This year brought an eclectic mix of horror films, from genre-defining arthouse gems to unapologetically entertaining popcorn flicks. The best of 2024 showcased how diverse the horror landscape has become, delivering films that lingered in our minds, rattled our nerves, and sometimes even tugged at our heartstrings. Here’s our definitive list of the top 13 killer horror films of the year.

13. Abigail

Abigail is the kind of horror film that knows its audience and delivers on every front. Packed with jump scares, cheeky humor, and copious amounts of gore, this polished production embraces its B-movie soul with infectious energy. While it doesn’t aim to reinvent the genre, it revels in its clichés, using them to create a fast-paced and undeniably fun experience. By the time the credits roll, the leads are drenched in blood-red corn syrup, and the audience is left grinning.

However, the film’s reliance on formula prevents it from being anything more than a fun ride. It’s pure popcorn horror—perfect for a group watch but unlikely to leave a lasting impression. Abigail may lack substance, but sometimes all you want is a thrill ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Movie Review: Abigail (2024)

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12. The First Omen

As a prequel to a beloved horror classic, The First Omen had a lot to live up to. The film starts strong, with an ominous atmosphere and compelling visuals that echo the sinister world of the original. Its exploration of the early origins of evil offers a fascinating premise, teasing the potential for a rich narrative. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the film lacks the single-minded vision of a true auteur.

Despite its flaws, The First Omen still has its moments of intrigue and terror, hinting at interesting possibilities for future installments. Could an anti-anti-Christ concept breathe new life into the franchise? Time will tell, but for now, this entry serves as a solid, if underwhelming, addition to the Omen universe.

Movie Review: The First Omen (2024)

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11. MadS

A technical marvel and a psychological gut-punch, MadS is a Shudder-exclusive horror film that plays out as a one-shot nightmare. The film’s unrelenting tension and chilling performances keep viewers on edge from start to finish. The unique, continuous shot format enhances its claustrophobic atmosphere, drawing the audience into its disorienting narrative.

What sets MadS apart is its ability to blur the lines between reality and madness. As the story unfolds, viewers are forced to question what’s real and what’s imagined, making for an unsettling experience that lingers long after the film ends. MadS is a haunting reminder of how fragile our perception of reality can be, cementing its place as one of the year’s standout psychological horrors.

MadS – A Mesmerizing, One-Shot Descent into Chaos

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10. Sayara

Sayara is a brutal, unflinching revenge thriller that doesn’t pull any punches. From its opening moments, the film plunges viewers into a world of fire and blood, leaving no room for mercy or reprieve. The story’s protagonist is relentless in their quest for vengeance, and the film’s visceral approach to storytelling ensures that every moment hits with full force.

What makes Sayara truly memorable is its unyielding commitment to its themes of justice and retribution. This is not a film for the faint of heart, but for those willing to endure its intensity, it offers a deeply cathartic experience. Sayara doesn’t just demand your attention—it seizes it and doesn’t let go.

Sayara (2024) – A Savage, Viscera-Drenched Odyssey of Vengeance and Retribution

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9. Oddity

Blending psychological horror with supernatural intrigue, Oddity is a slow-burn masterpiece that rewards patient viewers. The film follows a grieving protagonist as they unravel a dark, otherworldly mystery, leading to a chilling conclusion that defies easy explanation. Director John McCarthy’s skillful storytelling ensures that every moment feels deliberate, creating an atmosphere of unease that permeates the entire film.

What truly elevates Oddity is its ability to balance ambiguity with narrative depth. The film leaves just enough unanswered questions to keep viewers guessing, while still delivering a satisfying emotional payoff. For fans of psychological thrillers with a supernatural twist, Oddity is a must-watch.

Oddity (2024) – A Haunting Puzzle of Revenge and the Supernatural

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8. Stopmotion

Stop-motion animation has always carried a certain eerie charm, and Stopmotion uses this medium to stunning effect. The film’s haunting visuals and mesmerizing performances create a world that feels both fantastical and terrifying. Its psychological narrative delves into themes of identity, control, and the fine line between creation and destruction, resulting in a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is unsettling.

While its unconventional approach may not appeal to everyone, Stopmotion is a testament to the power of cinema to push boundaries. It’s a film that lingers in the mind, challenging viewers to confront their own fears and insecurities.

Stopmotion”: A Haunting Journey into Grief and Imagination

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7. Cuckoo

Tilman Singer’s Cuckoo is a visually arresting and narratively bold horror film that defies genre conventions. With its surreal imagery and haunting score, the film creates a dreamlike atmosphere that’s impossible to shake. Singer’s ability to craft a story that feels both grounded and otherworldly makes Cuckoo a standout in a crowded field.

What sets Cuckoo apart is its emotional depth. Beneath its unsettling surface lies a poignant exploration of grief, identity, and the human condition. It’s a film that demands to be seen, offering a cinematic experience that’s as beautiful as it is terrifying.

