Neon has established itself as a powerhouse in the horror genre, known for its unconventional and innovative films that evoke a distinctively eccentric atmosphere. Since its inception in 2017 by Tom Quinn and Tim League, Neon has amassed an impressive collection of horror films that span a multitude of sub-genres, including sci-fi, body horror, psychological horror, folk horror, and horror satire. Each release pushes the boundaries of traditional horror, offering unique narratives that engage audiences on various levels.
From the visceral shock of Titane to the creeping dread of The Lodge, Neon’s films invite viewers into unsettling worlds filled with imaginative storytelling. These films don’t merely entertain; they challenge norms and frequently include socio-political commentary, like the dark satire found in Bad Hair and the pervasive anxiety depicted in In the Earth.
15 The Bad Batch (2016)
Directed By Ana Lily Amirpour
The Bad Batch exemplifies the creative liberties Neon grants its filmmakers, though this doesn’t always translate into a cohesive film. The narrative follows a young woman named Arlen, played by Suki Waterhouse, who navigates a harsh desert landscape after being exiled to a dystopian future. Amidst the perilous sun, she encounters cannibals and various deadly threats.
While Amirpour delivers striking visual moments, the film’s ambitious tone sometimes overshadows the narrative’s strength. With a standout cast—including Jason Momoa, Jim Carrey, and Keanu Reeves—performances add flair to the film, but the thin storyline falters, often leaving viewers underwhelmed.
14 Bad Hair (2020)
Directed by Justin Simien
Bad Hair is a daring and conceptually rich production set against the vibrant backdrop of 1989. The film follows Anna, a music TV executive assistant portrayed by Elle Lorraine, as she aspires for advancement in a cutthroat environment. However, her new hairstyle, which is suggested by her boss (Vanessa Williams), becomes more than a mere makeover—it seems to have its own malevolent consciousness.
The film intertwines supernatural elements with cultural satire, allowing Simien to critique society’s perceptions of Black hair. Drawing occasional inspiration from Peter Strickland’s In Fabric, Bad Hair transforms hair politics into the film’s central horror, effectively navigating the space between horror and social commentary.
13 She Dies Tomorrow (2020)
Directed By Amy Seimetz
She Dies Tomorrow taps into existential fears, unraveling a chilling narrative that escalates the notion of dread. The film begins with Amy (Kate Lyn Sheil), who becomes convinced of her impending demise. This unshakeable belief quickly spreads like a contagion among her circle.
Eschewing the traditional jump scares common to the genre, Seimetz delivers a psychological exploration of anxiety and paranoia, providing a slow-building tension that diverges from previous pandemic-themed horror films.
12 It Lives Inside (2023)
Directed by Bishal Dutta
With the rise of elevated horror, It Lives Inside embodies the exploration of cultural folklore. The film tells the story of Sam (Megan Suri), an Indian-American teenager grappling with her identity. When she reconnects with an old friend, she inadvertently releases a dark entity that her friend had kept at bay.
Although it shares traits with other teen horror narratives, its incorporation of Hindu folklore is both captivating and distinctly adds depth to the genre.
11 Longlegs (2024)
Directed By Oz Perkins
The upcoming Longlegs focuses on FBI Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) as she becomes entangled in a chilling unsolved serial killer investigation. Perkins pays homage to classic psychological thrillers like Se7en and Silence of the Lambs, skillfully utilizing sound design and atmosphere to establish an air of tension.
The film captivates for much of its runtime, although it stumbles slightly in the last act with an ending that disrupts the narrative momentum. Nevertheless, its aesthetic and cinematographic choices contribute to Neon’s strong horror repertoire.
10 Immaculate (2024)
Directed By Michael Mohan
Immaculate features Sydney Sweeney as Sister Cecilia, a nun working at a convent in Italy. While initially enchanted by her surroundings, she soon realizes that the attention she receives harbors darker implications.
The film successfully blends elements from classic horror films such as The Omen and Rosemary’s Baby, although its storytelling occasionally feels convoluted. Nonetheless, Sweeney’s investment in her role drives the film, culminating in an engaging mystery with a satisfying resolution.
