The 15 Best Horror Movies of 2024, According to Rotten Tomatoes

15. Abigail

Abigail, directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett of Radio Silence fame, is a horror thriller that reinvents familiar vampire tropes with a unique twist. The film follows a group of would-be criminals who kidnap a 12-year-old ballerina, the daughter of a powerful underworld figure. Tasked with watching her overnight in an isolated mansion, they soon realize, to their mounting horror, that they are trapped with a far-from-normal little girl.

Abigail boasts an 83% Tomatometer rating and has grossed $25.9M in the USA. Critics praise its ‘balletic style and a game cast,’ while audiences find it a ‘mix of silly, scary, and fun,’ though it takes time to get going. Known for their work on “V/H/S” and “Ready or Not,” Radio Silence delivers a rollercoaster of pacing and elaborate kill set pieces, making “Abigail” a thrilling slasher.

14. Speak No Evil

13. I Saw The TV Glow

I Saw the TV Glow, directed by Jane Schoenbrun and distributed by A24, is a sci-fi horror drama that follows teenager Owen as his suburban life is upended by a mysterious late-night TV show introduced by a classmate. This supernatural vision begins to fracture Owen’s perception of reality, leading to an eerie and emotionally resonant journey.

With an 84% rating on the Tomatometer, the film is praised for its ‘distinctive visual aesthetic and compelling narrative.’ Produced by Emma Stone and Dave McCary, the film is noted for its striking allegory about the trans experience, depicting characters grappling with identity issues. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian lauds the film as “claustrophobic, unwholesome, and brilliant.” I Saw the TV Glow solidifies Schoenbrun as a rising talent in the genre, offering a powerful exploration of identity and reality.

12. Longlegs

Longlegs, directed by Osgood Perkins, is a satanic horror film that follows an FBI agent’s pursuit of a serial killer, leading her into a labyrinth of occult clues. With Nicolas Cage delivering a nightmarishly gonzo performance as the killer, the film has generated significant buzz despite limited pre-release details from distributor Neon. Saturated in a disquieting mood, Longlegs is praised for ‘effectively instilling panic,’ earning an 86% rating on the Tomatometer from 245 reviews.

In our review, Julian describes the film as a decade-defining bone-chiller, though it often feels more confident than focused. The film crafts a strange but ultimately wearisome mediation between high-art strategies and grounded genre sensibilities, struggling to find a middle ground.’ Nevertheless, “Longlegs” stands out for its unique approach and unsettling atmosphere, making it a notable entry in the indie horror genre.

11. Out of Darkness

Out of Darkness, directed by Andrew Cumming, is a harrowing survival thriller set 45,000 years ago. The film follows a group of six who have braved a narrow sea to reach a desolate landscape in search of a new home. Starving and desperate, they journey across tundra wastes toward distant mountains, hoping to find shelter in abundant caves. As night falls, their anticipation turns to fear when they realize they are not alone.

With a Tomatometer rating of 86%, the film is praised for its ‘chilling portrayal of survival stripped to the bare essentials.’ Critics praise its believable character decisions, driven by the urgent need for food and shelter. Distributed by Bleecker Street, Out of Darkness serves as a ‘stark reminder of humanity’s universal fear of looming death,’ making it a gripping addition to the horror and mystery genre.

10. A Quiet Place: Day One

A Quiet Place: Day One is a gripping prequel to the A Quiet Place series, directed by Michael Sarnoski and set in the early days of the alien invasion. Lupita Nyong’o stars as a terminally ill woman struggling to survive in New York City as blind extraterrestrial creatures with a heightened sense of hearing begin their assault. With an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is noted for its ability to bring fresh scares to the A Quiet Place franchise while grounding the horror in raw, human performances.

Critics praise Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn for their compelling portrayals, ‘though some feel the film occasionally feels like a draft of a more developed story.’ Despite this, A Quiet Place: Day One has performed well at the box office, earning $243.6 million worldwide. The film’s tension and innovative approach to the franchise continue to captivate audiences.

9. The Devil’s Bath

The Devil’s Bath is a haunting horror-drama set in 1750s Austria, focusing on Agnes, a deeply religious woman whose new marriage quickly becomes a stifling burden. Trapped by the relentless demands of domestic life and societal expectations, Agnes finds herself descending into a psychological abyss. Her mounting isolation and despair lead her to contemplate a horrifying act of violence as a desperate escape from her inner torment.

With a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is praised for its ‘unflinching portrayal of the unseen struggles of women in historical contexts.’ Though not a conventional horror film, The Devil’s Bath delivers a chilling exploration of inhumanity and corrupted faith. Directed by Fiala and Franz, it sheds light on a shocking and previously overlooked chapter of European history, making it a compelling and thought-provoking watch for fans of historical horror.

