10 Teen Horror Movies That Surpass ‘Fear Street: Prom Queen’

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Following the much-anticipated fourth installment in Netflix’s Fear Street film series, fans of the original trilogy found themselves disappointed with Fear Street: Prom Queen. If you’re seeking alternatives with a higher quality, here are 10 teen horror adaptations that will satisfy your craving for more.

The disappointment over the Prom Queen film from the Fear Street series has sparked intense discussions on the internet. Many have vented their frustrations on social media, criticizing the movie with comments such as “Fear Street: Prom Queen is one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen. It should be removed from Netflix.” Another user on Twitter stated, “#FearStreetPromQueen is truly awful, even bad in many aspects. It’s a shambles on almost every level. If you’re a fan of the original trilogy like me, you’ll likely be very let down by this poorly made movie. I found it incredibly dull and feared that future Fear Street movies might be just as uninteresting.

The film was met with harsh criticisms from critics, currently holding a 26% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Key issues pointed out include an unsurprising villain unmasking, unfulfilled promising plots, and flat character development. Readers of the original book have expressed disappointment due to what they perceive as the film’s mishandling of the source material, which might have had a more compelling twist.

Fortunately, you have several options for young adult adaptations should the movie ‘Prom Queen’ not satisfy your craving. Here’s a list of 10 spine-tingling teen horror films inspired by books, reminiscent of both your youth and your love for literature.

10
‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (1997)

Drawing inspiration from Lois Duncan’s 1973 young adult novel, “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” the story also borrows elements from the urban legend of “The Hook.” Having just graduated from high school, four friends eagerly anticipate their last summer together. On the Fourth of July night, they unintentionally hit a pedestrian with their car. Desperate to hide their crime, they dispose of the body and vow to never reveal what happened. A year later, they meet up in their hometown and start receiving ominous messages from a mysterious figure armed with a hook.

One of the Most Iconic Slashers

The movie features 90’s celebrities like Jennifer Love Hewitt, Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Ryan Phillippe. Despite receiving unfavorable reviews upon release, it has now achieved the status of a cult classic. It led to a series of sequels, with two follow-ups and a one-season show on Prime Video. A fourth film, starring Madelyn Cline, is scheduled for July release, with Hewitt and Prinze returning to their original roles.

9
‘I Am Not a Serial Killer’ (2016)

In a quaint Midwestern community, the story unfolds around John Wayne Cleaver, a teenager labeled sociopathic. His days are dominated by an unhealthy fascination with notorious serial killers. By night, he assists his mom at her funeral home, managing the business alongside her. To maintain his sanity and adhere to societal norms, he adheres strictly to a set of self-imposed rules. However, when a series of peculiar murders shake up his town, it disrupts his routine, compelling John to delve deeper. He grows suspicious that his neighbor, Mr. Crowley, may be the perpetrator.

A Consistently Surprising Horror Movie

The film “I Am Not a Serial Killer” is adapted from Dan Wells’ 2009 horror novel with a coming-of-age theme, sharing insights on humanity, loneliness, and moral complexities. It’s recommended to approach the movie without many preconceptions as it delights viewers with an unforeseen twist midway through that shifts the narrative into a completely different horror subgenre.

8
‘Down a Dark Hall’ (2018)

Down a Dark Hall is another film based on a work by Lois Duncan. In this movie, AnnaSophia Robb plays Katherine “Kit” Gordy, a difficult teenager who is sent to Blackwood Boarding School as her previous misconduct becomes uncontrollable. The story follows Kit and four other disturbed girls who attend the enigmatic academy run by Madame Duret, portrayed by Uma Thurman. As these girls develop their unique talents, they come to realize that there are ominous forces lurking within the school’s hallways, and uncover possible hidden intentions of the headmistress.

A Suspenseful, Beautifully Constructed Film

Under the guidance of director Rodrigo Cortés (of ‘Buried’), this movie offers a unique mix of gothic motifs, fantastical elements, and chilling supernatural horror. Although it may not be flawless, its brooding ambiance and captivating enigma make for an engaging viewing experience. It’s an excellent choice for a rainy day when you’re seeking a suspenseful young adult tale with a dark and mysterious twist.

7
‘Light as a Feather’ (2018 – 2019)

In the town she settles in, fresh arrival Violet Simmons (portrayed by Haley Ramm) befriends McKenna (Liana Liberato, known for her roles in ‘The Beach House’ and ‘Totally Killer’) and her friends: Olivia (Peyton List), Alex (Brianne Tju), and Candace (Ajiona Alexus). On Halloween night, the group of girls visit the cemetery to play a common game called “light as a feather, stiff as a board.” Following this, these five teenagers find themselves under attack by a sinister, murderous entity intent on their demise. The Hulu series is adapted from the book of the same name by Zoe Aarsen.

A Quick, Bingeable Watch

The show Light as a Feather is an excellent fit for teen horror and mystery series alongside shows like 2015’s Scream, Dead of Summer, and PLL: Original Sin. It offers enough teen and horror elements to keep viewers engaged, along with a captivating mystery that keeps them hooked. If you enjoyed the ’90s horror cult classic The Craft, then this series is worth your attention.

6
‘Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark’ (2019)

The movie, rated PG-13, is set in a quaint Pennsylvania town of 1968. It centers around an unusual gang of teenage misfits – horror enthusiast and writer Stella (Zoe Colletti), shy and awkward Auggie (Gabriel Rush), and mischievous Chuck (Austin Zajur). They strike up a friendship with the newcomer Ramón (Michael Garza), who’s merely passing through. On Halloween night, they venture into the eerie Bellows house, known for its sinister past. There, Sarah finds an enigmatic storybook and brings it home. Not long after, the chilling tales within the book begin to manifest in reality.

