In the realm of horror cinema, 2024 emerged as a year filled with remarkable surprises that might have escaped the attention of many viewers. While marquee releases like Longlegs, The Substance, and The First Omen certainly had audiences buzzing, numerous streaming exclusives and smaller films offered compelling narratives worthy of exploration. This year, the genre unfolded with a range of strange and unusual stories, presenting an abundance of hidden gems beyond mainstream awareness.
Amidst the horror offerings of 2024, several films are poised to gain a cult following as audiences gradually discover them. While titles such as I Saw the TV Glow have garnered significant attention, many other cinematic achievements flew under the radar, waiting for viewers to uncover their unique charms. From franchise sequels to original creations, 2024 presented a plethora of gripping horror films that invite audiences to dive in.
10 Daddy’s Head (2024)
Directed by Benjamin Barfoot
Available on the horror streaming platform Shudder, Daddy’s Head stands out as a poignant exploration of grief reminiscent of the acclaimed film The Babadook. This unsettling tale follows a recently widowed stepmother as she navigates the complexities of caring for her late husband’s child after a tragic car accident. As the story unfolds, an eerie creature begins to haunt their new reality, adding layers of tension and supernatural elements.
While Daddy’s Head tackles familiar themes of heartache and despair, it distinguishes itself with stunning cinematography and high production quality, enhancing the emotional weight of its narrative. The monster serves as a metaphor for unresolved trauma, making this psychological horror a captivating watch. Though it may not break new thematic ground, its gripping storytelling is sure to resonate with audiences.
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9 Strange Darling (2024)
Directed by JT Mollner
Produced by the minds behind Barbarian and Late Night with the Devil, Strange Darling mesmerizes with its gripping serial killer narrative. The story, which begins with a seemingly innocuous one-night stand, unfolds into a chilling cat-and-mouse chase set against the backdrop of rural Oregon. Divided into six non-linear chapters, it presents a darkly romantic yet cautionary tale about manipulation and vulnerability.
JT Mollner’s directing showcases a blend of suspense and artistry, continuing his exploration of the complexities of the human psyche. Shot on 35 mm film, Strange Darling offers breathtaking visuals that complement its thrilling twists, making this film a standout in the psychological horror genre.
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8 V/H/S/Beyond (2024)
Directed by Jay Cheel, Jordan Downey, Virat Pal, Justin Martinez, Christian and Justin Long, and Kate Siegel
The latest installment in the celebrated V/H/S anthology series, V/H/S/Beyond, introduces fans to a fresh array of chilling shorts connected by a broader narrative. This entry expands the found-footage horror genre, weaving tales that encompass everything from extraterrestrial encounters to bizarre hybrid creatures.
The diverse storytelling styles within V/H/S/Beyond deliver both thrills and chills, showcasing a mix of genres that is sure to captivate horror aficionados. Featuring the familiar face of Justin Long, who directed a segment titled Fur Babies, this film continues the franchise’s tradition of embracing the bizarre.
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7 I Saw the TV Glow (2024)
Directed by Jane Schoenbrun
I Saw the TV Glow, directed by Jane Schoenbrun and co-produced by Emma Stone, is a profound psychological horror that captures the essence of adolescence intertwined with media influence. As high school students bond over their obsession with a fictional show, the boundaries of reality begin to blur, interweaving their identities with the narratives they consume.
With an innovative visual approach and rich character development, I Saw the TV Glow deftly combines horror with a deep emotional resonance, making it a multifaceted cinematic experience. Despite being less known among mainstream audiences, its rising acclaim speaks volumes to its depth and connection to contemporary issues in media and youth identity.
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6 Abigail (2024)
Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett
Abigail offers a refreshing take on vampire lore, initiating with a kidnapping plot that takes a thrilling turn. Initially, a group of kidnappers believes they have captured an innocent child for ransom, only to discover that Abigail possesses formidable supernatural powers.
This film keeps audiences on their toes with unpredictable plot twists and a strong ensemble cast, blending humor with horror to craft an entertaining narrative. While largely overshadowed by larger franchise successes this year, Abigail delivers genuine scares while encapsulating the fun inherent in the genre.
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5 Lisa Frankenstein (2024)
Directed by Zelda Williams
Writer Diablo Cody offers a fresh twist with Lisa Frankenstein, a comedy horror that exists within the same universe as Jennifer’s Body. This film tells the whimsical tale of a teenager who falls in love with a reanimated Victorian corpse, blending dark humor with nostalgic nods to 1980s horror tropes.
With performances by Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse, Lisa Frankenstein embraces the campiness of its premise while incorporating deeper themes of trauma and resilience. Its unique narrative style and engaging characters pave the way for potential cult status in the years to come.
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4 It’s What’s Inside (2024)
Directed by Greg Jardin
It’s What’s Inside is a Netflix original that invites viewers into a chaotic world where a seemingly innocent pre-wedding celebration spirals into existential terror. Triggered by the arrival of an estranged friend with a mysterious game, buried secrets and grudges surface, transforming the gathering into a nightmarish experience.
This film uniquely balances horror, comedy, and sci-fi, presenting a stylishly crafted narrative that challenges characters and audiences alike. Its unexpected journey makes it a notable entry in the realm of contemporary horror comedies.
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3 Connecting (2024)
Directed by Jang Jae-hyun
In Exhuma, South Korean filmmaker Jang Jae-hyun presents a captivating blend of mystery and the supernatural. This atmospheric film revolves around the eerie excavation of a grave that unleashes dark energies upon a wealthy family, intertwined with cultural and historical revelations.
Exploring themes of shamanism and ancestral trauma, Exhuma is both unsettling and engaging, captivating audiences with its unique storytelling. Despite its subtitled format, this intriguing piece of cinema deserves a chance for broader recognition among horror enthusiasts.
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2 MadS (2024)
Directed by David Moreau
MadS delivers a pulse-pounding experience that immerses viewers in a world ravaged by rapidly spreading zombies. Clocking in at a brisk 86 minutes, this horror narrative follows an unsympathetic elite figure whose reckless lifestyle quickly devolves into chaos as society crumbles around him.
Packed with visceral imagery, MadS taps into the inherent fear of the unknown, employing a one-take approach that keeps the tension palpable. This film encourages interpretation, offering commentary on wealth and the hedonistic lifestyles of the privileged.
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1 Oddity (2024)
Directed by Damian McCarthy
Returning with Oddity, Irish director Damian McCarthy showcases his talent for weaving haunting ghost stories. This film centers on a woman grieving her twin sister’s brutal murder, integrating elements of mystery featuring a blind medium and a wooden mannequin into its tapestry.
Characterized by an enchanting atmosphere, Oddity channels the essence of classic ghost tales, starting with a gripping opening sequence that captivates viewers. Despite its modest box office performance, this indie gem is sure to become a cherished discovery for horror fans eager to delve into fresh narratives.
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