2024 has been a banner year for horror, delivering a diverse range of terrifying tales, from monstrous arachnids to devilish late-night television. This year’s releases stand out for their inventive twists on familiar tropes. We’ve seen slashers that evoke the poetic sensibilities of Terrence Malick as much as the brutality of Jason Voorhees; dystopian futures that forgo global annihilation to explore the disintegration of a single family; and, perhaps most memorably, two films centered on nuns with unsettling pregnancies. Remarkably, many of these films have achieved significant success at the independent box office, demonstrating a clear audience appetite for bold and original horror experiences. Below are this year’s best horror releases.
Honorable Mentions:
* ”Adult Swim Yule Log 2: Branchin’ Out” (Adult Swim): This sequel to the surprise holiday hit takes a wildly different direction, following Zoe (Andrea Laing) as she escapes the murderous Yule Log only to find herself trapped in a surreal Hallmark movie parody. Writer-director Casper Kelly delivers pitch-perfect satire, balancing laugh-out-loud humor with genuinely disturbing gore, culminating in a truly unforgettable third act.
* ”Alien: Romulus” (20th Century Studios): While not groundbreaking, this latest installment in the “Alien” franchise delivers a satisfyingly brutal and suspenseful experience. Fede Álvarez’s direction shines, with exceptional sound design, striking production design, and relentlessly tense sequences creating a truly effective space slasher.
* ”Frankie Freako” (Shout! Studios): A delightful homage to 80s and 90s puppet horror classics like “Gremlins 2” and “Critters,” directed by Steven Kostanski (“Psycho Goreman”), this film is a must-see for genre enthusiasts.
* ”The Girl with the Needle” (Mubi): This visually stunning film portrays a Danish serial killer in the early 1900s who targets babies abandoned by their mothers. The film masterfully blends a stark depiction of women’s lives in this era with the aesthetic of a black-and-white fairytale. Its exploration of empathy, evil, and the blurred lines between them is both unsettling and thought-provoking.
* ”Street Trash” (Cineverse): The long-awaited sequel to the 1987 cult classic delivers a visceral and surprisingly heartfelt experience. This stomach-churning indie film follows a group of homeless friends who uncover a government conspiracy, offering more social commentary and emotional depth than its gooey premise might suggest.
The Best of the Best:
* ”Abigail” (Universal Pictures): Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the minds behind “Scream VI” and “Ready or Not,” continue their winning streak with this gory and darkly comedic vampire caper. Strong performances from Melissa Barrera and Dan Stevens elevate the already impressive visuals and action.
* ”The Nun II” (20th Century Studios): Arkasha Stevenson and Nell Tiger Free deliver a moody and unsettling prequel to the long-running franchise. The film’s masterful camerawork, creepy set design, and Free’s increasingly ferocious performance create a truly haunting atmosphere, reminiscent of classics like “Possession” (1981).
* ”The Spider’s Curse” (Shudder): This French creature feature is the undisputed creature feature champion of the year. Director Sébastien Vanicek unleashes a terrifying wave of lethal arachnids upon an unsuspecting apartment building, resulting in a film that will leave audiences jumping, squirming, and itching in equal measure.
* ”The Marionette” (IFC Films/Shudder): Robert Morgan’s unsettling film blurs the line between reality and nightmare, following a stop-motion animator (Aisling Franciosi) who escapes her controlling mother only to confront new, equally terrifying darkness. A blend of psychological, surreal, and body horror, this film is both beautiful and deeply disturbing.
* ”Our Lady of the Inferno” (Neon): Sydney Sweeney shines as a scream queen in this deliciously lurid tale of a pregnant nun. Director Michael Mohan and screenwriter Andrew Lobel craft a handsomely shot film that descends into thrilling B-movie madness, culminating in a shocking and unforgettable final scene for Sweeney.
* ”Strange Darling” (Magenta Light Studios): This stylish and twisty serial killer drama features striking performances from Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. Their thrilling cat-and-mouse game unfolds in a small Oregon town, resulting in a shocking climax that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a high-stakes indie film that pulls no punches.
* ”We Were Promised a Cult” (A24): This poignant and surreal drama centers on lonely teenagers bound together by their shared obsession with a cult TV series. Writer-director Jane Schoenbrun crafts a bold exploration of the dysphoria of the closeted trans experience, where the emotional turmoil is far more disturbing than any typical horror monster.
* ”The Inheritance” (IFC Films/Shudder): Set in a resource-scarce future, Caitlin Cronenberg’s feature debut focuses on a wealthy family unable to escape their troubles, even with their wealth. Michael Sparaga’s sharp script offers a darkly comedic and scathing look at familial dysfunction.
* ”The Haunted Antique” (IFC Films/Shudder): Damian McCarthy’s supernatural mystery boasts striking visuals and compelling performances. Carolyn Bracken shines as a blind woman with psychic abilities investigating her sister’s death, aided by a rather unsettling wooden mannequin. The clever plot and satisfying conclusion make this a worthy successor to McCarthy’s previous work.
* ”800 Dollar Thriller” (Independently released on YouTube): Filmmaker Curry Barker proves that you don’t need a Hollywood budget to make a great thriller. This gripping 62-minute found-footage film, made for just $800, is a masterclass in suspense, editing, and storytelling, creating a truly chilling villain.
* ”The Coffee Table” (Cinephobia Releasing): A supremely sinister domestic drama with a shocking twist best left unspoiled. Director Caye Casas transforms a seemingly mundane purchase into a terrifying and unsettling fable. Viewers should enter completely blind, if they dare.
* ”Satan’s Late Night” (IFC Films/Shudder): David Dastmalchian delivers a commanding performance as a desperate talk show host who conjures a potentially demonic guest for his Halloween episode. The film’s real-time structure and unpredictable final act keep audiences on edge.
* ”Red Rooms” (Utopia): This chilling exploration of true crime obsession follows Kelly-Anne (Juliette Gariépy) as her fascination with a murder trial consumes her. The film’s minimalist setting enhances the ever-present sense of dread, culminating in a surprising and thought-provoking ending.
* ”The Forever Young” (Mubi): Coralie Fargeat’s satirical sci-fi thriller about an anti-aging drug explodes into a brilliant, bloody, and tragically funny third act. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley deliver powerful performances in this stylish and unpredictable film.
* ”Johnny” (IFC Films/Shudder): Chris Nash’s stylish slasher is a treat for fans of 80s horror. The film’s tightly controlled POV shots, creative kills, and surprisingly empathetic undercurrent make this a standout in the genre.
* ”Nosferatu” (Focus Features): Robert Eggers delivers a stunning remake of the 1922 classic, showcasing meticulous period detail and powerful performances from Lily-Rose Depp and Bill Skarsgård. This gothic horror masterpiece is a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.
* ”Longlegs” (Neon): Oz Perkins’ terrifying film showcases Maika Monroe’s strength as a scream queen in this chilling police procedural. The film’s dark atmosphere and lingering shots create a palpable sense of dread that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.