by: James A. Barnes

2021 has been such a great year for horror fans. We’ve had some amazing slasher Movies and TV shows like “Candyman”, “Halloween Kills”, and the “Chucky” series, horror thrillers like “Midnight Mass”, and possession horror films like “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It”.

Here are my picks for the best horror movies of 2021.

A Quiet Place: Part II

“A Quiet Place Part II” is one of the best horror movie sequels of all time.

It increases the stakes, expands the world, and introduces new and interesting characters and elements to the universe. 

Emily Blunt shines once again as the badass Evelyn Abbott trying to find survivors while trying to keep her family safe from the vicious Death Angels. 

Streaming on Paramount+ and VOD

Candyman

I was absolutely blown away by “Candyman” (2021).

The film perfected blending the underlying racial undertones of the story of Candyman and his unjust murder with the satisfying gore we expect from a slasher.

Like its predecessors, this film creates a clear depiction of the task of existing while black. The main character struggles to find validity in his work while still telling a story that’s true to his culture while being able to grow beyond being just a cultural figurehead.

In a world full of unnecessary reboots, remakes, and sequels, “Candyman” (2021) honors everything that came before and elevates it in every way.

Available on VOD

Chucky (TV Series)

Season 1 of “Chucky” was an absolute smash hit earning a 91% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was widely loved by fans of the franchise.

Don Mancini expanded the universe by giving us a deeper look at Charles Lee Ray’s life before the first “Child’s Play” film, his passionate but toxic relationship with Tiffany, a new cast of kids that are suffering at the hands of Chucky, and the return of fan favorites of the franchise that have had their fair share of run-ins with Chucky.

I absolutely loved the first season and I can’t wait to see what Don Mancini and his creative team will come up with for “Chucky” Season 2.

Streaming on Peacock

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do it

When we first got word that horror icon James Wan wasn’t going to return to direct the third Conjuring movie, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the film. I was really worried that the film’s director wouldn’t be able to capture the same magic that Wan put into the first two films but after seeing and experiencing what Michael Chaves had to offer, it became my second favorite movie of the trilogy.

Streaming on HBO Max and VOD

Midnight Mass

Mike Flanagan smashed it out of the park yet again with this amazing story centered around faith, the power of belief, and the dangerous side of religion. 

The series is filled with captivating dialog, gorgeous cinematography, and incredible performances from the entire cast, especially from Kate Siegel, Samantha Sloyan, and Hamish Linklater.

Streaming on Netflix

Halloween Kills

'“Halloween Kills” was a great follow-up to “Halloween” (2018). The film does a really good job of connecting “Halloween” (1978) and “Halloween” (2018) and sets the stage for what’s to come in “Halloween Ends”.

I went in looking for a complete bloodbath and for the filmmakers to expound upon the mythos of The Shape and that’s exactly what we got.

Available on VOD

The Night House

“The Night House” is one of the biggest sleeper-hits of the year.

The film is filled with mystery, great cinematography, and a great performance by Rebecca Hall as she uncovers the details of her husband’s secret life and what he left behind after his suicide.

Available on VOD

Malignant

James Wan elevated the horror genre yet again with “Malignant”.

The film perfectly captures the feel of a modernized 80’s slasher and Annabelle Wallis does an incredible job bringing this tortured character to life.

The story keeps you guessing throughout the entire film and Wan's masterful direction and camera work perfectly guides you through this wild ride of a film.

Available on VOD