Chilling Thrills: Must-Stream Holiday Horror Flicks for Your Week!

It should come as no surprise that, as another year draws to a close, horror remained at the forefront in 2024. Terrifier 3, for instance, became the top-grossing Unrated film in box office history, shattering all indie cinema conventions in its wake. Longlegs surprised audiences, emerging as Neon’s  highest-grossing film at its July release, and the streaming service Mubi wisely secured the body horror film The Substance, where it became the platform’s highest-grossing title at the box office.

This barely scratches the surface of the major studio successes such as Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, or Alien: Romulus. Nonetheless, the surprises go far beyond box office performance; horror in 2024 is characterized by its defiance of traditional genre boundaries.

This is evident in how 2024 horror discovered innovative ways to advance franchises through prequels and sequels, with films such as The First Omen uncovering new paths to expand a franchise through captivating artistry and intricate yet dark themes. It’s present in fresh takes on true crime-inspired thrillers like Red Rooms, presenting a cold, clinical portrayal of true crime obsession. Slashers such as In a Violent Nature experimented with a familiar formula to an exhilarating albeit polarizing extent, while Exhuma rejuvenated the stale exorcism horror subgenre.

Additionally, it’s a year where horror grew deeply intimate, showcasing a plethora of films presented from a singular viewpoint, including I Saw the TV Glow and Stopmotion. In essence, 2024 propelled the genre forward in thrilling manners, introducing fresh voices while uncovering new fertile ground in even the most well-explored areas of the genre.

Without further delay, here are the fifteen finest horror films of 2024.

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15. Oddity

Writer/Director Damian Mc Carthy’s second project feels like a narrative and thematic continuation of Caveat. Besides the brief return of at least one recognizable character and a nightmare bunny, Oddity persistently delves into the filmmaker’s exploration of supernatural justice and karma through eccentric characters and a singular vision for frights. It plays out like a whimsical Irish folklore story with meticulously crafted scares that induce icy chills down your spine, Oddity depends on simplified storytelling that allows its horror elements and dual performances by Carolyn Bracken to shine. Despite its straightforward setup, there is a more confident tone and refined plotting to Oddity, making it easy to wish Mc Carthy continues his exploration of this peculiar, frequently haunting cinematic universe.

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14. The Coffee Table

An astonishing inciting incident transforms the film into an unyielding pressure chamber that never permits its audience a moment of respite in Caye Casas’s bleak dark comedy horror—highlighting the darkness. The macabre humor depicted here may evoke a trigger warning due to its boundary-challenging horror that acts as the driving force. The director extracts terror from a bizarre misfortune to such a degree that it often leaves participants in the chaotic narrative torn between amusement and nail-biting tension. A mundane chore escalates into an unspeakable ordeal that somehow amplifies the madness until an explosive conclusion. It’s bold in storyline but even more remarkable for the way it frays your nerves with delight.

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13. Woman of the Hour

Anna Kendrick’s inaugural directorial venture disrupts the true crime narrative with this stranger-than-fiction account of serial murderer and rapist Rodney Alcala and his odd appearance as a contestant on the television game show “The Dating Game.” Screenwriter Ian MacAllister McDonald alongside Kendrick narrates this chilling tale nonlinearly, meticulously illustrating Alcala’s methods as he preys on defenseless women nationwide throughout the 1970s. It may not be horror in a conventional manner, but Kendrick extracts sheer dread through nail-biting, suspense-laden scenes and a chilling performance by Daniel Zovatto in the role of real-life murderer Rodney Alcala. An unsettling antagonist and pivotal suspenseful segments guarantee Kendrick’s debut leaves an impact. However, it is the unyielding compassion for Alcala’s victims and a potent final revelation that secures a place for this remarkable piece on our list.

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12. Stopmotion

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Horror is abundant with narratives investigating the lengths to which an artist will venture for their craft, yet BAFTA-nominated filmmaker/animator Robert Morgan merges Stopmotion with detailed, squishy stop-motion animation that distinguishes it. The film’s skillful fusion of live-action and stop-motion animation is entirely enthralling, anchored by Aisling Franciosi’s performance as a woman unraveling due to her aspirations. Not only does the animation amaze while simultaneously evoking disgust, but the disconcerting sound composition contributes as well. Exposed wounds and puppets frequently carry unsettling, squelchy sounds and damp noises that guarantee an immersive experience.

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11. The Devil’s Bath

The newest work from Austrian directors Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala stands as their most hopeless to date, powerfully illustrating that history is horror at times. A grueling representation of a difficult existence in 18th-century Austria, the narrative follows a dreamer too delicate for this ruthless world. The Devil’s Bath immerses itself so completely in her anguish and mental distress that it’s hard not to be impacted by Agnes’ suffering. The film is beautifully crafted, filmed on 35mm, showcasing an impressive lead performance by Anja Plaschg. The Devil’s Bath may not fit the conventional definition of horror, yet Agnes’ odyssey becomes so hopeless that it navigates smoothly into violent, grim horror territory. It’s such an emotional ordeal that you likely won’t wish to relive it for quite some time.

