Saw, The Grudge, and The Village among 8 scary movies turning 20 this year

As a child of the 90’s and early 2000’s, I can vividly remember the sheer excitement that each new movie release brought to my small town cinema. Looking back at 2004, it was a golden year for genre movies, a time when Hollywood still dared to take risks and invest in original, mid-budget films. It was during this era that we were treated to some truly memorable gems, like the ones I’m about to share with you.

2004, in retrospect, brings a tinge of melancholy. It felt like a parallel universe of sorts to today’s cinema, filled with sequels and franchises as they are now. Yet, it held a charm that resonates deeply because it was an age when Hollywood produced more original, mid-budget films, movies that were not just part of a series but stood on their own merit.

2004 marked a remarkable year for horror and cult films, as it brought us the remake of “The Grudge,” the inception of the “Saw” series, and the fan-favorite “Shaun of the Dead.” All in all, this year proved to be surprisingly strong in terms of genre cinema.

Here are eight of our favorite scary movies turning 20 this year.

1. Saw

Twenty years have passed, and the “Saw” series continues to captivate audiences. Launched in 2004 with direction from Leigh Whannell and James Wan, it ignited what developed into one of the bloodiest and most divisive horror movie franchises ever made.

It can be entertaining to revisit the origins of the Saw series at times, stepping away from the complicated traps and heavy violence that characterized the later films, back to when it all started: a chilling serial killer with a run-down bathroom as his stage and an unexpected, jaw-dropping climax.

2. The Grudge

Back in the early 2000s, I found myself captivated by Hollywood’s newfound fascination with reimagining classic Japanese horror films, such as Ringu and Ju-On, as mid-budget American remakes. The Grudge remake, though fondly remembered today, was not the sole originator of this trend; it was actually The Ring (2002) that set the stage. However, The Grudge’s unexpected box office success undeniably contributed to the longevity of this wave in horror cinema.

A year after Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s final episode, fans eagerly anticipated Sarah Michelle Gellar in a new movie. Particularly intriguing was the prospect of a chilling horror film, especially one featuring her iconic, creaky-voiced death sound effect.

3. Shaun of the Dead

As a huge fan of British humor and a devotee of Edgar Wright’s work, I wholeheartedly agree with the many critics and fans who hail this film as one of the greatest comedies ever made and a cherished cult classic. Having grown up in the UK, I have always appreciated the witty banter and intricate storylines that characterize the comedies produced by Wright and his collaborator, Simon Pegg. Together with Hot Fuzz and The World’s End, this film forms an integral part of their Cornetto trilogy, a collection of movies that never fails to leave me in stitches. The trio’s clever writing and impeccable execution have earned them a special place in my heart, and I eagerly await each new release with bated breath.

4. Dawn of the Dead

These days, Zack Snyder often faces criticism for movies like Batman v Superman, his version of Justice League, and more recently, Rebel Moon. However, it’s important to note that his directorial debut was a surprisingly well-liked and impressive remake of George A. Romero’s legendary 1978 film.

5. The Village

Much like many films by M. Night Shyamalan, the movie The Village was my first significant exploration into horror and folk horror genres, making it a memorable experience for me. The story unfolds in an 1800s village where the inhabitants are terrified of the woods, believing them to be inhabited by dreadful creatures called “Those We Don’t Speak Of.” A pivotal moment compels someone from this sheltered community to venture beyond their secure boundaries in search of medicine. This journey might uncover truths that challenge everything they believed about their home.

6. Seed of Chucky

Similar to numerous Child’s Play movies, Seed of Chucky garnered mixed opinions from critics but remains beloved by many fans due to its increased focus on Chucky and Tiffany’s adventures, as well as the debut of their child, Glen/Glenda. Notably, it was the final film in the primary Child’s Play series to be screened in theaters until the 2019 remake.

7. Alien vs. Predator

As a passionate fan, I’ve been buzzing with excitement lately over the resurfaced discussions about Alien vs. Predator, primarily fueled by the recent acclaim of Alien: Romulus and director Fede Alvarez hinting at a potential collaboration with Prey’s director Dan Trachtenberg. Given that the real-life Predator is known for its species-hunting prowess, it seems fitting that the Xenomorphs would find themselves in the crosshairs, making an Alien vs. Predator showdown an intriguing concept to revisit alongside my Alien movie marathons.

8. Blade: Trinity

A movie that’s been mentioned a lot lately, especially recently, is “Blade: Trinity,” released in 2004. This film is significant because it featured Ryan Reynolds and more importantly, in 2024, Reynolds managed to convince Wesley Snipes to reprise his role as Blade for the movie titled “Deadpool vs. Wolverine.”

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