By Eric Myford
2019 has wrapped up and it was a damn good year. Maybe not as jam packed full of great movies like 2018, I mean, I had to pare my list for that year down to 25 while this is a solid 15. But in some ways it's also better due to sheer variety and just how amazing some of these films are. As always I watch well over a hundred movies released in the year to get a good mix and kind of counteract the BS lists made by more mainstream news sources. I mean, some of those lists you have to ask yourself, how many movies did you see to craft this top ten? 11? 12? And they're all mainstream movies. Not to say that's bad because 2019 was actually a splendid year for mainstream horror and suspense, but I do hope this gives more variety for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!
15. Depraved
A veteran suffering from PTSD assembles a monster from various body parts and brings it back to life. Larry Fessenden is a classic name in the horror genre and created one of my all time favorite vampire movies in Habit. This is his take on the Frankenstein legend and has that same real world drama and horror mesh that made Habit so good. It's nice to see him back and doing his thing in really the way that only he can. Great movie.
14. Automata AKA The Devil's Machine
A man is sent to authenticate a three hundred year old clockwork doll in a remote Scottish mansion where he becomes a victim of its curse. This is a seriously impressive indie movie. I'm definitely a fan of Lawrie Brewster and he has created some awesome movies but this might just be my favorite thus far. Decidedly Lovecraftian with an old school Gothic flair, this movie is style and substance, and absolutely recommended.
13. Brightburn
A couple wanting nothing more than a child of their own finds a crashed alien craft with a baby inside and decide to raise it as their own, but as the child gets older, the child's evil nature and power come to light. An evil Superman movie is such an intriguing idea but so much could go wrong. Fortunately here, it's done so well that I really enjoyed it even more than I was expecting. And also in rare form, this is a movie I would love to see a sequel to because the potential is just so massive for more.
12. Rabid
In this remake of the Cronenberg classic, a fashion designer is horribly disfigured in an accident and undergoes an experimental procedure that restores her beauty, with horrible side effects. While I love the Soska Sisters, a remake is always a tough sell in the horror community, and while I enjoyed the hell out of the original, I absolutely loved this. It differs greatly from the Cronenberg film while still keeping the core intact. They definitely added their own style here. Remakes rarely exceed the original, but for me, this one actually did.
11. Harpoon
Three friends find themselves trapped on a immobile yacht in the middle of the ocean and soon dark secrets force the situation to erupt into violence. I'm a sucker for any ocean horror and thriller movies, and boy, did this one scratch that itch. Wonderfully acted, as it needed to be, deep storytelling and incredible violence. Just a hell of a lot of fun and a very enjoyable movie all around. Also, one of the best endings of the year by far.
10. Daniel Isn't Real
When a man undergoes a horrible trauma he resurrects his childhood imaginary friend, which is anything but imaginary. This movie was a true pleasure. With a mix of mental illness, body horror and cosmic horror, it's a truly unique vibe that encompasses this film. To say it's wonderful is really understating how much this movie blew me away with its blend of underutilized sub genres. And how well it blended them.
9. The Divine Fury
A mixed martial arts fighter teams with a priest to exorcise people of their literal demons. This was such an intriguing prospect to me because I don't really recall there ever being an action oriented demonic possession movie. But the potential for cheese was also high. However, since it's making this list, rest assured there is no Gouda on this fine film. Incredible fight scenes, loads of horror, breakneck pace and a hell of a story. A must see.
8. It Chapter Two
This sequel to the remake sees the kids all grown up and returning to Derry to fight Pennywise once and for all. I loved the remake so much, exactly what I needed it to be, and for me, this second part was damn near as good. I enjoyed everything about it. Perfectly cast, nicely put together and the story pays homage to both the original film and novel. Plus, that blend of practical FX and CGI was pretty damn seamless.
7. Glass
This sequel to Split picks up not long after that movie. Loved Unbreakable, blown away by Split, and their surprise connection was a true treat, so naturally I highly anticipated the third part of the trilogy. Cautiously of course, but I needn't be because this movie was so incredible. While being a part of franchise, it still felt like its own movie and the story was so well done I just fell in love. Definitely one of the most consistently great franchises in all of horror and suspense.
6. Us
A family heads out on vacation only to encounter duplicate versions of themselves with violent and nefarious plans on their minds. Who knew that a guy known best for comedy would end up creating back to back instant classic genre movies? I had no clue, but now I need Peele to make all the horror movies. Not literally, but you know, make more. This is just such a great movie on every level that it absolutely must be seen.
5. Pet Sematary
This remake follows the same basic story as the original where a family moves to a new place and discovers an ancient burial ground that brings the dead back, but they never come back right. I know I'm going to get hell for this, but for me this is one of the best remakes ever. I was excited when I saw that the directors of Starry Eyes were tackling this and they did not disappoint. It's a perfect remake because they kept the core the same but changed up so much to keep fans on their toes and what they changed just worked. The whole movie worked.
4. Bliss
An artist tries to work through her creative block by any means necessary and ends up devolving into a hallucinatory nightmare of sex and violence. I've been a fan of Begos since movie one and this one just shows how much he has continued to evolve in his style. This movie is incredible and I've never seen anything quite like it. Like a hallucinatory arthouse horror gore film. Beyond amazing, this movie is nothing short of a triumph.
3. Doctor Sleep
This sequel to The Shining picks up in modern days, following Danny Torrance as he finds conflict in a roving band of psychopaths with unequaled power. Obviously the year of Stephen King and I am perfectly fine with that as I love seeing his resurgence in popularity. This was definitely the best adaptation out of many, just remarkable on every level and I was glued to the screen for the entire runtime. Also, special shout out to Alex Essoe who was perfection and stole the movie with her small but pivotal role.
2. Midsommar
A group of friends head to a commune only to discover it is not as engrossed in peace and love as they thought, but rather a very violent and backwards thinking society. Aster did it again. Back to back masterpieces of horror. I'm astonished. Also, it's folk horror. Also, it's daytime horror, bright and colorful. How does he do it? I don't know, all I know is that I absolutely loved this movie in every capacity.
1. The Lighthouse
Two caretakers of a mysterious lighthouse on a New England island spiral into madness and violence. Yeah, hands down the best among some very stiff competition. The acting is nothing short of extraordinary, direction is perfection, cinematography is beyond gorgeous. The story is devoutly Lovecraftian and absolute brilliance. Arthouse horror unlike any other, this will stay ingrained in my mind forever.
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