The best horror movies of the 2000s

period for scary movies.

(Ironically, it was also a great decade for horror-comedy.)

Whether mainstream audiences and critics werereadyfor the most innovative horror work of the ’00s is another story.

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Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Game changers likeShaun of the Deadonly come around so often.

But for a PG-13 rated horror movie, it’s surprisingly intense and freaky as well also classic Raimi.

You’ll feel for her and be afraid of her at the same time.

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REC (2007)

Found footage horror came back with a vengeance in the ’00s.

But few films in the subgenre can compete with the original 2007RECin terms of edge-of-your-seat excitement.

No one’s heard of Leslie yet, mind you.

Christian Bale in ‘American Psycho’.Everett Collection

Wisecrack expertsElizabeth Banks andNathan Fillionco-star in this wild, goopy, often laugh-out-loud hilarious ride.

Pontypool (2008)

Not content with one inventive twist, the low-budget Canadian horror thrillerPontypoolhas two.

Then there’s the way the virus spreads.

Focus Features

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Doane Gregory/Fox

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Alex Bailey/Lionsgate

Magnolia Pictures

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Peter Mountain/Searchlight Pictures

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Xanadeux

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Chris Helcermanas-Benge/Universal

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Miroslaw Baszak/IFC Films