As a seasoned horror enthusiast who’s spent countless nights huddled under the covers, I’ve been through the ringer with these films – from the terrifying to the downright absurd. But there’s something about this list that really strikes a chord with me, especially the top picks.
2024 is drawing to a close, and “best of” lists are popping up everywhere online as people share their favorite films from the year. Typically, these lists mirror the trends that will likely dominate next year’s award season. As usual, horror movies aren’t getting much recognition as top contenders. However, there’s always a chance that The Substance could shake things up and make us all take notice. Here’s to hoping!
2024 saw a wealth of horror films that were not only well-received but also flew under the radar for many. This article highlights the most overlooked horror masterpieces from 2024, offering you a chance to discover some hidden gems in this genre.
10 ‘It’s What’s Inside’
At a get-together among friends who haven’t seen each other for a while, one participant shows up late with an intriguing gadget promising a fantastic party game. As they connect their minds to this box, they experience a body swap. However, as is often the case in horror films, when they fail to consider the potential repercussions, things take a turn for the worst.
A Clever Approach to a Seemingly Thin Premise
The movie kicks off like a typical teenage horror flick with stereotypical characters acting recklessly. Yet, things take an intriguing turn when the consequences of the game unfold and certain personalities collide (imagine the power if you could swap places with that friend who always seemed to have everything). Some mysteries remain unsolved, but we’ll let it slide for one of the smartest and enjoyable horror films this year.
9 ‘Blink Twice’
In the captivating film “Blink Twice,” I found myself drawn into a world of high society glamour and tech genius, embodied by none other than Slater King. As a waitress duo, Frida and Jess, we served at an extravagant gathering where King was hailed as the ultimate innovator. The twist came when King himself extended an exclusive invitation to us two – a trip to his private island paradise.
The Eerily Realistic Movie of the Year
Under the guidance of debut director Zoë Kravitz, the film Blink Twice faced significant challenges primarily due to a highly sensitive response to the warning Amazon MGM Studios issued about the potentially distressing content. However, beneath this layer lies an engaging and underestimated horror thriller that effectively portrays the chilling suspense surrounding Frida’s reliance on the enigmatic figure, Slater King. While we won’t reveal the plot twists for you, the movie’s disclaimer should give you a hint of what to expect. Be warned, it delves into graphic scenes.
8 ‘The Devil’s Bath’
In a historical horror-drama genre, the movie titled “The Devil’s Bath” portrays the story of Agnes, a woman married in 18th century Austria who experiences suicidal feelings. To enhance your experience, I recommend going into it without knowing much beforehand. Directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, known for their work on films like “The Lodge” and “Goodnight Mommy“, this movie offers a hint about its style similar to those productions.
An Extremely Unsettling Variation of Horror Tropes
According to Kathy Stuart’s book “Suicide by Proxy in Early Modern Germany: Crime, Sin and Salvation,” The Devil’s Bath stands out as one of this year’s darkest and most authentic horror films. Despite addressing topics related to mental health, this often overlooked horror movie presents these themes within the context of a folk horror genre, evoking the best elements from the subgenre.
7 ‘In a Violent Nature’
“Stalked in the Wild
The Year’s Best Kill. Period
The less recognized movie titled “In a Violent Nature” stirred up debate due to its excessive violence and seemingly irrational actions from the masked spectral killer, who managed to create the year’s standout kill in the horror genre. Admittedly, it’s quite gruesome, but it also claims the title of the most imaginatively produced horror film this year.
6 ‘V/H/S/Beyond’
V/H/S/Beyond ventures the found-footage horror genre into the realm of sci-fi, demonstrating an endless potential for this anthology series. Notably, the “found footage” concept is intelligently woven into each segment, ensuring a spine-tingling horror adventure for fans who appreciate this distinctive format.
More Than a Solid Entry into an Already Worthy Franchise
The movie features prominent personalities such as Justin Long, Mike Flanagan, Kate Siegel, and Justin Martinez. V/H/S/Beyond stands out among the series due to its polished feel and the obvious passion of the team for sci-fi horror. The top-notch production quality leaves us eagerly anticipating future installments in 2025.
You can stream V/H/S/Beyond on Shudder.
