24 Must-See Horror Movies You May Have Missed in 2024

Overlooked Horror of 2024: 13-24

13. The Devil’s Bath

Written and directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala (Goodnight Mommy, The Lodge), The Devil’s Bath is a haunting historical horror film and a harrowing exploration of 18th-century Austria’s societal and religious constraints.

The film’s meticulous attention to period detail immerses viewers in a grim reality where women are marginalized and oppressed. Anja Plaschg delivers a haunting performance as Agnes, a young woman trapped in a stifling marriage whose internal turmoil escalates into tragic actions.

The cinematography captures the bleakness of the era with stark, oppressive visuals that enhance the film’s unsettling atmosphere. The sound design envelops you in a visceral sense of dread.

The result is a film that is both artistically compelling and thematically profound, offering a chilling commentary on the human psyche and the devastating effects of repression.

14. The Vourdalak

For those of you captivated by the chilling gothic gorgeousness of Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, I urge you to check out Adrien Beau’s feature film debut, The Vourdalak. The French drama horror film is based on Aleksey Konstantinovich Tolstoy’s 1839 novella, The Family of the Vourdalak.

Like Nosferatu, The Vourdalak expertly blends classical gothic elements with a chilling exploration of love, sacrifice, and the supernatural. Drawing inspiration from Eastern European folklore, the film immerses audiences in a nightmarish landscape of gothic beauty, with Beau’s direction shining through in his meticulous attention to atmosphere and pacing.

Shot in sumptuous Super 16, the cinematography captures the eerie elegance of fog-drenched landscapes, towering castles, and shadowy interiors that feel as much like characters as the people who inhabit them.

Wonderfully strange and off-kilter, grotesque horror contrasts with playful humor and poetic panache to bring a fresh and unexpected depth to the traditional vampire mythos.

15. Azrael

In Azrael, director E.L. Katz and screenwriter Simon Barrett carve out a disturbing, genre-defying exploration of survival in a post-rapture apocalyptic world where speaking is the ultimate sin, making communication and personal expression forbidden.

We are thrust into a world of relentless terror, where unknown dangers seem to lurk around every corner in a bleak and desolate landscape. What begins as a perilous escape becomes a brutal fight for survival and a harrowing ordeal in the face of religious tyranny.

The result is an unusual and experimental immersion in dialogue-free horror, with a minimalist story that requires patience but rewards with visceral, action-packed thrills and a riveting performance from rising scream queen Samara Weaving. With a stripped-back narrative and setting, the film’s success weighs heavily on the shoulders of Weaving; fortunately, she’s a mesmerizing one-woman show in a role that requires immense physicality and leverages her ability to emote effectively without words.

With a generous display of violence and carnage, as well as some gloriously grotesque creature design, Katz puts viewers—alongside the film’s tortured heroine—through the ringer in a film that offers little mercy but provides deliverance from predictable genre fare.

16. It’s What’s Inside

Before you bemoan that Netflix is a streaming wasteland devoid of quality horror, check out the clever and wildly entertaining It’s What’s Inside—a mind-bending and utterly unpredictable exploration of identity and paranoia.

The story follows a group of friends whose pre-wedding reunion is interrupted by an old friend who shows up to the festivities with a mysterious device that doubles as a devious party game. Soon, the friends discover they can temporarily transfer their consciousness into someone else, forcing the group to guess who is in whose body.

As the game ramps up, secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and past sins are illuminated with dire consequences. When harmless fun takes a dark turn, the friends discover their lives may never be the same.

With clever twists and a tense atmosphere, it keeps you guessing until the very end. A word of caution: it requires you to pay close attention and can be confusing; I had to watch it twice to fully understand the character dynamics with all the body swapping. But it’s fast-paced, highly original, and devilishly fun from beginning to end.

17. Humane

Caitlin Cronenberg’s (daughter of genre giant David) directorial debut, Humane, stands out as a compelling addition to 2024’s horror offering, skillfully intertwining dystopian themes with a darkly comedic narrative.

Set against a backdrop of environmental collapse and government-mandated euthanasia for population control, the film delves into a wealthy family’s moral quandaries during a final gathering, offering a chilling reflection on societal privilege and ethical dilemmas.

