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Welcome to Dread Central Unearthed 2024, where we’re sharing our favorite films, moments, kills, scares, and more from this year in horror. Today, we have our staff writer Tyler Doupé’s personal top ten horror films of 2024!
As other film genres become more and more predictable, horror continues to surprise and delight me. Even the sequel and spinoff output was strong this year. In fact, three entries out of ten on my top horror films of 2024 are based on an existing IP. So, if you find yourself disenchanted with the state of Hollywood, take comfort in the fact that horror filmmakers are still taking risks. And many of them are paying dividends. Without further ado, I present my top 10 horror films of 2024.
10. Smile 2 (dir. Parker Finn)
I enjoyed Smile far more than I expected. It’s not overly original, with a core conceit effectively lifted from The Ring (but I actually think Smile is even scarier). The bar was set pretty high by the first chapter. So, I wasn’t expecting much out of the sequel. But I was pleasantly surprised as Finn crafts a story about a global pop sensation trying to make her comeback after a very public breakdown and a deadly car crash.
I like the way writer/director Parker Finn opted to explore the fragility of mental health through the lens of a musician at the peak of her fame. Our society has been historically unkind to pop starlets who deal with mental health struggles in the public eye. I think Naomi Scott’s turn as Skye Riley humanizes what public figures like Britney Spears and Amanda Bynes went through and gives the viewer cause to empathize, rather than judge. Moreover, the scares are on point. And Scott’s performance is fully committed.
9. The Demon Disorder (dir. Steven Boyle)
The Demon Disorder follows three brothers (Dirk Hunter, Charles Cottier, and Christian Willis) reeling from past trauma stemming from the death of their father (John Noble). Try as they might to outrun it, their past catches up with them, forcing each to face their fears and battle a malignant supernatural presence in the process.
I wasn’t expecting much from The Demon Disorder going in. But I sure came away impressed. I loved the Cronenberg influences and the visceral nature of its body horror. The practical effects are on point, which only makes sense as special effects guru Steven Boyle directs the film. And the film features a poignant message about the perils of unprocessed trauma. The performances are strong across the board. And the unhinged narrative is grounded by competent performances that keep us in the moment, even when the story goes to outlandish places.
8. Late Night with the Devil (dir. Cameron and Colin Cairnes)
This Shudder original unfolds on the set of a ‘70s late-night talk show during sweeps week. When the host (David Dastmalchian) opts to feature a young guest allegedly possessed by a demonic entity, all bets are off.
I waffled about whether or not to include this one. But I had to give in. While I wish the supporting cast was a bit more polished and the pacing was less sluggish in the early moments, Dastmalchian is simply brilliant as Jack Delroy. And directors Cameron and Colin Cairnes’ commitment to the ‘70s timeline in which the film unfolds is nothing short of commendable. The finale absolutely blew me away. The whole may be greater than the sum of its parts. But the final 15 minutes are effective enough to earn the flick a spot on this list.
7. Maxxxine (dir. Ti West)
Say what you will about this one. I had a blast with Maxxxine. Mia Goth shines as the titular character. Director Ti West delivers a nonstop barrage of De Palma and Hitchcock homages throughout. As a big fan of both, I connected with the flick from the jump. The set design, wardrobe, hair, and makeup all read as period-appropriate, which makes Maxxxine feel almost like a lost relic of the ‘80s. West effectively delivers elevated trash cinema much in the same manner De Palma famously did with Body Double and Dressed to Kill.
6. Here for Blood (dir. Daniel Turres)
Here for Blood sees struggling pro wrestler Tom (Shawn Roberts) filling in as a babysitter. Tom’s child-minding skills are put to the test when a band of otherworldly metalheads stage a home invasion and attempt to kidnap his young charge.
This flick succeeds thanks in large part to a strong script from first-time screenwriter James Roberts. The comedic exchanges are on point and leading man Shawn Roberts demonstrates far more emotional depth than I expected from a campy film like this. Here for Blood is as heartfelt as it is brutal. The dynamic between the babysitter and the babysat is surprisingly touching. Don’t sleep on this overlooked gem.
5. Alien: Romulus (dir. Fede Alvarez)
When a group of young colonists try to use a derelict spacecraft to flee to a distant planet, they encounter an otherworldly creature with deadly designs. The action in Alien: Romulus unfolds at a breakneck pace. The practical effects work is glorious and the CG is good enough not to be distracting. Cailee Spaeny turns in a showstopping performance as final femme Rain. She embodies many of the same traits that make Ripley such a memorable character. Co-writer and director Fede Alvarez tells a story that invokes nostalgia for the original but stands on its own two feet. This is easily my favorite series installment since Aliens.
4. Oddity (dir. Damian Mc Carthy)
Oddity sees a murder victim’s medium sister (Carolyn Bracken) digging into the cause of her sibling’s death with shocking consequences.
I can’t adequately prepare you for just how bizarre Oddity really is. The film plays out a little like an Ambien trip. It’s surreal and out there in the best possible way. Some aspects of the narrative are predictable but I didn’t mind. The third act is one of a kind. Writer/director Damian Mc Carthy delivers an impressive follow-up to his similarly surreal debut feature, Caveat. The two films make for quite the double bill.
3. Longlegs (dir. Osgood Perkins)
This chilling cinematic effort sees a young FBI agent (Maika Monroe) forced to confront her own past as she works to catch a prolific serial killer (Cage).
I had really high expectations going into Longlegs. The hype around this picture was nearly impossible to live up to. Yet, somehow it rises to the occasion. Writer/director Oz Perkins has really outdone himself. This chilling horror effort is steeped in atmosphere and the story is imaginative and unexpected, while simultaneously paying homage to classic genre pictures like The Silence of the Lambs. Not to mention, Nicolas Cage takes a character that could easily be a punchline and makes him terrifying.
2. The Substance (dir. Coralie Fargeat)
Wow. Just wow. The set design, sound design, cinematography, and special effects in this body horror film are top-notch. And Demi Moore turns in a performance we’ll be talking about for years to come. The actress shows tremendous range and fully commits to a physically and emotionally demanding role. Writer/director Coralie Fargeat delivers compelling commentary on the unrealistic standards to which women in (and outside of) Hollywood are held. Do not miss this one. There’s a reason everyone is talking about it.
1. Heretic (dir. Scott Beck and Bryan Woods)
Scott Beck and Bryan Woods have earned their stripes as masters of modern horror. They are on a host streak and Heretic shows they continue to hone their craft with each subsequent directorial effort. This flick is a thoughtful exploration of religion and its purpose in the grand scheme. Hugh Grant plays against type and delivers an arresting performance that will stick with you.
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