Horror has a long and storied association with queer history. Some of the genre's earliest filmmakers, most notably James Whale, an openly gay man, dealt with issues of Otherness and identity, especially in Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. Meanwhile, the pioneers of Gothic literature, specifically Mary Shelley and her husband, the poet Percy Shelley, had fluid sexualities. In honor of Pride Month, here are five must-see horror films by queer directors.
Hellraiser (directed by Clive Barker)
Clive Barker is a legend within the genre. His fiction deals with issues of pain, pleasure, and sadomasochism. For a few adaptations of his work, Barker got behind the camera to direct, most notably Hellraiser, based on his novella The Hellbound Heart. The story follows Kirsty (Ashley Laurence), who stumbles across the Lament Configuration, a magical box that summons the Cenobites. Their leader, Pinhead (Doug Bradley), dubs the Cenobites as angels to some and demons to other. They push pain and pleasure to the limits.
Hellraiser has too many great scenes to count, including the opening ritual in which Kirsty's thrill-seeking uncle, Frank (Oliver Smith), initially opens the box. Meanwhile, Barker drew inspiration for the look of the Cenobites from gay leather clubs. For the most part, the film's special effects really hold up, especially the transformation scene involving Frank.
Hellraiser is currently streaming on Tubi and Pluto TV for free.
Bride of Frankenstein (directed by James Whale)
It's really tough to pick just one James Whale film to include on this list. That said, Bride of Frankenstein is the campiest. This is thanks, in large part, to the performance of Ernest Thesinger as Doctor Pretorious. Besides that, the film includes such a stellar performance by Elsa Lanchester as the Bride. Though her screen time is limited, she simply steals the show. She's what we remember most about this film.
Like Shelley's novel and Whale's first Frankenstein film, Bride of Frankenstein deals so well with themes of Otherness and loneliness. It also has one of the most heartwrenching endings of any Universal Monsters film. Boris Karloff would play the Monster one more time, for Son of Frankenstein, but this might be his best performance in the role. He really gives the Creature such pathos.
Bride of Frankenstein is available to rent on various streaming platforms.
I Saw the TV Glow (directed by Jane Schoenbrun)
I Saw the TV Glow was one of my favorite movies of 2024. Its visuals haunted me for days after seeing it in the theater. Influenced by 90s TV shows, namely Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I Saw the TV Glow serves as a powerful trans allegory about best friends Owen (Justice Smith) and Maddy (Jack Haven). They bond over the cheesy TV show The Pink Opaque.
The film's theme, "There's still time," is incredibly effective both in terms of Owen's storyline and the idea that it's never too late to be yourself. While the ending is a bit of a downer, the journey to that point is one heck of a ride, supported by a killer soundtrack. Schoenbrun is a powerful voice, and I can't wait to see what they do next.
I Saw the TV Glow is currently streaming on MAX.
Lyle (directed by Stewart Thorndike)
Lyle is a haunting independent horror film that draws a lot of inspiration from Rosemary's Baby. Like Rosemary, the film's protagonist, Gabby (Gaby Hoffman), suspects that her neighbors are in Satanic cult after her toddler dies. Lyle starts out as a low-key psychological horror film but then ramps up its suspense and paranoia. The film, especially the New York City apartment building setting, another commonality with Rosemary's Baby, eventually feels incredibly tense and claustrophobic. Oh, and SNL mainstay, Michael Che, has a brief role in the film. It's cool to see him in something that doesn't involve the Weekend Update desk or writing jokes with Colin Jost.
Lyle is currently streaming for free on Tubi
The Child's Play Franchise (created by Don Mancini)
Chucky has become an LGBTQ icon among slashers, largely because of his creator, Don Mancini. Mancini didn't direct every film in the long-running series, but he did direct 2004's Seed of Chucky, which has the non-binary character Glen/Glenda.
Unlike any other slasher franchise I can think of, the Child's Play series deals openly with LGBTQ issues, without ever feeling preachy. The evolution has felt natural. The TV show also has openly queer characters, not only Glen/Glendia, but several of the human leads. In Season 1, Chucky even talks openly about parenting a non-binary kid. Though he relishes the kill, the doll we love to hate is pretty open-minded.
Chucky the TV series, along with several of the Child's Play, films are available to stream on Peacock.