Besides being ferociously funny, Humane transcends conventional horror by prompting viewers to confront uncomfortable questions about resource allocation, sacrifice, and survival ethics in a world facing the kind of manmade ecological disaster that feels chillingly inevitable.

Cronenberg’s capable direction and a talented game cast that includes Jay Baruchel, Emily Hampshire (Schitt’s Creek), and Peter Gallagher ensures that the film is not only thought-provoking and timely but also deeply engaging.

18. Milk & Serial

I would not have expected that one of the most memorable and surprisingly smart horror films of the year would be an $800 found-footage film distributed for free on YouTube, but here we are.

The exceedingly clever Milk & Serial is a 62-minute film by YouTuber Curry Barker that went viral thanks to its rave Reddit reviews, followed by its discovery and promotion by mainstream media outlets like Bloody Disgusting who sung the praises of this scrappy little production that manages to be both impressively effective and hauntingly authentic.

Barker serves as the film’s writer, director, producer, editor, cinematographer, composer, and star. He makes the most of his virtually nonexistent resources to tell a cleverly conceived story of two fame-hungry YouTube pranksters who desperately try to one-up each other with increasingly absurd antics. As you might expect, the “good-natured” fun eventually goes too far, and things stop being funny in the face of genuine fear.

Part of why Milk & Serial made such a splash is that it feels so nauseatingly real and manages to breathe new life into the oft-misused found footage concept. The lack of budget actually works to the film’s advantage, delivering credible chills as it exploits the all-too-common pursuit of content at all costs.

There’s not an ounce of fat on this grisly bone, and it’s essential viewing for found footage fans and those who simply love creative indie filmmaking.

19. Out of Darkness

This prehistoric horror film (originally titled The Origin) is a gripping tale of survival and fear, following a group of early humans hunted by an unseen predator.

Andrew Cumming’s feature-length directorial debut is an impressive technical achievement of painstaking worldbuilding, complete with an entirely made-up and meticulously crafted prehistoric language. Set 45,000 years ago, the film follows a group of Paleolithic humans navigating the perils of a new land, blending historical authenticity with horror elements.

An auspicious debut that’s as shockingly ambitious as it is eerily effective, it’s a haunting parable about the darkness that resides within man—and has since the dawn of time.

With its immersive setting in the rugged Scottish Highlands, stunning visuals, and skin-crawling sound design, Out of Darkness delivers a visceral and intense viewing experience.

20. The Birthday

Few films surprised and delighted me as much as Eugenio Mira’s engaging oddity, The Birthday, a once-overlooked gem from 2004 that found new life in its 2024 re-release, aided by some unexpected love from Jordan Peele.

This surreal and genre-defying feature-length debut blends absurdist comedy, psychological dread, and cosmic horror into a single, uniquely unnerving and unforgettable experience. Starring a brilliantly awkward Corey Feldman as an unassuming everyman caught in a sinister conspiracy at a birthday party, the film’s pitch-perfect tonal balance ensures its offbeat charm never undercuts the looming dread.

Feldman’s performance—a mix of neurotic desperation and reluctant heroism—anchors the film, drawing viewers into a claustrophobic nightmare that grows increasingly unhinged with each passing moment.

Highlights include its intricate production design, evoking a decaying art deco hotel, and its eerie, claustrophobic cinematography that mirrors the protagonist’s spiraling paranoia. But the piece de resistance is the film’s brilliant sound design.

The Birthday deserves its place in the hallowed halls of cult classics, and I desperately need more people to discover this quirky gift of inspired filmmaking.

21. You’ll Never Find Me

The woefully underrated You’ll Never Find Me is the 2024 debut feature from Australian directors Indianna Bell and Josiah Allen, a masterful blend of psychological tension and minimalist horror.

Set within the confines of a solitary trailer during a relentless storm, the film explores themes of trust, paranoia, and the human psyche’s darker recesses. The narrative unfolds as a young woman, portrayed by Jordan Cowan, seeks refuge with Patrick, an enigmatic loner played by Brendan Rock. Their interactions are marked by a shifting power dynamic that keeps audiences in a state of suspense and uncertainty.

The film is notable for its ability to sustain a profoundly creepy atmosphere, buoyed by two strong performances and exceptional atmospheric tension.

