To create this gallery, we focused on the best horror movies of 2024 (though you might find a few from 2023, due to release dates varying by country). This is the perfect list for a Halloween marathon!
And remember, this list is subjective! If you think any movie is not in the right spot, share your opinion! | © Fruit Tree
Ever wonder what would happen if your worst bug nightmare came true? Infested tries to show you—and then keeps going. Critically, it didn’t crawl very far up the ratings ladder, probably because it’s all shock and no substance. But hey, if you like your horror with a side of creepy-crawlies, this is your jam. | © My Box Films
Take a group of people, put them in the woods, throw in some mystery, and... not much happens. Trim Season had the potential for an intense thriller, but it trims the excitement down a bit too much. Critics weren’t exactly buzzing about it, but it’s got that indie charm for the hardcore horror fans. | © Blue Harbor Entertainment
With a title like Blackout, you expect suspense, tension, maybe some jaw-dropping reveals. What you get is a movie that feels a little more like a dim flicker than a total blackout. Critics weren’t bowled over, but it’s not a total dark spot either. A good choice for a rainy night with nothing better to do. | © Glass Eye Pix
Cuckoo lives up to its name—this movie is a bit off the rails in both good and bad ways. It’s weird, it’s unsettling, but not in the best way critics were hoping for. If you like oddball horror with a twist of confusion, then you might just find something to love here. Or maybe not? | © Neon
Coming Out of Darkness with this one might leave you squinting a little too hard for the plot. It’s ambitious, but critics felt it didn’t quite hit the mark. Still, it’s got that intriguing indie edge if you like your horror a bit more abstract and less reliant on jump scares. | © Bleecker Street
Nature? Violent? Who would’ve thought? This one tries to tell us that nature can be brutal (as if we didn’t already know), but does it in a way that’s more art-house horror than high-stakes thrills. Critics weren’t particularly impressed, but it’s perfect for when you want to feel both scared and slightly pretentious. | © Shudder
Not your typical zombie flick, Handling the Undead dares to be philosophical about death, life, and the awkward space between. Critics felt it was a little too heavy-handed (pun intended), but hey, at least it’s trying something different. It’s like The Walking Dead but with extra existential dread. | © Zentropa International Sweden
Double Blind aims to be a psychological thriller but ends up feeling more like a single blind—it’s missing that second punch. The suspense builds, but the payoff isn’t quite what you’d expect. Critics felt a bit cheated by the ending, but the ride there is still a bit fun, if uneven. | © FailSafe Films
When A24 is attached to a horror flick, you expect slow-burn spookiness, right? The Devil’s Bath delivers the eerie atmosphere, but some critics thought it spent too much time soaking in that mood and not enough time getting to the point. Still, it’s got that signature artsy horror vibe. | © Ulrich Seidl Film Produktion GmbH
Nothing says horror like disturbing graveyards and secrets long buried, and Exhuma digs up plenty of both. While it does get a bit predictable, it’s competently creepy, and Warner Bros. knows how to sell that mainstream appeal. Critics didn’t love it, but they weren’t totally put off either. | © Exhuma
In a genre that’s full of zombies, ghosts, and vampires, T-Blockers does something a little different with its horror metaphor approach. Critics were split on whether it worked or not, but it’s definitely a fresh angle. A bit strange, a bit bold, but not everyone's cup of tea. | © One Manner Productions
In Flames doesn’t set the horror world on fire, but it does deliver some solid scares. It’s one of those indie films that simmer just under the radar, never quite exploding onto the scene, but still worthy of attention. Critics were lukewarm, but horror fans might appreciate its slow-burn approach. | © Other Memory Media, CityLights Media
The title promises beauty, mystery, and depth, but Lovely, Dark, and Deep only delivers some of that. Critics were on the fence, saying it was more style than substance, but if you’re looking for a visually rich experience, it’s worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to dig too deep. | © Woodhead Creative
You’d think with a name like Stopmotion it would have more animation flair, but this is actually a slow-burn horror flick. Critics liked the eerie tone, though it doesn’t always keep the tension tight. Still, it’s unique enough to stand out among the indie horror crowd. | © British Film Institute blueLight
You’ll Never Find Me seems to be a challenge directed at the critics, as many struggled to find what they liked about it. Despite some interesting moments, it didn’t quite hit the target, but it’s not a total miss for fans of tense, claustrophobic horror. | © Stakeout Films
