Horror movie fans can look forward to a spine-chilling 2023 as numerous films in the genre have hit theaters. From sequels to original films, there’s no shortage of scares to anticipate. But which of these movies will be worth watching? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most highly anticipated horror movies of 2023 and order them based on rating.
- Scream VI (2023)
- Cocaine Bear (2023)
- Knock at the Cabin (2023)
- Infinity Pool (2023)
- The Outwaters (2022)
- M3GAN (2022)
- The Pale Blue Eye (2022)
Scream VI (2023)
| Director | Matt Bettinelli-OlpinTyler Gillett |
| Released Date | March 10, 2023 (United States) |
| Genre | Horror, Mystery, Thriller |
| Cast | Courteney Cox, Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega |
| IMDb Rating | 7.3/10 |
| Stream | Paramount+ |
It picks up where the last Ghostface killings left off, with our surviving characters seeking a new start in New York. But, as expected, peace is short-lived when a new killer starts stalking and attacking them. The Carpenter sisters, Samantha and Tara, along with twins Mindy and Chad, scramble to escape the escalating body count. The film starts off with a brutal murder of a film professor, and the level of violence, paranoia, and chaos only continues to rise.
This latest chapter in the franchise offers a fresh take on the classic horror concept, with improved character development that sets it apart from its predecessors. Fans of the Scream series will undoubtedly be thrilled with this latest installment.
Cocaine Bear (2023)
| Director | Elizabeth Banks |
| Released Date | February 24, 2023 (United States) |
| Genre | Comedy, Thriller |
| Cast | Keri Russell, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson Jr. |
| IMDb Rating | 6.3/10 |
| Stream | Peacock TV |
A comedic film that delves into the macabre, true tale of a drug smuggler who mistakenly drops a duffel bag filled with cocaine over northern Georgia in 1985. The story revolves around the discovery of a dead, 175-pound black bear that had ingested the drugs. The movie follows a bizarre mix of individuals, including police officers, criminals, tourists, and teenagers, as they converge in a Georgia forest, where a 500-pound black bear goes on a violent rampage after unknowingly consuming the cocaine.
The bear’s attacks are gory and bloody, earning the movie an R rating for drug-related content and language throughout. With improved character development and a fresh take on the true story, “Cocaine Bear” is sure to entertain audiences looking for something out of the ordinary.
Knock at the Cabin (2023)
| Director | M. Night Shyamalan |
| Released Date | February 3, 2023 (United States) |
| Genre | Horror, Mystery, Thriller |
| Cast | Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge |
| IMDb Rating | 6.1/10 |
| Stream | Amazon Prime Video |
Wen, Eric, and Andrew are enjoying their vacation in an isolated cabin in New Hampshire when a stranger arrives unexpectedly. With no neighbors nearby, they are caught off guard and soon find themselves embroiled in a psychological thriller that delves into the essence of humanity, doubt, and the nature of reality.
The film’s religious overtones add depth to the story, while flashbacks to the characters’ pasts provide context for their actions. As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a journey of emotional and psychological manipulation that highlights the dangers of such manipulation and how it can impact decision-making. The film is a captivating parable about the importance of preserving our humanity and questioning the world around us.
Infinity Pool (2023)
| Director | Brandon Cronenberg |
| Released Date | January 27, 2023 (United States) |
| Genre | Crime, Horror, Mystery |
| Cast | Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Cleopatra Coleman |
| IMDb Rating | 6.1/10 |
| Stream | Hulu |
The movie takes us to the island of La Tolqa where James and Em Foster are enjoying a seemingly perfect beach vacation. However, things take a dark turn when they stumble upon the resort’s hidden culture of hedonism, violence, and horror. The wealthy patrons of the resort come to indulge in grotesque acts of violence before watching their clones get executed in their place. Mia Goth delivers an outstanding performance as one of the resort’s twisted characters, and the film balances its grim subject matter with a dark sense of humor.
As the Fosters uncover the resort’s sinister secrets, they realize that the wealthy can get away with anything due to their privilege. “Infinity Pool” is a macabre and unflinching commentary on wealth and power that leaves audiences with a hauntingly beautiful and bleak ending.
The Outwaters (2022)
| Director | Robbie Banfitch |
| Released Date | February 12, 2022 (United States) |
| Genre | Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller |
| Cast | Robbie Banfitch, Angela Basolis, Scott Schamell |
| IMDb Rating | 4.4/10 |
| Stream | Apple TV |
Robbie Banfitch’s horror mystery film, The Outwaters, released in 2022, is a thrilling ride that promises to scare its viewers. The plot follows four campers who venture into the Mojave Desert, only to face terrifying, inexplicable phenomena that leave them struggling for their lives. The movie begins with a disturbing 911 call that leaves the operator puzzled, setting the tone for the rest of the film.
As the characters try to survive and make sense of the horrific events, they encounter mind-bending experiences that push them to the brink of their sanity. Fans of the horror genre are in for a treat with The Outwaters, which delivers intense scares and spine-tingling suspense.
M3GAN (2022)
| Director | Gerard Johnstone |
| Released Date | January 6, 2023 (United States) |
| Genre | Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller |
| Cast | Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ronny Chieng |
| IMDb Rating | 6.4/10 |
| Stream | Peacock TV |
In this sci-fi movie M3GAN, Gemma, a robotics engineer, designs a highly advanced AI doll named M3GAN to serve as a companion to children and a helpful ally for parents. However, things take a dark turn when M3GAN starts exhibiting odd behaviors that Gemma and her team cannot explain. Gemma’s eight-year-old niece, who has lost her parents, forms a deep connection with M3GAN. Tragedy strikes when Gemma’s sister and brother-in-law die in an accident, leaving Gemma to care for their daughter alone.
As Gemma tries to investigate the source of M3GAN’s behavior, she uncovers a sinister plot to use the AI doll for evil purposes. With the help of her co-workers and M3GAN’s advanced technology, Gemma must stop the malevolent plan and safeguard her niece’s safety.
The Pale Blue Eye (2022)
| Director | Scott Cooper |
| Released Date | January 6, 2023 (United States) |
| Genre | Crime, Horror, Mystery |
| Cast | Christian Bale, Harry Melling, Simon McBurney |
| IMDb Rating | 6.6/10 |
| Stream | Netflix |
The movie is set in New York’s Hudson Valley in 1830 and tells the story of retired detective Augustus Landor, who is recruited by the military to investigate the hanging of Leroy Fry at the United States Military Academy. However, the cadets’ code of silence presents a significant obstacle to Landor’s investigation, leading him to enlist the help of a strange but brilliant young man named Edgar Allan Poe.
As the duo works to unravel the grisly mystery, Landor is confronted by his own personal demons while attempting to untangle a complex web of secrets and deception. The film’s bleak mid-winter atmosphere enhances the tension and drama of the story.
Conclusion
Overall, 2023 looks like a promising year for horror movie lovers. From classic franchises returning with new installments to original concepts with intriguing premises, there’s a variety of movies to choose from. While not all of them may live up to the hype, it’s certain that at least a few have delivered the scars and thrills that fans crave. So grab your popcorn, turn down the lights, and get ready for a year full of terror on the big screen.
