The horror genre has always been a thrilling escape for those who love the adrenaline rush of fear. This curated list of the ten scariest films from 2016 and 2017 showcases the best in spine-chilling cinema, offering a mix of psychological terror, supernatural scares, and visceral horror. Whether you're a seasoned horror aficionado or a newcomer looking to test your nerves, these films provide a chilling journey into the darkest corners of human imagination and beyond.

The Blackcoat's Daughter (2017)
Description: This film intertwines the stories of two students left behind at their boarding school over winter break, leading to a chilling tale of possession and murder. Its slow, deliberate pace builds an intense atmosphere of dread.
Fact: The film was originally titled "February" but was changed to avoid confusion with another film. It was also the feature debut of writer-director Oz Perkins.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: This film delves into the eerie mystery of a young woman's body that defies all medical explanation, leading to a terrifying discovery. Its slow build-up and atmospheric tension make it a standout in modern horror.
Fact: The film was shot in a real morgue, adding an authentic layer of dread. The director, André Øvredal, is known for his work in horror, including "Trollhunter."


The Bye Bye Man (2017)
Description: A group of college students unwittingly summon an evil entity known as The Bye Bye Man, leading to a series of horrifying events. Its concept of a malevolent force that thrives on being named is chilling.
Fact: The film is based on a chapter from the book "The President's Vampire" by Robert Damon Schneck. It was also the first film to be released by STX Entertainment.


The Void (2016)
Description: A group of people trapped in a hospital must fight off otherworldly creatures. Its Lovecraftian horror elements and practical effects make it a standout in indie horror.
Fact: The film was crowdfunded, and its special effects were created by the same team behind "Manborg."


The Witch (2016)
Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film explores the psychological and supernatural horror of a family's descent into madness after their youngest child disappears. Its historical accuracy and folk horror elements make it uniquely terrifying.
Fact: The film uses authentic 17th-century English dialect. It was also praised for its use of natural lighting, contributing to its eerie atmosphere.


It Comes at Night (2017)
Description: Set in a post-apocalyptic world, this film explores the paranoia and fear that arise when two families must share a house to survive an unknown threat. Its ambiguity and focus on psychological horror are what make it terrifying.
Fact: The film was shot in a single location to enhance the claustrophobic atmosphere. The director, Trey Edward Shults, used his own childhood home for filming.


A Cure for Wellness (2017)
Description: A young executive is sent to retrieve his company's CEO from a mysterious wellness center in the Swiss Alps, only to uncover dark secrets. Its gothic atmosphere and surreal imagery create a unique horror experience.
Fact: The film was shot in various locations in Germany, including a real castle, to enhance its eerie setting.


Raw (2016)
Description: A vegetarian student at a veterinary school discovers her taste for human flesh, leading to a disturbing transformation. Its graphic content and exploration of identity make it a modern horror classic.
Fact: The film was banned in Russia for its extreme content. It was also the directorial debut of Julia Ducournau, who went on to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes.


Get Out (2017)
Description: A social thriller with horror elements, this film follows a young African-American man who uncovers a sinister plot at his white girlfriend's family estate. Its blend of horror and social commentary made it a cultural phenomenon.
Fact: Jordan Peele, known for comedy, made his directorial debut with this film, which won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.


The Babysitter (2017)
Description: A mix of horror and dark comedy, this film follows a young boy who discovers his babysitter and her friends are part of a satanic cult. Its blend of humor with horror makes it uniquely engaging.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be a straight horror movie but evolved into a horror-comedy during production.
