After seeing what the best horror movies of 2023 had to offer, horror fans knew 2024 had its work cut out for it. Fortunately for audiences, the follow-up year delivered in surprising ways, whether through never-before-seen premises, stunning performances, extreme gore, hilarity, and some of the best kills on the big (or small) screen. Prequels to established franchises and narratives that took big swings paid off for the most part, and indie horror continued to prove itself as important to the genre as mainstream movies.
With the taste in the genre different for every viewer, these horror movies span all kinds of flavors, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. It’s too early to determine whether these films will ever be among the best horror movies of all time, but they certainly made the cut for the horror movies that have to be seen in 2024 so far.
10 In A Violent Nature
The indie horror was a hit for IFC Films
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In a Violent Nature RDramaHorrorThriller
In a Violent Nature is a 2024 horror-slasher film written and directed by Chris Nash that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024. A group of campers in the middle of the wilderness stumble across a fire watchtower and discover a locket buried beneath its charred ruins. However, by unearthing the locket, they’ve invited the wrath of its prior owner and now must survive the rampage of a supernatural killer looking to retrieve his possession.
Director Chris Nash Release Date January 22, 2024 Studio(s) Shudder Distributor(s) Shudder , IFC Films Writers Chris Nash Cast Lauren-Marie Taylor , Andrea Pavlovic , Ry Barrett , Reece Presley Runtime 94 Minutes Expand
In a Violent Nature brilliantly subverts horror expectations by not only centering most of the film’s perspective from the killer’s point of view, but doing so in a way audiences have never really seen before. Horror movies like American Psycho and The House That Jack Built are among a select few where viewers follow the killer acting as the film’s main character. What sets In a Violent Nature apart is that this is a silent slasher taking the reins of the story; viewers have no choice but to follow his steady footsteps and relentless brutality without monologues or justifications.
The result is a raw, increasingly suspenseful, and smart narrative. Johnny, the undead killer, only wants one thing in the movie: to retrieve his dead mother’s necklace that was stolen from his grave and wreak bloody vengeance on those who stole it. The premise is simple and effective, working well within classic slasher tropes specifically inspired by Jason Voorhees in Friday the 13th. The moments the camera focuses instead on Johnny’s victims only increase the tension as the audience never forgets that Johnny is mere feet away, watching and waiting.
For the most part, the gore is not about shock and awe but instead makes the viewers experience the pure rage driving the slasher. ,
Every kill from In a Violent Nature is a satisfying masterclass in the use of prosthetics and ingenuity. One of the most interesting aspects of the movie’s violence is not only the gore, but that these scenes are not gruesome just for the sake of being over-the-top violent. Johnny is a furious, vengeful spirit who still has a few child-like qualities. For the most part, the gore is not about shock and awe but instead makes the viewers experience the pure rage driving the slasher. In a Violent Nature’s ending is the cherry on top of this memorable, haunting film.
9 Immaculate
Sydney Sweeney led and produced the film
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Immaculate Not Yet RatedHorror
Immaculate is a 2024 horror film directed by Michael Mohan and stars Sydney Sweeney. When a devout woman named Cecilia is offered a position at a prestigious convent in Italy, she takes it with little hesitation. However, Cecilia’s world is turned upside down when she discovers the terrible secrets hidden within her new place of faith.
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*Availability in US Director michael mohan Release Date March 22, 2024 Studio(s) Fifty-Fifty Films , Black Bear Distributor(s) Neon Writers Andrew Lobel Cast Sydney Sweeney , Álvaro Morte , Benedetta Porcaroli , Dora Romano , Giorgio Colangeli , Simona Tabasco Runtime 89 minutes Expand
Immaculate is arguably Sydney Sweeney’s best role yet. She plays the devout Sister Cecilia, who travels to an Italian convent she will now call home. Unfortunately for her, Cecilia does not know about the nun who attempts to escape at the beginning of the film and has her leg viciously snapped or Father Sal Tedeschi’s (Álvaro Morte) sinister plans. Within time, Cecilia finds herself pregnant by immaculate conception and supposedly carrying the new Savior. She quickly realizes the convent is not holy and becomes trapped inside its insidious walls before taking extreme measures to escape.
The true horror of
Immaculate
lies in so-called devout people twisting their religious faith in horrifying and harmful ways; an actual demon is not needed for this story to terrify audiences.
The film smartly ties the big reveal about how Cecilia was impregnated to science and man’s hubris instead of a supernatural explanation. The true horror of Immaculate lies in so-called devout people twisting their religious faith in horrifying and harmful ways; an actual demon is not needed for this story to terrify audiences. Some viewers might hesitate to admit that Immaculate’s shocking ending is also the most appropriate one to close out Cecilia’s on-screen journey. She begins the story in a peaceful and hopeful place, only to be forced to end it bloody, violent, and wrathful.
