2024 proved to be a remarkable year for horror cinema, showcasing a breadth of creativity that has pushed the boundaries of the genre in thrilling new ways. This past year, filmmakers brought audiences an array of chilling narratives that range from evocative, story-driven frights to nostalgia bloody gore fests. Notably, “The Substance” has broken significant ground by being nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards—a rare honor for a horror film and only the seventh in the genre’s history to achieve this distinction, underscoring the exceptional quality and impact of this year’s horror offerings. Whether you crave the adrenaline of survival horror, the cerebral challenge of psychological thrillers, or the visceral shock of monster movies, 2024’s horror films deliver with unprecedented intensity and innovation. Let’s take a look at some of the standouts from this past year.
The First Omen
Directed by Arkasha Stevenson, “The First Omen” serves as a prequel to the iconic 1976 horror film “The Omen” and delves into the chilling origins of Damien before his birth. Set in 1971, the story follows Margaret, a young American woman played by Nell Tiger Free, who travels to Rome to dedicate her life to the church. However, her faith is tested by dark forces and a sinister conspiracy aimed at heralding the birth of evil incarnate.
The film successfully rekindles the malevolent atmosphere of the original series, incorporating elements of body horror and religious dread. It is enriched by strong performances, particularly from Ralph Ineson and Nell Tiger Free, whose portrayal of a nun grappling with her faith and the forces of darkness adds depth to the narrative. Mark Korven’s score, with its haunting strings and choral pieces, amplifies the eerie tone, harking back to the series’ legacy while framing the new story within a context of 1970s Rome, complete with period-appropriate costume and set design.
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MaXXXine
“MaXXXine,” directed by Ti West, is the third installment in his “X” film series, picking up with the character Maxine Minx (played by Mia Goth) after surviving the horrific events of the first film. Set in the 1980s, Maxine moves to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams of becoming a famous actress, but soon finds herself entangled in a series of murders targeting Hollywood starlets. This puts her under the scrutiny of LAPD detectives (Michelle Monaghan and Bobby Cannavale) and a sinister private investigator (Kevin Bacon), who are drawn into the deadly orbit of her past and the mysterious killer.
The film layers intense horror with a critique of the entertainment industry’s obsession with youth and beauty, driven by compelling performances and a darkly atmospheric setting. Despite its engaging premise, some critics found the film frustrating as it departs from the intense, proactive characteristics of Maxine seen in earlier films, rendering her more of a passive participant in the unfolding horror. The narrative culminates in a revealing yet controversial finale that has divided audiences and critics alike.
The Substance
“The Substance,” directed by Coralie Fargeat, is a gory body horror film that critiques ageism and beauty standards in Hollywood through a chilling narrative. The story centers around Elisabeth Sparkle, played by Demi Moore, a once-celebrated movie star who faces the harsh realities of aging in the entertainment industry. After being dismissed from her fitness show for being “too old,” Elisabeth encounters a mysterious nurse who introduces her to a revolutionary, albeit illegal, drug called The Substance. This drug promises to restore her youth by creating a younger clone of herself, portrayed by Margaret Qualley.
As Elisabeth and her clone, Sue, alternate lives, they encounter severe physical and psychological transformations that are both horrific and satirical. The film escalates into a nightmare of body horror, peaking during a New Year’s Eve broadcast where Sue, under the influence of The Substance and without its stabilizer, grotesquely mutates on live television, leading to a chaotic and bloody finale.
The film’s use of practical effects, designed by Pierre-Olivier Persin, adds to its visceral impact, making it a standout for its bold visual style and disturbing imagery. The narrative not only provides a grotesque spectacle but also serves as a pointed social commentary on the exploitation and unrealistic beauty standards imposed on women in the media.
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Longlegs
Directed by Osgood Perkins, “Longlegs” stars Nicolas Cage as a haunting serial killer intertwined with occult practices, making it a standout horror film of 2024. The film follows FBI Agent Lee Harker, portrayed by Maika Monroe, as she unravels her personal ties to the killer amidst a series of chilling murders. The narrative, enriched with suspense and psychological horror, leverages Cage’s transformative performance and Monroe’s compelling portrayal to delve deep into the complexities of tracking a killer who is as enigmatic as he is dangerous.
The movie’s atmospheric tension is punctuated by its innovative marketing strategies, which include cryptic messages and hidden symbols, drawing parallels to guerilla marketing tactics reminiscent of “The Blair Witch Project.” With its sophisticated blend of horror elements and a plot that keeps you guessing, “Longlegs” received acclaim for its ability to maintain suspense and provide a fresh take on the serial killer genre, making it a must-watch for fans of the thriller and horror categories.
