The Twilight Zone reboot took to screens from 2019-2020, shown on CBS. It reflected the same spirit as its predecessor. This anthology series is responsible for some of the most terrifying, intriguing, and shocking stories of all time. Sterling is known for challenging stereotypes, opening up discussions on difficult topics, as well as iconic twists. Strong characters are front and center, these are covered in a watertight story to awaken the senses. From Science Fiction through to fantasy and horror, this series had it all.
Unfortunately, there are no plans for The Twilight Zone to be lighting up screens again anytime soon, but thankfully this iconic show ignited the flames and set the wheels in motion for other shows to stand up and push the boundaries in a similar way.
10 The Martyrs (2008)
Although this film might well divide the audience, it is a great choice for fans of psychological horror. This French-Canadian film covers abduction, torture, and revenge. A woman’s pursuit of retribution takes her and her friend on a harrowing, life-changing journey when she tracks down the family who tortured her as a child. Films such as this, which continue to have power over thoughts and feelings, especially after the credits, are worth a watch. This is not for the faint-hearted, with a hard-hitting story this isn’t far away from the compelling rollercoaster of emotions felt in The Twilight Zone series.
9 The Invitation (2015)
A scary American horror focusing on the turbulent journey of unrest, suffering, and suspicion. This might be a slow burn intensity horror, but it’s worth every second. Will, a divorcee, is grief-stricken after the death of his young son. He is forced to face his past and attend a dinner party with his ex-wife at his old family home. This is an emotive film about grief, and the horrors which entwine such impactful emotions. Similar to The Twilight Zone, this tension-filled film examines what is fantasy and what is reality, paving the way for a more in-depth, true, and unfiltered understanding of the impact of grief.
8 Timecrimes (2007)
Timecrimes breaks through the barriers of stereotypical horror, uncovering a wealth of disasters, mistakes, and undeniable thought-provoking action. For a low-budget film to take on such a story and succeed is impressive. For fans who enjoy the concept of time-travel, this film takes it to new heights in true Sterling style. This story would have easily given The Twilight Zone a run for its money.
7 It Follows (2014)
Another psychological horror provoking emotions from beyond. The feeling plagues Jay that someone’s following her after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter. She finds herself a victim of a ‘sexually transmitted haunting’, which is now waiting in the shadows. The idea of being haunted from a sexual encounter seems a strange concept, perhaps even a double meaning. But It Follows takes this premise and delves deeper, reeling in the audience captivating emotions and tensions. As with The Twilight Zone, this film covers tough subjects of sex, growing up, and responsibilities, dividing the audience’s opinions. It Follows is in the same vein as The Twilight Zone, aiming to shock its fans with heightened anticipation, questionable morals, and unimaginable twists.
6 Alien Raiders (2008)
Nothing says The Twilight Zone more than second-guessing the plot. A supermarket becomes the center of attention when a group of masked people enter and take hostages. While it might look like a robbery, it soon becomes clear, this is something else. The title might not be enticing, but suffice to say, this simple premise is expertly executed and is yet another example of a low-budget horror not bound by constraints. This movie mixes the genres of horror, sci-fi, and action into one fantastic unmissable package. The beauty of The Twilight Zone was that the ‘monster’ could take on any form, sometimes hidden in plain sight. Alien Raiders does exactly that, forcing its fans to come out of their comfort zone and enter a new dimension.
5 Get Out (2017)
A thought-provoking horror from the man himself, Jordan Peele, narrator of the 2019/2020 series of The Twilight Zone. This provocative film manipulates expectations, leaving fans in mental turmoil. It cleverly challenges stereotypes and racism by following a Black man and a White woman as they fall in love, and she introduces him to her family. Be prepared for the unpleasant and the uncomfortable. While parts of Get Out might be hard to watch, its social importance is undeniable. Fans of The Twilight Zone can bathe in the familiar emotive social relevance and honesty of this highly regarded indie production.
4 Green Room (2015)
What happens when one inadvertently witnesses a serious act of violence? Well, that’s exactly what happened to this punk band. How will they escape the inevitable terror which follows them? Littered with brutality, Green Room is relentless in its approach, but for such a chaotically savage film, the characters, with their fine casting, manage to reel the audience in with their complexity. The tension breaks momentarily for the witty one-liners expertly timed for a moment of respite, to instantly bring the audience back with heart-thumping tension. This may not be the crème de la crème of horror, but it is certainly a triumphant edge-of-the-seat film.
3 Goodnight Mommy (2014)
Twin brothers are at the center of attention when their mother returns from cosmetic surgery. This isn’t a typical blood and guts horror movie, but it will still awaken every emotion. Is this their mother? Or is there something else going on? Sterling himself was renowned to take messages of social relevance and coat them in fantasy, and this film doesn’t disappoint. Delving into the dark depths of the mind, Goodnight Mommy addresses mental health in a way that can’t be ignored. Taking on relatable issues, this film shows the powerful impact mental health has, whilst delivering the true horrors of this world. The Twilight Zone fans will appreciate the twists and turns of this film. It might not deliver on all levels, but it certainly ranks in the emotive stakes. Goodnight Mommy deserves a place in the hall of fame for psychological horror.
2 Train To Busan (2016)
Fans of zombie movies will love Train To Busan. This action-packed horror brings a freshness to the typical zombie-style movie like never before. A train journey turns into the journey from hell, as the apocalypse starts and most of the world’s inhabitants are turned into flesh-eating zombies. Is it fight or flight? As with any true zombie movie worth its salt, the fight begins.
This intense and personal journey allows fans to immerse themselves in not only the action, but also the relationships and lives of the passengers. Just as Sterling would have done, this film goes beyond the horror-zombie limitations to deliver a highly rated, emotive, thought-provoking zombie film.
1 Bone Tomahawk (2015)
For fans of horrors and westerns, this film is perfect. Set in a peaceful Western town, fans are led through a high-intensity, terrifying and nail-biting plot after a group of cannibals are brought into this quiet part of the West. Audiences who are looking for blood-curdling violence, won’t be disappointed. While this might lack in a few areas, especially with fans of horror who might find it more predictable, Bone Tomahawk shouldn’t be written off so easily. The style is uniquely intense, with the characters and story solely responsible for carrying the audience’s attention. The sinister, eerie feeling is heightened by the lack of music. Just as in The Twilight Zone, this film relies on the hard-hitting, blood-thirsty drama to make the action come alive capturing the essence of the film.
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