8 Abigail
Alisha Weir is a convincing ballerina vampire
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Abigail (2024) R
Abigail is a 2024 horror thriller directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. The plot follows a group of people who kidnap the daughter of a dangerous crime lord only to discover that the little girl is actually a vicious vampire out for blood. Alisha Weir stars as the titular character alongside Kathryn Newton, Melissa Barrera, and Dan Stevens.
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*Availability in US Director Matt Bettinelli-Olpin , Tyler Gillett Release Date April 19, 2024 Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers Stephen Shields , Guy Busick Cast Kathryn Newton , Dan Stevens , Giancarlo Esposito , Kevin Durand , Melissa Barrera , Alisha Weir , Angus Cloud , William Catlett Main Genre Horror Expand
Abigail is the most entertaining horror movie of 2024 overall. It features a strong ensemble led by Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, and Alisha Weir, with every cast member executing their roles perfectly. A group of criminals believe they’re in for a big payday after kidnapping a young girl, but their easy babysitting gig turns into a nightmare when it’s revealed that the titularly named Abigail is actually a vampire. The night becomes an all-out battle for survival as the group desperately tries to live long enough for the sun to rise; even then, escape is unlikely.
Even the
Abigail
soundtrack provides a thrilling atmosphere in addition to the movie’s mostly one-location setting in the vampire’s gorgeous but creepy mansion.
Related Ready Or Not 2 Needs Melissa Barrera To Pay Off The Exciting Horror Crossover Teased In Radio Silence’s Abigail Movie
Ready or Not 2 has been officially announced, and it can finally pay off a horror cinematic universe that was teased only a few months ago.
Loosely inspired by 1936’s Dracula’s Daughter, the film offers multiple twists, plenty of scares, bloody kills, and laugh-out-loud moments. Even the Abigail soundtrack provides a thrilling atmosphere in addition to the movie’s mostly one-location setting in the vampire’s gorgeous but creepy mansion. Kevin Durand lights up the screen as Peter, the crew’s muscle and the movie’s pitch-perfect comic relief, followed closely by Kathryn Newton. Abigail is endlessly rewatchable and remains a strong contender for the most fun viewers will have watching a horror movie.
7 Cuckoo
Hunter Schafer’s Cuckoo performance makes her a certified scream queen
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2024’s Cuckoo is another one of the best horror movies of the year, with it standing out from the crowd when it comes to its story, visuals, and tone. The horror film is set at a resort in the German alps, with it moving away from the creepy mansions and abandoned space stations that have been seen in many of the year’s other horror films. On top of that, the tone of Cuckoo is wholly unique, with its music and visuals giving the haunting film an almost relaxing tone.
Cuckoo
introduces a new type or horror movie monster that hasn’t been seen before
Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens’ Cuckoo performances are absolutely fantastic, with their characters being the most memorable part of the film. On top of that Cuckoo introduces a new type or horror movie monster that hasn’t been seen before, with its reveal being unqiue and terrifying.
6 Alien: Romulus
One of the franchise’s scariest movies yet
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53 8.5/10 Alien: Romulus RSci-FiHorrorThriller
Alien: Romulus is the seventh film in the Alien franchise. The movie is directed by Fede Álvarez and will focus on a new young group of characters who come face to face with the terrifying Xenomorphs. Alien: Romulus is a stand-alone film and takes place in a time not yet explored in the Alien franchise.
Director Fede Alvarez Release Date August 16, 2024 Studio(s) Scott Free Productions , 20th Century Distributor(s) 20th Century Writers Fede Alvarez , Rodo Sayagues , Dan O’Bannon , Ronald Shusett Cast Cailee Spaeny , David Jonsson , Archie Renaux , Isabela Merced , Spike Fearn , Aileen Wu , Rosie Ede , Soma Simon , Bence Okeke , Viktor Orizu , Robert Bobroczkyi , Trevor Newlin , Annemarie Griggs , Daniel Betts Character(s) Rain , Andy , Tyler , Kay , Bjorn , Navarro , WY Officer , 10-Year-Old Punk #1 , 10-Year-Old Punk #2 , 10-Year-Old Punk #3 , Offspring , Xenomorph , MU/TH/UR (voice) , Rook (Facial and Vocal Performance) Runtime 119 Minutes Franchise(s) Alien Main Genre Horror Expand
After a string of not-so-great Alien movies, almost nobody expected 2024’s Alien: Romulus to be one of the best blockbusters of the year. However, Alien: Romulus ended up being a massive hit, with it garnering overwhelming critical praise. The film is one of the few Alien sequels to recapture the atmosphere of Ridley Scott’s original, with it being the first Alien film in a long time that is truly scary.
