10 Most Overrated Horror Films Of The Past 20 Years

9. The Babadook

Scream Babadook
Causeway Films

What The Critics Said: “One of the strongest, most effective horror films of recent years, with awards-quality lead work from Essie Davis and a brilliantly-designed new monster who could well become the break-out spook archetype of the decade.” (Empire)

Why They’re Wrong: Have you seen Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark (2010), Mama (2013), Insidious (2010), The Possession (2012), The Orphanage (2007) or any other movie where a parent battles to save their child from a supernatural predator? If not, then you’ll probably agree with the critics, but if you have, then you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about.

The Babadook isn’t different enough from those to stand out, but it is “respectable” enough for critics to take notice, which means that it’s accomplished and worthy, but not much fun, particularly when you know where the story’s going.

Contributor

Ian Watson is the author of 'Midnight Movie Madness', a 600+ page guide to "bad" movies from 'Reefer Madness' to 'Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead.'