Why 'Beau Is Afraid' Was Just Named the 'Scariest Horror Movie of the 2020s'
Over the last several years, there have been so many horror masterpieces that the 2020s seem poised to accomplish something many previously thought was impossible. The genre is on such an impressive winning streak that the decade could surpass the 1980s as the golden age of scary movies. That is why it is so fascinating that a new ranking of the scariest 2020s horror movies has chosen such an unexpected film to top the list.
Why the Film Topped the New Ranking
The 2020s have produced some truly fantastic horror movies, including Weapons, Sinners, Heretic, The Invisible Man, Barbarian, Longlegs, The Black Phone, and The Menu, among others. With so many stellar scary movies released, the competition to be called the best of the bunch since 2020 is incredibly fierce. That makes it amazing that when a brand new ranking was just published, none of the obvious choices topped the list.
On June 16, 2026, WhatCulture published its list of the "scariest horror movie of the 2020s." In a surprising move, the outlet chose the 2023 Ari Aster movie Beau Is Afraid as No. 1. Perhaps the perfect proof of how shocking the choice was is the fact that the outlet's explanation begins with noting some people might quibble with calling it a horror movie at all. From there, the film was described as "one of cinema's best-ever depictions of the utterly crushing, life-ruining potential of anxiety." WhatCulture also described the film as a "walking nightmare" and praised Beau Is Afraid for its "sheer ballsy unpredictability."
Because it is an incredibly surreal movie, there is no doubt that Beau Is Afraid is an unsettling viewing experience that surprises people even after they expect the unexpected. Held together by Joaquin Phoenix's stunning performance and Ari Aster's singular direction, anyone who gives themselves over to it may feel the intended anxiety.
Still, there is no denying that WhatCulture's choice of Beau Is Afraid as the "scariest horror movie of the 2020s" will surprise a lot of people who love fearsome films. After all, instead of feeling scared or anxious, many viewers react to the film with overwhelming confusion. Additionally, its roughly three-hour runtime can leave some coping with boredom. That is why it currently has a 6.6/10 IMDb rating and a 71% Popcornmeter score, both of which come from user ratings. The film is also divisive among critics, with its Tomatometer score currently sitting at 67% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Next: This 1980s Horror Movie Was Named the Greatest Ever-and It Still Terrifies Fans
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 11:57 AM.