10 Horror Movies Like ‘Grafted’

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As a passionate cinephile, I’ve got to share some exciting news! The streaming platform Shudder has just unveiled an intriguing coming-of-age body horror film titled “Grafted“. Directed by the talented Sasha Rainbow, this movie chronicles the journey of a Chinese student named Wei. Struggling with a genetic facial defect, Wei relocates to live with her cousin in New Zealand, all while pursuing her studies at an esteemed university. However, her cousin harbors resentment towards her Chinese background, and Wei encounters difficulties in connecting with her fellow students due to her low self-esteem, exacerbated by her physical appearance concerns.

Following collaboration with a university science professor on refining the skin grafting formula her father had developed, Wei’s life becomes increasingly chaotic. Reminiscent of the adolescent adaptation of “The Substance“, it seamlessly combines elements of bodily terror with common teenage/young adult social struggles.

Two distinct film categories, Horror and Coming-of-age, might seem unrelated at first glance, yet they can surprisingly complement each other. When you ponder their fundamental aspects, it becomes clear why they mesh so effectively. Adolescence and the journey into adulthood is a frightening experience for many, as we grapple with issues like puberty, friendship, and figuring out our identity amidst the desire to remain true to ourselves.

On the other hand, horror films mirror the anxieties of the era by giving shape to our deepest fears. Although coming-of-age horror movies may not be the first subgenre that springs to mind when considering horror, there are numerous films that embody this intriguing genre fusion. If you’ve finished watching Grafted and are seeking more recommendations, here are 10 coming-of-age horror movies for your enjoyment.

10
‘Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person’ (2024)

In this unique blend of coming-of-age, romantic comedy, and horror, titled “Humanist Vampire Seeking Suicidal Companion“, we find Sasha (played by Sara Montpetit), a young vampire who abstains from directly hunting humans due to her strong emotional response to their suffering. When she fails to learn independent hunting, her mother sends her to live with her cousin to change this. However, an unexpected encounter awaits her – a young man teetering on the edge of suicide.

A Unique Take on Vampires

The decision to make the main character, a vampire, abstain from harming humans, even at the cost of her own life, proved to be a daring and successful creative move. Sasha consents to feed on Paul (Felix-Antoine Benard), thereby ending his existence, on the condition that he stands up to his tormentors at school. An unconventional friendship develops between them as they navigate through their shared mission of confronting those who have caused Paul distress. Over time, they come to understand that their desires for their lives diverge significantly from their initial expectations.

9
‘Jennifer’s Body’ (2009)

16 years on, Karyn Kusama’s movie “Jennifer’s Body”, initially met with tepid reception, has transformed into a celebrated cult favorite. The narrative revolves around Jennifer (played by Megan Fox), a high school cheerleader who undergoes demonic possession and transforms into a succubus. This new form compels her to prey on her male peers, seducing them before consuming them. Only her friend Needy (Amanda Seyfried) can prevent Jennifer from wreaking havoc.

A Bloody Good Time

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself both laughing heartily and cringing at times while watching “Jennifer’s Body.” Diablo Cody’s script manages an impressive balancing act between the humor typical of teen coming-of-age comedies and the gory fun that horror fans crave.

In this film, Jennifer, a character who could easily fit the mold of a popular cheerleader, instead takes a gruesome and murderous turn. Yet, it’s her friend, Needy, who defies stereotypes, transforming from the typical nerdy sidekick into a strong-willed young woman determined to halt Jennifer’s deadly rampage. This unexpected twist makes “Jennifer’s Body” a unique blend of genres that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

8
‘Carrie’ (1976)

I’ve always found Brian De Palma’s cinematic interpretation of Stephen King’s “Carrie” to be one of the most chilling masterpieces in the horror genre. This film centers around a character named Carrie, who is a sheltered teenage girl living under her domineering religious mother’s watchful eye. As she navigates through the complexities of adolescence and struggles to fit in among her peers, she is subjected to cruel taunts from her classmates. Simultaneously, she starts experiencing strange occurrences that lead her to question if she possesses supernatural abilities.