Cowan’s portrayal of the Visitor is mercurial and enigmatic. Rock’s depiction of Patrick oscillates between vulnerability and menace, keeping audiences guessing his true intentions. Their dynamic is both gripping and unsettling, evoking ample fear and suspense to keep you glued to the edge of your seat.

22. Arcadian

Our lord and savior, Nicolas Cage, helped give us one of the absolute best horror films of the year with his unforgettably chilling performance in Longlegs. But the talented thespian who has a thing for horror—especially the character-driven films that explore both the light and darkness of humanity—delivered another standout performance in a less-heralded production.

Arcadian is a post-apocalyptic horror film and a gripping tale of survival and family. It follows a devoted father and his two teenage sons as they fight to survive in a desolate world overrun by nightmare-inducing nocturnal creatures.

The film excels in its intense action sequences and emotional depth. The performances are uniformly strong, especially Cage in a small but potent role. The sound design amplifies the horror elements, with the creatures’ unsettling vocalizations adding a layer of dread that made the hairs on my arm stand up. Meanwhile, the reature design is distinctive and horrifying.

It may not be the kind of film that reinvents the genre, but it deserves praise for its strong execution and impactful exploration of familial bonds. Plus, Nic Cage.

23. Things Will Be Different

Things Will Be Different, Michael Felker’s directorial debut, seamlessly blends science fiction and horror elements to craft a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

The film follows estranged siblings Joseph and Sidney, portrayed by Adam David Thompson and Riley Dandy, who, after a botched bank heist, seek refuge in a farmhouse with a time-traveling portal. Their journey through alternate timelines becomes a profound exploration of familial bonds and the inescapability of fate.

Felker’s background as an editor for directors Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson (Spring, The Endless) is evident in his meticulous storytelling and adept handling of complex temporal structures.

The plot is tense and mysterious while offering strong character depth that elevates the intriguing material.

24. Strange Darling

There’s a reason why the polarizing Strange Darling, directed by JT Mollner, received so much buzz during its limited theatrical run in August after premiering at Fantastic Fest. It’s one of the year’s most compelling horror films, skillfully subverting genre conventions through its inventive narrative and technical prowess.

The film’s nonlinear structure, divided into six chapters, masterfully manipulates audience perceptions, delivering a suspenseful and unpredictable experience.

Willa Fitzgerald’s portrayal of ‘The Lady’ is both captivating and complex; she masterfully embodies a character who is simultaneously vulnerable and chillingly capable. Indie “It Boy” Kyle Gallner complements her performance as ‘The Demon,’ with both actors delivering nuanced portrayals that are positively entrancing.

Giovanni Ribisi’s much-heralded debut as a cinematographer brings a distinctive visual style to the film, utilizing bright, technicolor-inspired aesthetics that give it a gritty grindhouse feel. This choice enhances the film’s unsettling atmosphere, making it a visually arresting experience. Thematically, it delves into the complexities of predator-prey dynamics, challenging traditional tropes and adding a layer of psychological intrigue that makes viewers question their own assumptions and biases.

It was another strong year for horror, but Strange Darling distinguishes itself through its innovative storytelling, standout performances, and technical artistry, securing its place as one of the year’s genre-redefining best.

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2024 was a remarkable year for horror, delivering a mix of inventive indie projects and ambitious studio releases. While some films dominated headlines, others quietly gained devoted followings, offering fresh scares, genre-bending surprises, and thought-provoking themes.

This list highlights 24 of the year’s best horror films that deserve a wider audience, but it is far from comprehensive.

There are many more sleeper hits worth seeking out—including Netflix’s surprisingly satisfying shark thriller Under Paris, the wildly original and gleefully fun Hundreds of Beavers, and the year’s biggest emotional gut punch, The Coffee Table).

Even some high-profile releases warrant more attention, such as Zelda Williams’ Lisa Frankenstein. With a sharp script by Diablo Cody, this endearing horror-comedy offers a quirky blend of heartfelt humor and macabre charm, set in the same universe as Jennifer’s Body. A24’s sexy and cool (horror-adjacent) Love Lies Bleeding also stands out, merging psychological thrills with sensual, blood-soaked visuals that push genre boundaries.

So, as always, resolve to watch more horror in 2025, and stay tuned to this site for all the must-see movie recommendations you need to ensure you don’t miss an edge-of-your-seat moment of horror’s continued dominance and evolution.