26 Best Horror Films of 2013: A Curated Selection

Description: A reboot of the iconic horror franchise, this film brings back the demonic possession theme with a new cast and a more visceral, gore-heavy approach.

Fact: The film was directed by Fede Álvarez, who was handpicked by Sam Raimi, the original creator, to direct this modern take on the classic.

Description: This film is a masterclass in building suspense and delivering genuine scares. Based on the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren, it explores the haunting of the Perron family by a malevolent spirit.

Fact: The film was so successful that it spawned a franchise, including sequels and spin-offs. It was also praised for its use of practical effects over CGI.

Description: This home invasion horror film stands out for its clever twist on the genre, featuring a resourceful heroine who turns the tables on her attackers with deadly efficiency.

Fact: The film was praised for its blend of horror and dark comedy, and its script was on the "Black List" of Hollywood's best unproduced screenplays before being made.

Description: A remake of Stephen King's classic tale, this version of "Carrie" focuses on the bullied high school girl with telekinetic powers, offering a fresh take on the story with updated visuals and performances.

Fact: Chloë Grace Moretz, who played Carrie, was only 16 during filming, bringing a youthful authenticity to the role.

Description: Directed by Andy Muschietti, "Mama" tells the chilling tale of two young girls raised by a mysterious entity after their parents' death, blending family drama with supernatural horror.

Fact: The film was based on a short film by the same director, which gained popularity online. It also features a unique creature design for the entity known as Mama.

Description: Continuing from the first film, this sequel follows Nell Sweetzer as she tries to rebuild her life after surviving an exorcism, only to face new demonic threats.

Fact: The film shifts from the found footage style of the original to a more traditional narrative, exploring the aftermath of possession.

Description: Set in a dystopian future where all crime is legal for one night, "The Purge" explores societal issues through the lens of horror, focusing on a family's struggle to survive during this annual event.

Fact: The film was made on a modest budget but became a surprise hit, leading to a franchise with sequels exploring different aspects of the Purge night.

Description: Continuing from the first film, this sequel delves deeper into the Lambert family's encounters with the supernatural, offering more jump scares and an expanded mythology of the Further.

Fact: The film was shot back-to-back with the first "Insidious" to keep the continuity of the story and characters. It also features a cameo by the original director, James Wan.

Description: This psychological horror film revolves around a haunted mirror that causes its owners to experience terrifying events, blending reality with supernatural occurrences.

Fact: The film was praised for its non-linear storytelling, which adds to the confusion and horror experienced by the characters.

Description: This alien abduction thriller focuses on a family under siege by mysterious forces, offering a chilling look at the unknown and the fear of the unseen.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life accounts of alien abductions, aiming to bring a sense of realism to the horror genre.