There are mushy movies with happy, fairytale endings, and then there are those that simply speak of tragedy where everyone literally dies. In a way, we can agree that the horror genre has some of the most thrilling visuals, bringing that adrenaline rush that keeps you stimulated and waiting to see who death strikes next. If that dopamine boost from scary movies is your vibe, then you have most likely seen some of the films below. However, let’s see if you agree with this selection of the top 10 movies where almost everyone, except for a few lucky people, dies. SPOILER ALERT!
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The Final Destination series (2000 – 2011)
About 24 years ago, a brilliant screenwriter in his early 30s, Jeffrey Reddick, birthed the idea of “Final Destination,” a movie that would later spread its tentacles and grow into not just a series of screen dramas, but also influence book lovers. Since it started in 2000, the franchise has grown in both influence and thousands of dollars, with its fourth installation which is titled “The Final Destination” being the highest-grossing film in the franchise! With way over $86 million in box office collection from the existing five, a new creation is set to hit the screens yet again this 2025!
The Wrong Turn series (2003 – 2021)
Between 2003 and 2021, the creators of the Wrong Turn movie series have churned out six productions that are some of the goriest films that you would see in Hollywood. While the first production was directed by popular filmmaker, Schmidt, the other parts of the series have been conducted by other creative and versed directors. The last, reboot, “Wrong Turn,” which was released in 2021 made over $4 million in box office collection. Inspired by Sawney Bean’s true story, this slasher series actually ruins almost all its characters, leaving only a few to survive the disaster.
The Departed (2006)
“The Departed” gives this thrilling sensation that you can only get from a good, suspenseful film, and it is no wonder that the Oscar award-winning production remains one of the best movies of 2006. An additional thing that complements the wholesome production is its star-packed cast featuring top Hollywood actors like Leonard DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson in lead roles. The interesting movie greatly appeals to past and present audiences because of its perfect blend of crime, action, and death horror.
The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
Based on an initial production from 1977, this 2006 film is arguably one of the best slasher horror movies out there. The movie, which was directed by Alexandre Aja is regarded is a superb reflection of his ardent mastery and is one of the filmmaker’s Hollywood best. Not only are the visuals gory with stimulating effects, but the end of the movie leaves viewers with a cliffhanger; few characters survive the killings, and their fate remains undecided The award-winning film was succeeded in 2007 by a second installation titled “The Hills Have Eyes 2,” with a different narrative.
The Descent (2005)
Evoking horror with the most terrifying imagery, “The Descent” explores the fatal journey of a group of women seeking adventure. With this movie, Neil Marshal no doubt outdid himself, creating this masterpiece that is a testament to his artistic excellence. The film combines highly horrific elements to immerse the audience into the almost-real-looking scenes, making the cast go through a dreadful mix of fear and suffocating situations. Apart from being greatly reviewed by critics, the British film further showed off its excellence with over $57 million at the box office, a far cry from the original budget that was made for the movie.
Cabin Fever (2002)
If you’ve not seen “Cabin Fever,” but the idea of a hardcore gore movie mixed with comedy appeals to you, then this movie would be a great pick. You will laugh, but you should also be prepared for the highly disgusting drama effects of blood and jumpy scares that come with an intense horror film. Released in 2002, and was on the big screens for most of the early 2000s. From a budget of about $1.5 million, the movie, directed by Eli Roth grossed almost $30.6 million in box office collection.
The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Kristen Connolly, Fran Kranz, and Anna Hutchison in lead roles, “The Cabin in the Woods” has been regarded as a good piece of horror with applaudable performances from the actors. Filmed in 2009, the movie is recognized for its director, Goddard’s attempt to showcase certain defects in the horror genre, and balances the thrill with a hint of humor. Alongside its over $60 million box office hit, the 2011 sci-fi is a recipient of numerous awards from institutions like the British Fantasy Award, the Saturn Award, and the Fangoria Chainsaw Award, among others.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006)
“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning” is the sixth film in the series which began in 1974. Dreadful goosebumps are sure to pop up all over your body when you sit to watch this movie. A balance of crime and horror, the movie shows us a background into the story of the legendary ‘Leatherface’ character from the start of the franchise which began originally about 50 years ago. This particular installation gained relative success at the box office with a $51.7 million hit.
The Saw Series (2004 – 2023)
For about 2 decades, Lionsgate has explored and expanded scary fiction explosively into becoming one of the biggest horror franchises on a global scale. From the first installment in 2004, the series introduces ‘Jigsaw’ played by John Kramer who is the infamous serial killer across the different films in the franchise. The iconic group of movies has, beyond the screens, grown into other media channels that make it accessible to different kinds of horror lovers. The billion-dollar box office series is highly esteemed among other gore productions and has received diverse recognitions in awards and nominations to this effect.
Cloverfield (2008)
In a way, found footage movies give this inexplicable sensation that comes from watching characters show us the story from their cinematic perspective. Cloverfield’s perfect usage of this visual technique through the character, ‘Hud’ played by T.J Miller, makes it a highly suspenseful and thrilling film. 16 years later, the horror movie is still as terrifying, with effects that look almost realistic with an eerie buildup of the calamities and deaths that the monster wrought in New York City. “Cloverfield” offers an even more twisted ending because viewers are left in mystery about the eventual fate of Rob and Beth.
