2024 horror movie highlights worth the chills

A year of unique frights and thrills

2024 is turning out to be a remarkable year for horror films, shattering conventions and introducing inventive twists to well-loved tropes. This year’s lineup spans everything from monstrous spiders to devilish late-night talk shows, pushing the boundaries of fear and storytelling. Below is a rundown of the standout horror movies that are making waves, enhanced by creative visuals and stunning performances, showing the genre grow in unexpected and thrilling ways.

Remarkable horrors of 2024 so far

Reimagining horror classics

Longlegs

Longlegs is redefining the police procedural horror. Directed by Oz Perkins and starring Maika Monroe, this film brims with an atmosphere of pure, relentless dread. The eerie visuals and the suffocating darkness make this a standout feature. Perkins masterfully controls tension, often holding shots long enough to leave viewers sweating in their seats.

In a Violent Nature

In a Violent Nature directed by Chris Nash reinvents the slasher genre with a unique blend of nostalgia and fresh terror. Utilizing a supernatural killer set in the 80s, the film focuses on tight, controlled viewpoints that heighten the terror. This movie is a strong nod to VHS-era horror with a contemporary twist.

The Substance

The Substance offers a biting satire of celebrity culture wrapped in a glossy sci-fi thriller. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, the film stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley in a narrative about reversing aging with a secretive drug. The third act erupts into a ballet of blood, humor, and tragedy, raising the film to a level of brilliance that should not be spoiled.

Unconventional narratives

Psychological and surreal horrors

Stopmotion

Stopmotion by Robert Morgan delves into the dark world of artistic obsession. Featuring Aisling Franciosi as a stop-motion animator grappling with her newfound freedom, the film blurs the lines between reality and nightmare. This psychological horror is a grim yet visually stunning exploration of a tortured mind.

I Saw the TV Glow

I Saw the TV Glow tells a surreal story of teens connected through a cult TV series. Directed by Jane Schoenbrun, the film poignantly explores the dysphoria and alienation of the closeted trans experience. Balancing hypnotic imagery with genuine emotion, it proves that the monsters we face within are the most terrifying of all.

Creature features and supernatural thrillers

Infested

Infested is the year’s ultimate creature feature, directed by Sébastien Vanicek. This French horror film unleashes a swarm of deadly spiders upon an apartment building, turning every surface into a scene of terror. The film excels at making audiences flinch and itch as the body count rises.

Oddity

Oddity by Damian McCarthy is a supernatural murder mystery featuring Carolyn Bracken as a blind woman with psychic powers. The narrative unravels around a haunted antique store and a spooky wooden mannequin, delivering striking imagery and chilling performances. McCarthy’s clever storytelling ensures a deeply satisfying end.

Honors and hidden gems

Noteworthy releases

Abigail

Abigail by the directors of Scream VI and Ready or Not, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, perfects the blend of scares and comedy. The movie follows crooks who kidnap a vampire girl, only to find themselves in over their heads. Stellar performances by Melissa Barrera and Dan Stevens highlight this gory caper.

Immaculate

Immaculate features Sydney Sweeney as a pregnant nun in a film directed by Michael Mohan. The movie builds up the horror until it reaches B-movie madness, enhanced by Andrew Lobel’s script and Sweeney’s unforgettable performance.

Indie trailblazers

Strange Darling

Strange Darling is a visually stunning, twisty serial killer drama led by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. Their cat-and-mouse chase through a small Oregon town keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The film’s visceral ending ensures it remains lodged in viewers’ minds.

Humane

Humane marks Caitlin Cronenberg’s directorial debut, set in a dystopian future where citizens are paid to be euthanized to reduce population strain. Michael Sparaga’s script is both funny and sharp, focusing on a rich family that finds itself trapped despite their wealth. This intriguing concept examines our treatment of loved ones against a dark, speculative backdrop.

Anticipated horror spectacles

Awaiting ‘Nosferatu’

The horror scene anticipates one of the most significant releases yet to come: Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu. Known for his meticulous attention to period detail and suspenseful storytelling, Eggers is expected to deliver another masterpiece that will likely shake the horror world profoundly.

Honorable mentions

Frankie Freako

Although Frankie Freako isn’t direct horror, it stands as a vibrant homage to ’80s and ’90s puppet films. Directed by Steven Kostanski, this love letter to early creature features is a pitch-perfect treat for genre fans.

Alien: Romulus

Alien: Romulus may not reinvent the franchise, but Fede Álvarez’s direction delivers intense scenes, exceptional sound design, and brutal tension, making it a worthy addition to the Alien saga.

Lesser-known gems

Milk & Serial

A $800-budget wonder, Milk & Serial by filmmaker Curry Barker is a testament to resourcefulness in horror filmmaking. Released on YouTube, it is an engaging found-footage thriller that leaves an indelible mark with its masterful tension and chilling villain.

The Coffee Table

The unnerving The Coffee Table turns domestic drama into a horror spectacle. Director Caye Casas spins a tale that begins with a mundane purchase and spirals into disturbing territory, guaranteed to leave audiences in cold sweat.

