Horror films have always captivated audiences with their ability to evoke primal fears and leave viewers at the edge of their seats. The genre has evolved over the years, with filmmakers experimenting with new ways to terrify their audience, while also delivering compelling stories. In this blog, we’ll explore seven award-winning horror movies that have made a significant impact and are now available on various OTT platforms.
These films are not only terrifying but also critically acclaimed, winning prestigious awards for their storytelling, performances, and innovative approach to the horror genre.
1. Get Out (2017)
Available on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
Awards: Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay
Director: Jordan Peele
Get Out is a groundbreaking horror film that intertwines psychological horror with social commentary on racial dynamics. Directed by Jordan Peele in his directorial debut, the film follows Chris Washington, a young African-American man who visits his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend. What begins as a seemingly innocent meeting quickly descends into a disturbing and horrifying experience. As Chris uncovers the family’s dark secret, the movie raises uncomfortable questions about race and privilege in modern society.
The film’s clever use of tension, foreshadowing, and symbolism helped it win the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Peele’s ability to blend horror with social critique makes Get Out a standout in the genre, and it remains a must-watch for horror enthusiasts who appreciate a deeper layer to their scares.
2. Hereditary (2018)
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
Awards: Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Actress
Director: Ari Aster
Ari Aster’s Hereditary is a harrowing family drama that spirals into supernatural terror. The film stars Toni Collette as Annie, a mother grieving the loss of her secretive mother while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy for her family. However, strange and increasingly terrifying events begin to unfold, revealing a dark inheritance passed down through generations.
Hereditary is notable for its slow-building tension, disturbing imagery, and deeply emotional performances, particularly from Collette, who delivers one of the finest performances in horror cinema. The film explores themes of grief, mental illness, and familial trauma, all while building towards a shocking and unforgettable climax. Hereditary isn’t just a horror film—it’s an exploration of how the horrors of family secrets can echo through generations.
3. A Quiet Place (2018)
Available on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
Awards: Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Sci-Fi/Horror Movie
Director: John Krasinski
In A Quiet Place, silence is not only golden—it’s a matter of life and death. Directed by and starring John Krasinski, the film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where blind alien creatures hunt humans using their acute sense of hearing. The story follows a family that has learned to live in near-complete silence to avoid these deadly creatures.
The film is a masterclass in building suspense, with the silence amplifying every sound, keeping audiences on edge. A Quiet Place won numerous accolades for its innovative concept and its ability to create a truly immersive experience. The film’s exploration of family dynamics, survival, and the sacrifices parents make for their children adds emotional depth to this horror thriller. With its heart-pounding tension and brilliant use of sound (or lack thereof), A Quiet Place is a modern horror classic.
4. The Babadook (2014)
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
Awards: Australian Academy Award for Best Film
Director: Jennifer Kent
Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook is a haunting exploration of grief, motherhood, and mental illness, wrapped in the guise of a supernatural horror film. The story revolves around Amelia, a widowed mother struggling to raise her troubled son, Samuel, after her husband’s death. When a mysterious and eerie children’s book called Mister Babadook appears in their home, Amelia and Samuel are terrorized by the titular monster.
The Babadook is a slow-burn horror that relies on psychological tension and eerie atmosphere rather than jump scares. It has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of the struggles of single parenthood and the unresolved trauma of loss. The film’s themes resonate deeply, and its haunting visuals and disturbing sound design make it an unforgettable experience. The Babadook itself has become an iconic figure in modern horror, representing the inescapable nature of grief.
5. The Witch (2015)
Available on: Netflix
Awards: Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature
Director: Robert Eggers
Set in 1630s New England, The Witch is a chilling tale of a Puritan family that is banished from their colony and forced to live on the edge of a dark, mysterious forest. When their newborn baby disappears, the family begins to suspect that their eldest daughter, Thomasin, is involved in witchcraft. The film’s unsettling atmosphere, historical accuracy, and disturbing portrayal of religious paranoia make it a standout in the horror genre.
Director Robert Eggers’ attention to detail and his use of natural light and authentic dialogue immerse the audience in a world where fear of the unknown drives people to madness. The film is less about overt scares and more about creating an overwhelming sense of dread. The Witch is a thought-provoking exploration of religious fanaticism and the fragility of faith in the face of hardship.
6. The Conjuring (2013)
Available on: Netflix, HBO Max
Awards: Saturn Award for Best Horror Film
Director: James Wan
Based on true events, The Conjuring tells the story of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who are called to help a family being terrorized by a dark presence in their secluded farmhouse. Directed by James Wan, the film is a masterful blend of traditional haunted house tropes with a deeply unsettling atmosphere. The scares are meticulously crafted, with a focus on suspense and tension rather than gore.
The Conjuring revitalized the haunted house subgenre and spawned an entire cinematic universe, including spin-offs like Annabelle and The Nun. Its success is a testament to Wan’s ability to create a genuinely frightening experience that appeals to both hardcore horror fans and casual viewers. The film’s critical and commercial success earned it the Saturn Award for Best Horror Film.
7. The Lighthouse (2019)
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
Awards: Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Cinematography
Director: Robert Eggers
The Lighthouse is a psychological horror film set in the late 19th century. It follows two lighthouse keepers, played by Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, who are stranded on a remote island. As the isolation and harsh environment take their toll, the two men descend into madness, and the line between reality and hallucination blurs.
The film is shot in stark black-and-white, with a claustrophobic aspect ratio that heightens the sense of confinement and unease. The eerie sound design and haunting performances make The Lighthouse a unique and unsettling viewing experience. It won the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Cinematography, further cementing its place as a modern horror masterpiece.
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