2024 was a standout year for horror fans, delivering thrilling, chilling, and thought-provoking entries into the genre. Drawing from Rotten Tomatoes’ curated list of the year’s top horror movies, here are the ten films that garnered critical acclaim and audience praise, along with details about their scores and streaming platforms.
- Stopmotion (91%)
A British blend of live-action and stop-motion animation, Stopmotion delves into the psychological descent of Ella Blake (Aisling Franciosi), a stop-motion animator whose horrifying creations blur the lines between reality and imagination. Directed by Robert Morgan, the film’s grotesque visuals and themes of generational trauma captivate audiences. Available on Shudder.
- Heretic (91%)
Hugh Grant stuns as the villainous Mr. Reed in this tense thriller about faith, survival, and manipulation. Directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, Heretic explores themes of religious extremism through a deadly cat-and-mouse game between Reed and two Mormon missionaries. Available on PVOD.
- MadS (93%)
This French apocalyptic horror, shot in a single take, follows a group of friends facing a violent nightmare after encountering a mysterious new drug. Directed by David Moreau, MadS offers a trippy and intense exploration of paranoia and survival. Streaming on Shudder.
- New Life (94%)
A poignant mix of horror and drama, New Life tells the story of Elsa Gray (Sonya Walger) and Jessica Murdock (Hayley Erin) navigating a world devastated by a mysterious virus. Directed by John Rosman, the film explores humanity’s resilience in the face of despair. Available on PVOD.
- Strange Darling (95%)
Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald shine in this nonlinear thriller about a deadly game between a serial killer and their prey. With stunning cinematography by Giovanni Ribisi, Strange Darling is a bloody and twisty masterpiece. Available on PVOD and Blu-ray.
- In Flames (95%)
This Pakistani-Canadian drama uses horror to examine women’s oppression. Directed by Zarrar Kahn, the story of Mariam (Ramesha Nawal) and her mother’s survival against societal and familial threats is both harrowing and heartfelt. Available on PVOD.
- Infested (95%)
This French creature feature pits characters against deadly spiders in a high-stakes survival story. Directed by Sébastien Vaniček, Infested combines realistic effects and emotional depth to deliver a spine-tingling experience. Streaming on Shudder.
- Nosferatu (87%)
Robert Eggers reimagines the classic vampire tale with stunning performances by Bill Skarsgård as Count Orlok and Lily-Rose Depp. Nosferatu is a gothic masterpiece and a defining work for a new generation of horror fans. Now in theaters.
- Oddity (96%)
Oddity features Carolyn Bracken in a dual role as twins Dani and Darcy, with the latter using paranormal abilities to solve her sister’s murder. Directed by Damian Mc Carthy, this haunting mystery is bolstered by its terrifying Wooden Man creature. Streaming on Shudder.
1) The Substance – 97%
Image Courtesy of A24
Topping the list is The Substance, a film that dominated discussions among horror enthusiasts throughout 2024. Directed by Coralie Fargeat (Revenge), the movie explores themes of addiction, identity, and body horror. Demi Moore delivers a standout performance as Helen, a scientist whose experiments with a mysterious substance lead to catastrophic consequences. The story escalates as Helen’s body and mind begin to betray her, unraveling in grotesque and terrifying ways.
Critics praised The Substance for its bold visuals, intense atmosphere, and unflinching exploration of human vulnerability. The film’s effects—combining practical techniques with minimal CGI—heighten its visceral impact, leaving audiences disturbed yet captivated. Fargeat’s direction cements her as a powerhouse in the genre, with The Substance often compared to classics like The Fly and Possession.
In an interview with Collider, Fargeat described the film as “a meditation on how far we are willing to go to achieve perfection, even at the cost of our humanity.” This thematic depth, paired with Moore’s haunting performance, makes The Substance an unforgettable cinematic experience.
The Substance is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and for purchase on Blu-ray.
These ten films highlight the diversity and creativity within the horror genre in 2024, offering a mix of psychological terror, supernatural thrills, and social commentary. Which ones will you add to your watchlist?
Stay updated with the latest student resources and insights from My School Portal! Subscribe to our newsletter for fresh content delivered straight to your inbox—no spam, just value 😊