Cuckoo Soars: A Haunting Symphony of Mystery and Masterful Storytelling

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6. Immaculate

Director Michael Mohan steps confidently into the horror genre with Immaculate, a film that boldly mixes thought-provoking storytelling with shocking, visceral moments. Based on Andrew Lobel’s screenplay, the film tells a tale in three distinct acts, each building tension and deepening the narrative. The first act’s slow pacing might frustrate some viewers, but it ultimately serves to enhance the payoff, setting the stage for an explosive second act.

What truly sets Immaculate apart is its gripping third act, where the restrained storytelling gives way to a climactic crescendo of chaos. Sweeney’s portrayal of Cecilia shines, particularly as she navigates the oppressive, patriarchal control of a convent, bringing complexity and strength to her character. Mohan’s directorial debut in the genre establishes him as a filmmaker to watch, offering a visually stunning and narratively compelling experience

Movie Review: Immaculate (2024)

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5. You’ll Never Find Me

Quietly slipping into cinemas with minimal fanfare, You’ll Never Find Me proves that great horror doesn’t require a massive budget or extensive promotion. Set in a single location, the film creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. Directors Indiana Bell and Josiah Allen craft a tightly woven narrative, slowly unraveling its mysteries with expert precision.

The film’s brilliance lies in its simplicity. With just two main characters, portrayed with depth and nuance by Rock and Cowan, the story becomes a study in tension and trust. Cinematographer Maxx Corkindale adds another layer of artistry, using light and shadow to enhance the film’s eerie atmosphere. You’ll Never Find Me is a testament to what can be achieved with limited resources and unlimited creativity.

Movie Review: You’ll Never Find Me (2024)

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4. Infested

In his directorial debut, Sébastien Vanicek has delivered a creature feature that reinvigorates the genre. Infested taps into primal fears with its jaw-dropping depiction of a spider contagion, weaving a web of terror that’s both thrilling and deeply unsettling. The film’s tension builds masterfully, with every scene ratcheting up the stakes for its beleaguered characters.

What makes Infested stand out is its ability to balance horror with sheer entertainment. This is a film that embraces its absurd premise while delivering genuinely terrifying moments. Vanicek proves he has a knack for crafting memorable scares, making Infested one of the most talked-about horror films of the year and a contender for genre favorite.

Movie Review: Infested (2024)

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3. Late Night With The Devil

David Dastmalchian takes center stage in Late Night With The Devil, a film that cleverly blends retro nostalgia with modern horror sensibilities. Set during a live broadcast of a talk show, the film builds its tension in real time, pulling viewers into its chilling narrative. The Cairnes Brothers expertly use the confined setting to their advantage, creating an atmosphere of mounting dread that culminates in a shocking finale.

Though not without its flaws, Late Night With The Devil is a refreshing take on the horror genre, proving that innovation and nostalgia can coexist. The film’s originality and execution make it a standout, cementing the Cairnes Brothers as rising stars in modern horror.

Movie Review: Late Night With The Devil (2024)

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2. Longlegs

Oz Perkins’ Longlegs is a masterclass in slow-burn horror, drawing viewers in with its meticulous craftsmanship and haunting visual style. While the middle act falters slightly, the film’s gripping narrative and stunning performances more than compensate. Perkins’ direction is deliberate, allowing the tension to simmer before delivering a gut-wrenching climax that leaves audiences reeling.

The film’s titular creature is as unsettling as it is memorable, and Perkins uses it to explore themes of isolation and obsession. Longlegs may not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate atmospheric horror, it’s a near-perfect example of the genre’s potential to unsettle and provoke.

Movie review: Longlegs (2024)

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1. The Substance

No horror film in 2024 matched the audacity and impact of Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance. From its opening frame, the film immerses viewers in a nightmarish world that’s as beautiful as it is grotesque. Demi Moore delivers a career-defining performance, embodying a character that’s both vulnerable and terrifying. The film’s striking visuals and daring narrative choices make it a bold statement in modern horror.

What sets The Substance apart is its refusal to compromise. Fargeat’s vision is unflinching, challenging audiences to confront their deepest fears and darkest desires. This is not a film for the faint of heart, but for those willing to take the plunge, it offers an experience that’s as unforgettable as it is unsettling. The Substance is a masterpiece of horror cinema and a fitting choice for the top spot on this year’s list.

The Substance (2024) – Coralie Fargeat’s Visceral Exploration of Beauty, Decay, and Rebirth

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2024 may not have redefined the genre, but it proved that horror continues to innovate and captivate. Whether you’re into popcorn thrills, arthouse elegance, or gut-wrenching tension, these films prove that fear is as versatile as it is universal. What were your favorite horror flicks of the year?

• Saul Muerte