Alien: Romulus
‘ cast is incredible, especially Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson
However, Alien: Romulus has a lot more to offer than just its scares. Alien: Romulus‘ cast is incredible, especially Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, and the visuals are absolutely gorgeous. Alien: Romulus is probably the best alien film since Aliens, showing just how good the franchise revival is.
5 The First Omen
The Omen prequel explores Damien’s birth
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The First Omen R
The First Omen is a horror film from director Arkasha Stevenson that acts as a prequel to the 1976 film The Omen. The film follows a young woman who goes to Rome to become a nun but begins to question her faith after encountering a terrifying darkness that aims to spawn an evil incarnate.
Director Arkasha Stevenson Release Date April 5, 2024 Studio(s) Phantom Four Distributor(s) 20th Century Writers Ben Jacoby , Tim Smith , Arkasha Stevenson , Keith Thomas Cast Nell Tiger Free , Tawfeek Barhom , Sonia Braga , Ralph Ineson , Bill Nighy Runtime 119 Minutes Main Genre Horror Franchise(s) The Omen Sequel(s) The Omen Expand
The First Omen is a great example of a prequel to a classic horror franchise done right. Set immediately before the beginning of 1976’s The Omen, the movie tells the story of Margaret (Nell Tiger Free), who finds herself in Rome ready to take the veil in service of the Catholic Church. After meeting a troubled girl named Carlita (Nicole Sorace), Margaret is contacted by Father Brennan (Ralph Ineson) telling her of a dark conspiracy by this particular religious sect. As insidious events and horrific hallucinations plague Margaret, she discovers the truth behind the church’s evil plans.
There are fun Easter eggs in
The First Omen
beyond the presence of Father Brennan, such as a callback to the “It’s all for you” scene in the original film
Related 10 Scariest Moments In The First Omen
From a gut-wrenching possession scene to a public self-immolation, The First Omen is full of terrifying moments that won’t be forgotten any time soon.
The prequel stays firmly within the tone established by the rest of The Omen franchise. Additionally, there are fun Easter eggs in The First Omen beyond the presence of Father Brennan, such as a callback to the “It’s all for you” scene in the original film. In telling a story that directly leads into The Omen, the filmmakers smartly ensured the movie respected continuity as much as possible. That said, they play a little loose in a couple of aspects, but the most important is cleverly explained in a way that doesn’t destroy what audiences know about Damien’s origin story.
4 I Saw the TV Glow
A surreal coming-of-age tale
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I Saw the TV Glow PG-13DramaHorror
I Saw the TV Glow is a horror film by writer-director Jane Schoenbrun, released in 2024. A young man named Owen is introduced to a late-night TV show that reflects their reality. As the two begin to bond over the series, it suddenly is canceled, causing Owen’s view of reality to shatter.
Director Jane Schoenbrun Release Date January 18, 2024 Studio(s) Smudge Films , Fruit Tree Distributor(s) A24 Writers Jane Schoenbrun Cast Justice Smith , Brigette Lundy-Paine , Danielle Deadwyler , Fred Durst , Helena Howard , Ian Foreman Runtime 100 Minutes Expand
I Saw the TV Glow is the most surreal horror drama of 2024 and possibly the most important. Written and directed by Jane Schoenbrun, previously best-known for We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, the movie centers on Owen (Justice Smith) and his friend Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine). After Maddy introduces Owen to a horror-mystery series called The Pink Opaque, he becomes increasingly obsessed with the show, and his reality starts to blur. The cancelation of The Pink Opaque threatens to shatter Owen’s reality completely, and that’s only the beginning of the movie’s coming-of-age story.
As Owen’s journey plays out, the theme of self-discovery and acceptance as a young adult burrows itself into the narrative
As I Saw the TV Glow explores the film’s deeper meanings of identity, escapism, childhood obsessions, and the queer experience, Smith shines in a raw, emotional performance. As Owen’s journey plays out, the theme of self-discovery and acceptance as a young adult burrows itself into the narrative, and Smith executes Owen’s experience skillfully. The ending of the movie promises the potential closing of one chapter and a hopeful opening of another; messages told in surreal environments Schoenbrun excels at.
3 Late Night with the Devil
The found footage style gets an update in this original film
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Late Night With the Devil R
Late Night with the Devil is a horror thriller starring David Dastmalchian as Jack Delroy. Delroy is a late-night talk show host in 1977 trying to keep his broadcast on the air. But when he tries to communicate with the devil through a young girl live on the air, things don’t go according to plan.
