The beginning of a new year is the time for rejoicing new beginnings, pursuing new goals, and adhering to new resolutions. Along with that, it's also a time of extreme anticipation, especially for Cinephiles. Not only do they have the Oscars to look forward to, but they have to patiently skim through the annual sludge of low-quality horror movies that are purposefully saved for the first two months of the year.
There are, however, some exceptions to this. Along with all the not-so-great horror movies that have premiered during the annual dump that is of February, there have been a few horror epics that have given February a slightly better reputation.
Best: Get Out (February 24, 2017)
This one needs no introduction; movies that only get better every time you watch them.
Directed by Jordan Peele, the film stars Daniel Kaluuya as Chris, an African-American man who decides to visit the Caucasian family of his girlfriend. Although they warm up to him in no time, he soon realizes that there's a lot more to them than meets the eye.
Worst: The Cloverfield Paradox (4 February 2018)
The first two Cloverfield movies had two different tones, and one could hardly draw any parallels between them. But, The Cloverfield Paradox attempts to somehow tie all the movies together by using complex sci-fi gimmicks.
Despite being well-intended, it falls flat compared to the ominous atmosphere of a new Cloverfield movie is underway, watching all the films in the franchise might come in handy.
Best: The Fog (1 February 1980)
The Fog follows a unique—albeit muddled—narrative that is only used for instilling shock in viewers. It focuses on the town of Antonio Bay, which is preparing to celebrate its one-hundredth anniversary. But, soon, the dead sailors who suffered because of the brutal crimes of the founders of the town come rising from a thick fog that ascends from the sea.
Being over four decades old now, The Fog may seem a bit dated to most viewers of today. However, its outlandish style of storytelling still deserves a revisit from horror hounds.
Worst: Devil's (28 February 2013)
Directed by Renny Harlin from the Loosely inspired by a real-life skiing incident known as the “Dyatlov Incident," it follows the footsteps of a film crew that attempts to unravel the mysterious doom that befell upon nine skiers.
Like most found-footage horror films, Devil's does have a dash of realism that makes a viewer stick around till its end. Unfortunately, there's hardly anything more to it than that.
Best: Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (5 February 1956)
As typical as it may seem from its title, Invasion of the Body Snatchers is far from being a generic horror film. Even after 60 years since its release, its allegorical Cold War paranoia remains as thrilling as ever.
Set in Santa Mira, California, the movie revolves around Dr. Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy) whose patients complain about their loved ones being mysteriously replaced by seemingly soulless beings. With the help of his girlfriend and his friend, Miles sets out to solve this mystery and learns that an alien species is slowly invading their town by growing human impostors from pod-like structures.
Worst: Rings (3 February 2017)
The first installment of best J-Horror movie adaptations. However, its sequels—especially the third installment—have received relatively subpar reviews from critics and viewers alike. According to many, let alone being memorable, Rings is replete with horror clichés, lousy plot points, and poor performances.
For the uninitiated, the series' conceit is about a strange videotape that kills anyone who dares to watch it. With new characters at its fore, the third film attempts to unravel the central antagonist's origin story. However, this backstory is everything a viewer expects it to be and nothing close to being exceptionally scary.
Best: In The Mouth Of Madness (3 February 1995)
Often referred to as an example of "Prince of Darkness.
In the film, Sam Neill plays insurance investigator John Trent who sets out to find the whereabouts of a missing horror novelist. The deeper he delves into the books of the horror novelist, the more he experiences a figment of the author's twisted imagination.
Worst: Demonic (12 February 2015)
Written by James Wan, Demonic is a who-dun-it horror thriller where a psychologist (Maria Bello) and a police officer (Frank Grillo) forces to investigate the mysterious deaths of five ghost summoners.
Because it uses many hackneyed tropes and features archetypal teenagers attempting a séance, it makes up for a fun sleepover movie. However, for those who are looking for some serious blood-curdling horror, Demonic's predictable premise is a complete letdown.
Best: The Silence Of The Lambs (14 February 1991)
It's surprising how a classic like The Silence of The Lambs premiered in what is known as the dump month of cinema. Based on Thomas Harris' character Hannibal Lecter, The Silence of The Lambs is among the very few movies that have won the Big Five Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director (Demme), Best Actor (Hopkins), Best Actress (Foster), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Ted Tally).
Although the movie starts slow and takes its time to find its feet, it keeps viewers at the edge of their seats with Hannibal the Cannibal's intelligent yet disturbing gimmicks.
Worst: The Messengers (2 February 2007)
Starring Kristen Stewart, The Messengers only recycles some of the most generic horror tropes and heavily relies on cheap jumpscares. It has revenge-seeking apparitions; A haunted farmhouse, a troubled family, and almost everything else most horror fans have seen before. For anyone seeking a quick horror fix, this one perfectly fits the bill. But, for others, there's a whole catalog of better haunted house flicks.
