It’s that time again, and everyone is nailing down their favorite films of 2024. This is the second year I’ve kept track of everything I’ve seen via a list on Letterboxd. It was a great year for horror, and after watching tons of 2024 films, this is the not-so-concrete top ten list I have come up with. I still need to see movies like Dune: Part II, Red Rooms, and Rita to (possibly) finalize my list. These are my top ten movies of 2024 so far.
10. Heretic
I have a soft spot for religious horror, so it’s no surprise that Heretic made my 2024 list. It had great tension, engaging performances, and unexpected twists. Although I have the trailer posted above, I highly recommend you skip it and go in blind. We follow two missionaries who knock on the wrong door. While I enjoy the religious commentary, it felt like an 8 a.m. world religions class at a state university. The big reveal felt underwhelming, but I still had a good time in the theater overall.
9. Longlegs
I have a reputation for enjoying “screaming Nicolas Cage” movies, and Longlegs is no different. I caught it in a nearly packed house on opening night, and Nicolas Cage did not disappoint. We follow an FBI agent investigating a case that holds a dark secret. If you loved 90’s crime thrillers, you should press play on Longlegs. The mystery was interesting, and Blair Underwood was hot, and Nicolas Cage screamed. What more could I ask for?
8. Alien: Romulus
Alien: Romulus was the perfect thrill ride. The plot is the usual stuff we expect, but it grips you early on and never lets go. The world-building is great, and most of the special effects are amazing! It’s one of the better entries in the franchise. I didn’t mind the fanservice (I’m a fan), and there was no shortage of xenomorph activities. However, it committed huge sins, which drove it from the number 1 spot. There’s an egregious use of CGI, and one of the main character’s background and storyline sends my blood pressure to the moon. However, all of the elements that I don’t hate are fantastic.
7. Exhuma
In Exhuma, we follow a grave excavation from hell! It’s a slow burn, but the burn makes the runtime worth it. The movie starts with a curse and unfolds from there. A looming sense of dread hangs from the film as our protagonists peel back the layers of a dark family secret. When you think it’s over, the evil pops back up like The Undertaker for more chaos. Historical context is woven in, making the dread feel more tangible. Worth watching uninterrupted with your phone put away.
6. Strange Darling
While I loved the cinematography, the use of color, and the lighting, shirtless Kyle Gallner got me in the seat. Kyle Gallner choking someone for an extended time made me come back for seconds. However, Strange Darling has so much more to offer than defined triceps. We follow a cat-and-mouse chase between a serial killer and their prey. The unique storytelling takes the audience on a rollercoaster and flips our expectations. It’s worth paying the rental price.
5. V/H/S Beyond
This movie blew my wig back. The V/H/S franchise has the perfect ingredients to win my love: found footage and an anthology setup. However, the films always miss the mark for me personally, so I cherry-pick my favorite shorts instead of rewatching them. There’s no need to cherry-pick with V/H/S Beyond. Each story offers a unique experience. The first short grabs viewers by the edges and leaves them bald! The creature designs are creative and terrifying. Justin and Christian Long need to be arrested.
4. It’s What’s Inside
This movie took me by surprise! I don’t usually lean into the psychological thriller sub-genre, but It’s What’s Inside pulled me in! During a reunion for a friend’s wedding, an estranged friend brings a new game to the party, and chaos ensues. I loved the way the characters visually recapped their history. The drama was juicy, and the end was satisfying. Once the suitcase of terrors is opened, things move fast, so pay close attention.
3. The First Omen
This movie is me-coded. It’s an exciting revival of a franchise I frequented as a child. Dripped in Italian fashion, The First Omen makes way for the anti-Christ in style. The horrifying imagery, great performances, and cinematography made The First Omen stand out from the onslaught of body autonomy films released in the last 365 days.
2. The Substance
It’s no secret that I LOVED The Substance. The body horror was amazing. This story took several unexpected turns. There’s biting commentary on the culture around youth and beauty, with bits of humor glittered throughout. Coralie Fargeat knows how to make my skin crawl, and I love that. I want to see whatever she makes.
1. Monkey Man
I am not ashamed that my favorite movie came down to punches and kicks. I’m a sucker for hand-to-hand combat, and Monkey Man delivered! I have watched it multiple times and could press play again at any moment. The protagonist is easy to root for and incredibly hot. Incorporating Hindu mythology and a side of revenge sets Monkey Man apart from the other action films I’ve seen recently.
What are your top ten horror movies of 2024 so far? Let me know at @GirlThatsScary.
Want to know what Jazz thought of some other movies? Then check out her reviews here!
