Top 13 Horror Performances of the Last Decade

“10 Cloverfield Lane” (2016)
It’s hard to surprise audiences with a resumé like John Goodman’s. Given his long history across nearly every genre in the book, staying fresh is quite the feat. And that’s exactly where this thriller finds its secret sauce, by playing off of his familiarity. As Howard Stambler, the screen legend exudes a far more sinister presence than ever before. With his mix of caustic paranoia and volatile rage, the character is a ticking bomb. But Goodman is also able to convey the fear underneath it all. It’s the desperation of a fragile man, grasping to exert control over everything around him. Add in the perfect rival in Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and you have yet another highlight for a veteran career full of them.

“A Quiet Place” (2018)
After establishing herself as a bonafide action hero in the early 2010s, Emily Blunt somehow found even more levels of badassery in this box-office smash. And although she’s no stranger to a tense situation, her time as Evelyn Abbott is stressful, to put it mildly. But the movie’s compact runtime and breakneck pace couldn’t stop her from leading a number of its most iconic moments. Whether in the nail-biting bathtub sequence or with some gruesome nail-stepping, Blunt carries us through. Her performance grounds the film’s fantasy elements and is key to its heart. She would later return in the sequel. There, she helps pass the torch to the series’ other star hero, Millicent Simmonds.

“Split” (2016)
It would be easy for a flashy performer to overdo it in this role. Instead, James McAvoy is brilliant in this cinematic juggling act. Flipping between multiple distinct personas, he showcases stunning attention to detail. From mannerisms and postures to vocal tone and cadence, precision was his game. His level of skill becomes even more haunting in the film’s final act. Although the character himself shouldn't be considered representative of any real mental health conditions, McAvoy’s work remains acclaimed. He later reprises the role in “Glass,” where he gets a chance to further humanize Kevin Wendell Crumb.

“The Witch” (2015)
Few modern stars have exploded onto the scene quite as loudly as Anya Taylor-Joy. A huge part of that ascension is her debut in this unforgettable period piece. She is our anchor throughout this dark film. As a piece from Robert Eggers, the movie naturally treats us to some pretty disturbing imagery and difficult themes. As Thomasin is harshly vilified by those who should love her, we see the real evil present in stories like hers. She is both heartbroken and enraged by the betrayal, with Taylor-Joy portraying this masterfully.

“Doctor Sleep” (2019)
Faced with a daunting franchise legacy, McGregor had his work cut out for him in this ambitious film. His role as Dan Torrance called for a deft balance between broad horror-fantasy and intimate character drama. Luckily, McGregor was more than up to the task, painting a striking portrait of trauma and repression. As he finds new purpose in defending young Abra from Rebecca Ferguson’s startling villain, we find even more layers to him. Through these cracks, he gives us glimpses of his compassion. This success marked another win for Mike Flanagan in adapting Stephen King. Previously, he also directed a superb Carla Gugino[b] in 2017’s “Gerald’s Game.”

“Midsommar[c]” (2019)
In the same year she got awards love for “Little Women,” Florence Pugh became an icon in an entirely opposite genre. This sunny nightmare set the stage for a juggernaut performance. From the jump, we feel Dani’s emotional turmoil as she strains to hold it all together. This tension makes her ultimate fate that much more impactful, in all of its terror, irony, and wicked tragedy. Pugh is so sympathetic, that even as she falls further into the arms of the Hårga[d], we understand what she’s going through. It’s a display that fully immerses us into the character’s POV, rendering the chaos around her even more baffling – and even scarier.

“Get Out” (2017)
Packed with amazing supporting talent like Catherine Keener and LaKeith Stanfield, you’d think this classic couldn’t ask for much more. But as one of the most compelling and intelligent films of the decade, it needed a convincing lead. Enter Daniel Kaluuya. He commands each scene without overdoing it, as you can see in the first “sunken place” sequence. Kaluuya scored an Oscar nomination for his work. That’s a rare feat, given the Academy’s history of snubbing horror. As it turns out, it was only a peek at what has since been a remarkable career, with an Oscar win and another terrific Jordan Peele collab already in the books.

“The Invisible Man” (2020)
The last decade has seen superb work come out of sci-fi horror, and Elisabeth Moss sets a new standard in this gritty yet operatic spine-chiller. As Cecilia Kass, her journey is tormented by a cruel, abusive partner. We watch as she’s pushed into the depths of despair and paranoia. Moss gives a sheer tour de force in the role, at times single-handedly carrying entire scenes. Her captivating blend of naturalism and melodrama helps the world feel fully realized. And when you pair that with director Leigh Whannell’s incredible stunt choreography, you get a performance that fires on all cylinders.

“Pearl” (2022)
After debuting this role in “X,” Goth returns as the titular serial killer in this blood-soaked prequel. The movie leans hard on her loud and brashly animated bursts of passion and ultraviolence. But alongside those moments, Goth also plays Pearl with calm and sensitivity. This duality can be seen in an incredible final act. It kicks off with a surreal audition, before Pearl has an infamous breakdown. Hitting rock bottom, she then gives an intimate monologue that runs for over five minutes. It all culminates in one of the most memorable and unsettling end credits in recent canon. Her attempt to “just smile through” the pain cements the character as horror royalty.

“The Lighthouse” (2019)
Willem Dafoe does the impossible in this amazing A24 showpiece. He takes one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood and makes it completely disappear into the role of Thomas Wake. With a look and voice that genuinely feel like something from another time and place, he’s vital to the film’s atmosphere. Even a long speech about lobsters is totally immersive. Next to his partner in crime, Robert Pattinson, the pair are our only guides through this suffocating tale. They play off of each other beautifully. Captured in shadow and grime, their downward spiral is totally enthralling to watch.

“Us” (2019)
Dual roles for one performer is a big gamble – they’re not always going to work out. But what Lupita Nyong’o does here might just be their pinnacle. She simultaneously crafts one of the genre’s most petrifying villains and one of its most endearing heroes. Witnessing them interact creates an uncanny, disquieting effect. And Nyong’o’s voice for her tethered self is utterly hair-raising. Their dynamic defines the entire story, with a final reveal that cashes in on the tension between them. It’s no surprise that Nyong’o took home a slew of awards and nominations for her performance.

“It” (2017)
Any adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” would be dead on arrival without a good Pennywise. As Tim Curry demonstrated, it’s a core aspect of the story. Luckily for director Andy Muschietti, he got to work with the pitch perfect Bill Skarsgård. For most performers, it would be difficult to be impactful without knowing much at all about your character. But he took the role to its absolute ceiling. Somehow, he stays expressive underneath the makeup, prosthetics, and visual effects. And above all, the physicality he brings is imposing, unpredictable, and outright creepy. Skarsgård’s legacy as a genre heavyweight is only set to grow from here.

“Hereditary” (2018)
Nearly 20 years after her first Oscar nomination for a genre classic, horror fans everywhere thought she was a shoo-in for another. Although her work in this frightful family saga was overlooked by the Academy, it will still go down in the horror history books as one of the all-time best. Annie Graham is a mother consumed by grief and generational trauma. Collette is simply a force of nature in the role. Her anguish and despair are tangible. Ari Aster’s harrowing debut feature was a phenomenon for many reasons. But its lead performance may just be its greatest achievement.
Which performances blew you away? Let us know in the comments!