2024 has been a thrilling year for horror fans. If you thought 2023 set a high bar, get ready for even more chills and thrills. This year’s horror movies have everything: haunted swimming pools, monstrous spiders, eerie convents, and bloodthirsty vampires. The best horror movies of 2024 deliver fresh scares, unforgettable performances, and some of the most creative storytelling in the genre.
From indie hits to big franchise prequels, there’s something to terrify everyone. Whether you’re a hardcore horror fan or just love a good scare, these movies will keep you on the edge of your seat. Ready to discover the scariest new horror movies of 2024? Let’s dive in!
What Are The 10 Best Horror Movies Of 2024?
Here are the 10 scariest horror movies of 2024 that you must watch.
1. In A Violent Nature
- Director: Chris Nash
- Release Date: January 22, 2024
- Studio(s): Shudder
- Distributor(s): Shudder, IFC Films
- Writers: Chris Nash
- Cast: Lauren-Marie Taylor, Andrea Pavlovic, Ry Barrett, Reece Presley
- Runtime: 94 Minutes
- Genres: Drama, Horror, Thriller
In A Violent Nature is one of the standout new horror movies 2024. Directed by Chris Nash, this indie horror-slasher film is unique because it focuses on the killer’s perspective. The story is about a group of campers who find a locket in the ruins of a fire watchtower.
This action awakens an undead killer named Johnny, who will do anything to get his mother’s stolen necklace back. His relentless search leads to a series of brutal and tense encounters. The film’s use of prosthetics and innovative gore effects make it one of the best horror movies 2024 has to offer.
2. Sting
- Director: Kiah Roache-Turner
- Release Date: April 12, 2024
- Writers: Kiah Roache-Turner
- Cast: Jermaine Fowler, Alyla Browne, Ryan Corr, Penelope Mitchell, Silvia Colloca, Noni Hazlehurst, Robyn Nevin, Danny Kim
- Runtime: 91 Minutes
- Main Genre: Horror
Another standout in the lineup of horror movies 2024 is Sting, directed by Kiah Roache-Turner. This film cleverly mixes horror and comedy. It tells the story of a young girl named Charlotte who discovers a strange spider that fell from the sky as a meteorite. She names the spider Sting and keeps it as a pet.
However, the spider grows rapidly and becomes very dangerous. As Sting’s hunger for blood increases, Charlotte and the other residents of her apartment building must fight for their lives. The film’s blend of humor and horror and its nods to classic monster movies make it a must-see among new horror movies 2024.
3. Tarot
- Directors: Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg
- Release Date: May 3, 2024
- Studio(s): Screen Gems, Alloy Entertainment, Ground Control
- Distributor(s): Sony Pictures Releasing
- Writers: Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg
- Cast: Harriet Slater, Jacob Batalon, Avantika Vandanapu, Adain Bradley, Humberly González, Olwen Fouéré, Wolfgang Novogratz, Larsen Thompson
- Runtime: 92 Minutes
- Main Genre: Horror
Tarot, directed by Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg, is a great example of why you should not mess with the supernatural. In this movie, a group of friends stays in a house where they find an old deck of tarot cards. Ignoring warnings, they decide to have their fortunes read.
This act seals their fates as supernatural manifestations of their fortunes appear. The horror that follows is both thrilling and terrifying. Tarot stands out in the best horror movies 2024 for its effective scares and well-designed creatures. The movie keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
4. Immaculate
- Director: Michael Mohan
- Release Date: March 22, 2024
- Studio(s): Fifty-Fifty Films, Black Bear
- Distributor(s): Neon
- Writers: Andrew Lobel
- Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Álvaro Morte, Benedetta Porcaroli, Dora Romano, Giorgio Colangeli, Simona Tabasco
- Runtime: 89 Minutes
- Genres: Horror
Immaculate is one of the most thought-provoking horror movies 2024. Starring Sydney Sweeney and directed by Michael Mohan, this movie explores dark secrets in an Italian convent. Sister Cecilia, played by Sweeney, arrives at the convent seeking peace but soon discovers terrifying truths.
She becomes mysteriously pregnant, believed to be through immaculate conception. As she uncovers the convent’s leaders’ twisted faith and evil plans, the true horror is revealed. Sweeney’s strong performance and the film’s shocking ending make Immaculate one of the best horror movies of 2024.
5. Arcadian
- Director: Benjamin Brewer
- Release Date: April 12, 2024
- Studio(s): Saturn Films
- Distributor(s): RLJE Films
- Writers: Michael Nilon
- Cast: Nicolas Cage, Sadie Soverall, Jaeden Martell, Maxwell Jenkins, Joe Dixon, Samantha Coughlan, Daire McMahon, Joel Gillman
- Runtime: 92 Minutes
- Genres: Horror
Arcadian, directed by Benjamin Brewer, is a post-apocalyptic horror film featuring Nicolas Cage. Cage plays Paul, a father protecting his twin sons from mutated monsters in a nearly destroyed world. The unique monster designs and strong acting make Arcadian a standout among new horror movies of 2024.
