2023 has already seen some major horror movie releases, from the latest installment of the iconic Scream franchise to A24’s buzzy supernatural thriller Talk To Me. But according to a poll of over 3,000 horror fans, neither of those films takes the crown for best horror movie of the year so far. Instead, that honor goes to Five Nights at Freddy’s, the big-screen adaptation of the popular survival video game series.

Which 2023 Horror Movie Came Out On Top?

Five Nights at Freddy's
Five Nights at Freddy’s

In a poll asking fans to choose the best horror release of the year, Five Nights at Freddy’s ran away with the win at 47.7% of the vote. The video game adaptation starring Josh Hutcherson beat out fellow 2023 horror hits including Talk To Me, which came in second place with 24.8% of votes, and Scream VI, which nabbed third place with 21.7%.

Clearly, the creepy animatronics and jump scares of Five Nights resonated strongly with horror buffs this year. Given the buzz and strong reviews around A24’s Talk To Me and the established Scream franchise, many would have expected one of those films to come out on top.

Also Read: Josh Hutcherson’s Five Nights at Freddy’s Was “Humbling and Exciting” for 1 Horror Legend

But fans seem to have preferred the fresh, gamified horror of Five Nights. While Scream VI and Talk To Me lean more into classic slasher and supernatural horror respectively, Five Nights brings video game terror to life in a new way.

And after six movies, Scream may simply be losing some steam with audiences looking for something different. The nostalgia factor of the iconic animatronics clearly captured voters’ hearts instead.

What Made Five Nights at Freddy’s a Hit With Horror Fans?

Scream - 6
Scream – 6

As an adaptation of a hugely popular survival game series, Five Nights entered the ring with a built-in fanbase. Those who grew up playing the games were eager to finally see the killer animatronics on the big screen.

Between the creepy rabbit, bear, and chicken mascots stalking the halls to the unsettling lore behind their murderous ways, Five Nights seems to have scratched a horror itch other films didn’t.

And its $295 million box office haul shows general audiences were also ready to be terrified by the possessed characters from the beloved games.

Also Read: “So Full of Dread”- Stephen King Reveals He Is Afraid to Watch Stranger Things 4 Vol 2 Finale.

What’s Next for 2023 Horror After This Surprise Hit?

Talk To Me
Talk To Me

While franchises like Scream and The Conjuring will surely continue churning out sequels, Five Nights’ success proves audiences are eager for fresh, outside-the-box horror.

Whether adapting viral creepypastas or bringing new monsters to life, studios may be more willing to take risks on original horror ideas after Five Nights’ impressive reception. And that willingness to experiment can only mean good things for horror fans.

Also Read: 7 Greatest Indie Sci-Fi Movies That Deserve Big Budget Sequels

If the rest of 2023’s scary movies can capture the same pop culture magic as Five Nights did, it will be a killer year for horror. Five Nights at Freddy’s is available on Peacock for subscribers. Talk to Me is still not available on streaming platforms. Scream VI is available for Paramount Plus members.

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