The horror genre has a special way of captivating audiences, pulling them into dark, twisted narratives that invoke fear, tension, and suspense. From supernatural hauntings to psychological thrillers, horror movies allow viewers to experience the extremes of fear within the safety of their own seats. In 2016 and 2017, the horror genre saw a surge of creativity, with filmmakers pushing the boundaries of traditional scares to bring audiences a blend of new terrors and reimagined classics. This essay delves into some of the best upcoming horror films of 2016 and 2017, highlighting their trailers and why these films were among the most anticipated in the genre.
1. It (2017): The Return of Pennywise the Clown
One of the most highly anticipated horror films of 2017 was the adaptation of Stephen King’s It. The original 1990 miniseries left an indelible mark on the genre, but this new version promised to bring even more terror to the screen with cutting-edge special effects and a darker tone. Directed by Andy Muschietti, It introduces a new generation to Pennywise, the terrifying clown who preys on the fears of children in the small town of Derry.
The trailer for It was a masterclass in tension-building. The opening sequence, with the iconic scene of Georgie chasing his paper boat down a rainy street, instantly sets the stage for dread. As the camera pans to the storm drain, revealing Pennywise lurking below, audiences knew they were in for a terrifying experience. The trailer gave just enough glimpses of the horror without revealing too much, leaving viewers intrigued by the deadly encounters between the Losers’ Club and their childhood nightmares.
2. The Conjuring 2 (2016): A Sequel Worth Fearing
James Wan’s The Conjuring (2013) set a new standard for supernatural horror, combining strong storytelling with jump scares that lingered long after the credits rolled. In 2016, The Conjuring 2 arrived as one of the most anticipated horror films, following paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they tackle the terrifying Enfield poltergeist case in London.
The trailer for The Conjuring 2 expertly teased the film’s chilling atmosphere, focusing on the eerie setting of a haunted house in suburban London. One of the trailer’s standout moments came when a young girl is possessed, speaking in a deep, demonic voice that contrasts with her innocent appearance. Wan’s signature visual style, with long, creeping camera movements and sudden jumps in tension, was on full display, promising audiences another nerve-shattering experience. The marketing emphasized the film’s “based on true events” narrative, making the horrors feel even more real and intense.
3. Don’t Breathe (2016): Fear of the Blind Man
Unlike traditional horror films that rely on supernatural entities or haunted houses, Don’t Breathe (2016) took a different approach by making its terror feel disturbingly real. Directed by Fede Álvarez, this home-invasion thriller follows three young criminals who break into the house of a blind man, only to discover that their intended victim is far more dangerous than they could have imagined.
The trailer for Don’t Breathe immediately stood out for its claustrophobic tension. Instead of relying on typical horror tropes, it presented the antagonist—the blind man—as a formidable threat who can hear every movement. The trailer skillfully used sound and silence to heighten suspense, with long, quiet moments broken by sudden bursts of violence. The fear came not from the unknown, but from the terrifying presence of the blind man hunting his would-be invaders. It was a fresh take on the genre, offering a heart-pounding, adrenaline-filled experience that left audiences breathless.
4. Lights Out (2016): Fear of the Dark Revitalized
Horror films often play on our primal fears, and few things are more universally terrifying than the dark. Lights Out (2016), directed by David F. Sandberg, expanded on the idea of darkness as a source of terror, bringing a malevolent spirit that only appears in the dark to life. Based on Sandberg’s viral short film of the same name, Lights Out quickly became one of the most anticipated horror releases of 2016.
The trailer for Lights Out was simple yet extremely effective, showcasing the central premise: a ghostly figure that appears and disappears when the lights are turned off. This straightforward but terrifying concept was amplified by clever editing, as characters repeatedly flicked the lights on and off, only to have the figure creep closer each time the room went dark. The trailer successfully conveyed a sense of helplessness and dread, leaving audiences wary of what could be lurking just out of sight in their own homes. By tapping into the universal fear of the dark, Lights Out promised a nightmarish experience that left viewers questioning the safety of their own environments.
5. Split (2017): Psychological Horror at Its Best
M. Night Shyamalan returned to form in 2017 with Split, a psychological horror film that blended suspense, thriller elements, and horror in a way only Shyamalan can. The story follows Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man with 23 distinct personalities, one of which is far more dangerous than the rest. Played brilliantly by James McAvoy, the film explores the terrifying potential of the human mind.
The trailer for Split showcased McAvoy’s extraordinary ability to switch between personalities with chilling ease. From the child-like Hedwig to the threatening Patricia, the trailer teased audiences with glimpses of Kevin’s fractured psyche while maintaining an air of mystery around the impending 24th personality—The Beast. What made the trailer stand out was its psychological tension, combined with the classic Shyamalan twist that left viewers eagerly awaiting the full revelation. The trailer masterfully avoided revealing too much, ensuring that Split would be a film full of surprises and scares.
6. Annabelle: Creation (2017): The Doll Returns
As part of The Conjuring universe, Annabelle: Creation (2017) aimed to delve deeper into the origin story of the terrifying doll that haunted audiences in previous films. Directed by David F. Sandberg, the film was both a prequel and a fresh take on the Annabelle legend, promising a more intense and horrifying experience than its predecessor.
The trailer for Annabelle: Creation skillfully built anticipation by slowly revealing the doll’s malevolent influence. It played on classic horror themes—creepy dolls, haunted houses, and demonic possession—but injected new energy into these concepts through effective pacing and the strategic use of scares. The eerie music box and unsettling visuals of Annabelle lurking in the shadows made for a chilling preview, setting the stage for another haunting entry in the Conjuring universe.
7. The Witch (2016): A Slow-Burning Nightmare
The Witch (2016), directed by Robert Eggers, brought a unique and atmospheric approach to horror, exploring the horrors of religious paranoia, isolation, and supernatural forces in 17th-century New England. It wasn’t the typical jump-scare-laden film but rather a slow-burn psychological horror that relied on atmosphere and tension.
The trailer for The Witch captured the unsettling tone of the film perfectly. The isolated setting, combined with haunting visuals of a family falling apart under the weight of fear and suspicion, made for a deeply unnerving preview. Instead of relying on traditional horror elements, the trailer used cryptic dialogue, eerie silence, and unsettling imagery to build a sense of dread. For viewers seeking horror that lingers long after the film ends, The Witch was an artfully crafted nightmare.
