Chris’ Top 5 Horror Films of 2015

And another year has shot by just like that. It’s insane, but as such, it’s that time once again where we bring you our favorite horror films of the past year, in a list of our personal favorites. Some may agree and some may disagree, but that’s what makes the horror family so great, we have different opinions and as such, we may learn of something new that we have not seen or heard before. So, be sure to let us know what some of your favorite horror films were of the past year, and below you can check out mine.

I’ve opted for a Top 5 as opposed to a Top 10, basically just keeping my tradition of having just 5. This also makes it much more challenging to choose just five, but they’re truly the best five I have seen this year. Sadly, I missed out on a few theatrical releases such as Krampus, A Christmas Horror Story, and The Green Inferno to name a few, so my list primarily features DVD releases. So, with that out-of-the-way, here’s my Top 5 Horror Films of 2015.

5. Dark

This one is a slow-burn horror film which will have you on the edge of your seat for most parts, as Nick Basile unleashes an onslaught of fear throughout in his Hitchcockian feature-length directorial debut Dark. The film stars Whitney Able alongside Alexandra Breckenridge, as Able must confront her fears during the 2003 blackout of New York City. The film isn’t released yet, but if you were one of the original Kickstarter backers, you should be receiving your copy. For everyone else, keep your eyes peeled for this one if you like an intense thriller.

4. House of Manson

Where do I begin with Brandon Slagle’s House of Manson? The film totally took me by surprise as we have seen an abundant of Manson-themed films throughout the years, but Slagle’s vision follows the early years of Manson, right up to the Tate-LaBianca slayings. But what makes this one stand head and shoulders above the rest is the outstanding cast. Such as Ryan Kisser who portrays Charles Manson, it’s one of the most convincing portrayals I have ever seen. The film also stars horror favorites such as Devanny Pinn, Erin Marie Hogan, and Tristan Risk.

3. It Follows

Surprisingly I went into It Follows, without so much as watching a trailer or a clip, so I really didn’t know what to expect except that nearly every horror site was raving about the film. So, thanks to the power of Netflix, I finally watched this one, a few days ago actually, and well, it’s as good as they say. It’s just a really unique film with a killer score which has this sort-of Halloween-vibe to it. I loved it, but for some it might be too over hyped. For my, this has become an instant classic.

2. Headless

Ever since I witnessed Scott Schirmer’s Found, I instantly fell in love with the short snippet of a film entitled Headless, it’s a film that Marty (Gavin Brown) was watching in Found, and has since garnered quite the following. As such, the faux-film became a reality as Arthur Cullipher delivered a full-on onslaught of violence, depravity and pure insanity. Headless is definitely not for everyone, but if you love practical effects, brutal slasher films and Ellie Church, Headless is the film you need.

1. Turbo Kid

It’s just perfect, and I’m done. Seriously, Turbo Kid is exactly what it says on the tin. It’s Mad Max on a BMX, and it just hit every check box for me. Violence, insane characters, apocalyptic setting and a soundtrack which introduced me to the wonders of Le Matos. There isn’t much I can say that hasn’t already been said, but for me this is without a doubt another instant classic. Just a quick question, where does one acquire one of those ‘Apple’ robots?

Before I go here’s a few honorable mentions – The Babadook, I really don’t understand all the negativity this one received, I though t it was a great film which sets itself up for even more scares in the future. Also Samurai Cop 2, the film is just as insane and wacky as the original, not necessarily a horror movie, but it features tones of violence, nudity and Matt Hannon and Mark Frazier, also keep those eyes peeled for Bai Ling, who stole the show, and our good friend Dawna Lee Heising. And of course Mad Max: Fury Road, it was just an onslaught of action from start to finish, thoroughly enjoyed that one.

That’s my Top 5 for 2015, what’s yours? Hit us up and let us know which are some of your favorites from the past year, and before I go, have a great, safe, and freakin’ bad-ass New Year!