Happy Tuesday, dear readers! Each week, we’ll rank the top 10 films in a specific category. While we aim to tie these lists to big releases, that won’t always be the case. Our goal? For you to enjoy, share your own lists, and join in on a lively, friendly debate. This is an interactive space to build community here at The Contending.
No fancy intros, no long essays – just a category and a list. Sound good? Let’s hit Blumhouse!
This week’s biggest release is The Woman in the Yard, a new thriller from Blumhouse, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and starring Danielle Deadwyler. Like many Blumhouse productions, this eerie film blends psychological tension with supernatural mystery, following a grieving widow and her children as they struggle to move on after their father’s death at their secluded farmhouse… until the arrival of a mysterious figure shatters their reality.
Blumhouse has become synonymous with low-budget horror and thrillers, but its influence extends beyond the genre. Founded in 2000 by Jason Blum, the studio has mastered the art of turning modest budgets ($5–10 million) into massive box office hits. Paranormal Activity, made for just $15,000, grossed an astonishing $193 million, while films like Whiplash and Get Out cemented Blumhouse as a powerhouse in modern cinema.
By prioritizing creative freedom and original storytelling over blockbuster budgets, Blumhouse has redefined industry expectations, proving that fresh ideas, emerging talent, and bold artistic choices can captivate audiences just as much as big-budget spectacles.
Let’s rank the ten best films from Blumhouse:
10. Sinister (2012)
9. Insidious (2010)
8. The Gift (2015)
7. The Invisible Man (2020)
6. Paranormal Activity (2007)
5. The Black Phone (2021)
4. BlacKkKlansman (2018)
3. Split (2016)
2. Get Out (2017)
1. Whiplash (2014)
