2024 is the Year of Horror, and there’s never been a more exciting time for dedicated fans of the genre. Before moviegoers dismiss the 2024 horror movies, it’s important to recognize that horror is often overlooked and undervalued in the realm of cinema. One significant aspect is the originality of many horror stories, which is a big departure from the pervasive film trends of remakes, and reboots.
While some may argue that horror is merely mind-numbing violence for the sake of it — arguably nothing wrong with that — there’s a more compelling reason to appreciate the horror genre. Horror, in its essence, possesses a unique ability to function as a mirror reflecting societal fears. It goes beyond shock value; these films serve as a powerful representation of our current anxieties and offer a thought-provoking experience.
Below is a curated list of all the scariest horror movies to look out for in 2024.
‘Imaginary’ – March 8
First on the list of 2024 horror movies to watch out for is Imaginary, directed by Jeff Wadlow. It promises to take the audiences on a nostalgic journey through childhood. Everyone went through a phase of having an imaginary friend, but what if they were entities haunting us all along? This film explores that intriguing concept, challenging the notion that our childhood companions were purely facsimiles of our imagination.
‘Immaculate’ – March 22
Next is the faith-driven horror experience in the upcoming film Immaculate, featuring Sydney Sweeney and directed by Michael Mohan. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Italian countryside, the story unfolds as a young woman, who is deeply committed to her faith, seizes the chance to join a picturesque Italian monastery. However, upon her arrival, unsettling and chilling secrets begin to surface.
‘Late Night With the Devil’ – March 22
Written and directed by Australian brothers, Cameron Cairnes and Colin Cairnes, Late Night with the Devil stars David Dastmalchian. The film unfolds its chilling narrative against the backdrop of 1977, promising a fun retro atmosphere. The story centers around a late-night talk show that takes a sinister and violent turn, unleashing malevolence into the living rooms of unsuspecting viewers.
‘The First Omen’ – April 5
In the lineup of 2024 horror movies, The First Omen stands as the second installment in the franchise, depicting the journey of a young woman who relocates to Italy in the name of God. Serving as a prequel to the 1976 film, The Omen, this eerie tale unfolds in Rome, where an American is assigned to work at a church. As she begins her responsibilities, she unravels a dark conspiracy surrounding the birth of an Antichrist.
‘Abigail’ – April 19
Presenting the next entry on our list, Abigail, directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. The story unfolds around the abduction of a 12-year-old ballerina and the daughter of a powerful underworld figure. The premise appears simple: collect the ransom by watching over the girl for one night. Yet, as the captors soon realize, this isn’t your typical 12-year-old. Instead, they find themselves facing an unexpected threat that forces them to fear for their lives.
‘Cuckoo’ – May 3
Featuring a knock-out cast led by Hunter Schafer, Gemma Chan, Dan Stevens, and Jessica Henwick, Cuckoo transports us to the picturesque backdrop of the German Alps. What initially appears as an ordinary resort soon reveals its sinister and anything-but-average nature.
‘Tarot’ – May 10
Directed by Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg, Tarot, stars Jacob Batalon. The story tells the unsettling tale of a group of friends who try tarot card readings. The group disrespects the sacred rules of the cards, and their benign readings take a turn for the worse. These tarot cards are far from ordinary, they are cursed with a potent evil that has been unleashed onto their friends. Caught up in a race against death, they must confront their fates.
‘The Strangers: Chapter 1’ – May 17
Expanding within the universe established by The Strangers comes The Strangers: Chapter 1. Much like its predecessor, the film revolves around a couple embarking on a cross-country journey, needing to stay overnight in a rental property. From sunlight to the eerie moonlight shadows, they find themselves relentlessly tormented by masked individuals.
‘The Watchers’ – June 7
Marking her directorial debut with The Watchers is Ishana Night Shyamalan. The story is about a woman who becomes stranded in a dense and untouched forest. Needing to seek shelter, she happens across three strangers. Soon discovers that malevolent beings in the night are stalking their every move.
‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ – June 28
Directed by Michael Sarnoski, A Quiet Place: Day One features a stellar cast with Lupita Nyong’o, Djimon Hounsou, Alex Wolff, and Joseph Quinn. As the third installment in the franchise created by John Krasinski, it stands as one of the most eagerly awaited horror movies of the year. Positioned as a prequel, the story reveals the events of the very first day of the alien invasion.
‘Longlegs’ – July 12
Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe star in Longlegs. Monroe, who plays an FBI agent, is assigned to a serial killer case. She uncovers ominous secrets surrounding the murders. As she investigates further, she stumbles upon harrowing details that draw her closer to the serial killer than she ever imagined.
‘Trap’ – August 2
This year, another Shyamalan family member has found their movie on the list. Trap is a movie from the imaginative and twisted mind of M. Night Shyamalan. Starring Josh Hartnett and Saleka Shyamalan, the film’s intriguing premise is set within the backdrop of a concert venue. While not a lot of details on the movie are available, it promises a unique and original viewing experience.
‘Alien: Romulus’ – August 16
Next on the horizon is Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede Álvarez. Transported to a distant world, a group of individuals discovers themselves forced to endure the most formidable life-form indigenous to their newfound environment.
‘Speak No Evil’ – September 13
Directed by James Watkins, the remake of the Danish film Speak No Evil takes on the silver screen. The narrative unfolds as a family receives an invitation for a weekend getaway at a picturesque country house. What promises to be a dream vacation takes an unexpected turn, and becomes a harrowing nightmare instead.
‘Wolf Man’ – October 25
Wolf Man stands as a reimagining of the 1941 Universal Picture monster film, brought to life by director Leigh Whannell. Starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner, the story develops around a man inadvertently cursed after unknowingly slaying a werewolf to protect his family.
‘Terrifier 3’ – October 25
You better watch out, you better not pout, Art is coming back to town!
Director Damien Leone first introduced the menacing character, Art the Clown, in 2013’s All Hallows’ Eve. Since then, Art has evolved into a formidable entity, and become one of the most iconic modern-day slashers. The next chapter unravels in Terrifier 3, where Art returns to Miles County, bringing chaos upon the town residents during the Christmas season.
‘Nosferatu’ – December 25
Director Robert Eggers breathes new life into the gothic iconic Nosferatu this year, offering a haunting remake of the 1920s silent film. In this modern retelling, the story tells of a tale that explores the mysterious and intense connection between a young woman and a vampire who is consumed by an obsessive fascination with her. The film stars Bill Skarsgård and Lily-Rose Depp.
Honorable Mentions and 2024 Horror Movies Without a Release Date
Horror enthusiasts are in for a feast this year, as the genre offers a delectable plate of options. From remakes to the next chapters and original takes, 2024 promises a diverse cinematic horror experience.
Below is a list of noteworthy horror movies to anticipate, including some with limited information or yet-to-be-announced release dates.
Beetlejuice 2 – September 6
Saw VI – September 27
Smile 2 – October 18
Salem’s Lot – TBD
Maxine – TBD
Witchboard – TBD
In A Violent Nature – TBD
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