Horror movies have long been a staple of cinema, attracting audiences with their thrilling plots, chilling atmospheres, and shocks that linger long after the credits roll. As we look toward the future, some modern horror films possess that unique blend of storytelling, originality, and execution that gives them the potential to become classics. Here’s a list of 11 modern horror movies that could be revered by audiences in 20 years.

1.”Get Out” (2017) – Jordan Peele’s directorial debut is a brilliant social commentary wrapped in an unnerving horror package. Its exploration of race-relation anxieties in an ostensibly post-racial America has already earmarked it for classic status.

2.”The Witch” (2015) – Robert Eggers’ atmospheric tale set in 17th-century New England is as haunting as it is beautiful. Its slow-burning tension and commitment to period detail offer a horror experience that feels both archaic and timelessly unsettling.

3.”Hereditary” (2018) – This harrowing tale of grief and family heritage from Ari Aster is packed with disturbing imagery and a transformative lead performance by Toni Collette. Its psychological depth could secure its future as a horror masterwork.

4.”A Quiet Place” (2018) – With its inventive premise requiring silence to avoid predatory creatures, John Krasinski’s film delivers intense suspense and emotional storytelling that resonates with a wide audience.

5.”It Follows” (2014) – David Robert Mitchell created a modern metaphor for STDs and youth paranoia with this stylish indie film. Its relentless entity and unique rules make it stand out in the horror genre.

6.”The Babadook” (2014) – Jennifer Kent’s portrayal of motherhood and mental illness through the lens of a dark fairy tale has earned critical acclaim and widespread acknowledgment as an innovative force in horror cinema.

7.”Midsommar” (2019) – Another entry from Ari Aster showcases daylight horror at its finest. The bright, pastoral setting contrasts vividly with the film’s underlying dread, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.

8.”The Conjuring” (2013) – James Wan’s contribution to supernatural horror has not only launched a franchise but also rekindled interest in haunted house stories with its compelling narrative based on real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.

9.”Train to Busan” (2016) – Yeon Sang-ho’s South Korean zombie flick reinvigorates the undead genre by combining socio-political allegory with edge-of-your-seat action sequences aboard a speeding train.

10.”The Cabin in the Woods” (2011) – Drew Goddard’s meta-horror satire plays with genre tropes while delivering its own unique brand of terror, making for an experience that is both familiar yet refreshingly novel.

11.”Us” (2019) – Jordan Peele’s second feature delves into doppelgänger terror and societal division with clever twists and nail-biting suspense, securing Peele’s reputation as one of modern horror’s most influential voices.

These movies have not simply scared audiences; they’ve sparked conversations, inspired debate, and showcased filmmaking prowess that will likely stand the test of time. In two decades, these titles could very well be the new classics that future generations reference as benchmarks for the genre.