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Smile 2
“Smile 2,” directed by Parker Finn, elevates the eerie premise of its predecessor with Naomi Scott starring as Skye Riley, a global pop sensation on the brink of a major tour. However, her ascent is marred by increasingly horrifying events linked to a sinister smiling curse. The sequel expands on the psychological terror that captivated audiences in the original, intertwining Skye’s rise to fame with her dark past, pushing her to confront her deepest fears amidst the pressures of her career and the supernatural threat.
The film also includes a compelling cast with Rosemarie DeWitt playing Skye’s mother and manager, Lukas Gage as a mysterious character linked to Skye’s past, and Kyle Gallner reprising his role, adding layers to the unfolding horror. The narrative intricately blends real-world celebrity anxieties with supernatural dread, featuring standout moments such as a chilling encounter in Skye’s dressing room and a haunting sequence involving a narrow, mirrored hallway filled with smiling figures.
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I Saw the TV Glow
“I Saw the TV Glow,” directed by Jane Schoenbrun, is a 2024 psychological horror drama that delves into the lives of two high school students, played by Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine. The film explores themes of identity and reality as these students bond over a mysterious television show that increasingly begins to influence their perception of the world around them. The narrative is infused with elements of coming-of-age and supernatural horror, creating a complex layering of real and fantastical elements.
The movie uniquely addresses issues related to transgender identity and the concept of “egg cracking,” a metaphor used within the transgender community to describe the moment of realizing one’s gender identity. Schoenbrun, who has openly discussed their personal connection to these themes, aims to portray the nuanced experiences of LGBTQ individuals, blending these themes with horror elements to explore the tension between familiar spaces and the struggle to fit into them. Critics have noted the film’s allegorical depth and its poignant reflection on identity, with some viewing it as a significant contribution to both horror and queer cinema.
A Quiet Place: Day One
Directed by Michael Sarnoski and set within the “A Quiet Place” universe, “A Quiet Place: Day One” serves as a gripping prequel that explores the chaos and terror of the initial alien invasion. The film follows Lupita Nyong’o’s character, Samira, a cancer patient in New York City who experiences the onset of the apocalypse. With vivid scenes of survival and a deep dive into human resilience, the film paints a harrowing picture of the first day the creatures make their presence known.
The narrative intertwines Samira’s struggle with that of other survivors, including a law student named Eric, played by Joseph Quinn, and Djimon Hounsou’s character, Henri, who fans will recognize from “A Quiet Place Part II.” Their desperate quest for safety on an island untouched by the creatures adds layers of tension and desperation. “A Quiet Place: Day One” not only expands the franchise’s mythology but also enhances the emotional and horror elements, making it a compelling addition to the series and a standalone story that draws both new viewers and longtime fans.
Terrifier 3
“Terrifier 3” brings back the chilling presence of Art the Clown in a gruesome Christmas-themed setting, directed once again by Damien Leone. The film sees the return of familiar faces, with David Howard Thornton reprising his role as the sadistic clown and Lauren LaVera as Sienna Shaw, whose past encounters with Art have left deep scars. Set around the tranquil nights leading up to Christmas, the movie promises a disturbing contrast between holiday cheer and delicious, horrifying chaos.
The sequel dives deeper into the terrifying dynamics between the characters, featuring Samantha Scaffidi as Victoria Heyes, who now plays a darker role alongside Art. This installment of the “Terrifier” series amplifies the horror with a festive backdrop, making sure we can never look at the holidays the same again.
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Oddity
“Oddity,” directed by Damian McCarthy, is a 2024 Irish horror film that intricately blends elements of psychological tension and supernatural occurrences. The story revolves around Darcy, a blind medium who uses a life-sized wooden mannequin to unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding her twin sister Dani’s murder. This eerie artifact not only adds a chilling layer to the narrative but also becomes a central piece in the haunting journey Darcy undertakes to uncover the truth.
The film is set in a curio shop filled with otherworldly items, where Darcy’s encounters with the supernatural weave through her grief and determination to seek justice for her sister. Carolyn Bracken delivers a powerful performance in dual roles, driving the film’s emotional core amidst the backdrop of the Irish countryside, which adds a visually stunning yet sinister dimension to the story.
Late Night with the Devil
“Late Night with the Devil” is a supernatural horror film directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes, known for blending documentary and found-footage filmmaking techniques. Set against the backdrop of the 1970s, the film captures the eerie atmosphere of a late-night talk show gone horribly wrong. Starring David Dastmalchian as Jack Delroy, a talk show host who orchestrates a Halloween special that unleashes dark forces, the narrative dives deep into themes of media manipulation and societal fears.
