15 must-see horror films crafted by female directors

Female filmmakers have made their mark on the horror genre over the years, bringing their unique visions and perspectives to the screen. They've redefined the genre by pushing the boundaries of what horror can be, and we love to see it!

Here at 1428 Elm, we thought now would be the perfect time to celebrate the artistry and impact of female horror directors who deserve all the love and recognition. And how are we going do that, you ask? By watching some of the best horror films crafted by women in horror. Come on and join us!

The Substance (2024)

Where to watch: Theaters

French film director and screenwriter Coralie Fargeat is behind this film. She was also behind the critically acclaimed rape-revenge thriller Revenge. The Substance is a body horror movie starring Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading Hollywood movie star who is fired from her aerobics show on her 50th birthday.

Down in the dumps about her firing and fearful of getting old, Elisabeth decides to take a black market drug that promises to create a younger, more perfect version of oneself. But there are deadly consequences to taking the drug, and Elisabeth eventually finds herself facing them.

The Invitation (2016)

Where to watch: Tubi, Peacock, Freevee, or Pluto TV for free

American filmmaker Karyn Kusama helmed this horror-thriller, which centers around a dinner party that takes a dark and sinister turn when the hosts introduce a cult-like ideology to their guests. The cast is made up of Logan Marshall-Green, Tammy Blanchard, Michiel Huisman, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Lindsay Burdge, Michelle Krusiec, Mike Doyle, Jay Larson, and John Carroll Lynch.

Raw (2016)

Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on digital platforms

Given the subject matter, this movie might not be for everyone, but it was a powerful feature debut for French film director and screenwriter Julia Ducournau. The story centers around Justine, a young vegetarian beginning her first semester at veterinary school. During her first week, she's forced to participate in a gruesome initiation where she has to eat raw meat. But this one-time consumption leads her to develop a craving for human flesh that she struggles to control.

Lisa Frankenstein (2024)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Say what you want about Lisa Frankenstein, but this is a really entertaining horror-comedy in my opinion. I mean, you had incredible female filmmaker Diablo Cody, who wrote the script, and up-and-coming female filmmaker Zelda Williams directing. How often are two females in charge of a movie, especially in horror? Not often enough, so I'd take this as a win!

Scream queen Kathryn Newton stars as a lonely teen girl named Lisa. After falling in love with a reanimated Victorian-era corpse (Cole Sprouse), Lisa and her new undead lover embark on a journey to find him body parts.

Honeymoon (2014)

Where to watch: Peacock, Tubi, or Xumo Play for free

Leigh Janiak made her feature directorial debut with this film and co-wrote the screenplay. She would go on to direct the Fear Street trilogy, which is hands down one of my favorite horror trilogies of all time. Don't worry. It's included on this list.

Honeymoon is a supernatural horror film that follows Bea and Paul, a newlywed couple who decide to spend their honeymoon at a remote cabin in the woods. But their romantic getaway quickly takes a dark turn when Bea mysteriously disappears one night and returns acting like a completely different person.

Here are 10 more must-see horror flicks made by talented female directors:

• The Babadook (2014 - directed by Jennifer Kent) - The Roku Channel or Plex for free, Netflix, AMC+
• American Psycho (2000 - directed by Mary Harron) - Netflix or Paramount+
• Saint Maud (2019 - directed by Rose Glass) - Amazon Prime Video, MGM+
• Jennifer’s Body (2009 - directed by Karyn Kusama) - Pluto TV for free, Peacock, Hulu, Paramount+
• Fear Street trilogy (2021 - directed by Leigh Janiak) - Netflix
• Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022 - directed by Halina Reijn) - Max, Paramount+
• Your Monster (2024 - directed by Caroline Lindy) - Theaters on Oct. 25
• The First Omen (2024 - directed by Arkasha Stevenson) - Hulu

To stay up to date on all things horror and 1428 Elm, follow our Facebook page and Twitter account!