The Best Horror Films Since 2000 – by DonkeySosa
If the 1990s were the worst decade for horror since the 1950s, then the 2000s thus far have been a renaissance of sorts. From the astonishing rise of the Asian horror film, the triumphant return of such time-honored horror mainstays as the zombie flick, Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees, and the fact that more horror films than ever are debuting in the Top Ten at the Box Office, the 2000s are poised to be second only to the 1970s in terms of the quality and impact of modern horror film making.
Which is what made compiling this list so challenging. There have been so many fantastic films released that I found myself cutting films out that in any other decade would have probably made my top five. So if you see some of your favorites missing, that’s probably why. Also, a disclaimer: 1) I am by no means a completist when it comes to horror films, although I feel that I’ve watched far more of them than the average viewer. So it may be possible that I’ve missed one or two that are classics. 2) Donk is not a tremendous fan of the Asian Horror genre, though I respect it and appreciate the life that it has injected into the horror genre. For this reason, don’t expect to see a ton of Asian Films on this list.
But enough chit-chat. Here are the Top Ten films since the year 2000 that have made Donk’s ballbag shrivel.
10.
The Ring – 2002
True story: Mrs. Donk wouldn’t walk into a dark room for days after watching The Ring. The PG-13 rating for this film was both a blessing and a curse. It was refreshing to see a film that could scare the pants off an audience through tone and superior direction and storytelling, rather than relying on buckets of blood. The PG-13 rating also allowed the film to earn well over $100 million domestically, thrusting the horror genre into the spotlight. On the downside, the film spawned COUNTLESS PG-13 horror films (including its own sequel) that blew ass, as Hollywood tried to cash-in on the horror-lite craze. Still, all things considered, The Ring is a classic.
9.
Cabin Fever – 2003
Many have hailed Hostel as a masterpiece, but for Donk’s money Eli Roth’s first film is far superior. While Hostel is grim, almost self-important in it’s quest to shock, Cabin Fever has all the ingredients Donk likes in his horror: quirky characters; funny, tongue-in-cheek dialogue; and buckets of blood. It ain’t gonna win any academy awards, but Cabin Fever is incredibly watchable, and like all great films, rewards multiple viewings.
8.
Ichi the Killer – 2002
One of the most bizarre movies I have ever seen – and that’s a good thing. Ichi the Killer is a sadistic whirlwind of depraved violence, gore, and offbeat comedy that will leave you sitting there stunned as the closing credits roll. Think Tarantino meets John Carpenter meets Asian Horror/Mafia films and you’re somewhere in the ballpark. Although it is certainly not for the weak of stomach (ex: a torture sequence involving hooks) it is a must-see for any horror fan.
7.
House of 1000 Corpses – 2003
Donk realizes that most consider The Devil’s Reject’s to be the superior film, and in terms of script and direction it most certainly is. That being said, I have to say that I greatly prefer the 1970s grindhouse flavor of House of 1000 Corpses to the killers-on-the-run storyline of its successor. I don’t know, maybe it has something to do with the fact that my brother-in-law and I saw a midnight showing of it at a small, dingy theater that was filled with a bunch of freaks. The characters are hilariously over-the-top (Sid Haig in particular is brilliant) which makes their brutal actions all the more disturbing. In addition, Rob Zombie conjures up a memorable, off beat soundtrack. I can’t wait to see what Zombie does with the Halloween franchise.
6.
Final Destination 2 – 2003
God I love this movie. The first in the series is pretty damn good in its own right, but the sequel just knocks it out of the park. That’s because director David Ellis understands that the series is less about plot, and more about staging elaborate accidental death sequences, which he does with a gusto that is part Hitchcock, part early Peter Jackson. Never has it been so much fun to watch people meet insanely grotesque deaths.
5.
Freddy Vs. Jason – 2003
God bless Ronnie Yu. His unique vision helped resuscitate not one dying horror franchise, but TWO. Freddy Vs. Jason is in some ways an homage or maybe even gentle spoof of the 80s cheesiness of the Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elmstreet. It’s also a kick-ass, gory, funny movie that is capped off by the most memorable (OK only) Asian-style fight between two horror legends. Pure Camp, Pure Fun.
4.
