“What’s your favorite scary movie?” This iconic line was obviously delivered by none other than the infamous horror icon Ghostface in Scream. However, seriously ask yourself what’s your favorite scary movie? What made it stand out from the others? How did it make you feel? The genre of horror has received backlash since the very beginning, all the way back to 1896 with Le Manoir du Diable. As a horror lover myself, I had to see what it was people wanted out of horror movies, and what they dislike.
I surveyed about 60 people and found 43% wanted suspense with a good plot twist, 33% wanted a strong story line, 12% wanted jump scares, and 12% wanted gore. I also asked what turns them away, and ruins a horror movie for them. I found 45% find the cheesy over the top gore off putting, 27% struggle with it not being realistic enough, 25% hate when it doesn’t have a real story behind it, and 4% dislike when it feels too real.
I also asked them to list their favorite and least favorite horror movies. Naturally, there was overlap on the lists, as some people’s favorites were other’s least favorites.
I’ll be the first to admit the genre is not for everyone although, I do believe horror could be enjoyed by many more if they only knew about the different sub genres. The misconception that all horror movies are bloody and violent is simply not true. There are several sub genres in horror, all are unique, and posses different qualities. Some of the most common and recognizable sub genres of horror are slasher, psychological, paranormal, monster, Sci-fi, and comedy. Slasher is the most well known and typically incorporates elements like gore, jump scares, and usually a storyline behind the antagonist. Psychological generally does not include much or any gore, instead incorporating elements like plot twists, suspense, a strong storyline, and occasional jump scares. Paranormal, monster, and Sci-fi often include the elements of jump scares, suspense, a strong storyline, and usually some gore/violence. Comedy can incorporate all of these elements as well, but they do it in more of a comical way.
Now that we’ve established all these sub genres, I’ll offer some suggestions based on these elements. So, without further a due lets get into my top 5 must watch recent horror movies.:
- The Substance (2024)- By director Coralie Fargeat. The Substance could be categorized best as Sci-fi horror, and is perfect for those who look for more depth and a strong storyline in a horror film. It has a lot of suspense, and leaves you wondering what’s coming next. The film stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, and demonstrates the pressures women feel from society to constantly fit the beauty standard. Showing how ugly things can get by going to extreme lengths. It’s the perfect amount of dramatization, while still sticking with a core meaningful story. The way this film is shot pays homage to many classics (The Shining, Psycho, etc). The most unbelievable thing about it is that Demi Moore is supposed to look “old” and unattractive. The movie overall doesn’t have much gore until about the third act, and then it does get bloody so be warned! This film will have you stunned and at a loss for words throughout it, and after. Definitely recommend watching it with someone else so that you have someone to talk to about it after the fact!
- Smile 2 (2024)- by director Parker Finn . Smile 2 could best be categorized as paranormal horror. It truly impressed me. Not to say Smile wasn’t good, but this one was far better in my opinion. The movie picks up at the end of the first movie and quickly introduces us to the newest victim of the demon. Skye Riley played by Naomi Scott, is a pop star on the rise who begins experiencing very bizarre things. This movie does have some gore and violence so beware, although other than a couple scenes I didn’t think it was too bad. This film has a very solid storyline filled with suspense, and an incredible twist you don’t see coming. Another thing I loved about this movie is that it belongs to a sub genre that has hundreds of hundreds of movies, yet manages to stand out and not fall into being played out. Totally, a must!
- Companion (2025)- by director Drew Hancock. Companion could best be described as a few sub genres kind of Sci-fi horror, mixed with some horror comedy, and thriller. The movie centers around Iris played by Sophie Thatcher who is a programmed robot owned by her “boyfriend” Josh. Due to some glitches in her system some things occur and she’s able to see how her “relationship” really is, and gets her revenge. This movie reminded me of The Stepford Wives in all the right way, and some Black Mirror inspiration as well. This movie inspires you to maybe think of how much we rely on technology, and how with technology constantly advancing that your morals and ethics can be questioned. Additionally, it also showed subtle digs at the misogyny and sexism that still exists today. A great movie to watch for date night lol! Still in theaters: Companion Showtimes
- Heretic (2024)- by directors Scott Beck, and Bryan Woods. Heretic could best be described as a psychological horror thriller. It centers on two young missionaries trying to spread the word of God, sister Barnes played by Sophie Thatcher and sister Paxton played by Chloe East. All is well until they come to the door of Mr. Reed, and get invited in to talk to him about their faith. Where they end up trapped and forced to rely on their faith to make it out alive. It’s a very suspenseful thriller as you are eager to see what happens to the girls, and if they make it home. This movie is very fascinating because although the two young girls are Mormon it’s not as though he’s directly targeting Mormons in the movie, or that the message of the movie is directed at them. It’s much larger than that. This is about religion as a whole, and one’s ability to have faith in a higher power. Since Mr. Reeds essentially punishes those who he thinks has too much faith. As a person of faith, I had a unique view on it, but I’m sure regardless on your view too, you can see how interesting it is to see different views being addressed. All in the same time of it being a horror movie. So, for those who wanted a movie with a strong storyline, this is the movie for you!
- The First Omen (2024)- by director Arkasha Stevenson. The First Omen is the prequel to the classic Omen movie series of the 1970’s and 80’s. It can best be described as paranormal/supernatural religious horror. There is some violence but not much, I’d say it’s got more jumpscares, and slow burn horror appeal. It centers around Margaret played by Nell Tiger Free who is an aspiring Nun who’s sent to Rome to work in an orphanage, where she uncovers chilling information about the church’s mission on creating the anti-Christ. Without giving away too much through a twist she comes to find out this plan goes back farther than she thought. If you’ve ever seen the Omen, or enjoy the 70’s style religious horror sub genre, this is the perfect movie for you. As someone who’s seen all the other movies in this series, this is one you definitely don’t want to miss and connects parts together that you’ll know if you watch the others as well. If you’ve seen the movie Immaculate that came out around the same time with Sydney Sweeney it’s fairly similar but slightly better in my opinion!
Thanks for reading! I hope this was insightful, and that now you have some movies to check out!
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