9 Cuckoo (2024)
Directed By Tilman Singer
Cuckoo is a daring horror film that merges chilling moments with a unique narrative style. The film captivates with its brisk pace and dark humor, though the latter can occasionally distract from the horror elements.
Lead performances by Schafer and Stevens add depth to the narrative, making it an intriguing twist on traditional horror themes.
8 The Lodge (2019)
Directed By Veronika Franz & Severin Fiala
The Lodge explores the psychological complexities of familial ties through siblings Aidan and Mia during a Christmas retreat with their father and his new partner. The isolated lodge serves as a haunting backdrop, amplifying themes of fear and trauma.
While it may not reach the heights of their earlier film, Goodnight Mommy, it presents a gripping horror experience filled with psychological tension and sinister undertones. The film successfully builds suspense but does feature plot holes that may perplex viewers. Ultimately, The Lodge reflects on solitude and paranoia, leaving a lasting impression despite its imperfections.
7 Little Monsters (2019)
Directed By Abe Forsythe
Little Monsters manages to blend horror and comedy effectively, providing a meta-theatrical experience. The story follows Dave, a musician reeling from a breakup, who finds himself at a zombie-infested kindergarten while attempting to impress the teacher, Miss Caroline, played by Lupita Nyong’o.
This film shines within the challenging comedy-horror sub-genre, showcasing Nyong’o’s charisma and humor. While it leans heavily into comedy, genre traditionalists seeking significant scares may find it less appealing.
6 In The Earth (2021)
Directed By Ben Wheatley
In the Earth stands out as a rare folk horror entry in Neon’s lineup, following a scientist and a park scout whose research in the woods reveals a dark and influential presence. Wheatley’s narrative harnesses mythological elements to create an unsettling atmosphere, culminating in an immersive horror experience.
5 Infinity Pool (2023)
Directed By Brandon Cronenberg
Infinity Pool serves as a provocative critique of privilege and the moral decay of the affluent. The narrative follows author James Foster, played by Alexander Skarsgård, as he grapples with writer’s block during a vacation that spirals into chaos after he is seduced into breaking the resort’s strict boundaries. This leads to a dark unraveling of reality.
With stunning visuals and a complex narrative structure, Cronenberg explores the extremes to which wealth allows individuals to escape accountability, prompting critical reflection on societal norms.
4 Crimes Of The Future (2022)
Directed By David Cronenberg
In Crimes of the Future, David Cronenberg presents a disturbing vision of humanity, where basic functions like pain and desire have grotesquely evolved. This film immerses viewers in a twisted future populated by haunting performances from Viggo Mortensen, Léa Seydoux, and Kristen Stewart, navigating a synthetic world that prompts intense reflection on human experiences.
Cronenberg’s command of body horror underscores unsettling themes and imagery, encapsulating the struggle between the individual and a desensitized society.
3 Revenge (2017)
Directed By Coralie Fargeat
Revenge tells the potent story of Jen, played by Matilda Lutz, who becomes a fierce force of resilience following a violent assault. The narrative, rich with body horror, showcases her transformation into an avenger.
Unlike many films in this sub-genre that exploit trauma, Revenge firmly places agency in Jen’s hands, making it a compelling exploration of justice and empowerment.
2 Titanium (2021)
Directed By Julia Ducournau
Titane marks a high point in body horror, continuing the innovative spirit of Ducournau’s previous work in Raw. This film follows Alexia (Agathe Rousselle), a woman with a titanium plate in her head from a childhood accident. Ducournau deftly intertwines visceral horror with emotional depth, tackling themes of identity and transformation.
With captivating performances and striking visuals, Titane reiterates Ducournau’s place among horror’s modern pioneers, solidifying Neon’s legacy for groundbreaking cinema.
1 Possessor (2020)
Directed By Brandon Cronenberg
Possessor, featuring Andrea Riseborough and Sean Bean, is a visually stunning narrative that delves into the realms of sci-fi horror. With a plot centered on Tasya Vos, an assassin utilizing brain-implant technology, the film presents a chilling examination of the nature of identity and existence.
Cronenberg navigates profound philosophical questions regarding self-identity and fragmentation, using horror to explore the human condition and emotional detachment in unsettling ways. This thought-provoking work engages with the complexities of memory and persona, distinguishing it as a standout in Neon’s catalog.
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