The 19 Best Horror Movies of 2024

As a horror enthusiast with a soft spot for psychological thrillers and a keen eye for films that explore the human condition, I found myself utterly captivated by this year’s offerings. The list you’ve compiled showcases an impressive range of films that delve deep into our fears, desires, and the complexities of the human psyche.

Among all genres, horror stands out as the one that best mirrors our shared apprehensions, amplifying them to create an unsettling impact (allowing for some time during production). Consequently, it’s not unexpected that a significant topic in 2024 horror movies, following the Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe v. Wade two years prior, is the issue of forced childbirth. Movies such as The First Omen, Immaculate, Apartment 7A, and Alien: Romulus explore this theme by portraying women regaining control over their reproductive rights, even Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which is primarily a fantasy comedy, contains a disturbing birth sequence.

In 2024, some of the horror movies I enjoyed stand out as exceptional, even those considered weaker contributions to the genre demonstrate noteworthy expressions of its potential. Generally speaking, the top horror films of the year carry significant messages, tackling themes like reproductive rights, transgender identity, celebrity culture, social class disparities, and our fixation with true crime. These movies resonate with and often embody the lingering anxieties we harbor, contributing to their unsettling impact. However, films that prioritize sheer terror over deeper exploration are equally valuable: Sometimes, a movie simply aims to terrify you, which is a goal worth acknowledging too.

19. Cuckoo

In essence, the film “Cuckoo” is not just about introducing the idea of Final Girl Hunter Schafer as a character; it’s also about her portrayal of Gretchen, a teenager who is relocated to an Alpine resort town with her father and his new family. The father, played by Marton Csokas, is building a hotel for a peculiar man named Herr König, portrayed by Dan Stevens. The film’s plot becomes intriguing due to König’s odd behavior, hinting at a potentially sinister motive. However, discussing the details of König’s plans would spoil the movie. Instead, the film shines with its tense atmosphere and striking visuals created by writer-director Tilman Singer, coupled with Hunter Schafer’s outstanding performance. If her performance wasn’t already noteworthy, it would be called “star-making.” Given her existing stardom, let’s call it “horror-star-making” and hope that more genre films will feature such captivating performances in the future.

18. Abigail

The marketing team could be held partially responsible for Abigail’s average ratings, as they revealed a crucial plot twist in the trailers: Abigail is not just an ordinary kidnap victim, but a fierce ballet-dancing vampire. This revelation may have dampened the initial suspense of the movie, but it didn’t hinder Abigail’s success as a splatter comedy. In Ready or Not, directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, along with writers Guy Busick, Stephen Shields, and others, maintain a blood-soaked tone throughout the film. The cast delivers their roles exceptionally well, particularly Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, Kevin Durand, and Melissa Barrera, who stands out as the primary “scream queen” due to her exceptional performance.

17. Oddity

As a film enthusiast, I found that the chilling wooden mannequin in “Oddity” leaves an indelible mark, yet it’s not the most unnerving element in this movie. That title goes to the nerve-wracking opening scene where a woman named Dani (Carolyn Bracken) is startled by a late-night visitor who claims someone has invaded her home. This sequence is almost unbearably tense, matched only by a subsequent flashback to the night when Dani herself was tragically murdered. The rest of director Damian McCarthy’s folk horror film unfolds as a dark morality tale, with Dani’s psychic twin sister (once again played by Bracken) seeking justice, aided by the previously mentioned life-sized doll. Similar to his 2020 movie “Caveat,” McCarthy demonstrates a knack for setting atmosphere and building tension, but he has also mastered the art of the jump scare – used judiciously and powerfully.

16. MadS

A film titled “MadS“, initially appearing to be about a misadventure turning into something unexpected, is most impactful when viewed with only the logline: The story revolves around Romain (Milton Riche), who experiments with a new drug before a night of partying, and things quickly get out of hand. Single-take movies can often feel contrived, but in this case, director David Moreau skillfully employs this technique to portray a harrowing descent into the depths of hell, amplifying the sense of urgency and claustrophobia as the camera persistently refuses to break away. As “MadS” expands its narrative scope and alters its viewpoint, it successfully carves out a distinctive niche within a well-trodden horror subgenre. Remarkably, rejuvenating the excitement of making such a movie might be an even more astounding feat than the single shot itself.

