The 2000s was a decade that saw the resurgence of many horror subgenres, from zombies to supernatural hauntings. Fans of the macabre were treated to a plethora of films that thrilled, chilled, and revolutionized the horror landscape. Picking the best horror film for each year is no easy task, but here’s a distilled list representing some of the most influential and spine-tingling features from each year in the 2000s.

2000: “American Psycho” – Mary Harron’s adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel is a satirical psychological slasher that dives into the mind of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York City investment banker with a murderous alter ego.

2001: “The Others” – This gothic tale starring Nicole Kidman centers around a war-widowed mother and her children who are convinced their home is haunted. The film employs psychological horror over gratuitous gore and ends with an unforgettable twist.

2002: “28 Days Later” – Directed by Danny Boyle, this post-apocalyptic thriller reinvigorated the zombie genre with its depiction of an England decimated by a highly contagious virus, birthing fast-moving, rage-infected undead.

2003: “Saw” – James Wan’s directorial debut unleashed one of the most memorable horror antagonists in recent decades—Jigsaw. This low-budget shocker started one of the most successful horror franchises with its blend of gruesome traps and psychological gamesmanship.

2004: “Shaun of the Dead” – Edgar Wright’s horror-comedy presents an endearing parody and tribute to zombie films while successfully being both hilarious and terrifying, truly earning its place as a cult classic.

2005: “The Descent” – Neil Marshall’s intense spelunking adventure takes a dark turn when a group of women encounter flesh-eating creatures underground. It’s claustrophobic, gory, and relentless.

2006: “Pan’s Labyrinth” – Guillermo del Toro crafts this dark fairy tale set against post-civil war Spain, blending historical drama with fantasy elements to create an eerie and moving film featuring haunting creatures and great moral complexity.

2007: “[REC]” – This Spanish found-footage horror brought new life to both the zombie and found-footage genres. It’s incredibly tense navigation through a quarantined apartment building overflows with jump scares and palpable dread.

2008: “Let the Right One In” – This Swedish film offers a fresh take on vampire lore within the context of a touching friendship between two children. Its stark cinematography beautifully complements its blend of innocence and brutality.

2009: “Drag Me to Hell” – Sam Raimi returns to his horror roots with this over-the-top tale about a curse. It’s packed with his trademark mix of campy humor and scary sequences likely to make you laugh as much as you jump.