I know I’m beginning to sound like a broken record, but wow was this a great year for horror. 2024 brought us such a variety of different subgenres, styles, themes, and even some interesting remakes, reboots, and new entries into established franchises. Can you believe we got three different demonic pregnancy horror films in one year, two of them being prequels to popular horror films from the past?! To try to make my job easier this year, I kept a running list of the horror films I loved to help me create this narrowed down list. As it stands, the list I kept has 22 amazing horror films (this list can be viewed on my Letterboxd account). What follows is a list of my 10 favorite horror films of 2024, as well as my favorite horror TV shows and books I consumed this year.

FAVORITE HORROR FILMS OF 2024

10. The First Omen

When the news first broke of The First Omen, a prequel to the 1976 classic horror film The Omen, it was understandably met with skepticism. The feature-film debut of director Arkasha Stevenson, this prequel is a surprising triumph. It builds on the established lore, introduces characters and backstories that work well with the original, and even left room for a potential sequel. The entire film has striking and haunting imagery that builds the suspense to a fever pitch. The First Omen also has an iconic, breakout performance from Nell Tiger Free audiences won’t soon forget. If that isn’t enough to convince you how great this film is, the climax also includes a wonderfully disturbing and visceral nod to the most memorable scene from the 1981 cult classic, Possession.

9. Infested

French horror films tend to hit a little different. With Infested, audiences got a brilliant combination of Arachnophobia, Attack the Block, and just a dash of [REC]. The film pits a group of misfits against giant, killer spiders that have taken over their rundown apartment building. The film perfectly balances action-packed terror with emotionally charged character dynamics. It’s horrifying, it’s sentimental, the performances are fantastic, and the blending of real and CGI spiders will haunt your nightmares. After such a wonderful feature-film debut from Sébastien Vanicek, horror fans will definitely show up to see whatever he does next. Full review here.

8. Heretic

Being an A24 horror film, I assumed I would enjoy Heretic. What I didn’t expect was for the film to be such a thought-provoking examination of religion, power dynamics, and tension. This might be the best horror film by writing and directing duo Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. Primarily relying on dialogue to build the suspense, which is aided by a phenomenal trio of actors, the film forces the audience to face uncomfortable questions regarding their relationship with religion, without ever seeming to take sides in the debate. It’s a film that sticks with you long after viewing. Full review here.

7. MadS

Of all the films I saw in 2024, MadS was certainly the biggest surprise. This single-take French horror film follows a group of young people as they’re unwittingly exposed to a bizarre zombie-like outbreak. I saw this as a midnight screening at Fantastic Fest and it certainly kept the adrenaline going. The film implements subtle yet striking imagery and has truly brilliant performances, especially from Laurie Pavy as Anais. This one might have flown a bit under the radar, even for a Shudder original film, but it’s one I highly recommend horror fans seek out. It’s a wild journey that will keep audiences as the edge of their seats. Full review here.

6. I Saw the TV Glow

Writer and director Jane Schoenbrun delivered one of the most visually striking films of the year with I Saw the TV Glow. Not only does this film speak to millennial nostalgia for the media we consumed and loved growing up, but it also speaks to very specific queer experiences. Most notably, one character’s journey is a very clear allegory for being born as the wrong gender and the dysphoria one feels as a result. Between the lighting, imagery, performances, and amazing music, it’s hard not to be drawn into Schoenbrun’s strange world. There’s no doubt this film isn’t for everyone, but I for one hope to see more horror filmmakers take wild swings like this in 2025.

5. Abigail

What ended up being the most fun film of the year is undoubtedly Abigail. The third collaboration between the filmmakers collectively known as Radio Silence and actor Melissa Barrera, this film is a laugh-out-loud vampire flick. With a perfect ensemble cast pitted against one little vampire ballerina, audiences were treated to a hilarious ride that includes plenty of blood and guts to keep the gore hounds happy. Audiences are sure to fall even more in love with Barrera after watching. Plus, the set design and practical effects are an absolute feast for the eyes.

4. Cuckoo

Writer and director Tilman Singer’s sophomore feature film, Cuckoo is a delightfully strange horror film. Starring Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens, the film transports viewers seemingly into another world. There is something almost kitschy about the visuals and sets, but it lends to the out-of-place feeling the protagonist feels. The plot is bizarre and unique with fantastic performances from the entire cast. While Tilman’s previous film, Luz, let horror fans know his talent, Cuckoo is the film that really showed the world what he was capable of. Full review here.

3. The Substance

Throughout film history, horror has been praised for the way it incorporates subtle socio-political messaging and themes into the plots. Yet Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance takes a much more in-your-face approach. With brilliant performances from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, The Substance uses shock and gore to convey what it’s like to be a woman in a male-run world obsessed with youth, beauty, and perfection. It culminates in a finale that is as humorous as it is grotesque with striking practical effects. Love it or hate it, this is a film audiences won’t soon forget.

2. Exhuma

Exhuma is a Korean horror film I saw early in 2024 and it continually stuck with me and stood out as a phenomenal piece of cinema. It’s a stunning blend of Korean folklore mixed with modern traditions. The entire cast is wonderful and it’s clear great care was taken when creating the sets, practical effects, and the more mystical and ritualistic elements. It’s certainly a longer film with an intricate plot that can sometimes be a bit confusing, but everything ties together perfectly by the time the credits roll. Exhuma is just another example of how truly breathtaking Korean horror films can be. Full review here.

1. Nosferatu

While this was the last new horror film I saw in 2024, Nosferatu immediately took the number one spot on my list. Robert Eggers has once again shown just how brilliant he is as a filmmaker, taking on the project that he’s been passionate about recreating for years. Every single shot was meticulously framed in stunning sets so each image is a true work of art. Adding to the striking visuals are gorgeous costumes, gruesome practical effects, and an almost colorless palette that oscilates between cool blues and lavenders to the warm orange glow of flames. Eggers perfectly recreated the 1922 film while also adding more intricate lore. It’s all brought to life by an entrancing cast, which includes beautiful performances from Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, and Bill Skarsgard.

Favorite non-horror films (not in order): Anora, Dune: Part 2, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Challengers, Twisters

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FAVORITE HORROR SHOWS OF 2024 (Not in Order)

The Creep Takes – Season 1 – Shudder

Parasyte: The Grey – Season 1 – Netflix

Chucky – Season 3 Part 2 (RIP) – Syfy

From – Season 2 (I’m behind a season) – MGM+ (I watched on Amazon Prime)

What We Do in the Shadows – Season 6 (RIP) – FX

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FAVORITE HORROR BOOKS OF 2024 (New to Me – Not in Order)

Phantom Limbs: Dissecting Horror’s Lost Sequels and Remakes by Jason Jenkins

It Came From the Trees by Ally Russell

Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas

Cackle by Rachel Harrison

The Shining by Stephen King