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The spooky season is upon us, and for many it’s a great time to catch up on some of the great horror movies that were released earlier in the year that you might not have seen. Of course, there’s always enough time to watch some of your favorite classic horror movies or to see if any of your local theaters are doing any retrospectives for the season. But, thankfully 2024 hasn’t disappointed in the horror movie department, so here are the best 10 spooky films of the year to scratch your Halloween itch.
Longlegs
Nicolas Cage (National Treasure) might have the horror movie performance of the year in Longlegs, which was written and directed by Osgood Perkins (Gretel & Hansel). Borrowing some vibes from both Silence of the Lambs and Twin Peaks, Longlegs is a detective story that at times is more thriller than horror but will definitely creep you out. It follows FBI Agent Lee Harker, played by Maika Monroe (It Follows), who is tasked with capturing a serial killer known as Longlegs (Cage). With great framing and an absurdly eerie performance by Cage, it’s one of the best horror movies of 2024. You can check out our review of Longlegs here.
Immaculate
Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria) as a nun is just about as good as that sounds in Immaculate, the religious horror film directed by Michael Mohan (The Voyeurs). Álvaro Morte (Money Heist) and Benedetta Porcaroli (Perfect Strangers) star alongside Sweeney, who plays an American nun named Cecilia. She moves to an Italian convent to take her vows, but Cecilia doesn’t get to enjoy her trip, because before she can she realizes that she’s pregnant. Immaculate has elements of the revenge thriller subgenre while having some body horror too. You can read our full thoughts on Immaculate here.
The First Omen
While we’re talking about religious horror, we can’t forget the wonderful The First Omen. Directed by Arkasha Stevenson (Legion), it’s a prequel to the 1976 film, The Omen. The First Omen stars Nell Tiger Free (Game of Thrones) as Margaret, an American woman who goes to Rome to become a nun at a convent. The film is about the villain of The Omen franchise, the Antichrist known as Damien. While the prequel story is a little predictable, it’s still one of the most atmospheric horror movies of 2024, and well worth watching this Halloween. You can read our review of The First Omen here.
Terrifier 3
Art the Clown is back in the third installment of the Terrifier franchise, Terrifier 3, written and directed by Damien Leone (Terrifier). With David Howard Thornton reprising his role as Art and Lauren LaVera returning as Sienna, the film begins after the events of the second film. Of course, Art’s up to his usual gruesome shenanigans, but after the slump of Terrifier 2, 3 is an improvement in pretty much every way. It’s funny, full of gore, and has a gripping horror story. You can see our thoughts on Terrifier 3 here.
Exhuma
Directed by Jang Jae-hyun (The Priests), Exhuma is a South Korean film that is undoubtedly one of the best horror movies of the year. It stars Kim Go-eun (A Muse), Chou Min-sik (Oldboy) and Lee Do-hyun (Sweet Home). Exhuma follows the exploits of a shaman and an undertaker as they attempt to find the cause of a curse that is killing a young child. The first half of Exhuma is a slow-burn exorcism story that eventually evolves into one of the most fear-inducing horror movies of 2024.
Cuckoo
Hunter Schafer (Euphoria) and Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey) star in the eerie horror film, Cuckoo. Written and directed by Tilman Singer (Luz), Cuckoo follows a girl who moves to a resort in the German Alps with her father and her stepfamily while processing her mother’s death. When they get there she begins to notice some creepy occurrences surrounding the owner of the resort. Both Schafer and Stevens are brilliant, with Stevens cementing himself as 2024’s most valuable actor, and Schafer bringing self-awareness to a whole new level. Some of her dialogue is phenomenal, and while the film is creepy, it’s such an entertaining watch.
The Substance
The most visceral body horror experience of the year, The Substance is a must-watch for anyone who can stomach it. Written and directed by Coralie Fargeat (Revenge), the film stars Demi Moore (Ghost) as Elisabeth Sparkle, a movie star relegated to a workout program. After she is ousted for not being young and perky, Sparkle takes a concoction known as the Substance. The Substance splits her in two, with her ideal younger self, Sue, played by Margaret Qualley (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood). Be warned, it’s quite bloody. But, if you can handle it, The Substance might be the best horror movie of 2024.
Abigail
When six criminals take on a kidnapping job, they get more than they bargained for when the little girl they’re minding turns out to be a vampire. Abigail is a fun and bloody horror movie directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (Scream VI). It stars Melissa Barrera (Scream VI), Kathryn Newton (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania), Alisha Weir (Matilda: The Musical), and the aforementioned most valuable actor, Dan Stevens. Never taking itself too seriously, Abigail is a terrifically entertaining watch while having a fair amount of gore to keep horror fans thrilled in their seats. You can read our full review of Abigail here.
Alien: Romulus
Do you want a little bit of science fiction with your horror? Set between the first two Alien films Alien: Romulus is a return to the franchise’s horrific roots. Directed by Fede Alvarez (Don’t Breathe), the newest installment in the Alien franchise stars Cailee Spaeny (Civil War), David Jonsson (Industry), and Isabela Merced (Dora and the Lost City of Gold). Romulus follows a group of young hopefuls who attempt to scavenge a space station to make their way off their world while unfortunately running into some bloodthirsty xenomorphs. You can read our review of Alien: Romulus here.
A Quiet Place: Day One
A Quiet Place: Day One was directed by Michael Sarnoski (Pig), and it stars Lupita Nyong’o (Black Panther), Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things), and Alex Wolff (Hereditary). As the title suggests, Day One sees the Death Angels – the alien creatures from the franchise – land on Earth. It follows Sam (Nyong’o), a terminally ill cancer patient who is trying to protect her cat, along with a new friend she meets while trying to navigate the city. Great sound design and fantastic performances make A Quiet Place: Day One one of the best horror movies of 2024, and you can read our review of the film here.
