Greetings, denizens of the Palace of Horror! As the curtain falls on another year, it’s time to reflect on the thrills, chills, and spine-tingling moments that 2017 had in store for us. A phenomenal year for the horror genre, 2017 saw an eclectic mix of nightmarish narratives and hair-raising horror. So, without further ado, here are the top 25 horror films of 2017 that left us sleeping with the lights on.

1. “Get Out” – Jordan Peele’s directorial debut is a masterful socio-political horror-thriller that delves deep into racial tensions and offers genuine frights.
2. “It” – The chilling adaptation of Stephen King’s classic novel brought Pennywise the Dancing Clown back into our collective nightmares, courtesy of director Andy Muschietti.
3. “Mother!” – Darren Aronofsky’s psychological horror film offers a provocative and polarizing take on creation, destruction, and devotion.
4. “Annabelle: Creation” – Delving into the origins of the demonic doll, this prequel manages to amp up the scares and the tension.
5. “A Ghost Story” – While not a traditional horror film, David Lowery’s exploration of grief, time, and existence is hauntingly beautiful.
6. “The Shape of Water” – Guillermo del Toro’s dark fairy tale, although more of a romantic fantasy, carries the director’s signature eerie ambiance.
7. “Raw” – A disturbing exploration of a young woman’s discovery of her own cannibalistic desires amidst the pressures of veterinary school.
8. “The Babysitter” – A horror-comedy about a young boy who discovers his babysitter’s satanic intentions.
9. “Happy Death Day” – A delightful fusion of horror and dark comedy, this film revolves around a college student reliving her murder in a time loop.
10. “Gerald’s Game” – Another Stephen King adaptation, this Netflix original is a tense psychological thriller about a woman’s fight for survival.
11. “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” – Yorgos Lanthimos delivers an unsettling tale of revenge that challenges traditional narrative structures.
12. “Creep 2” – This sequel to the indie hit “Creep” continues the disturbing tale of a bizarre and dangerous individual.
13. “It Comes at Night” – A post-apocalyptic horror that delves deep into human psychology and the fear of the unknown.
14. “1922” – Yet another Stephen King adaptation this year, it’s a dark and brooding tale of guilt and consequences.
15. “Jigsaw” – The “Saw” franchise returned with more convoluted traps and the mystery of the Jigsaw killer’s apparent resurrection.
16. “The Ritual” – A group of friends on a hiking trip in northern Europe confront ancient evils and their own past.
17. “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” – A slow-burn atmospheric horror about possession and the devil.
18. “Leatherface” – This origin story for the iconic “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” character offers a fresh perspective on the lore.
19. “Tragedy Girls” – A dark comedy about two teenage girls who turn to murder to boost their social media presence.
20. “Life” – A space horror that follows a crew aboard the International Space Station discovering an aggressive alien organism.
21. “Better Watch Out” – A twisty Christmas-themed horror that will make you rethink the home invasion subgenre.
22. “Pyewacket” – A dark tale of witchcraft, grief, and the dangerous powers of rituals.
23. “Thelma” – A Norwegian supernatural thriller about a young woman discovering her eerie abilities.
24. “The Devil’s Candy” – A painter and his family are haunted by satanic forces and dark inspirations in their new home.
25. “Darkness Rising” – A haunted house tale that revolves around a woman’s return to her childhood home and the dark secrets it holds.

2017 was a testament to the diverse range and potential of the horror genre, as filmmakers stretched its boundaries and redefined its limits. From social commentaries to gut-wrenching terror, there was no shortage of cinematic gems that pushed the envelope.

Keep the lights dim and stay with Palace of Horror for more eeriness in the years to come. Because, remember, the best screams are yet to be heard!