Top 10 Horror Performances Of 2023
Horror performances have long been overlooked by the Oscars. A multi-genre hit like Silence of the Lambs and Get Out will sometimes catch the Academy’s eye, but for the most part the major awards skew heavily toward Dramas and multi-genre films.
Notable performance snubs include classics like Mia Farrow in Rosemary’s Baby and Jack Nicholson in The Shining, and modern snubs like Lupita Nyong'o in Us, Toni Collette in Hereditary, and Mia Goth in Pearl. Though each of these performances received extensive praise, and left a lasting impression, it feels like the most prestigious film awards did not even consider them.
So with the Oscars this Sunday, it seemed like a great time to highlight some of the best horror performances of the year. If you haven’t seen the films mentioned, go check them out!
10. Sophie Thatcher, The Boogeyman
The Boogeyman is a great paranormal horror led by up-and-coming actress Sophie Thatcher. She’s mastered the brooding teenager with her role in Yellow Jackets and brings that same energy to The Boogeyman. Family drama interspersed throughout the film shows Thatcher’s range.
9. Kristine Kujath Thorp, Sick of Myself
Kristine Kujath Thorp gives a twisted, darkly comedic performance in Sick of Myself. A satirical horror film that doesn’t hold back on the awkward tension, Thorp’s ability to portray the intense ego of the central character is really masterful.
8. Ezequiel Rodríguez, When Evil Lurks
Unsettling does not begin to describe When Evil Lurks. It’s not a film for the faint of heart. A myriad of emotions throughout, Ezequiel Rodríguez pours himself into this performance and the horrors befalling his character.
7. Kaitlyn Dever, No One Will Save You
No One Will Save You has very little dialogue but that doesn’t hold Kaitlyn Dever back from giving a dynamic performance. Dever had already proven herself in the Comedy genre with Booksmart and Rosaline, and now she’s shown she has the chops for Horror too.
6. Lizzy Caplan, Cobweb
Lizzy Caplan gives a wonderfully eerie performance in Cobweb. The film itself is a bit flawed, but Caplan embodies the anxious, mysterious mother so perfectly.
5. Alyssa Sutherland, Evil Dead Rise
This list would not be complete without Maggot Mommy. In Evil Dead Rise, Alyssa Sutherland’s creepy performance goes way beyond the makeup (which is also very creepy and well done). Sutherland’s ability to portray the possession is truly haunting.
4. Sarah Snook, Run Rabbit Run
A lot of great performances playing moms this year! Run Rabbit Run is a slower-paced horror that keeps you guessing. Sarah Snook captures the insecurities, paranoia, and spiral of this character so well. I haven’t seen Succession (I know, I know) but I can see why she’s gotten so much praise as an actor following it.
3. Ben Aldridge, Knock at the Cabin
Ben Aldridge manages to stand out amongst a great ensemble cast in Knock at the Cabin. There’s an emotional arc in the film that you don’t always find in horror films, and while Knock at the Cabin isn’t considered a horror by some, it’s a horrific situation that has a greater impact because of the performances. Aldridge portrays his character’s strong willpower so effectively.
2. Sophie Wilde, Talk to Me
Sophie Wilde gives an Oscar-worthy performance in Talk to Me. One of the strongest horror performances of the last decade. Her range, her emotion, how SCARY she is at times, it’s such a feat. Her career is definitely one to follow after this. Talk to Me is the scariest film on this list, so brace yourself if you haven’t watched it yet.
1. Kyle Gallner, The Passenger
The Passenger is not a traditional horror. There are no jump-scares. There are no creatures or masked intruders. It’s an existential horror; reflective, poignant, and uncomfortable. As the viewer you feel like the passenger and Kyle Gallner is the driver. You don’t know where he’s taking you. You don’t know what he’s after. And Gallner portrays all of that in a truly masterful way. He’s super talented and will undoubtedly continue to get great roles like this. If you enjoy slow-burn horror you need to watch The Passenger.