15. V/H/S/Beyond

Each year in October, the V/H/S franchise’s collection of found-footage anthology movies has often resulted in a decreasing return on investment. However, it was delightful to discover that V/H/S/Beyond – the latest installment with a sci-fi theme – stands out as one of the strongest and most consistent entries since 2021’s V/H/S/94 (long live Raatma). In “Stork,” Jordan Downey effectively adapts a first-person shooter zombie game onto the screen. Justin Martinez’s “Live and Let Die” offers the most innovative segment with its harrowing depiction of a skydiving trip from hell. Even the weakest part manages to charm: “Fur Babies,” a collaboration between brothers Justin and Christian Long, may lose points for straying from the theme, but its gruesome body horror largely compensates for that.

14. Immaculate

Intriguingly enough, there are two upcoming 2024 horror movies featuring an American nun named Sister Cecilia who becomes part of an Italian convent, only to find herself mysteriously pregnant with something sinister as part of a malicious Church plot. This coincidence might not be so miraculous when considering the current reversal of abortion rights in the U.S., and the influence of religious groups on this issue. The film Immaculate, starring Sydney Sweeney, follows Sister Cecilia as she is revered by her fellow nuns upon discovery of her miraculous pregnancy. Directed by Michael Mohan, the movie offers a more traditional approach to the subject matter compared to The First Omen. However, Immaculate deserves recognition for Sweeney’s powerful performance and its striking finale – a passionate cry of indignation and merited brutality that resonates strongly in today’s context.

13. Strange Darling

Instead of dismissing the unconventional layout and 35-mm filming in “Strange Darling” as pretentious, you could instead appreciate that it effectively works. The intriguing cat-and-mouse chase between “the Lady” (Willa Fitzgerald) and “the Demon” (Kyle Gallner), both delivering exceptional performances in a year filled with impressive horror acts, makes “Strange Darling” too visually appealing and engaging to worry much about its slight air of pretension. Although the major plot twist might be predictable for genre enthusiasts, it’s still entertaining to watch unfold. The film’s stunning visuals can be attributed to director JT Mollner (also the screenwriter) and cinematographer Giovanni Ribisi (yes, that Giovanni Ribisi). Try not to overanalyze “Strange Darling”‘s political undertones, which I would suggest are more haphazard than malicious, and instead enjoy it as effortlessly as Ed Begley Jr.’s lavish breakfast.

12. What You Wish For

It’s advisable to approach these 2024 horror films, such as Nicholas Tomnay’s “What You Wish For,” without prior knowledge, as they are filled with unexpected twists that heighten the viewing experience. In this film, Nick Stahl plays Ryan, a chef who finds himself in trouble with some dangerous individuals when he reconnects with his culinary-school roommate Jack (Brian Groh). Jack, now successful, is involved in a world more frightening than any gambling ring. This leads Ryan to make a rash decision that gets him in over his head. Initially appearing as a thriller, the film gradually transforms into a horror story with growing levels of gore and terror. Stahl’s performance as a complex, morally ambiguous protagonist marks his return to acting after some challenging years out of the spotlight.

11. In a Violent Nature

In a different take on the classic “Friday the 13th” series, Jason Voorhees’ tormented existence appears to mirror our own, as legal issues have stalled further sequels. However, writer-director Chris Nash provides an alternative that’s just as chilling. Unlike traditional “Friday the 13th” films, “In a Violent Nature” isn’t part of the franchise, but it shares striking parallels with Jason and Johnny (played by Ry Barrett), another masked woods-dwelling murderer targeting teenagers. The film’s unique aspect is that it primarily explores Johnny’s perspective instead of his victims. Ever pondered what life is like for slasher villains between kills? This film provides an intriguing answer – it seems they spend a lot of time walking. Remarkably, the brutal outbursts of violence aren’t what keeps you on the edge of your seat, but rather the prolonged, semi-hypnotic scenes where nothing appears to happen, and the eerie ordinary nature of Johnny’s routine.