Saw – 2004 and Saw II – 2005
Yeah, so I cheated a little. Well fuck you – it’s Donk’s list. Truth is, I just couldn’t choose between the two, so here they are as one. While the sequel is probably the better film, the original gets HUGE kudos for proving yet again that a Hard R horror film that is made for virtually nothing can make a Box Office impact if it’s made well. Come to think of it, the sequel proved the same. Both films have the same things going for them – an excellent villain, intricate death-traps, and plot twists that you don’t see coming. I never would have predicted that this would have turned into the monster franchise that it has, but thank God for that. Can’t wait for the third.
3.
Dawn of the Dead – 2004
It’s not often that a remake eclipses the original, and that’s just what Dawn of the Dead ALMOST pulls off. It accomplishes that herculean effort by discarding what made the original so great and reimagining the film as a witty, action-packed gorefest. And in perhaps the biggest surprise of all, we’re given a well-drawn cast of characters that are all unique and that we care about. You can’t say that of most modern horror films. Dawn of the Dead is truly a masterpiece.
2.
The Descent – 2006
This is not just one of the best horror films since 2000, but one of the best films since 2000 PERIOD. It works on a few different levels – as a human drama between characters with inner demons, as a claustrophobic cave adventure, and, in the third act, as a terrifying monster flick. At this point in my horror-viewing career, very few films scare me. While watching The Descent, I was clutching my wife’s arm, my face drawn up into a rictus of fear and suspense. I can’t say enough good things about this one.
1.
Shaun of the Dead – 2004
Who knew the Brits were capable of making a Zombie flick this outstanding? An homage to George Romero and the Zombie flick, this Slasher/Comedy manages to deliver not just tons of laughs and gore, but some genuine suspense as well. What elevates it to the level of a classic is the absolutely hilarious dry humor of the script and the effortless way in which the fabulous cast delivers it. Long after most Zombie films have been forgotten, this Cult Classic will continue to fly off of the shelves.
So there you have it folks. The floor is open for discussion. Do you agreee with the Donk? What did he miss? What are your Top Ten?
PAGAN – that book looks awesome! Could you hook me up with a free copy?
ZACH – Donk actually loves the Leprechaun films. They are good cheesy fun. Especially Leprechaun in the Hood with ICE T. Seriously, that’s the movie
TONI – House of Wax is actually a really good horror film. Definitely in my top 15 since 2000.
WENDY – Good point with Snakes on a Plane. It is hilarious. I’ll have to se how I feel about it a year from now. That will be the true test.
I ALMOST included Jason X on this list, that’s how much I love it. Hilarious movie.
VINCENT TRUMAN – Donk is saving them for his “Best Comedies of All Time Blog.”
ELIZABETH – Love it or hate it, It is an important film in the genre.
STACY – Wrong Turn is great. It’s one of the ones I considered but cut. Not quite good enough for top 10. Top 15 though
I saw the Ring in the theatre. I was expecting to be scared. Instead, at all the times during the movie that I was supposed to be jumping out of my seat, I was laughing or groaning with the rest of the audience. I haven’t bothered with horror films since because I never get scared. Sad but true.
MARCSPACE – The acting in Saw I is definitely not very good, but I cut them some slack because they were so rushed to complete the film. I disagree on Saw II. I thought the acting was fine. I also disagree about the villain. I LOVE that they take the weakest person possible – a dying cancer patient – and make him a lethal killer. brilliant juxtaposition.
Devil’s Rejects was tough to leave off the list. But as I say, I like House of 1000 Corpses better
JENNACYDE – You will NOT be disappointed
KARL ROVE – I too love zombie films. Return of the Living Dead is one of my faves. seen it?
Evil Dead I and II are so great.
Donk, you’ve made me so happy!
Not only was this list (almost) godly, you proved yourself hip beyond comparison for seeing a classic Japanese freak-story like “Ichi the Killer”.
Bless your little beast-of-burden heart!
Let it be known that today is the day I love Donk not only as the best blogger ever- but as my best myspace buddy. EVER!
SUPERFEZ – *blushes* Aw shucks, it was nothin really. But hey, what’s this ALMOST godly? Donk IS a deity.
