2024 was a better-than-average year for frightening films. We got some scary sequels, refreshing originals, and innovative indies. Here are my personal favorite films of the year — the ones I think are the BEST 2024 horror movies — in no particular order:
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Lisa Frankenstein
This adorable story set in the ‘80s is a goth glamour girl’s dream: Girl falls in love with cute corpse, lightning bolt reanimates said dreamy dead boy, add a bit of REO Speedwagon and you have a totally fun Frankenstein re-do; complete with tanning beds and lots of hair spray.
I absolutely love Lisa Frankenstein and laughed so much. There aren’t enough horror rom-coms, you know? Also, banging soundtrack.
Lisa Frankenstein | 1h 41m | PG-13 | Released February 7, 2024; Now Streaming Here:
The Substance
Spoiler alert: The Substance is my favorite film of the year. A body horror movie set – where else? – in Hollywood explores the unrealistic societal stereotypes of aging in show business that beautiful woman are held to and what happens when one woman desperately tries to defy them.
Pitch-perfect performances, gruesome gore, and the most disgusting shrimp scene I have ever seen make this fresh film SO relevant, so entertaining, and so WOW.
The Substance | 2h 20m | R | Released September 20, 2024; Now Streaming Here:
Terrifier 3
I was really looking forward to this sequel, as a fan of Art’s from way back when (All Hallow’s Eve, y’all) and believe me, Terrifier 3 did not disappoint.
Crazy levels of carnage that had jaws on the floor in the theater are so well done, Art is his usual hilarious self (and the actor who inhabits the clown costume, David Howard Thornton, an absolute icon), and Sienna is still our beloved bad ass final girl. A worthy sequel to a stellar series, and a record-breaking win for indie horror this year.
Terrifier 3 | 2h 5m | Not Rated | Released September 19, 2024; Now Streaming Here:
The First Omen
This spooky film takes us back to before Damien was a little menace tossing adults down staircases and what-not.
A young woman giving her life to God happens upon some frightening facts the church is keeping a secret, and she pays a steep price to uncover the scary story.
I actually didn’t expect to like this movie but the amazing acting (you can’t look away from Nell Tiger Free even if you want to) creepy imagery and gorgeous cinematography kept me glued to my seat until the bloody climax.
The First Omen | 1h 59m | R | Released April 5, 2024; Now Streaming Here:
Abigail
I figured from the trailers that this movie would be fun, but I was unprepared for how hilarious it is. Abigail is such a well-done comedy with just the right amount of horror.
A standout, all-star cast including Melissa Barrera; Kathryn Newton; and the late, great Angus Cloud keep the story rolling with wisecracks and gags aplenty. But the real star of the show here is the ballerina vampire, played by Alisha Weir. Weir brings a dead girl to life in full color and makes her such a compelling, cute, and unique character.
Abigail is a fun surprise, so if you haven’t watched it because you thought it looked dumb or goofy, I urge you to reconsider. It’s hilarious and unexpected.
Abigail | 1h 53m | R | Released April 19, 2024; Now Streaming Here:
I Saw the TV Glow
A movie that seemed to be divisive among fans and one I’m not 100% sure I’d call a horror movie per se, I Saw the TV Glow was a film I went into blind. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I will say from the beginning, the gorgeous colors and cinematography really had me.
Two outcasts who somehow find friendship based around their common love of a TV show seems so authentic. But what these two young people find is so much more. This is a thought-provoking film that I think is simply beautiful, layered with meaning.
I Saw the TV Glow | 1h 40m | PG-13 | Released May 3, 2024; Now Streaming Here:
Late Night with the Devil
I couldn’t wait to see David Dastmalchian slay in the role of Jack Delroy, and I was not disappointed.
Late Night with the Devil really nails the entire ‘70s vibe SO well, and I love how it’s set up like you’re actually watching the show along with the audience. It’s a really fun concept movie that takes you on a crazy ride with awesome effects and over-the-top, wild visuals.
Late Night with the Devil | 1h 29m | R | Released March 22, 2024; Now Streaming Here:
Strange Darling
I can’t say too much about this movie. Or rather, I can’t tell you enough to GO. IN. BLIND. Don’t Google, don’t read, don’t watch trailers, if you haven’t already. That was the advice given to me and I am so glad I did. Wow! What a film. Seriously. Watch it!