Cage, along with Jaeden Martell and Maxwell Jenkins as his sons, brings emotional depth to this story of survival. The film’s gripping storytelling and imaginative monsters makes sure it is one of the best horror movies of 2024.
6. Night Swim
- Director: Bryce McGuire
- Release Date: January 5, 2024
- Studio(s): Atomic Monster, Blumhouse Productions, Universal Pictures
- Distributor(s): Universal Pictures
- Writers: Rod Blackhurst, Bryce McGuire
- Cast: Kerry Condon, Wyatt Russell, Nancy Lenehan, Amélie Hoeferle, Jodi Long, Gavin Warren
- Runtime: 116 Minutes
- Genres: Horror, Thriller
Night Swim, directed by Bryce McGuire, tells the story of a haunted swimming pool with mysterious powers. Ray Waller, played by Wyatt Russell, is a former pro baseball player who starts to feel better from his multiple sclerosis symptoms after spending time in the pool. However, as Ray continues to use the pool, his family begins to face dark and dangerous consequences.
The film’s believable characters and interesting mythology make it a notable entry in the horror movies of 2024 lineup. Even though the plot is somewhat predictable, Night Swim delivers several tension-filled scenes and a satisfying conclusion, making it one of the best horror movies of 2024.
7. Abigail
- Directors: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett
- Release Date: April 19, 2024
- Distributor(s): Universal Pictures
- Writers: Guy Busick, Stephen Shields
- Cast: Kathryn Newton, Dan Stevens, Giancarlo Esposito, Kevin Durand, Melissa Barrera, Alisha Weir, Angus Cloud, William Catlett
- Genres: Horror
Abigail, directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, is an entertaining vampire horror movie. The story follows a group of criminals who kidnap a young girl named Abigail, thinking they will get a big ransom. However, they soon find out that Abigail is actually a vampire.
This twist turns their easy job into a nightmare. The movie’s blend of twists, scares, and humor makes it one of the best horror movies of 2024. The cast, including Melissa Barrera and Dan Stevens, gives standout performances that keep the viewers engaged throughout the movie.
8. The First Omen
- Director: Arkasha Stevenson
- Release Date: April 5, 2024
- Studio(s): Phantom Four
- Distributor(s): 20th Century
- Writers: Ben Jacoby, Tim Smith, Arkasha Stevenson, Keith Thomas
- Cast: Nell Tiger Free, Tawfeek Barhom, Sonia Braga, Ralph Ineson, Bill Nighy
- Runtime: 119 Minutes
- Genres: Horror
The First Omen, directed by Arkasha Stevenson, is a prequel to the classic 1976 film The Omen. The story centers on Margaret, played by Nell Tiger Free, who goes to Rome to become a nun. She soon uncovers a dark conspiracy within the Catholic Church.
As Margaret faces insidious events and terrifying hallucinations, she learns the truth about the church’s plans to bring about evil come to life. This movie respects the original franchise while adding new elements, making it a must-watch among new horror movies 2024.
9. I Saw the TV Glow
- Director: Jane Schoenbrun
- Release Date: January 18, 2024
- Studio(s): Smudge Films, Fruit Tree
- Distributor(s): A24
- Writers: Jane Schoenbrun
- Cast: Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Danielle Deadwyler, Fred Durst, Helena Howard, Ian Foreman
- Runtime: 100 Minutes
- Genres: Drama, Horror
I Saw the TV Glow, directed by Jane Schoenbrun, is a surreal horror drama. The movie follows Owen, a young man obsessed with a late-night TV show called The Pink Opaque. When the show is suddenly canceled, Owen’s reality falls apart.
This leads him on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The movie’s deep exploration of identity, childhood obsessions, and the queer experience, combined with Justice Smith’s raw performance, makes it one of the most important horror movies of 2024.
10. Late Night with the Devil
- Directors: Cameron Cairnes, Colin Cairnes
- Release Date: March 22, 2024
- Studio(s): Image Nation Abu Dhabi, VicScreen, AGC Studios, Good Fiend Films, Future Pictures, Spooky Pictures
- Distributor(s): Umbrella Entertainment, Maslow Entertainment
- Writers: Colin Cairnes, Cameron Cairnes
- Cast: David Dastmalchian, Laura Gordon, Ian Bliss, Fayssal Bazzi, Ingrid Torelli, Rhys Auteri, Josh Quong Tart, Georgina Haig
- Runtime: 86 Minutes
- Genres: Horror, Thriller
Late Night with the Devil, directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, is a unique horror thriller set in the 1970s. David Dastmalchian stars as Jack Delroy, a talk show host who tries to boost his show’s ratings by attempting to communicate with the devil on live TV.
The found-footage documentary style and the film’s exploration of skepticism vs. belief make it stand out among the best horror movies of 2024. Dastmalchian’s intense performance and the movie’s brutal third act leave a lasting impression on audiences.
Bottom Line
2024 has been a great year for horror movies, with a diverse range of films that cater to all kinds of horror enthusiasts. Whether you’re into intense scares, thought-provoking stories, or a blend of horror and comedy, there was something for everyone.