We’re coming to the end of the year, meaning it is time to look back on the year that was. This week I’ll be offering my 10 best in different categories. Stay tuned each day as I count down a new category leading up to New Year’s Eve. And join Eric and I on Saturday, December 30 as we share our Top 12 movies of the year on the This Week at the Movies podcast.

No. 10: Renfield
About: Was it a horror film? Was it a comedy? This one was arguably a bit of both. It wasn’t as funny as I hoped, but it had more of a horror edge than the trailers suggested. I enjoyed Nicholas Cage chewing scenery as Dracula, while Nicholas Hoult and Awkwafina were fun. This is worth checking out.

No. 9: Knock at the Cabin
About: The days of M. Night Shymalan making killer films might be over, but he’s still making sturdy films. I didn’t love this one, which was based on the novel from Paul Tremblay. The third act drops a bit, but the opening sequence is engaging. I also enjoyed Dave Bautista in this one.

No. 8: No One Will Save You
About: This was an interesting film dropped in the Fall. It’s very tightly drawn, mostly relying on Kaitlyn Dever. She’s up to the task, giving a solid performance. This film, written and directed by Brian Duffield, is a different spin on the alien film. The tension works well here and it’s a creatively told story.

No. 7: The Haunted Mansion
About: I love the Disney ride and I was excited about seeing this new take on the film. It is another film that wasn’t as funny as I’d thought and had more horror elements than I expected. Disney did it no favors with a late summer release, but I enjoyed the story and the production. This is a film that was better than people gave it credit for being.

No. 6: Scream VI
About: I wasn’t one of those that loved Scream V. In fact, I thought it was dull and mostly a misfire for me. So, I had my doubts heading into this new installment. Surprisingly, I liked this one better. Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera are growing on me. If this turns out to be the final installment, at least the franchise ends on a higher note.

No. 5: Talk to Me
About: The talk of the late summer, this thriller from A24 was an interesting concept. I enjoyed the lead performances and the idea here. It has some very unsettling visuals and enough of a hook to keep you engaged throughout its run time. I didn’t love it as much as others, but it was an interesting addition to the genre.

No. 4: When Evil Lurks
About: This film dropped on Shudder, a Mexican film about a village encountering a breakout of possessions. The violence here is striking when it comes. There are some deeply unsettling sequences and visuals that aid in creating the atmosphere. This is one of the best I’ve seen from the streamer.

No. 3: Birth/Rebirth
About: Another from Shudder, this is a different kind of horror film. Some won’t appreciate the pacing here, but I enjoyed Marin Ireland and Judy Reyes, who give solid performances. The idea is creepy and the slow decent into evil in the third act is perfectly played. I also enjoyed the more open-ended final moments.

No. 2: Totally Killer
About: I love Scream and I love Back to the Future, so it tracks I would enjoy a film that’s something of a mash up of the two. This one works in part due to the creative story and direction from Nahnatchka Khan. Kiernan Shipka is great in the lead role, too. I had a lot of fun with this Prime Video release, which was perfectly timed for the spooky season.

No. 1: Evil Dead Rise
About: Few films surprised me as much this year as Evil Dead Rise. I wasn’t sure we needed another return to this world, nor was I taken with the trailer. But once I was into the film, the confined space and the well-crafted story sold me. Lee Cronin delivers a tightly wound story and a beautifully directed film, while Anna-Maree Thomas and Lily Sullivan are great in the lead roles. This is deeply unsettling in the best way.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.