DonkeySosa- I haven’t see Return of the Living Dead yet. I’ll have to try to find it. Have you read that book “The Zombie Survival Guide”? I bought it on a trip out to Iowa and read it in the airports and on the planes. I’m sure everyone thought that I was completely insane, but it’s a good book. That gives me an idea for a movie, “Zombies on a Plane.” I bet it would make a whole $5!
i didnt really like sean of the dead…it wasnt scary at all
i believe the toothfairy movie is called darkness falls……cabin fever is definetly an awesome movie….the worst part is when the chicks shaving her legs and her skin shaves off as well….its actually kinda funny…if i were her i prolly would have died from shock
KARL ROVE – WHAT??????? You haven’t seen return of the living dead? Dude, you need to get a copy NOW. You can get it at Best Buy for like $15.
I have heard of the book, but haven’t read it.
AMBER – yeah, Darkness Falls. Hated that movie. That shaving scene in Cabin Fever is so cringeworthy. yuck! i keep wondering why she keeps shaving as her skin sloughs off!
I saw the preview for the SAW III and he plays the game with the entire country supposedly. Best movie EVER!
So you’re not into Asian horror,
but what about Asian porn?
Your list freaking rules D-man (D-man derived from Donkey-Mart-man). Ok, now has anybody seen Wolf Creek? Is it good, or the suck? Me, I’m curious. And House of Wax should get more mentions all! People in such hopeless situations, in knowing they’re merely portrayed, becomes very compelling.
But horror is not my favorite genre, or even close.
Now snuff films on the other hand….
Um, I’ll see what I can do.
So you’re not into Asian horror,
but what about Asian porn?
Your list freaking rules D-man (D-man derived from Donkey-Mart-man). Ok, now has anybody seen Wolf Creek? Is it good, or the suck? Me, I’m curious. And House of Wax should get more mentions all! People in such hopeless situations, in knowing they’re merely portrayed, becomes very compelling.
But horror is not my favorite genre, or even close, too gruesome.
Now snuff films on the other hand….
I don’t know why, but I was just thinking about the last scene where Shawn and his chubby friend (turned zombie) are playing video games and his zombie friend tries to take a quick chomp outta his arm.
Weird. I like your selections.
dg
KATIE – Uh oh, that sounds like it could go horribly wrong. hope it doesn’t suck
PAGAN – Please, you’re a very important person over there. I’m sure you can hook me up.
DAMAGE – I’m inside your mind
Good choices. I read the Descent a couple of years ago. I found it in the trash and read it for the hell of it. It was pretty damn good, and I was feeling a little sorry for the author because it was as good as most of the Stephen King that I’ve read, but it would surely go unnoticed since the author wasn’t famous. I was happy for him that they made it into a movie.
KEVITRON – actually, I don’t think the movie has anything to do with the book by the same name, but I could be wrong (although I’ve never once been wrong before, so it’s probably you)
I agree with you 100% Donk! The Descent scared the crap out of me and made men in the theatre scream like little bitches. Loved it! Shaun was a good mix of comedy and gore, I didn’t expect the gore to be so well done in the film since it was marketed as a comedy.
JESI – That’s a great point about Shaun. It wouldn’t have worked nearly as well as a horror film OR as a comedy if the effects weren’t so spot on.
haha yeah its good, its actually the prequal i think. watch it.
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haha yeah its good. its actually the prequal i think. watch it.
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You so crazy… this is actually a test
I was only ever wrong once, Donk. I thought that I had made a mistake, but it turned out that I didn’t. No, the book was about this race of demon people who live in an underground cavern complex that spans the entire Earth. When people go to explore the caves, all kinds of crazy shit happens and it’s real scary. There’s my book report, buddy. If it’s not the same as the movie, then check out the reasonably well written book which I just described with searing accuracy.
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fuck you AND your test
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It’s definitely different Kev. Only reason I know for sure is my wizzife read the book
I’m so glad you put Shaun of the Dead at the top of the list. (Um…number one is the top right?) I absolutely love that film. Keep on keepin on Donk.
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You keep reading, and Donk will keep writing
awesome pick on number one, i wondered if it would make the list. a great example of cross-genre-breeding.
So…how did the guy from Goonies embed his way into all of the comments?
You know, I’m important, and detail-oriented, so I must know these things.
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You can go to http://www.gravatar.com and create your own!!
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test
There’s something offensive about claiming “Final Destination 2″ is “part Hitchcock”. It demonstrates an incredable ignorance in your view of film in general.
Regardless, this list sucks. Congratulations.