8. Stopmotion

Stopmotion is a highly unsettling film that delves into the dark side of artistic obsession. Directed by Robert Morgan, it follows a gifted stop-motion animator who becomes dangerously enmeshed in the grotesque universe of her own creations. As the line between reality and her disturbing, animated world blurs, the animator’s life spirals into chaos with deadly consequences.

Garnering a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, Stopmotion is celebrated for its ‘chilling portrayal of the art-versus-artist conflict.’ A Rotten Tomatoes critic praises the film for ‘its visually striking effects and Morgan’s masterful craftsmanship, which breathes life into both inanimate and animate horrors.’ The film’s ability to make the grotesque both exhilarating and disturbingly real highlights its unique, perverse charm, making it a must-watch for fans of innovative and unsettling cinema.

7. The Substance

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6. New Life

New Life, directed by John Rosman in his impressive debut, is a brooding horror thriller that breathes fresh life into the genre. The film follows Jess, a woman fleeing her troubled past, as she tries to cross the Canadian border. Hot on her trail is Elsa, a resourceful agent grappling with a recent life-altering diagnosis that leaves her trailing behind. As their chase leads them into the Pacific Northwest mountains, Elsa’s investigation starts uncovering fresh bodies, intensifying the pursuit. The confrontation between Jess and Elsa becomes a tense search for meaning and redemption on the edge of catastrophe.

With a 93% rating on the Tomatometer, the film is praised for its ‘excellent performances and its poignant exploration of themes reminiscent of a post-pandemic world.’ In our review, we commend Rosman’s innovative approach to portraying a post-apocalyptic scenario through the lens of these two women’s struggles, offering a strikingly effective and original setup.

5. Strange Darling

4. In Flames

In Flames, a supernatural drama by Zarrar Kahn marks his feature directorial debut. The Urdu-language film explores the harrowing aftermath of a family patriarch’s death. As the mother and daughter grapple with their precarious existence, malevolent figures from their past emerge, threatening to engulf them in darkness. With their survival at stake, the duo must find strength in each other to confront these sinister forces.

The film has earned a 95% rating on the Tomatometer, with top critics praising ‘its emotional depth.’ One Rotten Tomatoes critic highlighted ‘Nawal’s remarkable performance, noting her ability to convey profound emotional subtleties and depths, often without words.’ “In Flames” offers a haunting glimpse into a world that is typically hidden, blending supernatural elements with a poignant family drama.

3. Infested

Infested follows Kaleb, a man nearing 30 who has never felt lonelier. Estranged from his sister over an inheritance dispute and having cut ties with his best friend, Kaleb turns to his fascination with exotic animals for comfort. He buys a venomous spider from a shop, but it quickly escapes and reproduces, transforming his apartment building into a horrifying web trap. With survival as their only option, Kaleb and his remaining friends must find a way out.

This French-language film is a chillingly effective creature feature that goes beyond simple scares. The film, available on Shudder, has received a 95% rating on the Tomatometer. Critics praise “Infested” for its stylish efficiency and for drawing viewers into its terrifying web with more on its mind than just creepy-crawlies. The movie’s interesting blend of horror and psychological depth makes it a standout in the genre.

2. Oddity

In Oddity, Dani is brutally murdered at the remote country house she and her husband, Ted, are renovating. Initially, suspicion falls on a patient from the local mental institution where Ted works, but the case takes a twist when the suspect is found dead shortly after. A year later, Dani’s blind twin sister, Darcy, a psychic and collector of cursed items, arrives at Ted and his new girlfriend Yana’s home. Convinced there’s more to Dani’s murder, Darcy seeks revenge, armed with the most dangerous items from her cursed collection.

Directed by Damian McCarthy, this horror film has grossed $562.3K in the USA and boasts a 95% rating on the Tomatometer. Available to stream on Shudder soon, Oddity ‘masterfully combines supernatural chills and violent revenge, creating an uncanny atmosphere’ and was praised by IGN movie critic for its elegant storytelling.

1. Late Night with the Devil

Late Night with the Devil follows Jack Delroy, a Johnny Carson rival who hosts the syndicated talk show Night Owls. After the tragic death of his wife, Jack’s ratings plummet. Desperate to revive his show, Jack plans a Halloween special on October 31st, 1977, unaware that he is about to unleash a terrifying evil into America’s living rooms. Directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes, this mock-documentary-style horror film is set almost entirely on a talk show stage. It subtly critiques corporate culture and society’s obsession with fame, all while delivering a thrilling horror experience.

With a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes, the film has grossed $10 million in the USA and holds an impressive 97% on the Tomatometer. Late Night with the Devil offers a unique blend of horror and satire, “giving us a reason why horror can be just as fun as anything else — making this outing feel like a truly well-meaning addition to the movies we will watch and rewatch during Halloween.”

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