Best Horror Movies

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Best Horror Movies ✦

As the year draws to a close, it's natural to reflect on the moments and experiences we're thankful for. But for dedicated horror fans, this also means revisiting the year’s strangest, scariest, and most unsettling cinematic gems. With that being said, here are our favorite genre picks of 2024.

MaXXXine

Director: Ti West

Cast: Mia Goth, Elizabeth Debicki, Giancarlo Esposito

MaXXXine (the final film in the X trilogy) is a slasher film that follows an aspiring actress as she navigates a series of gruesome murders in 1980s Los Angeles. With its retro aesthetic and gritty, intense execution of an ongoing mystery, MaXXXine delivers a unique blend of religious fanaticism and whodunnit horror. The film's chilling atmosphere, memorable characters, and inventive sequences also make it a standout in the genre, cementing its place as a must-watch event for horror fans.

The Substance

Director: Coralie Fargeat

Cast: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley

Directed by Coralie Fargeat, The Substance follows an “aging Hollywood star,” played by Demi Moore, who becomes addicted to a mysterious substance that promises eternal youth. However, the substance has sinister side effects, leading to horrifying transformations and a descent into madness. At its core, The Substance is a visceral body horror film that offers a relevant critique of society's obsession with beauty and youth. Additionally, Demi Moore's gripping performance and Fargeat's masterful direction create a disturbing and thought-provoking narrative that leaves a lasting impact on viewers.

Smile 2

Director: Parker Finn

Cast: Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage

Smile 2 continues the terrifying story from its predecessor, now following a layered pop star who encounters the Smile entity — causing those who watch it to experience terrifying, smile-inducing hallucinations before meeting a gruesome end. Building on its established capacity for psychological horror, the sequel offers audiences striking camerawork and innovative jump scares, contributing to its potential for long-term suspense and terror. And despite her shortcomings and gruesome demise — we’re confident that Skye Riley is a new horror legend courtesy of star Naomi Scott!

Alien: Romulus

Director: Fede Álvarez

Cast: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux

The latest installment in the Alien franchise, Alien: Romulus, is set on a distant planet where a group of survivors must fend off a new breed of Xenomorphs while uncovering the dark secrets of a derelict spaceship. Why does this one work? Well, for starters, Alien: Romulus revitalizes the franchise with intense action sequences, cutting-edge special effects, and a gripping storyline that pays homage to the original films while making the necessary effort to introduce fresh elements. Fans and critics alike applaud its return to the franchise's horror roots, creating an exhilarating and terrifying experience.

The First Omen

Director: Arkasha Stevenson

Cast: Nell Tiger Free, Tawfeek Barhom

The First Omen is a prequel to the classic horror film The Omen, exploring the origins of the Antichrist and the events leading up to the original film. In this particular chapter, the story delves into the dark prophecies and the sinister forces at play. While one might expect there isn’t new ground to cover, this film offers a chilling backstory to one of horror's most iconic villains, with atmospheric tension and a sense of dread that echoes the original. More importantly, the film’s shocking final act has proven that prequels can change everything.

Longlegs

Director: Osgood Perkins

Cast: Maika Monroe, Nicholas Cage

Helmed by filmmaker Osgood Perkins, Longlegs follows an FBI agent, played by Maika Monroe, who investigates a series of ritualistic murders connected to a satanic cult led by Nicolas Cage's character. During its tense story, Longlegs combines the suspense of a '90s serial killer procedural with the occult to create a deeply unsettling and thrilling experience. These performances are strong, and Monroe is definitely worthy of the scream queen title.

Horror in the High Desert 3: Firewatch

Director: Dutch Marich

Cast: Marco Antonio Parra

The third installment of the indie-horror franchise returns to the haunting landscapes of the high desert — now following a man seeking answers while investigating the mysterious disappearances of the first two entries. Known for its atmospheric tension and immersive, realistic approach to storytelling, Horror in the High Desert 3: Firewatch continues to craft effective scares along with a strong new lead. So, essentially, the film's ability to deliver dread through a barren backdrop and character-driven plot has made it one of our favorite genre projects of the year.

Immaculate

Director: Michael Mohan

Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Álvaro Morte

Immaculate stars Sydney Sweeney as a young woman who becomes mysteriously pregnant and must uncover the dark forces behind her condition. As she digs deeper, she encounters a web of religious fanaticism and supernatural horror. And yes, there are a lot of parallels to The First Omen — but both films are worthy of recognition. Its exploration of themes like faith and corruption provides depth, while its eerie atmosphere and shocking revelations keep audiences engaged from start to finish. Let’s also not forget that the film’s final moments are legitimately haunting.

CUCKOO

Director: Tilman Singer

Cast: Hunter Schafer, Dan Stevens

Cuckoo is a thrilling, quirky sci-fi horror film that captivates with its stylish visuals and eerie atmosphere. Led by Hunter Schafer's compelling performance, the standout movie takes viewers on a wild, suspenseful body horror ride through a remote German Alps resort, where strange and terrifying events unfold.

Nosferatu

Director: Robert Eggers

Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Nosferatu, directed by Robert Eggers, is justifiably being hailed as one of the strongest horror films of 2024 — largely due to its gothic tone, stunning visuals, and impeccable performances from Lily-Rose Depp, Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Furthermore, the film's ability to blend this unique brand of horror with psychological terror creates a deeply unsettling experience that is expected to haunt viewers long after they leave the theater.