Having been a lifelong fan of horror, it only makes sense to share the movies from each year that had the most impact and influence on me as an artist and movie fan. Some years were easier than others when picking which movie represented year, while some years were extremely difficult to find a film that I felt worthy for this list.
1976 - The Omen
The mid Seventies was an interesting time for horror, especially for those more accustomed to modern horror, but 1976 did have heavy hitters like "Carrie" and "Burnt Offerings", but "The Omen" hits just right.
1977 - Rabid
David Cronenberg was and will always be the master of body horror, and "Rabid" is a perfect example of his work.
1978 - Invasion of the Body Snatchers
One of my favorite remakes, plain and simple.
1979 - Alien
The first horror movie I ever saw, sitting on my dad's lap. Slept through most of it but I was awake for the last 20 minutes!
1980 - The Shining
This might be the third most watched movie on this list, a comfort go-to when I needed something playing in the background.
1981 - An American Werewolf in London
My love for werewolves began with this film, which I saw when I was much too young. I was lucky enough to see a screening where Rick Baker hosted a Q&A afterwards.
1982 - The Thing
The second most watched horror movie on this list, but this is a movie I watch with full attention. I love this film and is still one of my all time favorites.
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1983 - Videodrome
Another classic created by David Cronenberg AND Rick Baker! A truly inspirational film that flavors my own writing.
1984 - Gremlins
The first horror film on this list that I saw in the theater, going in completely blind and loving every moment.
1985 - Return of the Living Dead
The most watched film on this list, I love this movie so much. Another film my dad showed me when I was probably too young to see. Tar-man will forever be etched in my memories.
1986 - The Fly
Another David Cronenberg film based on Body Horror. I get the feeling that this might be one of my favorite horror sub-genres.
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1987 - Angel Heart
A perfect detective noir film that blends horror into its very essence and an amazing performance from Mickey Rouke.
1988 - Hellraiser 2: Hellbound
For a long time, I preferred this film over the original because I felt it expanded the lore. Now, I love both films equally and wonder how the rest of the series would have turned out if they kept Julia as the true villain while the Cenobites waited in the shadows for their moment.
1989 - Pet Sematary
In a year full of sequels, "Pet Sematary" is both original and iconic.
1990 - The Exorcist 3
I recently saw the director's cut and I strongly recommend that you watch this version as soon as possible.
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1991 - Silence of the Lambs
Simply Iconic
Another film adapted from a Clive Barker short story, "Candyman" might be one of the smarter horror films I've seen.
1993 - The Good Son
93 was a slow year for horror films, but "The Good Son" is clearly the best choice over the two Stephen King adaptations that came out that year.
1994 - Wes Craven's New Nightmare
Who knew that Freddy Krueger could be re-imagined and scary again?
1995 - In the Mouth of Madness
"In the Mouth of Madness" is John Carpenter's take on Lovecraft, resulting in a wildly imaginative thrill ride.
1996 - The Frighteners
An extremely fun, original film starring Michael J Fox, with horror icons Jeffrey Combs and Dee Wallace.
1997 - Event Horizon
Sci-fi horror on a cosmic scale.
1998 - The Faculty
Highschoolers vs aliens, very reminiscent of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers".
1999 - The Blair Witch Project
Low budget, effective and fun, POV innovator.
2000 - Final Destination
The first entry in an enduring series of films all about chain reaction deaths, and how you can not escape death.
2001 - Frailty
Heavy hitting cast starring Bill Patton and Matthew McConaughey about a whose faith compels him and his sons to kill the demons hiding amongst us.
2002 The Ring
An actual scary PG-13 film, and a terrific remake as well.
2003 - Wrong Turn
Hillbilly mutant slasher, reminiscent of "The Hill Have Eyes".
2004 - Dawn of the Dead
Remake of the George A Romero's classic film, directed by a young Zack Synder with a script from a young James Gunn.
2005 - The Descent
Everyone remembers the claustaphobic scene.
2006 - Black Sheep
Not the film starring Chris Farley, but the overlooked gem about mutant sheep.
2007 - Inside
One of the most intense movies released during the French Extreme movement in the 2000's.
2008 - Pontypool
This is the first movie I name when someone asks for a recommendation. It's unique, gentle on those who don't like extreme gore, and highly entertaining.
How impactful would this film have been if it was leased a decade later?
2010 - The Crazies
Another George A Romero remake that makes you wonder how the government would really handle an outbreak of this nature.
2011 - Grave Encounters
I love my found footage movies, and this one is just one of my favorites.
2012 - American Mary
Proving that she is more than just Ginger from "Gingersnaps", she is also Mary, a woman who won't be pushed around.
2013 - Jug Face
A truly haunting tale about family, prophecy, and ritual.
2014 - The Taking of Deborah Logan
Scary found footage that deals with a serious condition that's scary in its own sense.
2015 - He Never Died
Henry Rollins gives an amazing performance as an immortal with family issues.
2016 - The Void
Cosmic dread with cultists and physical effects.
2017 - The Endless
More cosmic dread from the dream team of cosmic dread Moorehead and Benson.
2018 - Mandy
Nichoas Cage proves that he can handle cosmic horror and cultists in this iconic film.
2019 - Midsommar
Day time folk horror.
2020 - The Invisible Man
Abused Cecilia is haunted by an unseen force after her ex has supposedly died.
2021 - Willy's Wonderland
Nic Cage returns to the list as the silent Stranger, who takes on a crew of satanic animatronics.
2022 - Barbarian
Zach Cregger's directorial debut, cementing his place as an up-and-coming modern horror powerhouse.
2023 - When Evil Lurks
One of the best original, scary movies of the last ten years.
Inspired by the satanic panic, this original story of a late-night host's attempt to take the number spot in the ratings shows the sacrifices he willing to make.
2025 - Frankenstein
Guillermo Del Toros' modern take on the classic novel.
2026 - TBD
