As if the last year and a half was not terrifying enough, there have been numerous horror films released that can give one nightmares. Recently, horror films have evolved beyond mere slashers and by the numbers supernatural tales. They have become more cerebral and introspective by taking a deeper look at why certain things are scary.

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Also historically underrepresented communities are getting to tell horror stories of their own. It would not be incorrect to say that horror is in a renaissance at the moment. If these trends continue then the horror genre will gain the same respect that dramas and comedies enjoy.

5 Jakob's Wife

One of the queens of horror, Barbara Crampton, returns with yet another fantastic, scary, and thought provoking film. The messages contained within the film focus on female agency, longing, regret, and ultimately the high cost of freedom. Jakob's Wife contains more than a few shocking and scary moments that are very effective. Interestingly, the subtext of the film is so rich that it may take multiple viewings to really understand why certain characters make certain decisions. All the performances are great but Barbara Crampton continues to out do herself, one could argue that this may be her best one to date. This is a film for those that love to watch a movie then delve deep into its hidden layers.

4 Dementer

Director Chad Crawford manages to show just how terrifying the past can be when it infects one's present. Dementer focuses on Katie and her struggle to overcome a trauma so terrible that it seems to have filled every corner of her mind. As the film progresses it becomes clear that her trauma is far from over and that it will take all of her strength to vanquish it.

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The film does a fantastic job at showing just how confusing and disorienting it is to process a major trauma. The narrative can be jarring at times but if one sticks with it they will not be disappointed. Also the character of Stephanie has Down syndrome and she is handled very well. Dementer is sure to roll around in the minds of viewers for quite some time to come.

3 The Empty Man

The Empty Man has been out for less than a year and it is already a polarizing film. It is sure to be talked about amongst horror fans for years to come as to whether it is actually clever or just a waste of time. The less said about the plot the better as one must go into this film blind. The film already has a cult classic status and it is sure to become more revered as the years go by.

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Director David Prior has managed to craft a horror film that challenges viewers. This is not the film to watch if one just wants to see some gruesome kills or buckets of blood. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but The Empty Man deserves the attention it is getting and is worth one's time.

2 The Vigil

There are not too many (if any) films that focus on creatures based in Jewish folklore. This oversight is pitiful as Christianity seems to have a monopoly on the horror film market. However if The Vigil is any indication then things may be changing sooner rather than later. The film focuses on a young man named Yakov that must keep vigil over a dead Orthodox Jewish man.

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This task becomes more complicated when something begins to torment Yakov and thus he is in for the battle of his life. Director Keith Thomas does a fantastic job placing the viewer in the world of Yakov and the traditions he has turned his back on. The fact that this is Thomas's directorial debut is stunning, he shows a deep understanding of how to direct a horror film so that it is horrifying on a personal level.  This is a can't miss film and it will leave viewers excited for what Thomas will direct next.

1 Saint Maud

The much lauded A24 film Saint Maud lives up to the hype. Director Rose Glass, in her first feature, takes a deep and wild look at Catholicism and the zeal that can arise from it. From the jump, one can tell that this film is going to be something special. The character of Maud is complex and a bit of a tragic figure. Viewers can understand her need to believe in something greater than herself but some of the actions she takes are just took radical to be excused. Similar to the Ingmar Bergman film Persona, the relationship between Maud and the woman she takes care of named Amanda is immensely fascinating. Their dynamic is thrilling and some of the biggest scares come from it. One can sum up this film as a parable about religious zealotry but goes far deeper than that. The beauty of the film is that each viewer will not doubt comes to their own conclusions about the film and will be sure to ponder on it for years to come. Viewers will be hard pressed to find a more intelligent, engaging, and majestic horror film this year.

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