2016 was a good year for horror films. There was a great deal of variety across the board and we saw the independent market for horror continue to grow and thrive as a legitimate way for films to gain exposure and reach audiences that are hungry for new quality material. I also loved how much love was shown between creators this year too. Everyone seemed to show eachother support and that was great to see. With the year winding down, the time has come to name our the films we considered the best of 2016. This list is by no means intended to be definitive or better than anyone else's, it's simply just what we enjoyed and why. Also keep in mind, that while some of these films may have been extremely limited releases in 2015, we are including them because they either went wide this year or have not yet done so and we saw them this year in festival premieres. So lets get right down to business.

FILM SUBMISSIONS OPEN FOR

3RD ANNUAL POPCORN FRIGHTS!

Attention filmmakers! We're proud to announce that submissions are officially open for the 3rd annual Popcorn Frights Film Festival, occurring August 11-17, 2017, at the landmark O Cinema theater in Wynwood, Miami. Don't miss your chance to have your film presented at Florida's Premiere genre film festival that receives national and local media recognition, and has featured films from many of the world's most renowned filmmakers!

Today we are sharing an article from our good friend Uncle TNUC about another pal of our's Steve Moore. Steve is the man responsible for the excellent score for the film The Guest, as well as one half of the awesome synthwave band Zombi. TNUC did such a good write up on Steve's latest superb score from the blast of a sci-fi horror film The Mind's Eye, that we felt compelled to share it.

 

Back in October (Can't believe it's already going to be Thanksgiving) we spotlighted Witching Season Films from writer/director Michael Ballif. Michael previously had released three short horror films under the banner and now he is back with Witching Season Films most ambitious yet in "They Live Inside Us"

Found Footage 3D is one of the most celebrated horror films of the year. It has been screening at festivals and special showings throughout the country to much acclaim. Our friend over at PromoteHorror.com recently had the chance to interview its director (and writer) Steven Degennaro.

Every year when we start out our October planning, we have a long list of things we want to do and achieve, sometimes everything falls into place and we get a majority of it done (2014) , other times circumstances dictate otherwise (2015) .

This year was kind of a mixed bag, as we absolutely wanted to get more photo shoots done, but with a busy weekend schedule and traveling, it left us with little time to accomplish them. Luckily the final shoot of October is full of enough Halloween spirit to close out the season in style.

One of my favorite traditions at TrueHorror.net is pepping our annual October Mixes. Last year's House of the Devil inspired mix received a great response and I was really happy with how it turned out. This year it took a bit longer for me to find inspiration, but soon enough it came in the form of  one of my favorite horror films, Fright Night and it's famous nightclub scene. 

Back in August we attended the Popcorn Frights Film Festival in Miami. The festival opened with a film I knew very little about, but ended up loving. That film as you probably figured out by now was Fear, Inc. As I watched it, I kept saying to myself "People are going to eat this up, especially come October."

Opening night of the recent Popcorn Frights Film Festival in Miami kicked off with a film that other than seeing it on the program and reading the short synopsis, I had heard little about. As usual I opted to not read up on it and go in knowing as little as possible. That film was the horror-comedy Fear, Inc. and as it turned out, it ended up being a great way to start the fest and the crowd seemed to think so too.

I always say my favorite thing about TrueHorror.net is the cool, like minded people we get to meet thanks to the site. Case in point, Michael and Sadie Ballif. Michael is the mind behind Witching Season Films, who specializes in bringing Halloween themed short films to life.

My name is metrofudge and I am 27 years recovered from being the child of a former Jehovah's Witness. There. I said it. That felt good. What didn't feel good was missing out on everything fun that every friend of mine did growing up. Right off the bat you'd probably think Christmas but you'd be wrong.

It's finally October, and that means we are getting back to doing what we love most, celebrating Halloween all month long. Our favorite way to do that? Some TrueHorror.net photoshoots! Last year we had a few planned that we were unfortunately unable to get done due to all sorts of circumstances. This year is a different story and we are excited to share the first of many upcoming photo sets. 

We are extremely excited to help reveal the new one sheet we created for the upcoming film Found Footage 3D from director Steven Degennaro. Co-designed with our good friend and frequent collaborator Matt Durston. We think the image is quite eye catching and fun, while keeping the spirit of those classic horror movie posters and VHS covers we all love so much.

The Triangle is a film I was recently given the opportunity to check out. Knowing little about it but being a fan of mocumentary/found footage style films, I was intrigued. The plot and initial set up sounded very reminiscent of Ti West's The Sacrament. So while I was intrigued I was also hoping it wouldn't be too similar. Luckily it does a pretty good job at not only separating itself from that film but also from other mocumentary style films as well. It does so while delivering an eerie viewing experience

Anyone who knows this site, knows that we love our synth music. So today we wanted to share a new musical treat with you all. It comes in the form of the track from the artist known as Pilotpriest and it is entitled "Slasher" 

The Blair Witch Project is a very divisive film among horror fans. It seems to be a love it or hate it kind of thing. Ever since I sat down in the theater with my Dad, 17 years ago on opening day  I have been in the love it camp. It is not a film for everyone, it never has been, but if you were able to watch that film under the correct circumstances and put yourself into the shoes of Heather, Josh and Mike, you were rewarded with quite a chilling viewing experience. Now, 17 years later, we return to the Black Hills Forest, courtesy of Director Adam Wingard and writer Simon Barrett, the duo who brought us the recent horror hits You're Next and The Guest now bring us BLAIR WITCH.

One thing I often find myself debating a great deal these days, whether it be online or in the real world is the value and merit of the theater going experience. In a time when streaming has become a legitimate and convenient method of movie watching, less people seem to feel the need to go to out to the theater to watch movies. Still I am of the mindset that they are missing out on something by staying home.

I really enjoyed Evil Dead 2013. I know some Evil Dead loyalists didn't care for it's grim and more serious take on the material, but I found it to be an effective and harrowing film, that delivered an intense and still fun theater experience. Director Fede Alvarez crafted a beautiful looking film, full of creative camera work, and arresting visuals. Not to mention the violence and gore was next level cringe inducing. Based on Evil Dead I was definitely anticipating what Alvarez would do next, and that brings us to Don't Breathe. 

We want to welcome a new contributor to our site today, her name is Amber and she is a horror fan through and through. We met Amber at a preview of The Neon Demon and have gotten to know her better at each subsequent screening. She is truly passionate about horror and we are happy to have her aboard. Amber was a big fan of the original The Ring film and upon watching the new trailer felt compelled to express her thoughts. So here they are:

It has been my experience that no matter how much prep you put in before a photo shoot, more often than not, there will be some point where you need to improvise. If you are lucky it will be something rather simple to switch up, such as a lighting set up. Other times though it can unfortunately alter all your plans when something is simply not working as you envisioned and you hope you can salvage the shoot and everyone's time and patience.