10. The First Omen

It came as a surprise that Arkasha Stevenson’s interpretation of “The Omen” would become one of the most imaginative, visually captivating horror films of the year. We didn’t require an origin story for Damien Thorn, the Antichrist from the previous five “Omen” films, including the disappointing 2006 remake. However, if we were to have one, it would be hard to imagine a more compelling version. The performance of Nell Tiger Free as Margaret, a novice nun who becomes Damien’s mother, is so captivating that you can’t look away. One of the standout horror scenes of the year comes from her chilling tribute to “Possession” in 1981, near the end of the film. Stevenson’s daring reinterpretations of classic horror tropes and graphic imagery, combined with the unavoidable cultural relevance of “The First Omen,” make this extension of the IP feel completely unique.

9. Alien: Romulus

Romulus” is more connected to the Alien series than “The First Omen” is to its own franchise. It might seem like just a collection of elements from the six Alien movies before it, but that overlooks two important points. First, director and co-writer Fede Álvarez has lots of fresh ideas, and second, he’s quite skilled at creating scenes that pay tribute to his predecessors. This is most noticeable in the ending of “Alien: Romulus”, which combines elements from “Prometheus” and “Alien Resurrection”. If you can get past the slightly off-putting digital recreation of Ian Holm (which I admit, is not easy!), there are plenty of enjoyable moments and scares. Cailee Spaeny’s character, Rain, stands out as a strong addition to the franchise’s list of memorable heroines.

8. Sleep

2024 saw several compelling first-time film releases, spanning various genres, but none left as lasting an impact on me as “Sleep,” directed by Jason Yu. In this chilling dark comedy, actors Jung Yu-mi and the late Lee Sun-kyun portray newlyweds Soo-jin and Hyeon-soo. Their lives become disrupted when Hyeon-soo starts exhibiting strange sleepwalking habits and nocturnal behavior. The film expertly builds tension, starting as a humorous thriller before intensifying into a genuinely unsettling third act. Yu’s ability to balance tone and narrative is commendable, and his previous collaboration with director Bong Joon Ho seems to have honed his intuition. (Yu served as assistant director for the 2017 film “Okja.”) It comes as no surprise that Bong considers “Sleep” one of the most exceptional horror films and smartest debuts he’s seen in a decade.

7. Heretic

The filmmaking team Scott Beck and Bryan Woods gained recognition through their 2018 production, “A Quiet Place,” a post-apocalyptic movie focusing on survivors living in silence. Interestingly, their most impactful work since then is characterized by extensive dialogue. “Heretic” thrives when it revolves around the dynamic between three characters: Mr. Reed (played by Hugh Grant), Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher), and Sister Paxton (Chloe East). While Reed’s religious discussions may seem unclear or not overly intelligent, this is intentional, and the excitement lies in trying to understand the type of psychopath Mr. Reed might be. Although the tension doesn’t last throughout the film, the performances maintain “Heretic,” with Grant skillfully using his disarming charm and East demonstrating grace in a character who balances her unwavering faith with her survival instincts.

6. The Substance

In simpler terms, the movie The Substance is often compared to films by David Cronenberg due to its body horror elements, but it’s more akin to Brian Yuzna’s Society, particularly in its critique of the wealthy who go to extreme lengths to stay young and beautiful. However, unlike Yuzna’s film, there’s a strong feminist angle here, as Demi Moore’s character Elisabeth Sparkle is pushed to her limits by an industry discarding women over 50. The story also involves the use of a substance that leads to disturbing consequences when it causes a younger version of herself to emerge, played by Margaret Qualley. Fargeat effectively uses graphic details to emphasize the horror, but it’s Demi Moore’s powerful performance that drives the film’s message home.

