10 Terrifying Horror Movies Starring MCU Actors

Mike Flannagan, who is known for some great work on titles like The Haunting of Hill House, Gerald's Game and Doctor Sleep is no stranger to terrifying projects, but Oculus has to rank as one of his most unexpected hits. The film's presentation made it appear to be nothing more than a run of the mill paranormal horror, but it does so much more and stands out as an incredible piece of terrifying cinema.

Based on Flannagan's critically acclaimed short film of the same name, Oculus follows Kaylie - Karen Gillan - as she attempts to exonerate her brother who was falsely accused of murdering their parents. To do this, she sets out to prove the supernatural influences of an antique mirror that has brought destruction to her family. The narrative splits between Kaylie and her brother as adults, and flashbacks to their childhood.

The concept of a movie about a haunted mirror sounds completely absurd, but the film is incredibly smart, as it plays to the tension of the set-up instead of gore or cheap scares. As everything progresses, the scenario becomes increasingly hostile, and the shock ending is one you won't soon forget.

It is all glued together incredibly well by Gillan in the lead, who acts as a brilliant anchor for the narrative and plays her role to perfection. It's also nice to see in a movie not covered head to toe in blue.