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10. Azrael

The most recent project from director E.L. Katz (Cheap Thrills) and writer Simon Barrett (The Guest, You’re Next) results in an intriguing exploration of horror without dialogue, initiated by a text card that sets the post-Rapture context for this apocalyptic horror flick. It’s stripped of speech to such an extent that contemporary horror icon Samara Weaving cannot even depend on her signature scream; her character has had her vocal cords severed before the storyline begins. This all emphasizes that Azrael might be a challenging proposition on paper. Nonetheless, Katz makes you nearly overlook that Azrael lacks spoken lines. Its relentless onslaught of terrifying violence unfolds over a span of 24 hours, resulting in a bloody survival thriller that doesn’t linger on narrative details. Weaving’s proficient performance and the intense siege horror guarantee this venture triumphs until its unforgettable final moments.

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9. A Quiet Place: Day One

The prequel to 2018’s A Quiet Place primarily utilizes the onset of the alien invasion that engulfs the globe in a silent catastrophe as an exhilarating backdrop for a heartfelt, moving depiction of human bonds. An ordinary day in New York City is abruptly disrupted by an unforeseen invasion that devastates the metropolis, resulting in a catastrophic death toll; an obvious metaphor for 9/11, certainly, but writer/director Michael Sarnoski shows greater interest in showcasing the human victories that emerge amidst brutal hardship. Day One guarantees ample genre excitement and creature-feature chase sequences, yet it is the tender, improbable companionship formed between Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn’s characters, coupled with a scene-stealing feline, that transform this prequel into something extraordinary. It is the kind of profoundly affecting storytelling that leaves you yearning for a comforting embrace and a piece of pizza. Above all, following a woman resolved to confront life and death on her own terms instills you with optimism.

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8. Infested

Director Sébastien Vaniček provided a jolt of energy with his debut feature, confirming that spiders still excel at evoking paralyzing dread, even among those who aren’t typically arachnophobic. The straightforward premise of a rare venomous spider loose within a dilapidated apartment complex, free to breed and inflict deadly mayhem, transforms into something far more complex due to social commentary and a horrifying intensification of terror. Vaniček maintains his characters and their struggles rooted in realism, which allows him to let loose with the progressively intense spider horror. It’s not only that Infested uses actual spiders for many of the close, squirm-inducing confrontations with the eight-legged creatures, but the director also extracts considerable suspense even from the tranquil moments. Infested is unafraid to eliminate its characters in agonizing manners, either, making it clear why Vaniček was swiftly recruited to direct an upcoming Evil Dead film.

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7. I Saw the TV Glow

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An intensely personal exploration of self and dysphoria conveyed through a distinctive perspective. Rarely do films rival the striking visuals present in writer/director Jane Schoenbrun’s newest work, genre notwithstanding. I Saw the TV Glow captures the viscerally unsettling, existential dread of disregarding all alerts until you can no longer identify yourself, centered around two misfits who connect over a ’90s television show. It’s this particularity and surreal vision that extracts horror from a familiar touchstone of youth– a time when we frequently build our identities influenced by our popular culture fascinations and cling to them like lifelines in tumultuous seas. It stands as a somber, contemplative metaphor that emotionally shatters, even while its powerful imagery weaves a haunting enchantment. More than merely a confident example of arthouse horror surrealism, it serves as a breathtaking and melancholic cautionary narrative to remain authentic to oneself.

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6. The First Omen

Richard Donner’s 1976 horror masterpiece focused on the Antichrist resulted in three sequels, a 2006 remake, and a direct sequel television series, albeit with diminishing effects. When a prequel to the initial film was unveiled, it was unsurprising that it didn’t exactly ignite the internet; The Omen
“` articulated the specifics surrounding Damien Thorn’s arrival into the world quite capably, indeed. What initially appeared to be a mundane, uninspired money-making venture to revive a somewhat stagnant horror series evolved into a captivating revelation thanks to director Arkasha Stevenson. Stevenson makes her directorial debut with remarkable assurance, presenting an intricately crafted horror piece that imparts a tactile essence and atmosphere, complemented by a striking score from Mark Korven that also aids in storytelling. This is an enthralling film suited to its historical context, grounded by star Nell Tiger Free’s daring portrayal. The First Omen discovers innovative methods to infuse fresh vitality into the franchise while adhering to the established IP lore, redirecting its focus to bodily autonomy and exploring boundaries with audacious themes and shocking horror visuals. 