Director Cameron Cairnes , Colin Cairnes Release Date March 22, 2024 Studio(s) Image Nation Abu Dhabi , VicScreen , AGC Studios , Good Fiend Films , Future Pictures , Spooky Pictures Distributor(s) Umbrella Entertainment , Maslow Entertainment Writers Colin Cairnes , Cameron Cairnes Cast David Dastmalchian , Laura Gordon , Ian Bliss , Fayssal Bazzi , Ingrid Torelli , Rhys Auteri , Josh Quong Tart , Georgina Haig Runtime 86 Minutes Main Genre Horror Expand
Late Night with the Devil earned the metaphorical award for 2024’s most ingenious premise. The film is set up as a found-footage documentary of sorts, only it happens to be a recorded taping of a 1970s late-night talk show hosted by Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian). This particular episode finds Jack desperately attempting to earn high enough viewership to keep his show on the air. His idea is to dedicate the hour to an all-Halloween-themed episode, including communicating with the Devil, who could be possessing a young girl. To say this plan blows up in Jack’s face is putting it lightly.
As the movie ramps up and the tension builds,
Late Night with the Devil
takes its time to explore the timeless argument of skepticism vs. belief, grounding the story in a sense of reality.
Dastmalchian’s performance proved him a leading actor, especially in the horror genre. All eyes are on him almost constantly, and he carries the weight effortlessly. As the movie ramps up and the tension builds, Late Night with the Devil takes its time to explore the timeless argument of skepticism vs. belief, grounding the story in a sense of reality. Jack’s history, the loss of his wife, and the background of the possessed girl, Lilly (Ingrid Torelli), gives the movie substance as the story heads into a brutal third act that ends in the only way it should have.
2 Longlegs
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7.8/10 Longlegs RHorrorThriller
Longlegs is a horror thriller film by writer-director Osgood Perkins. When FBI agent Lee Harker is assigned to a serial killer cold case, their investigation leads them down a rabbit hole riddled with disturbing discoveries and the occult at the center of it all. When the trail of evidence reveals a personal connection, it becomes a race against time to prevent another murder.
Director Oz Perkins Release Date July 12, 2024 Studio(s) C2 Motion Picture Group , Saturn Films Distributor(s) Neon Writers Oz Perkins Cast Maika Monroe , Nicholas Cage , Blair Underwood , Alicia Witt , Michelle Choi-Lee , Dakota Daulby , Lauren Acala , Kiernan Shipka Runtime 101 Minutes Main Genre Horror Expand
One of the most mysterious horror films of the year also had an incredibly mysterious marketing campaign, with that being Longlegs. Longlegs trailers and marketing materials led to the film instantly gaining a lot of intrigue, with many eagerly awaiting to see what Nicolas Cage’s titular killer looked like. Luckily, when the film was released, it lived up to the hype.
Oz Perkins’ horror thriller is one of the director’s most popular movies, with it having a career best performance from Maika Monroe and some of the best scares of 2024
Related Longlegs’ Divisive Ending Repeated A Horror Movie Trope That Always Bothered Me
Longlegs had moments of great execution, but the new Nicolas Cage horror movie’s big twist repeated a trope I wish the genre would leave behind.
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The Silence of the Lambs inspired thriller was immensely popular upon its release, with it being a critical and box office success. Oz Perkins’ horror thriller is one of the director’s most popular movies, with it having a career best performance from Maika Monroe and some of the best scares of 2024.
1 The Substance
Coralie Fargeat’s award-winning horror masterpiece
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7.5/10 The Substance RHorrorDrama
Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading celebrity, turns to a mysterious drug that promises to restore her youth by creating a younger, more beautiful version of herself. But splitting time between her original and new body leads to horrifying consequences as her alternate self, Sue, begins to unravel her life in a disturbing body-horror descent.
Director Coralie Fargeat Release Date September 20, 2024 Studio(s) Working Title Films , A Good Story Writers Coralie Fargeat Cast Demi Moore , Margaret Qualley , Dennis Quaid , Gore Abrams , Hugo Diego Garcia , Olivier Raynal , Tiffany Hofstetter , Tom Morton , Jiselle Burkhalter , Axel Baille , Oscar Lesage , Matthew Géczy , Philip Schurer Character(s) Elisabeth Sparkle , Sue , Harvey , Oliver , Diego , Alan , The Stylist , The Doctor , Girl , The Photographer , Troy , Bob Haswell , Mr. Scream Runtime 140 Minutes Main Genre Horror Expand
One of the most surprising new films of 2024 is The Substance, with many claiming that it is the best horror film of the year. The movie follows Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging fitness instructor who discovers a serum that promises that she will become her perfect self. However, after breaking the rules, she quickly discovers that the substance has some horrific side effects.
The score and performances from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley are some of the best of 2024
The Substance is not only one of the best horror movies of the year, but also one of the best movies of the year. The film won Best Screenplay at the 77th Cannes film festival, but the writing isn’t the only good part of the film. The score and performances from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley in The Substance are some of the best of 2024, and the cinematography and visual effects are absolutely fantastic. The Substance‘s usage of body horror and gore to explore its themes is one of the best examples of using horror to explore feminist themes in years, making it the best horror movie of 2024.