This article is split into 2 sections: First is some killer movies like You’re Next, and following we have our You’re Next review. Enjoy (or else).
10 Movies Like You’re Next
- The Strangers (2008) – A couple staying in a remote vacation home finds themselves tormented by three masked intruders who toy with them in a slow, methodical manner. This film’s eerie atmosphere and minimalistic dialogue make it one of the most terrifying home invasion movies ever made.
- Ready or Not (2019) – A newlywed, Grace, is forced into a deadly game of hide-and-seek when her in-laws reveal that their wedding tradition involves hunting and killing her before dawn. This film blends horror and dark comedy flawlessly, making for an entertaining and blood-soaked ride.
- Hush (2016) – A deaf woman living in a secluded cabin must fight for her life when a sadistic, masked intruder targets her. The film’s unique premise and masterful use of sound make it a gripping and suspenseful watch.
- The Purge (2013) – Set in a dystopian future where all crime is legal for one night a year, this film follows a wealthy family as they attempt to survive a home invasion during the annual Purge. It’s a high-concept horror thriller that offers both brutal kills and some social commentary.
- Funny Games (1997/2007) – This psychological horror film follows two young men who take a family hostage in their vacation home, forcing them into a series of twisted and sadistic “games.” The film’s disturbing realism makes it one of the most unsettling entries in the home invasion genre.
- Inside (2007) – A brutally violent French horror film about a pregnant woman trapped in her home on Christmas Eve while a mysterious woman tries to break in and take her unborn baby. This one is not for the faint of heart.
- The Rental (2020) – Two couples rent a luxurious vacation home, only to realize they’re being watched by someone with sinister intentions. This slow-burn horror builds tension before unleashing a terrifying climax.
- High Tension (2003) – A gory and intense slasher film about two college friends who are hunted by a relentless killer while staying at a secluded farmhouse. The film’s brutal kills and shocking twist make it a standout in the genre.
- Trespass (2011) – A wealthy couple (played by Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman) are held hostage in their mansion by a group of masked criminals, leading to a tense and unpredictable standoff.
- House of the Devil (2009) – A slow-burn horror film about a babysitter who takes a seemingly normal job at a secluded house, only to uncover a terrifying satanic ritual in progress. The film’s retro aesthetic and creeping dread make it a must-watch.
If you loved You’re Next, these movies should be next on your horror watchlist!
You’re Next Review (2011)
If you’re a fan of masked maniacs tearing through a house full of unsuspecting victims, then You’re Next might already be on your watchlist. This 2011 slasher flick, directed by Adam Wingard, brings us all the genre essentials—bloody kills, dumb character decisions, and a final girl who actually knows what she’s doing. But does it hold up in a world where horror fans have been spoiled by The Strangers and Ready or Not? Let’s find out.
A Classic Setup with a Few Twists
The movie kicks off with a cold open that immediately lets you know what kind of ride you’re in for—boobs and murder, the old-school horror one-two punch. Then, we meet the family at the center of this bloodbath.
We’ve got our main guy, Crispian (AJ Bowen), who is the kind of reserved and thoughtful type that horror movies love to throw into chaos. His family is a dysfunctional mess: a rich brother with a pill problem probably, an edgy brother with an emo girlfriend, and a bubbly sister who… well, she doesn’t stick around long enough to make an impression or do anything at all. They all gather at their parents’ big-ass mansion for an awkward family reunion of passive aggressive remarks and arguing, which quickly turns into a “who’s going to die next?” situation once the killers show up.
The “You Dumbass” Moments
Horror fans live for those moments where characters make ridiculous decisions, and You’re Next has them in spades. Right from the start, we get a classic scene where the mom hears footsteps upstairs, insists that something is wrong, and then her husband gives it the old barely-even-checking investigation before dismissing it, disregarding that mom was 100% sure she heard footsteps (and this is shortly after they showed up to the home and the door was open).
Then there’s the absolute worst plan of action—sending someone out the front door when they know a killer is out there. And let’s not forget the character who straight-up goes to bed after people have already been murdered. Just a casual nap in the middle of a massacre. It’s moments like these that keep you grounded in the type of movie we’re watching here.
The Killers: Scary or Forgettable?
The masked killers in You’re Next are doing their best The Strangers impression with their creepy animal masks and silent, methodical attacks. They’re fine, but they don’t leave a lasting impact. Unlike The Strangers, where the killers felt like pure, unstoppable evil, these guys just feel like dudes with a plan—because, well, that’s exactly what they are.
What makes this movie stand out isn’t the killers—it’s who fights back. Enter Erin (Sharni Vinson), Crispian’s girlfriend and the only one in the house who isn’t utterly useless. Turns out, she was raised on a survivalist compound, which means she’s not just fighting back—she’s setting traps, turning household objects into weapons, and generally making life miserable for the attackers, not quite going full Home Alone on the bad guys but getting there.
Does the Story Hold Up?
One of the biggest issues with You’re Next is that it introduces little bits of character development but doesn’t really commit to them. We get glimpses of sibling rivalries, money problems, and old grudges, but none of it feels fully fleshed out. It’s almost like the movie wants to be more than just a slasher, but it never quite gets there.
Then there’s the big twist, which—without spoiling anything—was pretty predictable. Then throw in a couple more little twists on top of the main twist for a little extra zest I suppose.
The Verdict: Worth Watching?
So, is You’re Next worth your time? If you’re a slasher fan, sure. It’s got some brutal kills, a badass final girl, and enough dumb character choices to keep you entertained. But if you’re looking for a top-tier home invasion horror movie, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of The Strangers or Ready or Not.
Final rating: 5/10 chainsaws. Not the worst slasher out there, but definitely not the best. Watch it if you’re in the mood for some bloody fun, but don’t expect to be blown away. Check out the JustWatch You’re Next page for where to watch You’re Next for free.
