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The Best & Worst Horror Movies of 2014 – Glenn Packard’s picks

Published

9 years ago

December 31, 2014

I was lucky enough this year to watch most of the horror movies released in 2014, and there were a few notable movies this year. The list includes many different subgenres: possession, found footage, slasher, ghosts, horror comedy, home invasion, alien, vampire, demonic doll and finally, a Bigfoot film. With preference for slasher horror films, and a love for indie horror movies, here is the best and worst horror films of 2014.

HAPPY HORROR!

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THE BEST:

Honorable Mention or #16. WOLF CREEK 2

2014 brought several additions to horror franchises such as Rec, The Dead, Dead Snow & Wolf Creek, and I had high hopes for them all. Many of these just missed making my list, if I did a top 20, you’d see all of them. I have to give honorable mention to Wolf Creek 2–beating out the others just by getting to the point, moving on to the next kill, and being in your face. Mick Taylor is here to stay.

Cool moment: Just when you thought you’ve met the lead characters, BAM off with his head…..and legs….and arms…and well all his body parts.

Sub-genre: Slasher

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15. AFFLICTED

This terrifying horror thriller follows two best friends who set out on the trip of a lifetime around the world. Their journey, documented every step of the way, soon takes a dark and unexpected turn after an encounter with a beautiful woman in Paris leaves one of them mysteriously afflicted.

Cool moment: When Derek is discovering his new vampire powers and strengths, the film feels a lot like ‘Chronicle’.

Sub-genre: Found Footage, Vampire

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14. ODD THOMAS

Based on the best-selling thriller by Dean Koontz, Odd Thomas is a supernatural action horror thrill-ride. Small-town fry cook Odd Thomas (Anton Yelchin) is an ordinary guy with a paranormal secret: he sees dead people, everywhere and he is destine to be in love forever with Stormy (Addison Timlin).

Cool moment: The last scene, which might just make you cry if you have a horror heart.

Sub-genre: Horror Comedy, Ghost

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13. ANNABELLE

If you didn’t hear of this story of a doll that will drive you crazy or kill you, then you might have been living under a rock this year. I was surprised that this film did, however, have some good scary moments.

Cool moment: The elevator won’t work and you’re stuck in a dark basement with the devil, ummmm yeah a crazy scary scene.

Sub-genre: Demonic Doll

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12. THE POSSESSION OF MICHAEL KING

This film came from no where for me, and boy did it get my attention. A cocky man who doesn’t believe in GOD or the Devil so he is out to proof to everyone that he is right by documenting him going thru all these different kind of spells and experiments. Along the way you realize you are watching a man discover that he was wrong all this time and he is driven mad along the way.

Cool Moment: Daughter- “The monster……” Dad- “In your dreams?” Daughter- “It’s you daddy!”

Sub-genre: Possession, Found Footage

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11. THE TOWN THAT DREADED SUNDOWN

Okay first off- I didn’t see the 1977 version or even as much as heard of it. Although, I have to say that I love the way this movie is done. Its not considered a remake or sequel, even though it shares the same exact title as the 1977 version, but the way this director continues the story made it feel very real. And I have to give a shout out to Addison Timlin for being my favorite final girl of 2014; she also gave a star performance in another one of my top 15 ‘Odd Thomas’. Not to mention the film is produced by AHS’s Ryan Murphy. It’s also is my favorite horror trailer of 2014.

Cool moment: After just watching the 1977 film at the drive in theatre, a couple goes parking, only to have the same horror they were just watching come to them in real life 66 years later.

Sub-genre: Slasher

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10. THE DEN

This film took found footage to the internet and did a awesome job of it. Every moment of this great horror film was believable and realistic. Also have to mention a great performance by the final girl (Melanie Papalia) who also was from the scary movie ‘Smiley’, and in another one of my favorites this year, ‘Extraterrestrial’.

Cool moment: The star of the movie wakes to find herself being held in a dark, dungeon-like room, and is unaware of how she got there, or who is kidnapping her. It was truly a terrifying moment.

Sub-genre: Found Footage

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9. 13 SINS

A cryptic phone call sets off a dangerous game of risks for Elliot, a down-on-his luck salesman. The game promises increasing rewards for completing 13 tasks, each more sinister than the last.

Cool moment: One word- Backstory! Oh so good, so pay attention.

Sub-genre: Thriller

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8. EXTRATERRESTRIAL

I’m surprised at how much I liked this movie of alien abduction. It also has a very solid cast. Still feeling from her parents divorce, April is dragged back to the vacation cabin she spent fond summers at as a child accompanied by a group of friends. Her trip down memory lane takes a dramatic and terrifying turn when a fireball descends from the sky and explodes in the nearby woods. Lead by April’s boyfriend, the group ventures out towards the crash site and discovers the remnants of a ship from another planet along with footprints that suggest its alien occupants are still alive. The college friends soon find themselves caught in the middle of something bigger and more terrifying than anything they could ever imagine.

Cool moment: When the 1st friend is taken up and I mean UP to the space ship. Also…. holy anal probe!

