### 15 Best Psychological Horror Films of the Decade
Psychological horror films are a unique blend of suspense, mystery, and mind games that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. These movies often delve into the darker corners of the human psyche, making them both terrifying and thought-provoking. Here are 15 of the best psychological horror films from the past decade, each offering a distinct and chilling experience.
1. **Hereditary (2018)**
– Directed by Ari Aster, “Hereditary” is a dark family drama that seamlessly blends supernatural horror. The film follows the Graham family as they uncover sinister secrets after the death of their grandmother. Toni Collette’s intense performance as Annie Graham makes this film a standout in the genre.
2. **The Babadook (2014)**
– This psychological horror film, directed by Jennifer Kent, tells the story of a mother and son haunted by a mysterious children’s book. The Babadook’s chilling atmosphere and exploration of grief and trauma make it a must-watch.
3. **Get Out (2017)**
– Jordan Peele’s directorial debut is a masterclass in blending social commentary with genuine thrills. The film follows Chris Washington as he realizes his parents have sinister plans for him, making it a powerful exploration of terror on both a surface and subconscious level.
4. **Malignant (2021)**
– Directed by James Wan, “Malignant” follows Madison as she is tormented by visions of grisly murders. As she uncovers her repressed memories, she attempts to find the killer and stop him. The film’s outrageous and entertaining climax makes it a memorable horror experience.
5. **Censor (2021)**
– This British psychological horror film stars Niamh Algar as Enid Baynes, a censor working to clamp down on violence in films. However, Enid has her own violent past to deal with, making the film a well-reviewed addition to the British horror canon.
6. **Infinity Pool (2023)**
– Directed by Brandon Cronenberg, “Infinity Pool” tells the story of novelist James Foster who, after accidentally killing a pedestrian, undergoes a cloning procedure. The film unfolds with dread and a sick sense of humor, making it a unique blend of body horror and sci-fi.
7. **It Follows (2015)**
– This acclaimed independent horror film explores the theme of sex and fear. After Jay is cursed by her boyfriend, she is plagued by a demonic entity taking human form. The film sets up all the tired teen-body-count-flick tropes but does it in a way that feels fresh and terrifying.
8. **Doctor Sleep (2019)**
– Based on Stephen King’s book, “Doctor Sleep” follows an adult Danny Torrance as he confronts his past at the Overlook Hotel. When a young girl named Abra reaches out to Danny using the telepathic Shine, he learns that she is being hunted and reluctantly becomes her protector.
9. **The Lodge (2020)**
– Directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, “The Lodge” is a psychological horror film that sees a man’s new wife stranded at a remote lodge with his two children. The film is filled with paranormal-style events and disturbing dream imagery, making it one of the lesser-known standout horror movies of the last five years.
10. **Stopmotion (2023)**
– This film focuses on a mother-daughter duo, Suzanne and Ella Blake, who have an incredibly toxic relationship. When Suzanne suffers from a stroke, Ella must complete her next movie using real decaying animal flesh and discarded human off-cuts, blurring the lines between reality and the grotesque stop-motion film.
11. **Sinister (2013)**
– While not from the past decade, “Sinister” is often mentioned