5. Smile 2

A chilling horror movie exploring trauma? That’s a new one! Indeed, the Smile series portrays PTSD as an eerie entity that haunts you through friendly-faced strangers until it ultimately leads to your demise. However, if you add plenty of spine-tingling moments, viewers are likely to appreciate the symbolism. And in Smile 2, where the lead character Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) tragically takes center stage, it’s not just about trauma but also delves into the darker aspects of pop stardom, such as the soul-crushing pressures, toxic fan communities, and the exploitation of addiction for profit. But fear not, it’s still incredibly frightening! Parker Finn is gaining recognition for his skill in creating original and heart-pounding suspense scenes, taking these films to new heights beyond their (let’s admit it) whimsical premises. In a fair world, Scott would be garnering accolades for her powerful and heartrending portrayal.

4. Nosferatu

I’ve been cautious about revealing too many details regarding numerous movies on this list, but I can certainly elaborate on every significant event in Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” without spoiling much. Regardless of whether you’re familiar with the earlier versions (the 1922 F.W. Murnau film or the 1979 Werner Herzog remake), or countless adaptations of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”, you should have a basic understanding. Fortunately, Eggers’ interpretation is unique enough that knowing the plot isn’t essential. Instead, you’re intrigued by his portrayal of a decaying Count Orlok, brilliantly played by Bill Skarsgård, his stylish modern reimagining of gothic horror, and the intense darkness that permeates this film, which is almost entirely shrouded in shadow. Additionally, Eggers has gathered an exceptional cast, with Lily-Rose Depp delivering one of the year’s standout performances as the tormented Ellen.

3. Red Rooms

In the movie “Red Rooms”, the gruesome acts of violence are never shown, yet the film’s exploration of courtroom drama and psychological thriller elements proves to be more disturbing than the graphic violence in “Terrifier 3”. The film, directed by Pascal Plante, delves deep into our fascination with true crime and desensitization to violence, leaving viewers feeling deeply unsettled, a sensation that lingers longer than any queasiness caused by Art the Clown. Juliette Gariépy’s portrayal of Kelly-Anne, a model whose obsession with suspected serial killer Ludovic Chevalier (Maxwell McCabe-Lokos) is causing chaos in her life, is captivating but also makes you want to avert your eyes. “Red Rooms” can be seen as a critique of the “murderino” culture or as a study of various manifestations of psychopathy.

2. A Quiet Place: Day One

Some might find it surprising to see “A Quiet Place: Day One” ranked so highly in this list – not due to it being another prequel, but rather because it veers away from the typical horror genre. After the intense and action-packed first two installments of the “Quiet Place” series, writer-director Michael Sarnoski takes a more subdued and contemplative approach with “Day One”. Lupita Nyong’o plays Sam, a woman diagnosed with terminal cancer who finds herself isolated (apart from her cat) following the arrival of the Death Angels. (Yes, that’s what the sound-attracting aliens are called.) She forms an alliance with a terrified English law student, Eric (Joseph Quinn), and together they embark on a journey that is as much about enduring as it is about savoring the last piece of New York pizza. The duo’s efforts to avoid the aliens can be nerve-wracking and terrifying, but “Day One” primarily serves as a deeply moving examination of what true survival entails. Its horror elements are simply an added bonus.

1. I Saw the TV Glow

2024’s top horror pick, “I Saw the TV Glow“, stands out as one of the most chilling films I watched this year. It not only excels in its genre but also deserves the number one spot on any list. The movie revolves around Owen (originally played by Ian Foreman and later by Justice Smith) and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine), who share a bond over the YA show “The Pink Opaque“. When Maddy mysteriously vanishes and reappears years later, she tries to persuade Owen that the world of “The Pink Opaque” is more real than they had initially perceived as teenagers. While several trans critics and culture writers have discussed the obvious trans allegory in “I Saw the TV Glow“, Jane Schoenbrun’s film offers a profound exploration for queer individuals of all gender identities, who may have found solace in pop-culture fantasies and struggled with the terrors of self-denial and repression. The eerie imagery of “The Pink Opaque“‘s Midnight Realm is unsettling, but it’s the powerful themes and poignant nostalgia that will leave you restless at night.

2024-12-19 21:55