A Horror Film Adaptation of a Childhood Classic

The film is an ideal nightmare-fueled fantasy for any millennial with a soft spot for horror. If you spent your childhood in the ’80s or ’90s, there’s a good chance you remember the book series sharing its name, written by Alvin Schwartz, which compiled three volumes of short horror tales. This movie is perfect when you’re in a nostalgic mood or seeking a chilling autumn viewing experience.

5
‘There’s Someone Inside Your House’ (2021)

Following an enigmatic, heart-wrenching incident, Makani Young (played by Sydney Park) transfers from Hawaii to a quaint town in Nebraska to conclude her high school education. Since arriving, she has cultivated a group of kind friends and made peace with her new living situation. Yet, her tranquility is shattered when a masked assassin surfaces, focusing on her classmates and unveiling their hidden wrongdoings. As she becomes entangled in a sequence of grisly killings, Makani must confront her past to ensure her own survival.

A Unique Take on the Masker Killer Trope

The movie on Netflix, titled “There’s Someone Inside Your House“, originates from a YA horror novel by Stephanie Perkins and offers a fresh take on the genre. Unlike conventional slashers where the killer wears a mask, in this case, the murderer dons masks that resemble the faces of his victims. This film is a captivating addition to the realm of teen horror, reminiscent of classics such as “I Know What You Did Last Summer“. With time, it’s likely to be well-regarded just like its counterpart.

4
‘Bones and All’ (2022)

In this film version of Camille DeAngelis’ self-titled coming-of-age horror novel, renowned director Luca Guadagnino is at the helm. Taylor Russell portrays Maren, a girl who has been moving from school to school due to her father’s efforts to conceal her insatiable hunger for human flesh. After giving in to her craving during a sleepover and forcing her father to abandon her, Maren encounters a wanderer named Lee (Timothée Chalamet), who shares her condition. Together, they embark on a journey across America, encountering others like themselves along the way.

One of the Most Beautiful Teen Love Stories of All Time

Bones and All is essentially a journey of self-exploration, yet it transcends that by unfolding as an intricate love story between two individuals who mutually aid each other in understanding themselves and their relationship. This film resonates profoundly with anyone who has experienced the sensation of loneliness and met someone who alleviated that feeling. It’s a blend of romance, beauty, sorrow, violence, and all the elements that make for an exceptional movie experience.

3
‘The Midnight Club’ (2022)

According to Christopher Pike’s novel, The Midnight Club is another captivating Netflix production by acclaimed filmmaker Mike Flanagan. Together with writer Leah Fong (The Haunting of Bly Manor) they have brought this tale to the screen. The story revolves around a group of terminally ill teenagers who find themselves at Brightcliffe Hospice. As they grapple with the reality of their approaching deaths, they spend their final days in The Midnight Club, where they gather late at night to share the most terrifying tales.

One of the Best Teen Shows Ever Made

In each episode, the stories they share with one another unfold, while simultaneously delving into their efforts to unravel the enigmas at Brightcliffe. The Midnight Club may be a teen series, but it’s undeniably chilling. In a characteristic style of Flanagan, it also offers deep emotional resonance, tackling sensitive topics like the unavoidable nature of death and the apprehensions surrounding mortality.

2
‘My Best Friend’s Exorcism’ (2022)

Reliving the ’80s, I find myself reminiscing about a sleepover at a lakeside house with my best friend Gretchen (Amiah Miller) and some others. As any typical teenage girls would do, we decided to dabble in a Ouija board session. The night took a chilling turn as bizarre occurrences started happening. Upon returning home, my dear friend Gretchen began acting oddly aggressive and ill-tempered, her condition gradually deteriorating. It struck me that something sinister had taken hold of her – a demon possession. Now, it’s a race against time to save Gretchen from this malevolent force and free her soul.

A Remarkable Adaptation

This comedy-horror film takes its cues from Grady Hendrix’s popular book with the same name. If you’re seeking a fun watch to enjoy with friends, and something reminiscent of movies like “Night of the Demons,” “Lisa Frankenstein,” or “Jennifer’s Body,” this is it! This movie explores themes such as friendship, adolescence struggles, and purity culture in an entertaining manner.

1
‘Clown in a Cornfield’ (2025)

The recently released movie, titled “Clown in the Cornfield,” falls under the chilling subgenre of clown horror. This film is an adaptation of the 2020 Bram Stoker Award-winning book by Adam Cesare for Best Adult Young Novel. Similar to the original narrative, the story unfolds in the fictional town of Kettle Springs, Missouri. The newcomer, Quinn Maybrook, portrayed by Katie Douglas (known from “Ginny & Georgia” and “Level 16”), along with her father Glenn (Aaron Abrams), has recently moved there following the tragic demise of Quinn’s mother. After befriending a group she was cautioned against, Quinn attends a party in a cornfield where they are ambushed by a horde of masked assailants dressed as Frendo the clown, the town’s mascot.

Creepy Clown and Exciting Kills

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I must say that “Clown in a Cornfield” is a chilling throwback to the brutal ’80s horror genre, dripping with grisly scenes and intense violence. It’s a bloodbath of chainsaws, pitchforks, crossbows, and decapitation – you name it, this film delivers it in spades! Despite its origins in young adult literature, the film never softens on the horror, resulting in an exhilarating, gory adventure that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

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2025-06-04 02:04