9. Hereditary (2018)
Despite being the feature-length directorial debut of Ari Aster, Hereditary is often cited as a masterpiece of modern horror. Starring Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff, and Milly Shapiro, Hereditary follows a grieving family following the death of their secretive grandmother. As Annie (Collette) unravels the mystery of her mother’s life, she uncovers a shocking secret that threatens her own sanity and the lives of everyone she loves.
Hereditary features multiple unforgettable scenes, but one in particular stands out as especially shocking. The sheer number of twists and turns in Hereditary‘s story are enough to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, with its atmospheric horror contributing to a mounting sense of unease. It’s masterfully crafted, and that’s a big part of what makes it so scary.
The psychological element of the film cannot be understated, and it’s underpinned by great writing and acting. Toni Collette especially delivered a career-best performance that earned her the title of one of Hollywood’s most underrated actors, with Wolff, Shapiro, and Byrne all also delivering note-perfect turns. In short, Hereditary is excellent, and one of the scariest horror movies of all time.