The Horrors of Being a Teenager

Without a doubt, Carrie stands out as one of the most impactful supernatural horror films from the 20th century. It powerfully illustrates the harsh reality that many teenagers experience due to their differences from their peers. Shy and sheltered by her overly protective mother, Carrie struggles to understand and navigate the world around her, making it difficult for her to fit in with other teens. Rather than offering friendship and kindness, her classmates exploit her innocence. When she reaches her breaking point, Carrie demonstrates her telekinetic abilities against the student body.

7
‘Summer of 84’ (2018)

Among the more somber teenage growth tales, “Summer of 84” chronicles a gang of 14-year-old boys as they experience the most unforgettable summer of their lives. When Davey (Graham Verchere) starts to believe that his police officer neighbor might be a murderer targeting young lads in their community, he and his pals concoct a strategy to gather proof. As Davey and his friends inch nearer to uncovering the truth, their summer becomes increasingly perilous.

A Summer Adventure Gone Wrong

A significant portion of this movie portrays the boys behaving like typical adolescents during the ’80s, often engaging in activities such as bike rides, neighborhood games, late-night escapades, and covert excursions. However, despite Davey’s strong suspicion that his neighbor is the murderer depicted in the newspaper headlines, he approaches the matter with a certain level of innocence. He assumes it would be straightforward to gather proof and inform his parents without considering the fact that his neighbor is a well-regarded community figure who people are likely to defend. Moreover, there’s also the possibility that this individual could be a real danger. As Davey gradually comprehends the seriousness of his predicament, the movie takes on a darker and more unsettling tone.

6
‘Lisa Frankenstein’ (2024)

Under the direction of Robin Williams’ daughter Zelda Williams, the horror-comedy titled Lisa Frankenstein transports us back to 1989. The story follows a socially awkward teenager named Lisa (Kathryn Newton), who finds comfort in conversations with the spirits at a graveyard. On one fateful night, she inadvertently revives the corpse of a Victorian gentleman. Seeking a companion with whom she can be her authentic self, Lisa decides to transform him into her ideal partner.

Zany, Campy Horror

The screenplay was written by Diablo Cody, who penned “Jennifer’s Body,” and it retains the offbeat teenage humor that makes its characters so engaging. It’s an amusingly peculiar coming-of-age film, serving as both a wacky horror comedy and a rarity in today’s genre landscape. With its blend of ’80s campy horror charm and unique flair, Lisa Frankenstein offers a gothic, absurd adventure for enthusiasts of monster love stories.

5
‘We’re All Going to the World’s Fair’ (2022)

We’re All Going to the World’s Fair is the debut directorial work by Jane Schoenbrun. The film revolves around Casey (Anna Cobb), a solitary teenager cohabiting with her single father. She elects to engage in the popular “World’s Fair” internet challenge. After recording and publishing a video of herself performing the challenge, she promises to post updates if any changes occur as a result. However, the distinctions between reality and illusion soon become indistinguishable.

The Anxieties of Being Online

Schoenbrun refers to “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair” as the initial installment of their anticipated three-part series, with “I Saw the TV Glow” following in the yet-to-be-completed trilogy. Numerous contemporary films try to convey the sensation of being perpetually online, particularly during late-night hours, but this film does an exceptional job at portraying that unique experience. Teenagers in the late 2000s and early 2010s often formed friendships with internet strangers based on shared interests, a phenomenon that persists today. The movie also evokes the sensation of rediscovering an old internet acquaintance whom you never contacted again, thus encapsulating the apprehensions of growing up in an era tethered to something as intangible and transient as the internet.