Sub-genre: Alien

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7. HOUSEBOUND

Kylie Bucknell is forced to return to the house she grew up in when the court places her on home detention. However, when she too becomes privy to unsettling whispers & strange bumps in the night, she begins to wonder whether she’s inherited her overactive imagination, or if the house is in fact possessed by a hostile spirit who’s less than happy about the new living arrangement.

Cool moment: Every scene with the bloody brilliant mother (Rima Te Wiata).

Sub-Genre: Horror Comedy, Ghost

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6. TORMENT

Even though it was released in 2013 in Canada, this horror gem didn’t hit VOD here in the States until June of 2014. It stars horror dream girl Katharine Isabelle. She plays Sarah, recently a newlywed, visiting a remote rural home with their young son, only to find themselves at the mercy of sadistic cult-like family who secretly took up residence.

Cool moment: Extremely creepy characters include Mr. Mouse, Pig Lady, & Little Rabbit. If those names don’t get you to check out the film, then I give up.

Sub-genre: Home Invasion

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5. DELIVER US FROM EVIL

I was surprised at how good this film was. I went into the theatre thinking it wasn’t going to be that hot, and actually the film made me jump out of my seat a few times. When New York police officer begins to investigate a series of disturbing and inexplicable crimes, he joins forces with an unconventional priest, schooled in the rituals of exorcism, to combat the frightening and demonic possessions that are terrorizing their city.

Cool moment: The end exorcism is pretty major.

Sub-genre: Possession

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4. EXISTS

A good big foot movie, not possible…but Exists does what no other big foot movie has ever done with its found footage style of filming, I loved it! Its the 1st time and maybe only time for me, I will have a big foot movie in my list. Other Big foot movies don’t ever come close, so you have to give credit to this intense and, at most times, down right scary film! There were other Sasquatch films released this year, one of them making my worst list ‘Willow Creek’, a total rip off of the Blair Witch Project just with the Big Foot theme. The director of this film, Eduardo Sanchez, also the director of Blair Witch, learned his lesson with this creative found footage unlike the director of the snore ‘Willow Creek’.

Cool moment: Riding your bike on a trail in the woods, you are recording with your gopro a big foot chasing your ass, petal faster….faster….FASTER!!!

Sub-genre: Creature, Found Footage

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3. THE TAKING OF DEBORAH LOGAN

This movie made it on a lot of best of list of 2014, and for good reason. This old lady is creepy, and I mean major creepy! What starts as a medical documentary about Deborah Logan’s descent into Alzheimer’s disease and her daughter’s struggles of taking care of her, transforms into a horror ride that will keep your eyes glued to the television.

Cool moment: Let’s just say I will never watch a snake eat something again the same!

Sub-genre: Possession, Found Footage.

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2. KRISTY

My favorite slasher horror film this year. I was a huge fan of it when it was released in the UK. Why this film hasn’t been released in the states, blows my mind away. It’s that horror movie you haven’t seen and need to see! Its got everything I love in a horror film: a solid cast, a final girl that kicks ass, intense and gory kill scenes, and a 90’s feel to it with lots of twist, turns and suspense. When a college girl who is alone on campus over the Thanksgiving break is targeted by a group of outcasts, she must conquer her deepest fears to outwit them and fight back. I don’t know how to get you to see this film, but maybe to write the Weinstein brothers to tell them them to release it here in the states.

Cool moment: Have to give it up for director Olly Blackburn for doing a music video-like character development scene that makes you feel like your watching a John Hughes film and fall in love with the leading lady, played by Haley Bennett.

Sub-genre: Slasher

1. THE BABADOOK

This is the first horror movie that after I watched it, and went to bed that night, I dreamt not once but twice of the Babadook and even jumped up out of my bed thinking he was right there in the room with me. I mean, if a film is going to do that to me, I have to put it at number one. Writer-director Jennifer Kent was one of the year’s standout newcomers, with this chilling Australian horror film that touches on the terrors of both childhood (there’s a thing in the closet; your parents will stop loving you) and adulthood (I’m a lousy parent; I’m never going to get a full night’s sleep again). A mysterious pop-up book insinuates itself into the lives of a harried single mother and her troubled son, and both parent and child must fight their own inner demons before they can conquer their would-be boogeyman.

Cool moment: So many scary moments but lets go with the fact that the main creature reminds me of the terrifying Nosferatu, lets just start with that simple fact.

Sub-genre: Supernatural

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THE WORST:

5. SEE NO EVIL 2

Even Danielle Harris and Katharine Isabelle could save this disaster of a horror movie.

4. WILLOW CREEK

Like I’ve said before all this is, is a Big Foot movie done Blair Witch Story, so its been done meaning this time around this type of film is a bore!

3. AS ABOVE SO BELOW

This is one of those movies I went into the theatre thinking this film is going to rock and came out saying this movie was garbage., The Pyramid was better then this horror film.

2. VHS: VIRAL

If your into alien penis and vagina then this horror movie is for you. I happen to not be into either. Though the magician segment of the movie was good.

1. ANIMAL

Probably one of the worst horror movies ever made, let me know if you find a horror movie worst then this waste of time.

