5) Tigers Are Not Afraid
Combining urban fantasy and supernatural horror, Tigers Are Not Afraid acts as an engaging coming of age story along with a terrifying horror film. Telling the story of a child haunted by the spirit of her dead mother while joining a group of street kids is empathetic, intense, and terrifying in its realism. The best horror comes from real life, and the poverty and gang violence that reinforce the horror in this film is omnipresent throughout the film. It’s a unique approach to horror and fantasy reinforces the childlike perspective of the film, which allows us to empathize more with the main characters. The acting from all the children is fantastic, and Issa López’s direction balances wonderment and horror with ease.
