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1. Hush

A deaf and mute writer who retreated into the woods to live a solitary life must fight for her life in silence when a masked killer appears at her window. 'Hush' is intelligent thriller that finds almost constant ways to introduce blood-curdling tension. This 82-minute film is well worth your time, and a definitive addition to the home invasion genre.

2. Under the Shadow

Under the Shadow is a 2016 Persian-language psychological horror film written and directed by Iranian-born Babak Anvari as his directorial debut. A mother and daughter are haunted by a mysterious evil in 1980s Tehran, during the War of the Cities. Under the Shadow has all of the makings of a new horror classic: a compelling protagonist to root for, a unique setting and mythology, visceral and psychological terror, and creepy, effective monsters.

3. Apostle

If you're on the hunt for a frightening and original horror movie, Apostle is a stellar choice. In 1905, a drifter on a dangerous mission to rescue his kidnapped sister tangles with a sinister religious cult on an isolated island. The whole film feels like stage performances with over-the-top acting, and it works. Horror movies dealing with cults usually get a thumbs-up from me, and this one was unique in many ways. 

4. It Comes at Night

After an unexpected apocalypse, two families are forced to share a house in order to stay away from the threat outside. Despite the good intentions, both families end up boiling distrust and paranoia. It Comes at Night is a powerful, slow-burning horror, a distressing and nihilistic examination of human nature that lingers in the mind long after the shocking denouement.

5. The Conjuring 2

Peggy, a single mother of four children, seeks the help of occult investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren when she and her children witness strange, paranormal events in their house. While it may not be as scary as the first film, The Conjuring 2 is still very satisfying. It's the horror sequel future horror sequels should try to emulate.