Kristie Felice’s Top 10 Movies Of 2024

2024 was an election year, and the results were a reminder of how deeply this country holds on to its dark past. Why does that matter? Because horror had a lot to say this year. Film, specifically, had a lot to say this year. Because I understand just how important movies can be – especially during times such as these. 

Horror releases in 2024 were a mixed bag. Revisiting my Letterboxd list, there were a few titles that I had forgotten about. Meanwhile, others stayed with me long after the credits rolled. This year brought out some debut film directors like Ishana Night Shyamalan and Zoë Kravitz, who made their mark on the genre. At the same time, directors who are seasoned in the genre reminded us that horror remains an evolving space for storytelling. And I have to acknowledge the absolute surprise that indie films like Longlegs and Terrifier 3 made at the box office this year. There is no denying that horror continues to thrive.

2024 delivered a diverse slate of horror that challenged me, entertained me, and scared me. These ten films aren’t just my favorites from the year; they reminded me why I fell in love in the first place. Because in a year like this one, horror movies just aren’t escapism, but they are essential.

Kristie’s Top 10 Horror Films of 2024

10. Blink Twice, dir. Zoë Kravitz

This is a film that I didn’t watch until this past week, and I am glad I did. Zoë Kravitz’s debut film went beyond anything I could have expected with this thought-provoking horror piece. There was art in her filmmaking, and I appreciated the story she told. The diverse female cast stole every scene they were in. I’m already looking forward to seeing what Kravitz does next in the genre. 

9. Late Night With The Devil, dir. Cameron and Colin Cairnes 

I won’t hold you with this one. All I have to say is David Dastmalchian. As a fan of the found footage subgenre, this is my vibe. Cults, demon-possessed children, and a 70s backdrop. What more could you ask for? The Cairnes’ capture the essence of an old-school live show and throw in the element of increasing dread until the final showdown. I can already see this one becoming a cult classic in the future. 

8. Infested, dir. Sébastien Vaniček

Talk about a surprise! I can’t remember a time when a film with giant spiders made my top 10 list. But Vaniček is a master at storytelling. I was instantly hooked from the opening scene and didn’t breathe again until that final shot. The soundtrack was also top-tier. Infested reminded me of The People Under the Stairs with its messaging about the housing crisis in certain areas and how the government and police organizations turn a blind eye. Injustices are happening everywhere and Vaniček said that loud– with spiders. 

7. Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person, dir. Ariane Luis-Seize

I’m definitely in my cozy era and this film is a cozy vibe. It takes me back to the My So-Called Life days of teenage angst and wonder. It’s a story of how two very different beings come together and start a beautiful friendship but it’s also about acceptance. This is one I wish had come out when I was a teenager. Beautiful to watch and feels like a warm hug.

6. Never Let Go, dir. Alexandre Aja

What can I say? I like a dash of Halle Berry in my horror and I loved everything about this one except the ending. I live for a Southern, gothic horror, and this one didn’t disappoint in that regard. Set in a secluded cabin in the woods, a mother tirelessly working to protect her children from evil – that is right up my alley. The child actors in this film, Percy Daggs IV and Anthony B. Jenkins, also delivered great performances. I am a fan of Aja’s work, and this one just solidified him as one of my favorite horror directors. 

5. Cuckoo, dir. Tilman Singer

I watched this one on 35mm film, and it was Chef’s Kiss! Cuckoo is an eerie mystery that had me so engaged I didn’t know what reality I was in until the lights came up. What year is it set in? Who knows? Who cares? It’s fine that the main character has a cell phone, but everyone else acts like it’s the 80s. Because the real horror is that men suck, and they want to control women’s bodies. Repro horror is literally at the top of my list this year, and this one deserves more love. 

4. Exhuma, dir. Jang Jae-hyun

If you don’t want to sleep for the next three days, watch Exhuma. I will probably be talking about this one for the next few years. It handles history and story with grace and threads horror seamlessly within the narrative. I enjoyed the take on a generational curse and the originality in the visuals. This is a long one, but well worth the time. 

3. MadS, dir. David Moreau

If there was a film that I’d say is the biggest surprise of 2024 for me, this would be it. It was not on my radar at all, but it took a top spot on this list easily. As someone who isn’t big on zombies, MadS has a refreshing approach to the subgenre that I appreciated. Not to mention, it’s extremely well-shot. It’s gritty, alluring, and a damn good time. 

2. Alien: Romulus, dir. Fede Alvarez

Fede is an artist, and this felt like a true cinema experience. Hands down, it has the best practical effects and set design of the year for me. This film oozed passion. However, David Jonsson (playing Andy) propelled this one higher on my list. He portrays two different personalities, and his performance is quite literally excellent. There’s not one single frame I didn’t love from beginning to end. 

1. The First Omen, dir. Arkasha Stevenson

As I said, repro horror is at the top of my list. I did not expect a prequel to one of my all-time favorite horror movies would be my number-one movie of the year. The First Omen was scary, captivating, well written, and it pushed the boundaries. More than anything, it had me on the edge of my seat and gave me goosebumps. As someone who has felt the pressures from religious expectations and the effects of being a woman in America, this film hit home for me and scared me shitless. That is all one can hope from a horror movie. 

2024 was a great year for horror. Innovative, scary stories with fresh perspectives reminded us how badass this genre is. As we look ahead, I cannot wait to see what 2025 has in store. Here’s to another unforgettable year in horror!                             

Be sure to check out Kristie’s Terrifier 3 review too!