The movie is inspired by iconic late-night shows and infamous television incidents, incorporating real-life horror lore and the theatricality of television to create suspense and terror. It uniquely uses the format of a talk show to explore the darker side of celebrity culture and the supernatural, making it a standout horror film that blends reality with the macabre. The film has received critical acclaim for its inventive approach and Dastmalchian’s compelling performance, revitalizing the possession horror genre with a fresh perspective.
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Heretic
“Heretic,” directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, is a 2024 horror film that delves into the psychological terror faced by two Mormon missionaries, portrayed by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, who encounter a deceptively charming yet sinister man named Mr. Reed, played by Hugh Grant. The film is set against a backdrop of a seemingly innocuous visit to convert Mr. Reed, but it quickly spirals into a nightmarish ordeal as the missionaries realize they are trapped in his manipulative psychological game.
The narrative cleverly intertwines themes of faith, deception, and survival, leveraging its religious overtones to explore deeper existential questions. Hugh Grant’s performance as Mr. Reed is particularly noteworthy, providing a chilling portrayal of a man whose hospitable facade masks a disturbing agenda. The movie’s tension escalates through its claustrophobic setting and the missionaries’ increasing desperation, leading to a climactic and unsettling conclusion that questions the nature of belief and reality. “Heretic” has been well received for its intellectual approach to horror, drawing comparisons to classic psychological thrillers while establishing its own unique footprint in the genre.
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Speak No Evil
“Speak No Evil” (2024) is a gripping psychological horror film directed by James Watkins, offering a chilling remake of the 2022 Danish-Dutch film by the same name. The movie stars James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, and Scoot McNairy, and delves into the unsettling experiences of an American family who visit a British couple’s remote farmhouse for a seemingly innocent weekend getaway.
The plot thickens as the visiting family slowly discovers the dark and sinister intentions of their hosts. The film uses a tense atmosphere and psychological twists to explore themes of trust and deception. Particularly compelling is James McAvoy’s portrayal of a charming yet profoundly sinister character, which adds a layer of depth to the unfolding horror. The narrative escalates into a horrifying climax where the true malevolent nature of the hosts is revealed, leading to a desperate struggle for survival by the guests.
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Abigail
“Abigail,” directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, offers a modern twist on the vampire genre. This horror comedy intertwines elements of classic monster lore with a contemporary kidnapping plot. The film follows a group of criminals who kidnap the daughter of a powerful figure, only to discover she is a centuries-old vampire. Set in a sprawling mansion, the story takes dark turns as alliances shift and true natures are revealed, delivering both scares and laughs.
Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, and Alisha Weir lead a cast that brings dynamic performances to this fresh take on vampiric themes. “Abigail” cleverly plays with horror tropes while injecting humor and modern sensibilities into its storyline, making it a standout addition to vampire cinema in 2024.
Alien: Romulus
“Alien: Romulus,” directed by Fede Álvarez, revives the chilling essence of the original “Alien” saga with a fresh narrative set between the events of the first and second films. The story unfolds on a derelict space station where a group of young space colonizers, including characters played by Cailee Spaeny and Isabela Merced, encounter the notorious xenomorphs in a fight for survival. This setting is a nod to the franchise’s roots, focusing on intense horror and survival against the backdrop of deep space isolation.
The plot thickens as the team discovers a xenomorph nest, leading to a tense and horrific sequence of events involving innovative uses of the alien’s biology and a deadly fight involving zero gravity—a scenario that harkens back to the visceral terror that the series is known for. Fede Álvarez, known for his work on “Evil Dead” and “Don’t Breathe,” brings a gritty, raw edge to the film, ensuring that “Alien: Romulus” is not just a return to form but an evolution of the franchise.
Nosferatu
Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” is a 2024 reinterpretation of the classic 1922 film, breathing new life into the gothic horror tale of Count Orlok, portrayed by Bill Skarsgård. This version delves deep into the haunting obsession of Orlok for Ellen Hutter, played by Lily-Rose Depp, creating a disturbing narrative of possession and despair that threatens to engulf the fictional German city of Wisburg with plague and darkness.
Set against a backdrop that evokes the eeriness of early 20th-century Eastern Europe, Eggers employs a visual style that makes extensive use of shadow and light, enhancing the film’s gothic atmosphere. The performance of Skarsgård is particularly notable; his portrayal of Nosferatu eschews the typical monstrous vampire depiction for a more subdued and tragically sinister character, making his interactions with Ellen both chilling and poignant. The film’s use of practical effects and attention to period detail contributes to its immersive quality, creating a cinematic experience that feels both modern and timelessly macabre.
Critics have praised “Nosferatu” for its innovative approach to the vampire legend, highlighting Eggers’ mastery in blending horror with a rich narrative depth. The film’s release on Christmas day added an ironic twist to its dark themes, and it has been noted for its potential to become a modern classic in horror cinema, reminiscent of the impact of its silent film predecessor.
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