With a name like Oddity, you expect some weirdness, and it definitely delivers on that front. Critics felt it was a little too odd for its own good at times, but there’s something to be said for a film that embraces its quirks unapologetically. Watch this one if you’re in the mood for something different. | © Shudder
Somewhere Quiet is more about the silence between the scares than actual jump-out-of-your-seat moments. It’s atmospheric and creepy, but some critics felt it was a little too quiet for its own good. If you’re into slow-burn, quiet horror, this one’s your jam. | © The Population Last Rodeo Studios
Sometimes horror movies hit you with action; other times they quietly creep up on you. New Life tries to be the latter, though critics thought it could’ve been a bit bolder. Still, it’s a solid choice for fans of moody, atmospheric horror. | © Great Lakes Vacuum Supplies Unlimited
Arcadian doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does deliver on a tense, dystopian vibe. It’s one of those films where you get what you expect: a decent, if not overly surprising, horror flick. Critics weren’t dazzled, but it’s a fine way to spend a couple of hours. | © Homemade Films
Abigail had all the makings of a classic horror story, but it didn’t quite stick the landing. Critics weren’t wowed by it, calling it a bit too formulaic, but it’s still a decent watch for a night when you’re in the mood for familiar, reliable thrills. | © Radio Silence Productions
This one’s strange alright—critics didn’t know quite what to make of Strange Darling. It’s ambitious, and there are moments that shine, but it doesn’t fully come together. Still, if you like your horror with a twist of unpredictability, it might just work for you. | © Miramax Spooky Pictures
Imagine if Johnny Carson’s ghost hosted a talk show—Late Night with the Devil plays with that kind of vibe. It’s campy, weird, and doesn’t take itself too seriously, but that’s where its charm lies. Critics weren’t all in, but it’s a fun ride if you know what you’re getting into. | © Image Nation
A24 is known for its artsy horror, but I Saw the TV Glow didn’t light up the screen quite like its siblings. Critics were left wanting more from this quirky take on modern media obsession. Still, if you’re into A24’s slower, more introspective horror, this might just be your vibe. | © Fruit Tree
Blumhouse usually hits horror home runs, but Speak No Evil is more of a base hit. It’s unsettling, sure, but critics felt it played things a bit too safe to really stand out. Still, for fans of psychological tension, it delivers some solid, if predictable, chills. | © Blumhouse Productions
Prequels are always tricky, and The First Omen is no exception. While it’s not terrible, it doesn’t quite live up to the legacy of the original. Critics were mixed, but fans of the franchise will likely find enough to enjoy here, even if it doesn’t break new ground. | © Phantom 4 Films
Longlegs tried to stretch its way into greatness, but critics felt it was a bit too slow to really stand out. The concept is creepy enough, but the execution left some wishing for more thrills. Not a bad horror flick, but definitely a slow burner. | © C2 Motion Picture Group
The A Quiet Place franchise continues with Day One, and critics are here for it. Expanding the universe while keeping the tension high, it’s exactly what fans wanted. It might not hit the emotional heights of the original, but it’s a solid, thrilling addition to the series. | © Paramount Pictures
The Substance wanted to be a thought-provoking horror, but critics thought it was a little too thin on, well, substance. It has its moments, but overall it doesn’t dive deep enough into its themes to make a lasting impact. Still, it’s worth a watch for its intriguing premise. | © Universal Pictures
Alien: Romulus tries to carry the weight of the Alien franchise, but critics felt it was more of a soft echo than a bold roar. It’s still got the sci-fi horror vibes you’d expect, but it doesn’t quite live up to its predecessors. Solid, but not groundbreaking. | © 20th Century Studios
The third installment in the X trilogy, MaXXXine brings all the style and retro flair you’d expect from A24. Critics were mostly on board, though some thought it was trying too hard to be cool. Still, fans of the series will get their fill of bloody, stylish horror. | © A24
As Halloween approaches, it's time to round up the most scream-worthy horror movies of 2024. From ghostly encounters to eerie psychological twists, these films will keep you glued to your seat—or running for the door.
This top 30 list is your guide to a terrifyingly good time. Dim the lights, grab a blanket (for safety), and prepare for a night of shrieks and thrills. Let’s see which of these films will haunt your Halloween the most!