5 ‘Never Let Go’
In a secluded cabin deep within the wilderness dwells a woman and her sons, with their mother firmly believing that malevolent entities lurk in the surrounding woods. She insists they remain united to ensure their safety. However, one of the boys begins to question his mother’s perspective, causing the bond between them to fray.
An Original Take on Fantasy Horror
Under the guidance of seasoned horror director Alexandre Aja, the gripping horror-drama titled “Never Let Go” showcases Halle Berry delivering one of her most remarkable performances in recent years. Though its conclusion remains a puzzle, this ambiguity is what sets it apart and contributes to it being an underestimated gem of 2024‘s horror genre. While it doesn’t provide an effortless watch, this complexity is a testament to the film’s allure, making a rewatch highly recommended.
4 ‘Under Paris’
In Paris, we find Sophia, a marine biologist who now works at an aquarium following a distressing incident at sea where her team was attacked by a shark named Lilith. Lilith, being Sophia’s favorite subject, was responsible for the tragedy. However, French activists believe that Lilith is now stuck in the River Seine and are reaching out to Sophia for assistance. What they don’t realize is that Lilith might be more intelligent than they imagine.
Netflix’s Best Original Film of 2024
Following its premiere, the film swiftly gained popularity as one of Netflix’s most-watched movies. Its exceptional quality among shark attack films lies in its powerful dramatic setting, which significantly enhances viewer engagement compared to typical offerings. The movie isn’t just about impressive action sequences and special effects; it also delivers a heart-pounding third act that leaves you gasping for breath numerous times, leaving you clamoring for the upcoming sequel.
3 ‘Abigail’
The narrative titled Abigail revolves around six individuals hired to kidnap a young child. For 24 hours, they’re instructed to only care for her, with the promise of $50 million if they follow through. However, one of them unexpectedly develops an emotional connection with the child. Unbeknownst to all involved, Abigail is not an ordinary human but a monstrous vampire, and each could potentially become her next victim.
The Vampire Movie We Didn’t Know We Needed
Under the skilled direction of an outstanding cast featuring Melissa Barrera, Dan Steves, and Kevin Durand, Abigail breathes new life into the horror genre by bending some traditional rules. It’s both darkly comedic and its humor remains constant throughout. The film is brutally graphic and gory, a rarity among studio productions. Furthermore, it demonstrates that a horror movie can be intelligent while catering to fans of the subgenre. Be sure to watch Alisha Weir’s captivating portrayal of the vampiric little angel Abigail – she delivers an exceptional performance!
2 ‘Speak No Evil’
In the novel Speak No Evil, an American family – consisting of parents Louise and Ben, along with their daughter Agnes – encounter a British family during their Italian vacation. This British family is made up of Paddy, Ciara, and their son Ant. A bond forms between Louise, Ben, and Agnes with Paddy, Ciara, and Ant. Later, Paddy and Ciara invite the Americans to their countryside home in England, an invitation that Louise and Ben accept. Upon arrival, Paddy’s peculiar behavior and the strange start of this new friendship leave the American family suspecting that there might be a secret hidden by Paddy and Ciara.
The One Remake Nobody Believed In
Despite some people’s criticism of the riskiest alteration, A24’s remake “Speak No Evil” is a remarkable film that truly shines among its less creative counterparts. It’s a gripping movie that will leave you quivering and it’ll make you question even your own shadow. If you found James McAvoy impressive in “Split”, he delivers an even more captivating performance in “Speak No Evil”.
1 ‘MaXXXine’
In the movie titled MaXXXine, the renowned adult film actress, Maxine Minx, encounters an exceptional chance. She excels during an audition for a chilling sequel that promises her escape from the world of adult films. However, Maxine finds herself pursued by a masked murderer, who’s creating havoc in California, while the media is captivated by the Night Stalker.
A Solid Conclusion to the Franchise
Whether you’re a fan of Ti West’s genre-blending series or not, it’s hard to dispute his daring creativity when wrapping up such a complex character. In terms of 1980s and ’80s horror, MaXXXine stands out as a stunning representation, but beyond that, it’s a multi-layered scary movie featuring an engaging lead that you’ll find yourself rooting for until the very end.
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2024-12-07 02:32