Best Western Horror Movies Of 2016: A Spine-Chilling List

Hey horror fans! Are you ready to dive into a year of terrifying thrills? Let's take a look at some of the best western horror movies that 2016 had to offer. From haunted houses to psychological terrors, 2016 delivered a fantastic selection of films to keep us up at night. So, grab your popcorn, turn off the lights, and let's get started!

1. The Witch

The Witch is a standout horror film from 2016 that masterfully blends historical accuracy with supernatural terror. Set in 17th-century New England, the film follows a Puritan family who are banished from their colony and forced to live on a secluded farm. As they struggle to survive, strange and unsettling events begin to plague the family, leading them to suspect that a malevolent force is at work. What makes The Witch so effective is its commitment to creating an authentic and immersive experience. The dialogue is written in Early Modern English, and the costumes and set design are meticulously detailed to reflect the period. This attention to detail adds a layer of realism that makes the horror elements all the more chilling. The film relies heavily on atmosphere and suspense rather than cheap jump scares. The isolated setting, combined with the eerie score and unsettling cinematography, creates a sense of dread that permeates every scene. The performances are also top-notch, with Anya Taylor-Joy delivering a breakout performance as the eldest daughter, Thomasin. Her portrayal of a young woman grappling with religious dogma and the possibility of dark forces is both captivating and heartbreaking. The Witch explores themes of religious extremism, family dynamics, and the primal fear of the unknown. It delves into the psychological toll that isolation and paranoia can take on a family, and how easily fear can turn them against each other. The film's ambiguous ending leaves the audience questioning the true nature of the evil at play, adding to its lasting impact. Ultimately, The Witch is a horror movie that stays with you long after the credits roll. Its unique blend of historical accuracy, atmospheric dread, and compelling performances make it a standout in the genre. If you're looking for a horror film that's both intelligent and terrifying, The Witch is a must-watch.

2. Don't Breathe

Don't Breathe is a gripping and intense horror-thriller that subverts the typical home invasion scenario. The story revolves around a group of young burglars who target the house of a blind veteran, believing him to be an easy mark. However, they soon discover that they have underestimated their target, as he turns out to be far more dangerous and resourceful than they could have imagined. This horror movie is a masterclass in suspense, with director Fede Álvarez creating a claustrophobic and terrifying atmosphere. The majority of the film takes place within the confines of the veteran's house, which becomes a deadly maze for the intruders. The limited visibility adds to the tension, as both the characters and the audience are kept in the dark about what lurks around each corner. Stephen Lang delivers a chilling performance as the blind veteran. He portrays the character as a formidable and menacing presence, capable of both brutal violence and cunning strategy. The burglars, played by Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, and Daniel Zovatto, are also well-developed characters, each with their own motivations and flaws. Don't Breathe stands out for its inventive premise and its ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The film is filled with unexpected twists and turns, and the stakes are constantly raised as the burglars struggle to survive against their relentless pursuer. It also explores themes of morality and desperation, as the characters are forced to make difficult choices in order to survive. The film's success lies in its simplicity. By focusing on a small group of characters in a confined setting, Don't Breathe creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy that amplifies the horror. The film's effective use of sound design and cinematography further enhances the atmosphere of dread. Don't Breathe is a horror movie that will leave you breathless. Its intense suspense, memorable performances, and clever premise make it a standout in the genre. If you're looking for a horror film that will keep you guessing until the very end, Don't Breathe is a must-see.

3. Lights Out

Lights Out is a horror film that taps into a primal fear: the fear of the dark. Based on the viral short film of the same name, Lights Out tells the story of a young woman named Rebecca who must protect her younger brother from a supernatural entity that only appears when the lights are turned off. What makes Lights Out so effective is its simple yet terrifying premise. The idea that a monster could be lurking just out of sight, waiting for the darkness to envelop you, is inherently frightening. The film uses this concept to great effect, creating a series of suspenseful and visually striking scenes. Director David F. Sandberg, who also directed the original short film, demonstrates a keen understanding of how to build tension and create scares. The film is filled with well-timed jump scares, but it also relies on atmosphere and suspense to create a sense of dread. The use of light and shadow is particularly effective, as the entity is often glimpsed only fleetingly, leaving the audience to fill in the blanks with their own imaginations. Teresa Palmer delivers a strong performance as Rebecca, the troubled young woman who must confront her past in order to protect her brother. Gabriel Bateman is also excellent as Martin, the younger brother who is haunted by the entity. The film explores themes of mental illness and family trauma, adding depth to the horror elements. Lights Out is a horror movie that delivers genuine scares without relying on excessive gore or violence. Its clever premise, effective use of visuals, and strong performances make it a standout in the genre. If you're looking for a horror film that will make you think twice about turning off the lights, Lights Out is a must-watch.

4. Ouija: Origin of Evil

Ouija: Origin of Evil serves as a prequel to the 2014 film Ouija and is a significant improvement over its predecessor. Set in 1967 Los Angeles, the film tells the story of a widowed mother and her two daughters who run a séance scam. When they add a Ouija board to their act, they unwittingly invite a genuine evil spirit into their home. This horror film succeeds by focusing on character development and building a sense of dread. Director Mike Flanagan, known for his work on Oculus and The Haunting of Hill House, brings a level of sophistication to the material that was lacking in the original film. The film takes its time to establish the characters and their relationships, making the audience care about their fate. Elizabeth Reaser delivers a standout performance as Alice, the widowed mother who is struggling to make ends meet. Annalise Basso and Lulu Wilson are also excellent as her daughters, Lina and Doris, respectively. The film's period setting adds to its atmosphere, with the costumes, set design, and music all contributing to a sense of nostalgia and unease. The horror elements are effectively integrated into the story, with the spirit gradually gaining control over Doris and turning her into a vessel for evil. Ouija: Origin of Evil is a horror movie that defies expectations. It's a well-crafted and genuinely scary film that surpasses its predecessor in every way. If you're looking for a horror film that's both entertaining and thought-provoking, Ouija: Origin of Evil is a great choice.

5. The Autopsy of Jane Doe

The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a chilling and suspenseful horror film that takes place almost entirely within a single location: a family-owned morgue. The story revolves around a father and son coroner team who receive the body of an unidentified young woman, Jane Doe, and must determine the cause of her death. As they conduct the autopsy, they uncover a series of increasingly bizarre and inexplicable findings, leading them to believe that Jane Doe is not who she appears to be. What makes The Autopsy of Jane Doe so effective is its slow-burn approach to horror. The film gradually builds tension and suspense, with each new discovery adding to the sense of unease. Director André Øvredal creates a claustrophobic and unsettling atmosphere, making the audience feel trapped alongside the coroners. Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch deliver strong performances as the father and son coroner team. Their grounded and realistic portrayals of the characters make the supernatural elements all the more jarring. The film is filled with graphic and disturbing imagery, but it's not gratuitous. The gore serves a purpose, adding to the sense of realism and enhancing the horror elements. The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a horror movie that will stay with you long after you've seen it. Its suspenseful plot, strong performances, and unsettling atmosphere make it a standout in the genre. If you're looking for a horror film that's both intelligent and terrifying, The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a must-watch.

So there you have it, guys! Some of the best western horror movies from 2016 that are sure to give you the creeps. Whether you're into haunted houses, supernatural entities, or psychological thrillers, 2016 had something for everyone. Happy watching, and don't forget to check under your bed before you go to sleep!