually makes a horror movie great. Is it the jump scares that make you spill your soda? Or is it the creeping sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll? For most of us, it’s a combination of factors. A truly great horror movie often excels in several key areas:

• Atmosphere: Creating a palpable sense of unease and tension.
• Story: A compelling narrative that keeps you invested.
• Characters: Believable characters you can root for (or love to hate).
• Originality: Fresh ideas or unique takes on classic tropes.
• Gore/Effects: When used effectively, these can elevate the scare factor, but they shouldn't be the only selling point.
• Psychological Depth: Exploring deeper themes or tapping into primal fears.

These elements, when combined skillfully, can create a horror experience that's not just scary, but also thought-provoking and memorable. Now, let's see which movies from 2022 managed to nail these aspects.

The Top X Horror Movies of 2022

Alright, folks, let's get to the good stuff! Here’s my carefully curated list of the top X horror movies from 2022, complete with rankings and mini-reviews. Prepare for some scares!

1. Barbarian

Barbarian is a wild ride that starts with a simple premise: a woman arrives at her Airbnb late at night to find it already occupied by a stranger. Sounds like a rom-com setup, right? Wrong! This movie quickly descends into a nightmarish scenario that keeps you guessing at every turn. What makes Barbarian so effective is its ability to subvert expectations. Just when you think you know what's going on, the movie throws a curveball that leaves you reeling. The performances are excellent, particularly Georgina Campbell as the protagonist, Tess, and Bill Skarsgård as the initially unsettling Keith. Director Zach Cregger masterfully builds tension and delivers some truly shocking moments. Barbarian is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a horror movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The blend of suspense, dark humor, and genuinely disturbing imagery makes it a standout in the horror landscape of 2022. It's not just about cheap scares; it's about crafting an atmosphere of dread that permeates every scene. The film also touches on themes of urban decay and the hidden horrors that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly normal places. Barbarian is the kind of movie you'll be discussing with your friends long after the credits have rolled, dissecting every twist and turn. The originality of the plot, combined with the strong performances and expert direction, solidifies its place at the top of our list. If you're looking for a horror movie that will surprise and terrify you in equal measure, Barbarian is the one to watch.

2. Smile

Smile takes a simple, creepy concept – a malevolent entity that causes its victims to wear unsettling smiles before they die – and executes it to near perfection. Sosie Bacon delivers a powerful performance as Dr. Rose Cotter, a therapist haunted by a traumatic encounter with a patient. The film excels at creating a sense of mounting dread, with the ever-present smiles serving as a constant reminder of the impending doom. What sets Smile apart is its exploration of trauma and mental health. The movie delves into the protagonist's past, revealing the roots of her anxieties and fears. This adds a layer of psychological depth that elevates it beyond a simple jump-scare fest. The visuals are striking, with the distorted smiles burned into your memory long after the movie ends. Director Parker Finn expertly uses sound and cinematography to create an atmosphere of unease. While some may find the premise somewhat familiar, Smile manages to deliver a fresh and terrifying experience. The film's ability to tap into primal fears and explore the psychological toll of trauma makes it a standout in the horror genre. It's a movie that stays with you, prompting you to reflect on the themes it explores. The strong performances, combined with the unsettling visuals and psychological depth, make Smile a worthy addition to any horror fan's watchlist.

3. The Black Phone

The Black Phone is a suspenseful and chilling thriller that combines elements of supernatural horror with a gripping crime story. Ethan Hawke delivers a terrifying performance as the Grabber, a child abductor who terrorizes a small town in the 1970s. Mason Thames shines as Finney Shaw, a young boy who is kidnapped and held captive in the Grabber's basement. What makes The Black Phone so effective is its focus on character and suspense. The movie slowly builds tension, ratcheting up the fear as Finney tries to outsmart his captor. The supernatural element, in which Finney receives calls on a disconnected phone from the Grabber's previous victims, adds another layer of intrigue and dread. Director Scott Derrickson expertly crafts an atmosphere of claustrophobia and despair. The film also explores themes of resilience and the power of community, as Finney's sister Gwen, played by Madeleine McGraw, uses her psychic abilities to try to find him. The Black Phone is a well-crafted and genuinely scary movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The strong performances, combined with the suspenseful plot and supernatural elements, make it a must-see for horror fans. It's a movie that lingers in your mind long after the credits have rolled, prompting you to reflect on the darkness that can lurk within seemingly ordinary people. The film's ability to blend genres and explore deeper themes solidifies its place as one of the top horror movies of 2022.

4. Speak No Evil

Speak No Evil is a Danish psychological horror film that will leave you feeling deeply disturbed. The movie follows a Danish family who befriends a Dutch couple while on vacation. After accepting an invitation to visit the Dutch couple's home, the Danish family finds themselves trapped in an increasingly unsettling and nightmarish situation. What makes Speak No Evil so effective is its slow-burn approach to horror. The movie gradually escalates the tension, creating a sense of unease that builds to an unbearable climax. The performances are excellent, with the actors conveying a range of emotions from polite discomfort to sheer terror. Director Christian Tafdrup masterfully explores themes of politeness, social norms, and the dangers of blind trust. Speak No Evil is not a movie for the faint of heart. It's a challenging and disturbing film that will stay with you long after you've seen it. The film's willingness to push boundaries and explore the darker aspects of human nature makes it a standout in the horror genre. It's a movie that will make you question your own values and beliefs. The slow-burn tension, combined with the excellent performances and thought-provoking themes, make Speak No Evil a must-see for horror fans who are looking for something truly unsettling.

5. Resurrection

Resurrection is a psychological thriller starring Rebecca Hall as Margaret, a woman who confronts a dark figure from her past. The movie deals with themes of trauma, control, and the lingering effects of abuse. Rebecca Hall gives a tour-de-force performance, conveying Margaret's strength, vulnerability, and growing paranoia. What makes Resurrection so effective is its intense focus on the protagonist's internal struggles. The movie delves into Margaret's psyche, revealing the deep scars left by her past. The film is visually striking, with director Andrew Semans using unsettling imagery to create a sense of unease. Resurrection is not a movie for those seeking cheap thrills. It's a challenging and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after you've seen it. The film's willingness to explore complex themes and delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche makes it a standout in the horror genre. It's a movie that will leave you questioning the nature of reality and the power of the past. The strong performance by Rebecca Hall, combined with the unsettling visuals and thought-provoking themes, make Resurrection a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers.

Honorable Mentions

Of course, no list is ever exhaustive! Here are a few other horror movies from 2022 that deserve a shout-out:

• X
• Pearl
• Hellraiser

These films all brought something unique to the horror genre in 2022, and they're definitely worth checking out if you're looking for more scares.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! My list of the top X horror movies from 2022. It was a fantastic year for horror, with a diverse range of films that offered something for everyone. Whether you're into jump scares, psychological thrillers, or gory splatterfests, there was plenty to sink your teeth into. What were your favorite horror movies of 2022? Let me know in the comments below! And remember, keep watching horror movies and supporting the genre!