The Best Horror Movies Of 2024

by

Summary

  • 2024 was a standout year for horror, with diverse stories like body horror and slashers.
  • Memorable performances in movies like Longlegs and Heretic captivated audiences.
  • Unique sequels like Smile 2 and Terrifier 3 brought fresh perspectives to the horror genre.

As a longtime horror enthusiast with a soft spot for unique storylines and chilling performances, I must say that the 2024 lineup of horror movies was truly outstanding. Amongst the plethora of spine-tingling releases, several titles particularly stood out, captivating me with their gripping narratives, exceptional acting, and innovative twists.

2022 marked a remarkable year for the horror genre with releases like “Barbarian” (film), the fifth installment of “Scream”, and “Pearl”. This left fans eagerly anticipating what 2023 would bring in terms of scary stories. In turn, 2024 continued to deliver chilling tales, demonstrating that audiences are always ready for more terrifying films. From slashers and ghost stories to body horror, a wide range of spooky subjects remain popular.

As 2025 draws near, aficionados of spine-tingling films have plenty to anticipate. However, it’s also worthwhile to reminisce about the past 12 months and the delightful and thrilling movies that graced the silver screen. From a chilling sequel to a chilling tale about youth and aesthetics, these are the top 2024 horror films that will undoubtedly be the subject of many conversations for quite some time.

The Substance

In 2024, Demi Moore’s body horror film titled “The Substance” might take home the prize as the most buzzed-about horror movie of the year. Although some viewers found it excessively grotesque, others were captivated by the intriguing narrative about a woman’s relentless pursuit of eternal youth and beauty. This movie demonstrated that Moore should delve deeper into the eerie genre, and Margaret Qualley delivered an outstanding performance, with another horror project in her future.

During an interview with The Guardian, Moore discussed the meaning behind her film, The Substance, and shared her personal feelings towards it. In her own words, she expressed:

As a movie enthusiast, I can honestly say that working on this film was an intensely challenging and raw experience. It required immense vulnerability, but it also felt incredibly liberating. Unlike Margaret, who carried the additional burden of needing to appear stunning, I had less pressure because I knew from the start that my portrayal wouldn’t be glamorized or softened. Instead, I was intentionally degraded, and yet there was something exhilarating about that lack of polish.

Longlegs

In addition to being hailed as a groundbreaking horror film by Forbes, “Longlegs” also showcased yet again why Maika Monroe stands out among contemporary horror actresses. Following her impressive roles in the well-loved 2014 movie “It Follows” and the feminist film “Watcher,” Monroe portrayed one of her most striking characters to date: FBI agent Lee Harker, who pursued a serial killer known as Longlegs, played by Nicolas Cage.

As a movie enthusiast, I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the intrigue of Nicolas Cage portraying a serial killer in this film. While that aspect was undeniably captivating, what truly set this movie apart was its depth and craftsmanship. It’s clear that a lot of thought and effort went into creating such a sophisticated piece of work.

From the Longlegs ending to the little moments in between, every scene is fascinating and proof of what can be achieved with the slasher genre. It’s more than the typical cat-and-mouse game, although it has been compared to the brilliant Silence of the Lambs, which is also about an intelligent woman whose life becomes interwined with a killer.

Heretic

Isn’t it intriguing to envision Hugh Grant portraying one of the most enigmatic horror movie characters ever conceived? The film, “Heretic,” set for release in November 2024, has already garnered a significant following. The plot revolves around two nuns who unexpectedly find themselves in a situation far beyond their expectations upon knocking on Grant’s character’s door.

It’s fantastic news that people can now view “Heretic” at home, as this is one of Grant’s best performances. He skillfully portrays a mix of mischievousness, charm, and terror, maintaining a gripping tense atmosphere throughout the movie without any breaks. In an interview with NPR, Grant discussed his role as an evil character and stated:

As a cinephile, I find myself captivated by it. It’s not just enjoyable for the actors, but it also holds an irresistible allure. Audiences can’t seem to resist the pull of the villain over the bland hero.

Smile 2

In the realm of 2024 horror films, Smile 2 truly shines as a remarkable follow-up, showcasing an unprecedented sense of originality. It’s not common to find such praise for sequels, but this movie certainly deserves it. On the one hand, Smile 2 is both spine-chilling and laugh-out-loud funny. On the other, it weaves a captivating tale about a pop singer who is tormented by a curse that causes her to see people grinning, regardless of where she goes.

In contrast to numerous films that showcase unsettling grins, such as those depicting menacing dolls with what appear to be friendly smiles, the Smile franchise stands out. These movies delve into heavy topics like grief, loss, trauma, overcoming fears, dealing with emotions, and identity. The depth of these themes is what makes Smile and Smile 2 truly remarkable. Regardless if fans wish to revisit it or those who missed it initially, Smile 2 is now accessible for home viewing.

Terrifier 3

Over time, some franchises can lose their appeal, but that’s not true with Damien Leone’s “Terrifier” series. Regardless of whether Art The Clown is human or not, he is an eternal villain, and in “Terrifier 3”, he continued his vicious rampage.

In a fresh twist of words: Terrifier 3 might spark a new wave due to its delightful Christmas backdrop. However, regardless of where the series progresses next, there’s plenty to admire about the third installment. Despite featuring gruesome killings that may be too intense for some viewers, it is the strong-willed final girl character Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera) that makes the third movie a must-see. Art The Clown continues to be an intriguing character who embodies chaos, wildness, intensity, and, indeed, terror.

Read More

2024-12-27 18:08