Final thoughts

In 2024, the horror genre excels through innovative storytelling, rich atmospheres, and fearless performances. Whether it’s a psychological thriller or a creature feature, these films showcase the boundless creativity and passion driving modern horror. Share your thoughts and follow us for more spine-chilling updates and reviews.# Horror trends 2024: Ultimate list of must-watch fright films

A fresh take on terror: Innovating the horror genre

The year 2024 is proving to be a banner year for horror aficionados, with films stretching from the sinisterly supernatural to heart-pounding creature features. This year’s ensemble casts a spotlight on creative storytelling and compelling cinematography, propelling the genre into uncharted territory. Below are the standout horror movies redefining fear and excitement in the world of cinema.

Defining horror masterpieces

Longlegs: Unearthing pure dread

Longlegs offers an unsettling and relentless dive into the dark side of police procedural dramas. Directed by Oz Perkins, it stars Maika Monroe, who cements her role as the reigning scream queen of indie horror. The film thrives on a rich atmosphere, plunging audiences into a world where evil lurks around every corner. The long-held shots and inky black visuals create a constant sense of dread that leaves viewers on edge.

In a violent nature: A slasher reborn

In a Violent Nature revolutionizes the slasher genre, paying homage to the VHS-era classics while introducing contemporary twists. Chris Nash directs a supernatural narrative anchored by the killer Johnny, whose presence dominates the screen with crisp camerawork and deeply controlled perspectives. The blend of outrageous kills and sharp satire showcases an empathetic yet fearsome approach to storytelling.

The substance: A bloody satire

The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, delves into the perils of celebrity culture through a sci-fi lens. The story features Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley in standout performances revolving around a mysterious age-reversing drug. The film evolves into a third-act frenzy of blood and dark humor, capped by a surreal climax that amplifies the narrative into a work of brilliance.

Exploring unconventional tales

Stopmotion: Nightmare meets reality

Stopmotion by Robert Morgan is a grim exploration of artistic obsession. The film stars Aisling Franciosi as a stop-motion animator grappling with both creative and personal demons. This psychological horror blurs the lines between reality and nightmare, presenting a beautiful yet hopeless vision that leaves a lasting impact on the audience.

I saw the tv glow: Teenage alienation

I Saw the TV Glow reflects on the bonds formed through a cult TV series. Directed by Jane Schoenbrun, the film follows lonely teens navigating the anxiety and dysphoria of the closeted trans experience. It’s a hypnotic and poignant tale that showcases how deeply disturbing inner struggles can be compared to any external terror.

Infested: Arachnid apocalypse

Infested is this year’s ultimate creature feature, crafted by Sébastien Vanicek. Set in a dilapidated apartment building, the film unleashes a legion of deadly spiders, delivering unrelenting tension. The visceral horror of these swarming arachnids keeps audiences jumping and flinching as the body count escalates.

Honoring hidden gems

Abigail: Comedy meets gore

Abigail merges horror and comedy in a tale of crooks who kidnap a vampire girl. Directed by the duo responsible for Scream VI and Ready or Not, the film features strong performances by Melissa Barrera and Dan Stevens. The gory narrative unfolds with a mix of scares and humor, perfecting the balance of both elements.

Immaculate: A nun’s nightmare

Immaculate frames Sydney Sweeney as a pregnant nun plunged into a terrifying saga. Michael Mohan’s direction and Andrew Lobel’s script build up the horror until it reaches a frenetic crescendo laced with B-movie madness. Sweeney’s unforgettable performance marks her unmistakable rise as a scream queen.

Indie standouts and rising stars

Strange darling: Serial killer surprise

Strange Darling is a twisty, visual treat driven by the cat-and-mouse dynamics of leads Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. Set in a small Oregon town, the film propels the audience through a series of shocks, anchored by a breathtaking finale that resonates long after the credits roll.

Humane: Dystopian dilemmas

Humane is Caitlin Cronenberg’s remarkable directorial debut. Located in a bleak future where euthanasia for cash is encouraged to cut down the population, the film explores a wealthy family’s desperate plight. Written with dark humor, it lays bare the inherent cruelty in human relationships.

Small budget wonders

Milk & serial: A DIY horror triumph

Milk & Serial redefines what’s possible in horror filmmaking. Directed by Curry Barker, this 62-minute found footage film was made on a shoestring budget of $800. Its masterful execution, from editing to storytelling, proves that great horror doesn’t need a Hollywood budget to make an indelible impact.

The coffee table: Domestic dread

The Coffee Table uses a simple premise — the purchase of a tacky coffee table — and spins it into a sinister domestic drama. Viewers are advised to go in blind and let the twisted narrative unfold, causing nerve-shaking tension and unexpected shocks.

A nod to upcoming frights

Awaiting ‘Nosferatu’

One of the most anticipated upcoming releases is Robert Eggers’ interpretation of Nosferatu. Known for his meticulously crafted horror and period detail, Eggers’ latest venture is expected to mesmerize and terrify in equal measure. This film is poised to be a significant milestone in the horror genre, continuing his legacy of evocative storytelling.

Plethora of horror delights

As we look forward to more spine-chilling tales, the horror films of 2024 have set a high bar. The innovative narratives, coupled with exceptional performances and breathtaking visuals, attest to the genre’s ongoing evolution. Share your thoughts on these films and follow us for insightful updates on the latest in horror entertainment.