What were the most unforgettable moments for horror in 2023?

Last Updated on December 29, 2023

2023 ended up being another solid year for the horror genre. And we folks over at JoBlo Horror Originals wanted to do things a bit differently and look back at the moments we found to be the most unforgettable. To discuss the series of events that left fans both exhilarated and unsettled. From industry strikes to iconic comebacks and unexpected controversies, the year was a rollercoaster ride for horror enthusiasts, and you know what? Definitely worth looking back on. So, before the clock strikes twelve and the earth becomes a year older, let’s delve into the most memorable moments that defined the horror landscape in 2023.

80s Horror Memories: JoBlo’s Ambitious Project

In a personal milestone for horror fans, JoBlo Horror Originals (a movie page run by movie fans) embarked on its most ambitious project yet, ’80s Horror Memories. It’s a series that primarily focuses on paying homage to the nostalgic allure of ’80s Horror and our connection to it. This expansive endeavor, lasting all ten years of the decade, serves as a journey back in time, celebrating the classics that shaped the genre and the fans who grew up in it. Here, we aim to preserve and honor the legacy of ’80s Horror and show how it resonated with fans, us, and the culture. JoBlo Horror Originals fosters a sense of community and shared appreciation for the genre’s roots. We love Horror, talk about Horror, and have a great respect for producing horror content. This project became a celebration of the past and a testament to the enduring influence of ’80s Horror on the community and its fans.

Best Buy Abandons Physical Media: A Blow to Horror Collectors

A seismic shift occurred for horror fans with the disheartening news that Best Buy would no longer sell physical media. For many, Best Buy was a brick-and-mortar haven for physical media. The Steelbox exclusives alone were 99% of the reason Best Buy was even a part of my existence. But as often in life, times had changed. The removal of DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K movies marked the end of an era. The impact of Best Buy’s decision rippled through the horror community, forcing fans to adapt to a changing landscape where the tangible connection to their favorite genre became more elusive. Of course, we have great boutique labels like Second Sight, Arrow, and Shout Factory, to name a few, but seeing Best Buy give up was a brutal and honest life moment. Nothing lasts forever, friends. Remember, when you stream or even buy digital, you never own. You’re just renting the idea of having something you love. It’s
never truly yours. And so here we are, left to navigate an increasingly virtual realm when all of us collectors just want the damn movie sitting neatly on our shelves.

Saw X: Breaking New Ground

The Saw franchise returned triumphantly with Saw X. A pretty big feat considering Spiral: From the Book of Saw, with the talents of Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson, was literally meant to restart the series and bring it into a new era. But it sputtered at the box office, got mediocre reviews, and wasn’t the return to form we all had hoped for. But Saw X was different. It surprised me how solid a movie it was. Audiences and critics seemed to agree. Tobin Bell returned, and boy, he came out swinging, giving a heartfelt and outstanding performance. Coupled with a well-received storyline, which elevated the film beyond the typical schlock the later sequels had set, Saw X was what Spiral hoped to be: A fan favorite. It marked a turning point, proving that even long-running horror franchises could still deliver fresh, compelling stories. This revitalization of Saw pleased long-time fans and attracted a new audience, redefining the franchise’s place in contemporary Horror. We all love a comeback story.

Scream 6/Scream 7 Fallout: Behind-the-Scenes Chaos

With Scream 5 being a return to form (though 4 is far better than most would like to admit), Radio Silence came in and reinvigorated the franchise, putting it back as a franchise juggernaut. Scream 6 continued with commercial success and critical acclaim, but a storm was brewing behind the scenes. The demand for higher pay by Jenna Ortega created a standoff with Screen Gems, showcasing the challenges of aligning financial interests within the film industry. It may come as a great surprise, but Spyglass Media Group, an LLC, gets cheap regarding talent not coded as a CEO. But the bigger story is that of Melissa Barrera’s statements on the Israel-Palestine conflict. We’re not ones to get into politics, so that’s all we will say, but because of said posts, Melissa was let go from the series. The fallout demonstrated the challenges of politics and social media in the horror community. The major change is that Scream would now need to go through, as part 7 was aiming to close out the Carpenter saga.

Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair’s Return in The Exorcist: Believer

The Exorcist: Believer may have received some harsh and brunt reviews (though our own Tyler Nichols has made a strong case in favor of it). But it undeniably made headlines with two legendary actresses—Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair—returning to their iconic roles. On a side note, we should give some love and acknowledgment to the fantastic director of the original, whom we lost earlier in 2023. The hilarious and forever cool Mr. William Freidkin.
You’ll be missed, sir. As each year goes by, we need to appreciate the legends we have left, and whether you liked or hated The Exorcist: Believer, it was still a blast seeing both these titans of the ’70s back in the world of Pazuzu. While the film itself may not have lived up to the lofty expectations set by its predecessor, the triumphant return of Burstyn and Blair added a layer of nostalgia and some needed heart (if it worked or not is up to you) for the genre, reminding audiences of the lasting impact of Horror and why we still talk about The Exorcist, all these years later.

The SAG Strikes: Indie Horror’s Resilience

The echoes of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and Writers Guild strikes reverberated through the film industry, causing disruptions in all major studio productions. And, to be clear, good. The time had come to shift the paradigm and start paying people fairly. And Hollywood accounting be damned, for once, the good guy got a win. However, indie Horror emerged amidst the chaos as a beacon of change and hope. While bigger studios were dragging their Gucci shoes, the strikes inadvertently highlighted the ferocity of independent horror filmmakers. And who, unburdened by the constraints of the studio system bullsh*t, showcased their ability to adapt swiftly. Why? Because they could agree to the fair demands set by the union, and as Horror always does, they saved the day. A prime example was A24, a studio that navigated the strikes seamlessly, agreeing to terms promptly and resuming filming without missing a beat. Horror could not only survive but thrive beyond the conventional studio structures. Big surprise, but Horror won.