Wow, 2024 is really about to come to an end, and we can't help but think about how great of a year it's been for horror. From box office hits that redefined fear to indie gems that pushed the boundaries of storytelling, horror has proven its enduring appeal and versatility.
As we reflect on the past year, it’s clear that horror has not only entertained us but also evolved, demonstrating why it continues to be an important and lively part of the film industry. Now that we're about to cross the finish line for this year and embark on a new journey into the new year, what better way to cap off 2024 than by watching some of the best horror movies?
Forget about the Ball Drop and dive into these seven thrilling horror flicks that will make this New Year's Eve unforgettable!
Nosferatu (2024)
It would only make sense to watch Nosferatu since it was just released in theaters a few days ago, and honestly, you won't be disappointed. Like some of the critics, I'd call it a pretty solid remake of the 1922 silent film of the same name. Written and directed by Robert Eggers, the gothic horror film tells a story of obsession and terror. You have a young woman, plagued by disturbing dreams and visions, who finds herself caught in the web of a centuries-old vampire obsessed with her.
Lily-Rose Depp stars in the main role as Ellen Hutter, the haunted young woman. Nicholas Hoult plays Thomas Hutter, Ellen's husband, while Bill Skarsgård portrays Count Orlok, the Transylvanian vampire obsessed with Ellen.
Where to watch: Theaters
The Invisible Man (2020)
In 2020, Leigh Whannell released his modern reimagining of H.G. Wells' 1897 novel The Invisible Man, and it's perfect for fans of psychological horror. Tired of the abuse and controlling behavior, Cecilia escapes her abusive relationship with her wealthy boyfriend and hides out at a friend's house. Two weeks later, she discovers that her ex-boyfriend has committed suicide and left her a large sum of money.
But as Cecilia starts to experience a series of disturbing events, she becomes convinced that her ex is still alive and has somehow become invisible, using his invisibility to stalk and terrorize her. However, no one believes her claims, and she finds herself having to reclaim control of her life without much help. Elisabeth Moss stars as Cecilia. Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, Harriet Dyer, Michael Dorman, and Oliver Jackson-Cohen are also part of the movie's cast.
Where to watch: Prime Video for free
Talk to Me (2022)
2022 was an excellent year for A24 with the release of the supernatural horror film Talk to Me. It's basically about a party game gone wrong. When a group of teenagers discovers that they can communicate with spirits through a mysterious embalmed hand, one of them becomes increasingly obsessed with it and accidentally breaks one of the game's rules. This leads to the release of horrifying supernatural forces.
Sophie Wilde takes on the lead character role, Mia. Alexandra Jensen, Joe Bird, Otis Dhanji, Miranda Otto, Zoe Terakes, and many others are in the cast too.
Where to watch: Paramount+
Smile 2 (2024)
Smile 2 is undeniably one of the best horror films of the year and is a worthy follow-up to the first film. As famous pop star Skye Riley prepares for her upcoming tour, she begins to experience a series of chilling and unexplained events. After looking more into what's going on, she discovers that she's the new victim of the Smile entity, an evil supernatural force that feeds on one's trauma. Before the entity completely takes over and drives her to madness, Skye must find a way to put a stop to it.
Naomi Scott, who you may recognize from her previous roles in Charlie's Angels and Anatomy of a Scandal, portrays the main character, Skye Riley. Other talented actors, such as Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, Kyle Gallner, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson, Ray Nicholson, Dylan Gelula, and Raúl Castillo have roles in the film as well.
Where to watch: Paramount+
The Substance (2024)
If you were to ask me what my favorite horror film from this year was, I'd say The Substance with no hesitation. It's definitely one of the best body horror films I've seen in a while. It's a movie revolving around a former beloved movie star whose life unravels when she’s unexpectedly fired from her aerobics TV show gig due to her age. In a moment of desperation, she turns to a black-market drug that promises to turn its users into a more attractive version of themselves. However, the transformation brings unexpected and horrifying side effects.
Demi Moore made her return to the horror world with this film, starring in the leading role of Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging movie star. Margaret Qualley, who received an Emmy nomination for her role in the drama miniseries Maid, stars opposite Moore in the role of Sue.
Where to watch: Mubi
Alien: Romulus (2024)
After the release of some lackluster Alien films in the past, the Alien franchise seems to finally be back on track with its latest installment, Alien: Romulus. Fede Álvarez takes the helm with this movie that follows a crew of space colonizers battling for survival against deadly alien creatures on an abandoned space station. Portraying the space colonists are Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu.
If you end up enjoying this film, which I'm positive you will, you'll be glad to know that a sequel is in the works.
Where to watch: Hulu
Longlegs (2024)
While I consider The Substance to be the best horror film of 2024, others might argue that Longlegs deserves the title instead. Truthfully, I would understand why because it's my second favorite horror movie of this year. I still can't get over Maika Monroe's amazing performance as FBI agent Lee Harker and Nicolas Cage's truly haunting performance as the creepy serial killer Longlegs. After watching this film, I'm super pumped up about Neon's upcoming horror releases!
Here's official synopsis for Longlegs via Neon's website:
"In pursuit of a serial killer, an FBI agent uncovers a series of occult clues that she must solve to end his terrifying killing spree."
Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on digital platforms