The horror genre is one universally appreciated throughout people of all ages and backgrounds. Personally, “spooky season” is one of my favorite times of the year, as I love a good scary movie night and the thrills that come with it. This year has not failed to deliver some of the best hair-raising experiences for horror fans. From thrillers to supernatural frights, this year’s lineup has brought fresh scares, iconic, unforgettable villains, and adrenaline-pumping moments. Whether you’re a fan of classic horror tropes or crave the innovative twists of new storytelling, there’s something here to keep everyone with their heart in their throat.
- Terrifier 3
Directed by Damien Leone
The third movie in the Terrifier series, Terrifier 3 continues the horrible affairs of the iconic Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton), a psychopathic clown who stalks and brutally murders his victims. After surviving Art’s Halloween massacre, the final girl Sienna (Lauren LaVera) and her brother begin to rebuild their lives and heal from the horrors they’ve endured. However, just as they begin to feel a fragile sense of security, Art the Clown returns with one goal: to turn their newfound holiday spirit into a fresh nightmare. The Terrifier series is famously known for its extreme gore and violence and is definitely one of the most brutal horror movies out there. This film is not for the faint of heart—watch at your own risk.
- Smile 2
Directed by Parker Finn
Another sequel, Smile 2 focuses on international pop star Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) about to embark on a sold-out world concert tour. The movie continues the events of Smile (2022), which follows Dr. Rose Cotter, a therapist who, after seeing a patient’s suicide connected to a malicious entity, undergoes extreme horror and isolation as she confronts her own fears while trying to break the cycle of a curse that prospers through trauma. Smile 2 is a balanced blend of psychological horror, the dark side of fame, and the impact of trauma on mental health.
- Longlegs
Directed by Osgood Perkins
In this psychological thriller, FBI agent and psychic investigator Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) is assigned to an unsolved case nicknamed the “Birthday Murders, ” committed by a serial killer known only as “Longlegs.” As she dives deeper into the case and uncovers more and more clues, Harker begins to unveil sinister connections of the killer to her own past and notices that the slaughters follow an occult pattern, ultimately leading her to discover that someone very close to her was involved in these brutal actions. The film explores themes of generational trauma and the effect of concealed family truths.
- MaXXXine
Directed by Ti West
MaXXXine is the third and final film in director Ti West’s horror trilogy, succeeding X and Pearl. Taking place in the vibrant and energetic Hollywood of the 1980s, the story revolves around Maxine Minx (Mia Goth), the lone survivor of the vicious massacre that occurred in the events of X, as she works toward her goal of becoming a famous movie star. Dreadfully, her aspirations are threatened when a mysterious killer begins targeting ambitious young starlets. The narrative delves into the dark side of Hollywood while combining classic slasher tropes with satire, and reveals Maxine’s powerful spirit in the midst of the chaos surrounding her.
- The Substance
Directed by Coralie Fargeat
This satirical horror movie criticizes our world’s obsession with beauty and youth, specifically within the entertainment industry. The story follows Elisabeth (Demi Moore), a TV fitness expert, who is longing to regain her crumbling career and youthful appearance. In her desperation, she agrees to use an odd substance that promises to reinvigorate her. However, she must also swap bodies with her younger counterpart, Sue (Margaret Qualley), a procedure that results in unsettling consequences. As the movie progresses, the two women’s agreement deteriorates, leading to grotesque alterations to their bodies. The film examines themes of the pressures exerted onto aging women, and the things that some people will do to continue to fit society’s beauty standards, painting a terrifying image of the sacrifices needed to be made to keep up with fame and beauty expectations.
Some of the horror movies of 2024 have utterly pushed the boundaries of the genre, supplying terrifying stories that explore not only fears but also complicated themes such as trauma, ambition, fame, and society’s obsession with beauty. As the horror genre continues to evolve, these movies remind us why the category remains a powerful mirror of human anxieties—both timeless and timely—and why, again and again, it keeps people of all ages coming back for more bone-chilling experiences.