4
‘Let the Right One In’ (2008)

The Right One In” is a chilling Swedish drama-horror movie adapted from a 2004 novel of the same name. The story revolves around a 12-year-old boy named Oskar (Kare Hedebrant), who endures harsh bullying at school. A new neighbor, the enigmatic and somber Eli (Lina Leandersson), moves in next door, and they form an unusual friendship. At first guarded with one another, their connection deepens, but it soon becomes clear that Eli is not your typical young girl.

Childhood Innocence in Vampires

One reason Let the Right One In stands out among vampire coming-of-age stories is its focus on preteen characters instead of older teens. Characters like Oskar and Eli retain some of their childhood innocence, which is particularly poignant considering Eli’s 200-year-old age and her need to live as a child due to her inability to age beyond 12. This shared youth allows them to forge a bond that’s characterized by naivety and the desire to belong. Even when Eli utilizes her vampiric abilities to protect Oskar from bullies, she does so with the innocence of a child safeguarding their friend.

3
‘Raw’ (2016)

Julia Ducournau’s movie “Raw” is a unique blend of horror and a disturbed coming-of-age tale, falling under the New French Extremism genre. The narrative revolves around a character named Justine (played by Garance Marillier), who is new to veterinary school and hails from a family of vegetarian vets. Her senior sister Alexia (Ella Rumpf) attends the same school and introduces Justine to the rigorous initiation rites. An integral part of these rites involves Justine consuming raw meat for the first time, which sets off a chain of unforeseen events as her true identity emerges.

Body Horror Coming-of-Age Nightmare

Undeniably, Raw presents itself as a twisted tale of adolescence. At just 16 years old, Justine enrolls in vet school due to her exceptional academic prowess, making fitting in among the older students a challenging task from the start. As she navigates her way through life and family, finding her place becomes all the more complex. The consumption of raw meat leads to alarming consequences, effectively stripping her of self-control. This loss triggers fear and alienation among her classmates, distancing herself from the student body. Her actions progressively become revolting as the movie swiftly transforms into a harrowing exploration of bodily horror.

2
‘Super Dark Times’ (2017)

Another gripping coming-of-age story with a dark twist, “Super Dark Times” delves into the raw, unforgiving truths of adolescence. Set in the mid-90s, the movie revolves around lifelong friends Zach (portrayed by Owen Campell) and Josh (Charlie Tahan). After a fateful incident causes them to panic and conceal the truth, their shared secret begins to strain their friendship. As they grapple with guilt and sorrow, they find themselves spiraling into a world of fear and violence.

Twisted Coming-of-Age Tale

Regardless of being companions since childhood, Zack and Josh frequently disagree, a fact that’s clear even before the fateful incident they experienced. Josh tends to be distant and moody, while Zack is humorously reserved. After they conceal their mutual friend’s involvement in an accident, their distinct personalities become more pronounced as they handle the situation in contrasting ways. As the days pass, Josh starts displaying increasingly worrying behavior, causing Zack to ponder if the accident was truly an unintentional event.

1
‘Bones and All’ (2022)

Luca Guadagnino’s film titled “Bones and All” is a chilling romance set in 1980s America. The story follows Maren (Taylor Russell), a young woman who has been deserted by her father, as she embarks on a long, thousand-mile journey across the rural backroads of the nation. During this voyage, she encounters a disaffected wanderer named Lee (Timothee Chalamet). Regardless of their attempts, their travels keep pulling them towards their troubling pasts and a climactic showdown that will decide whether their love has the power to overcome all obstacles.

Young Love and Sick Desires

If you’re captivated by gothic romance, fantasy romance, or stories about young love, “Bones and All” is just the read for you. The bond between Maren and Lee is deep and untainted, yet marred by the scars of their past and the grotesque nature of their cannibalistic lifestyle. They don’t relish in their actions, but they find comfort knowing they share an understanding that few others do. They comprehend that their hunger is something they can’t resist, even though they yearn for a life free from these constraints. It’s a poignant tale of tragic young love and a chilling narrative about twisted desires.

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2025-02-02 03:03