While there are many classic horror movies from the '70s, '80s, and '90s, there are some modern classics from the 2000s as well. Although some franchises continued, with Scream 3 being released in 2000 and continuing on the story of Ghostface, there are some stand-alone films about ghosts, home intruders, and a teenage girl who turns into a demon.
Although horror fans tend to consider movies from past decades to be timeless, and there are definitely some overly cheesy 2000s films, there a few movies from this time period that still feel exciting and nostalgic to watch.
Final Destination (2000)
With Final Destination's death scenes and the premise that Death finds the people who have been on its radar, this is one horror franchise that has endured for several decades. With Final Destination 6 happening, it's a great time to revisit the original movie from 2000.
When Alex Browning (Devon Sawa) has a vision that the plane that his class is taking to Paris will crash, he warns everyone and races off, but no one believes him. Alex turns out to be right on the money and this sets up the franchise about characters who cheat Death and then are killed in wild ways later on. Since this idea is so good, the movies feel timeless and can be watched anytime.
The Others (2001)
The Others is a different haunted house horror movie as it has a massive twist and a story that will never go out of style. Set in 1945, Grace Stewart (Nicole Kidman) lives in a gorgeous mansion and feels that there are ghosts surrounding her. She's totally freaked out, which is understandable, but when audiences find out what's really going on, it's hard to overstate what an intelligent and well-planned out reveal this is.
Since the movie has a classic setting, it will never feel dated, and the fact that it's set in the '40s also helps since people can watch this film anytime and be scared and entertained. When compared to other ghost stories or movies about creepy old houses with spirits, The Others stands out.
The Grudge (2004)
The Grudge is a unique horror film about ghosts and it's another 2000s movie that is classic and timeless. It will never feel dated as the story of a heartbreaking curse will always feel sad and also scary.
Sarah Michelle Gellar's character Karen Davis spends time in Tokyo and soon becomes terrified as she becomes aware of a spirit named Kayako. Karen finds out about a tragic family story and the curses that happen when a murder occurs and there is a lot of emotion during the incident. The Grudge will feel unnerving no matter when someone watches it and it's a well-made movie with some truly, genuinely freaky moments.
The Strangers (2008)
While The Strangers was released in 2008, it could have hit movie theaters in any year or decade since the concept is simple and to the point: a couple is staying at a country house and masked strangers show up at their front door.
The Strangers is a super scary 2000s movie since Kristen McKay (Liv Tyler) and James Hoyt (Scott Speedman) are told that they're being tormented "because they were home." This is a frightening line that will likely stay with anyone who has watched this film. The movie really digs into the horrors of being home alone (or being with someone else but being totally isolated, as the couple is here) and all of the possible things that could go wrong. Is there anything more frightening than imagining good people being at the wrong place at the wrong time? When horror fans look back on this decade, The Strangers should definitely feel like one of the most classic stories.
Jennifer's Body (2009)
It's easy to see why Jennifer's Body needs a TV show as there is so much happening here. An underrated teen horror movie, Jennifer's Body talks about topics like teenage hormones, sex, growing older, friendship, and popularity. As Needy Lesnicki (Amanda Seyfried) sees her best friend Jennifer Check (Megan Fox) turning into a demon after a horrible incident with a pretentious band, both of their lives are altered and not in a good way.
As Needy attempts to help her pal, Jennifer proves that she is evil now and too far gone, and Needy even ends up in a facility because of it. The movie has a smart, twist ending and a lot to say about how toxic some friendships can be. The movie's themes are relatable and intelligent, ensuring that Jennifer's Body will never feel too dated to enjoy. The movie manages to feel like a solid horror movie that also has so much to say about high school life and how bad it can be.