Jenna Ortega is a beloved actress who has made a significant mark in the entertainment industry with her versatile performances. Known for her ability to effortlessly shift between genres, she's particularly celebrated for her work in horror films and shows, and has quickly become a favorite among fans of the genre. Her latest horror project is A24's Death of a Unicorn, which is now playing in theaters.
This horror-comedy comes from Alex Scharfman, who not only penned the script but also took the director's chair. The film follows a widowed father, Elliot, and his teenage daughter, Riley, who, on their way to a crisis management summit with Elliot’s boss, accidentally run over a unicorn. In panic mode, they decide to throw the unicorn in their car and continue on to the summit. This is when things take a dark and twisted turn. Elliot's boss and team of scientists discover the unicorn possesses supernatural healing properties and become obsessed with exploiting its abilities. Meanwhile, the unicorn's parents finally arrive and start brutally killing everyone involved in the exploitation of their offspring.
After seeing this film in theaters, you might find yourself wanting to watch more horror projects starring Jenna Ortega. Thankfully, the talented actress has a stacked horror filmography. Here's a list of five more horror movies and series of hers to check out next!
Scream
Where to watch: Paramount+, Netflix
Spyglass Media Group and Paramount Pictures decided to reboot the Scream franchise with the 2022 slasher Scream. It introduced fans to a new group of teenagers in Woodsboro who find themselves the targets of the masked killer Ghostface. Ortega plays Tara, one of the teens Ghostface sets their sights on. She's joined in the cast by Melissa Barrera, Mason Gooding, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mikey Madison, Jack Quaid, Marley Shelton, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Neve Campbell, and others.
X
Where to watch: Max
2022 was a busy year for Ortega as she not only starred in Scream but also in Ti West and A24's slasher X. Set in the '70s on an elderly couple's secluded farmhouse, the story centers around a group of filmmakers trying to make a pornographic film. However, shortly after their arrival, they discover the couple is not as welcoming as they seem. It becomes clear they have sinister intentions, and the cast and crew soon find themselves in a fight for survival as the elderly couple begins to target them one by one. Ortega portrays Lorraine, one of the crew members.
Scream VI
Where to watch: Paramount+, Netflix
Scream VI serves as a sequel to Scream and sees the return of Ortega as Tara. After surviving Ghostface's brutal attacks in the previous film, Tara and her sister Sam have relocated to New York City along with their friends, Chad and Mindy. However, their attempt at a fresh start is quickly shattered when Ghostface reappears, targeting them once again.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Where to watch: Max
In 2024, the long-awaited Beetlejuice sequel finally hit theaters. Titled Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the horror comedy takes place many years after the first film. It follows a now adult Lydia Deetz whose life is thrown into chaos when her estranged daughter, Astrid, is deceived into entering the afterlife. Winona Ryder reprises her role as Lydia, while Ortega takes on the role of Astrid.
Wednesday
Where to watch: Netflix
One of Netflix's best horror shows is easily Wednesday. The first season is available to stream on Netflix, with the second season slated to be released sometime this year. Ortega stars as the titular character, Wednesday Addams. In the first season, Wednesday transfers to Nevermore Academy, where she finds herself entangled in a murder mystery she's determined to solve.
Death of a Unicorn is now showing in theaters everywhere.