Kyle Gallner has made it to leading-man status, 100 percent. He’s fantastic. Just watch it!
Strange Darling | 1h 36m | R | Released August 23, 2024; Now Streaming Here:
Smile 2
I really enjoyed the first Smile but I found the ending somewhat lacking. However, they really upped the ante with this sequel, making it (a rarity, for sure) almost, well, better than the original!
Some genuinely scary moments, a few well-timed jump scares, and an irresistible rock-star heroine makes for a fast-paced film that never lets up. After the completely bonkers ending, I can’t wait to see what happens in the next one (is there a next one? I hope so!).
Smile 2 | 2h 12m | R | Released October 18, 2024; Now Streaming Here:
MaXXXine
Oh Ti West, how I love you. MaXXXine takes us to Hollywood with our aspiring actress after she escaped a bloody farm massacre.
Though MaXXXine plays more like a detective thriller than a tried-and-true horror film, it’s still a great ride through the starry streets of the City of Angels.
Kevin Bacon is a total hoot as John Labat, and Mia Goth is doe-eyed perfection as the titular heroine. She almost reminds me a bit of a young Shelley Long — that gamine, princess presence that can be so soft yet so commanding. She’s a powerhouse, and I am so in love with her. A great bookend to a fabulous series that ratchets to a fever-pitch, furious climax.
MaXXXine | 1h 44m | R | Released July 5, 2024; Now Streaming Here:
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
I saw the original Beetlejuice in the theater as a kid. I absolutely loved it, always have. When they announced this sequel, I was worried. But if Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara could show up, well, I’d go anywhere those ladies went; so I was in.
Luckily, this many-years-later follow up nailed it. Grown-up Lydia? What a treat. Jenna Ortega as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid? What better casting, am I right?
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice hits all the nostalgia buttons while keeping the characters and story fresh and modern. And I laughed my head off.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice | 1h 44m | PG-13 | Released September 6, 2024; Now Streaming Here:
V/H/S Beyond
Ugh, I LOVE the VHS films! They keep making them, and you’d think that not every film could be SO good, right? But they are! Every single one of these anthologies is gold.
Little films by established and up-and-coming directors serve up themed stories with a cool wraparound. And VHS Beyond‘s theme is about my personal Scary Thing: aliens!
My favorite director, Mike Flanagan, wrote the standout segment, “Stowaway,” and his incredible wife, Kate Siegel, directed it. It’s extremely creepy, unforgiving, eerie, and brutally beautiful. A great addition to the VHS universe! (VHS-verse?).
Note: This is the only movie on this list that wasn’t technically theatrically released (it appeared at festivals and then went to streaming), but I just HAD to include it!
V/H/S Beyond | 1h 54m | Not Rated | Released October 4, 2024; Now Streaming Here:
Honorable Mention: Nosferatu
No, I haven’t seen it yet. But who cares? I can preemptively say it will be one of my favorite movies of the year based on several facts: I LOVE Robert Eggers. I also LOVE Bill Skarsgard. I love vampires, gothic horror, and remakes/reimaginings of classic horror stories. And I love gorgeous movies, which I can tell from the trailers, this is.
Nosferatu | 2h 12m | R | Releasing December 25, 2025
What Were YOUR Favorite 2024 Horror Movies?
I’ve shared my favorite 2024 horror movies, but I’d love to know what yours were. I’m told that there’s going to be a list of 2024’s more obscure indie horror films up next week as part of the Izzy’s Eerie Indies series, and I can’t wait to read about those (and do a mental check list of which ones I’ve seen or need to add to my Must Watch list!).
I hope you liked my Christi’s Creepy Commentary collection of fresh-from-the-theater horror movie picks and that I’ve given you plenty of amazing films to choose from. If you missed any of them when they were out originally earlier this year, now’s your chance! Nothing gets us through the bleak winter months like our favorite genre.
Speaking of winter, check out this cute card Lauren made for HorrorFam.com readers:
I can’t wait to write about more horror movies in 2025! See you at the theater!
Images were purchased via CineMaterial + MovieStillsDB and used for review purposes. Featured image is a combination of two free stock photos from Pixabay with lil hints of the reviewed movies peeking through.
