Halloween has passed but it doesn’t mean we still cannot enjoy a scary movie.

Just about everyone has seen the classic horror films from master horror film director John Carpenter such as “The Thing”, “The Fog”,  and “Halloween”.

All of which have been remade for this generation but none have lived up to the originals. But what about the new horror films? No not reboots or remakes, but original ideas.

I’ve made a list of horror films that I recommend any horror fan to watch if they haven’t seen them already, one of which even had the director of “The Exorcist”, William Friedkin saying “I’ve never seen a more terrifying film than ‘The Babadook’. It will scare the hell out of you as it did me.”

In no particular order I present the top ten modern horror films.

“We Are What We Are” (2010)  From Spanish director Jorge Michel Grau comes a new take on the cannibal theme, and also what it means to truly love and protect your own.

“Bug” (2006) In this disturbing film there are no monsters under the bed, ghosts haunting a home, or psycho killers; just your own mind losing its grip on reality. The finale is so heartbreaking and morbid that it has to be on any top horror film lists. If you’re doubting how good this movie will be, just know that director William Friedkin of “The Exorcist” directed this as well.

“Trick R Treat“ (2007) Directed by Michael Dougherty, this is a Halloween orientated film but is also a horror movie you can watch on any dark night. Its fun and a nice twist on traditional Halloween myths and customs. After viewing this film any parent may be terrified to check their child’s candy.

“Drag Me To Hell“ (2009) From the director of the classic “Evil Dead” comes another film in the similar style of terrifying supernatural thrills, and not to mention a disgusting film. We all expect what’s going to happen next in typical horror films but not in this one. From beginning to end, nothing goes according to the movie formula.

“The Conjuring“ (2013)  Directed by James Wan comes one of the most successful horror films in this list making over 137 million in the box office. Jump scares are a plenty but the director doesn’t rely on that alone. Based on true events and actual paranormal investigators, Lorraine and Ed Warren, the film focuses on the pair helping a family that is being traumatized and haunted.

“Martyrs“ (2008) Directed by French director Pascal Laugier, this film is not for the faint of heart. I always warn people ahead of time when recommending this film. Spoken in French, (English subtitles included) this film will shake you to your core.

“The Babadook” (2014) First time director Jennifer Kent brings the fairy tale nightmare “The Babadook” in Australia, even receiving attention from American Horror fans. It’ll make you think twice about sleeping in the dark or those strange noises you hear. As the rhyme goes, if it’s in a word, or it’s in a look, you can’t get rid of the Babadook.

“Wolf Creek” (2005) Bringing back what your parents taught you, don’t talk to strangers and especially don’t take rides from them. Another Australian horror classic from director Greg McLean comes the most memorable psycho villain since Hannibal Lecter. Its popularity in Australia and the U.S. has urged a sequel and is also based on true events.

“Splinter” (2008) Director Toby Wilkins creates an original take on the monster/alien genre. This movie will have you wanting to know more about science and medical information, specifically how fungus grows and how to perform amputation so that you could have hopefully survived a painful death from the splinter.

“I Saw The Devil“ (2010) From Korean director  Kim Jee Woon comes a horrifying revenge story that will stay with you even after its over. With powerful performances from Min-sik Choi and Byung-hun Lee, this film brings the question of how far you would go to get revenge on a monster who hurt you, before you become a monster yourself.