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5. Smile 2

As an individual who viewed Smile as a commendable film hampered by its predictable horror influences, Smile 2 took me by surprise. In a true sequel manner, the scope expands, and the frights are noticeably more raw and brutal this time around. Yet, the remarkable advancement of writer/director Parker Finn between installments is what truly ignites excitement for this sequel; this filmmaker has meticulously sharpened his ability to craft scares to an exceptional degree and seems to be thoroughly enjoying the process. This is a creator brimming with growing assurance, and Finn finds abundant methods to maintain the lengthy runtime at a brisk pace without ever diminishing the oppressive, unavoidable horror and tension it generates. It certainly aids that Naomi Scott delivers a performance that defines her career, navigating the numerous layers of her character’s traumas with seemingly effortless grace.  It isn’t solely the sequel’s razor-sharp and inventive, gruesome frights that eclipse its predecessor, but a deeply complex heroine that shapes this edgier variant of horror.

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4. Exhuma

Exorcism horror, for the most part, continues to be shackled to worn clichés and antiquated notions of faith and spirituality that make it hard to sell these days. A guaranteed method to escape predictability is by presenting exorcisms from a distinct cultural viewpoint. Writer/Director Jae-hyun Jang (Svaha: The Sixth Finger, The Priests) intertwines reflective cultural and historical motifs with eerie, atmospheric horror delivered through a yin-and-yang styled narrative framework. Exhuma employs a cursed burial site to unleash supernatural dread and a compelling folkloric exploration of the troubling history connecting Japan and Korea.The two separate segments of the narrative emphasize the striking disparity between traditions, contemporary culture, and historical practices without diminishing the genre’s enjoyment or frights along the way. This is the kind of horror film that offers cultural richness and world-building while showcasing a colossal samurai oni wreaking havoc on a pig farm. This isn’t your usual exorcism horror flick; its wild physical embodiment of historical trauma renders it one of the year’s most astonishing horror revelations.

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3. Longlegs

It’s fair to assert that hardly any films intrigued and captivated viewers this year as much as Oz Perkins’ latest, thanks to its mysterious promotion. The reluctance to disclose much information prior to the film’s premiere also applies to Longlegs’ narrative, which maintains a level of secrecy as it follows young FBI recruit Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) in her quest to identify a mysterious serial killer. Longlegs merges a true crime account with vile Satanism and refrains from guiding the audience, standing as a visceral challenge to society’s obsessive desire to rationalize the most atrocious acts. Nicolas Cage’s limited screen presence, coupled with his startling transformation into the titular killer, further enhances the film’s enigmatic, existential horror. Nonetheless, it is the manner in which malevolence lurks as a constant, voyeuristic force in Longlegs that disturbs the most; a monstrous Satan observes from nearly every dimly lit corner. Yet, despite the ominous and distinctly wicked atmosphere of Longlegs, a sense of humor persists. It stands as Perkins’ most approachable horror film to date, while also being profoundly unsettling.

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2. The Substance

There’s something extraordinary about how writer/director Coralie Fargeat’s most recent work surpasses her debut film Revenge in terms of gruesome devastation while accumulating praise, receiving award nominations and a position on the Oscars shortlist. Fargeat struggles to restrain her disdain as she criticizes Hollywood’s unattainable beauty standards that cultivate and, in turn, establish cruel cycles of self-hatred. However, it’s not devoid of humor; there’s an almost whimsical quality to the madness that plunges Demi Moore’s Elisabeth Sparkle into a harmful spiral of grotesque body horror in her efforts to combat aging and enforced retirement. The Substance exists within a heightened reality that is as captivating as it is unsettling, featuring a lengthy conclusion that releases torrents of flesh and gore in Grand Guignol style, the precise kind of sloppy climax that would make Brian Yuzna proud. Fargeat directs with assured authority, offering a sensory visual extravaganza and producing one of the year’s most incisive and wickedly entertaining contributions to horror.

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1. Nosferatu

Each and every element of Nosferatu truly captivates due to the remarkable craftsmanship evident throughout. The nocturnal visuals in Robert Eggers’ eerie creation are reimagined as monochrome nightmares, reminiscent of the classic black and white gothic horror masterpieces like F.W. Murnau’s groundbreaking vampire story. Craig Lathrop’s exquisite production aesthetics transport viewers on a tangible, immersive expedition teeming with terror-inducing, dilapidated castles, a city ravaged by plague, nomadic encampments, and more. Robin Carolan’s resounding score, paired with Damian Volpe’s disquieting sound design, guarantees the perverse romantic entanglement central to this gothic horror film both horrifies and fascinates simultaneously. Bill Skarsgård’s astonishing transformation into Count Orlok is startling, yet it’s Lily-Rose Depp’s enchanting portrayal as Ellen, the outsider caught on society’s fringes and compelled to become both prey and savior, that leaves one in awe. Productions of this magnitude are uncommon in horror, and Nosferatu is grandiose and theatrical, audacious and repulsive, culminating in a striking final image for the history books.