21st Century Horror and Thrillers Movies: Exploring Dark Themes and Unconventional Narratives

1. The Lords of Salem 2012，IMDB Rating: 5.2, IMDB Votes: 32543, ID: 1731697
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Lords of Salem is about the eerie experiences of Heidi, a radio host. Heidi receives a mysterious record whose music triggers visions and nightmares of her past, gradually revealing a dark connection between the town of Salem and a group of ancient witches. The film’s exploration of witchcraft and psychological horror makes it a unique entry in the genre. Its polarising nature has made it a topic of discussion for horror film enthusiasts.
2. The Devil’s Rejects 2005，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 106514, ID: 0395584
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Devil’s Rejects is a brutal and unforgiving horror film that divided audiences. It tells the story of the infamous ‘Firefly Family’ who go on the run after a police raid. The film’s unflinching portrayal of a family of killers made it a challenging film to watch, but it won a cult following for its uncompromising perspective.
3. The House of the Devil 2009，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 52017, ID: 1172994
Photo by cinematicrandomness.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Ti West’s ‘The House of the Devil’ is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, evoking the eerie charm of 80s horror films. The focus is on college student Samantha, who, desperate for funds to pay her rent, takes on an eccentric babysitting job. Asked to take care of a secluded elderly man in a remote mansion. For those who appreciate suspense over gore, it’s a gem.
4. The Innkeepers 2011，IMDB Rating: 5.5, IMDB Votes: 37568, ID: 1594562
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Ti West’s ‘The Innkeepers’ is a slow-burning ghost story set in an old hotel, The Yankee Pedlar Inn, which is about to close, when two hotel employees, Claire and Luke, decide to spend their last business day exploring rumoured hauntings and record evidence of paranormal activity.
5. The Killing of a Sacred Deer 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 192450, ID: 5715874
Photo by mfdb.eu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Yorgos Lanthimos’ ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ is a chilling exploration of cosmic justice and human frailty. It tells the story of the complex and disturbing relationship between Steven, a heart surgeon, and a teenager named Martin.
6. The Lobster 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 303069, ID: 3464902
Photo by bandadicefali.it, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

In ‘The Lobster,’ Yorgos Lanthimos crafts a darkly comedic dystopia where single people must find a mate or be transformed into animals. Critics lauded its originality and biting satire, while audiences found its absurdity off-putting. The film’s unique premise and Colin Farrell’s deadpan performance make it a standout, though its bleak humor may not be for everyone.
7. The Favourite 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 238786, ID: 5083738
Photo by mamamia.com.au, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Yorgos Lanthimos’ ‘The Favourite’ is a wickedly entertaining period drama that delves into the power struggles of Queen Anne’s court. Critics adored its sharp wit and stellar performances by Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz. However, its dark humor and ruthless characters alienated some viewers.
8. The Lighthouse 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 260442, ID: 7984734
Photo by bandadicefali.it, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Robert Eggers’ ‘The Lighthouse’ is about the lives of two lighthouse keepers – young Will and older Tom – in a desert island lighthouse. Critics raved about its tense atmosphere and unique cinematography, while audiences found its slow pace and surreal narrative challenging.
9. The VVitch: A New-England Folktale 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 307054, ID: 4263482
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Robert Eggers’ ‘The VVitch’ is a meticulously crafted horror film that explores the paranoia and superstition of a Puritan family in 1630s New England. Critics hailed its authenticity and slow-building tension, while audiences were divided by its deliberate pacing and lack of jump scares.
10. The Babadook 2014，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 250556, ID: 2321549
Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Babadook is a masterclass in psychological horror, blending real horror with emotional depth. It follows the lives of a widow, Emily, and her young son, Samuel, as they experience the death of their husband. Samuel begins to exhibit unusual behaviour, believing that there is a terrifying monster in the house, the Babadook, who seems to leap out of a children’s book called The Babadook.
11. The Night Comes for Us 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 29607, ID: 6116856
Photo by bandadicefali.it, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Night Comes for Us is a brutal and stylish action film that pushes the limits of violence and gore. It tells the story of Ita, a gang member who betrays his organisation during a mission and sets out to protect a young girl from the gangs. In order to protect the girl, Ita engages in a fierce life-and-death battle with his former partner and other dangerous enemies.
12. El hoyo 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 279225, ID: 8228288
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

El hoyo, also known as The Stand, is a chilling and thought-provoking sci-fi thriller that explores themes of class and survival. It tells the story of how a man named Gore survives and confronts social class inequality in the system. The central setting of the film is a vertical prison where inmates are assigned to different tiers and are served meals from top to bottom every day.
13. La piel que habito 2011，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 167734, ID: 1189073
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

La piel que habito, or The Skin I Live In, is a chilling and visually stunning psychological thriller by Pedro Almodóvar. A plastic surgeon, Robert Ryder, who is grieving the loss of his wife, devotes himself to a highly unusual medical experiment in an attempt to resurrect her face and form through genetic technology.
14. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo 2011，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 499482, ID: 1568346
Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

David Fincher’s adaptation of ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ is a dark and heart-wrenching thriller that delves into themes of corruption, trauma and resilience. When Bronkvist is forced to leave his journalism job temporarily due to a defamation case, he accepts a commission from billionaire Hans Wagen to investigate the case of his long-missing niece, Harriet Wagen.
15. Flickan som lekte med elden 2009，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 98873, ID: 1216487
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The second installment in the Millennium series, ‘Flickan som lekte med elden’ (The Girl Who Played with Fire), continues to explore the complex characterisation of Lisbeth Salander. The film depicts how Lisbeth becomes embroiled in a vast conspiracy involving high-level corruption and crime, and in her search for the truth, she also begins to confront the traumas of her past.