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News

A24 Creating New Action Thriller “Onslaught” From ‘The Guest’ & ‘You’re Next’ Duo

Published

9 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Cameron McFarland

It’s always nice to see a reunion in the world of horror. Following a competitive bidding war, A24 has secured the rights to the new action thriller film Onslaught. Adam Wingard (Godzilla vs. Kong) will be directing the film. He will be joined by his longtime creative partner Simon Barret (You’re Next) as the scriptwriter.

For those unaware, Wingard and Barret made a name for themselves while working together on films such as You’re Next and The Guest. The two creatives are card carrying horror royalty. The pair have worked on films such as V/H/S, Blair Witch, The ABC’s of Death, and A Horrible Way to Die.

An exclusive article of out Deadline gives us the limited information we have on the topic. Although we don’t have much to go on, Deadline does offer the following information.

“Plot details are being kept under wraps but the film is in the vein of Wingard and Barrett’s cult classics like The Guest and You’re Next. Lyrical Media and A24 will co-finance. A24 will handle worldwide releasing. Principal photography will begin in Fall 2024.”

A24 will be producing the film alongside Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett for Ryder Picture Company, Alexander Black for Lyrical Media, Wingard and Jeremy Platt for Breakaway Civilization, and Simon Barret.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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News

Director Louis Leterrier Creating New Sci-Fi Horror Film “11817”

Published

10 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Cameron McFarland

According to an article from Deadline, Louis Leterrier (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance) is about to shake things up with his new Sci-Fi horror film 11817. Leterrier is set to produce and direct the new Movie. 11817 is penned by the glorious Mathew Robinson (The Invention of Lying).

Rocket Science will be taking the film to Cannes in search of a buyer. While we don’t know much about what the film looks like, Deadline offers the following plot synopsis.

“The film watches as inexplicable forces trap a family of four inside their house indefinitely. As both modern luxuries and life or death essentials begin to run out, the family must learn how to be resourceful to survive and outsmart who — or what — is keeping them trapped…”

“Directing projects where the audience gets behind the characters has always been my focus. However complex, flawed, heroic, we identify with them as we live through their journey,” said Leterrier. “It’s what excites me about 11817‘s wholly original concept and the family at the heart of our story. This is an experience that movie audiences won’t forget.”

Leterrier has made a name for himself in the past for working on beloved franchises. His portfolio includes gems such as Now You See Me, The Incredible Hulk, Clash of The Titans, and The Transporter. He is currently attached to create the final Fast and the Furious film. However, it will be interesting to see what Leterrier can do working with some darker subject material.

That’s all the information we have for you at this time. As always, make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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Lists

New to Netflix (U.S.) This Month [May 2024]

Published

12 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Timothy Rawles

atlas movie Netflix starring Jennifer Lopez

Another month means fresh additions to Netflix. Although there aren’t many new horror titles this month, there are still some notable movies well worth your time. For instance, you can watch Karen Black try to land a 747 jet in Airport 1979, or Casper Van Dien kill giant insects in Paul Verhoeven’s bloody sci-fi opus Starship Troopers.

We are looking forward to the Jennifer Lopez sci-fi action movie Atlas. But let us know what you are going to watch. And if we have missed something, put it in the comments.

May 1:

Airport

A blizzard, a bomb, and a stowaway help create the perfect storm for the manager of a Midwestern airport and a pilot with a messy personal life.

Airport ’75

^{Airport ’75}

When a Boeing 747 loses its pilots in a midair collision, a member of the cabin crew must take control with radio help from a flight instructor.

Airport ’77

A luxury 747 packed with VIPs and priceless art goes down in the Bermuda Triangle after being hijacked by thieves — and time for a rescue is running out.

Jumanji

Two siblings discover an enchanted board game that opens a door to a magical world — and unwittingly release a man who’s been trapped inside for years.

Hellboy

^Hellboy

A half-demon paranormal investigator questions his defense of humans when a dismembered sorceress rejoins the living to wreak brutal vengeance.

Starship Troopers

When fire-spitting, brain-sucking bugs attack Earth and obliterate Buenos Aires, an infantry unit heads to the aliens’ planet for a showdown.

May 9

Bodkin

^Bodkin

A ragtag crew of podcasters sets out to investigate mysterious disappearances from decades earlier in a charming Irish town with dark, dreadful secrets.

May 15

The Clovehitch Killer

^{The Clovehitch Killer}

A teenager’s picture-perfect family is torn apart when he uncovers unnerving evidence of a serial killer close to home.

May 16

Upgrade

After a violent mugging leaves him paralyzed, a man receives a computer chip implant that allows him to control his body — and get his revenge.

Monster

_Monster

After being abducted and taken to a desolate house, a girl sets out to rescue her friend and escape from their malicious kidnapper.

May 24

Atlas

^Atlas

A brilliant counterterrorism analyst with a deep distrust of AI discovers it might be her only hope when a mission to capture a renegade robot goes awry.

Jurassic World: Chaos Theory

The Camp Cretaceous gang come together to unravel a mystery when they discover a global conspiracy that brings danger to dinosaurs — and to themselves.

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