What’s that old saying? In like a lamb, out like a lion? Horror-wise, 2024 seemed to come in like a mediocre lamb and went out like a slightly less mediocre lion. I wasn’t as blown away as much as I thought I would be, but there were still some gems scattered about.
And these are the Top 10 shiniest gems I could find!
1. Oddity — Written/Directed by Damian Mc Carthy
Carolyn Bracken puts on a masterclass of creepiness! When her twin sister is murdered, Darcy (Bracken) goes after those responsible with black magic and cursed items. Oddity is a superbly crafted film in all respects. And, you can hear more about it from Mr. Mc Carthy himself right here!
Oddity is available to rent or stream from most platforms including Shudder.
2. The Substance — Written/Directed by Coralie Fargeat
Coralie Fargeat hit the ground running back in 2017 with her pulse-pounding and oh-so-satisfying debut feature Revenge. She’s back again with another winner: The Substance! It’s as if Videodrome (1983) and Showgirls (1995) had a baby. A supremely splattery baby full of body horror who’s got a lot to say about aging, parenting, showbiz, and gender differences.
The Substance can be purchased or rented from Amazon or Apple TV. You can also currently stream it on Mubi.
3. Longlegs — Written/Directed by Osgood Perkins
Mr. Perkins just gets better and better. An FBI investigation into a string of serial murders leads to disturbing occult revelations before going completely off the rails. It’s original, creepy, and once again showcases the scenery-eating insanity that is Nick Cage these days.
You can buy or rent Longlegs from just about anywhere.
4. I Saw the TV Glow — Written/Directed by Jane Schoenbrun
Existential dread, personal identity, obsessive fandom, and the oppressive normalcy of life collide in this moody, atmospheric nightmare. Justice Smith knocks it out of the park with his portrayal of Owen, the teenager who’s just trying to make it through life in the suburbs. This is a super-slow burn so if that’s not your thing, you probably shouldn’t bother. But for those of us who enjoy being slowly smothered by creeping dread this is our suffocating jam.
I Saw the TV Glow can be purchased or rented from all the usual suspects and is currently streaming on Max.
5. Smile 2 — Written/Directed by Parker Finn
What can I say? I’m apparently Parker Finn’s target audience. Smile (2022), Finn’s debut feature, was my #1 film for that year. With a new installment, I continue to love the mythology. I wouldn’t call it a stand-alone movie. It’s the second piece of what’s proving to be a multi-movie story arc so do yourself a favor and make sure you’ve seen Smile first!
You can catch Smile 2 streaming on Paramount+ and MGM+. It’s also available for purchase or rent pretty much anywhere.
6. Heretic — Written/Directed by Scott Beck & Bryan Woods
Beck & Woods, the two writers behind A Quiet Place (2018), have another hit on their hands. Lovers of religious horror will truly enjoy sinking their teeth into this one. Two young Mormon missionaries find themselves in the religious debate of their lives when they cross paths with Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant). Some of the best dialog of the year and impeccable performances from the leads to match.
Heretic is available for purchase or rent all over the place.
7. Alien: Romulus — Directed by Fede Álvarez
Finally! Fede Álvarez gets us back to what the Alien franchise is all about. Wonderful characters, great action, excellent effects, and aliens galore! The sets are impeccable, the deaths look painful, and the fan service is spot on. Is it perfect? No, but it’s a fun ride and makes me hopeful for the future of this franchise.
Currently, Alien: Romulus is streaming on Hulu. It’s also available for cash money just about everywhere else.
8. The First Omen — Directed by Arkasha Stevenson
Impressive debut feature by Arkasha Stevenson. Obviously if you’ve seen the original, The Omen (1976), you’ll be intimately familiar with the story behind this prequel. I’m a sucker for religious horror, though, and the performances were stellar. Great, twisty story that excellently sets up the original classic.
The First Omen is currently streaming on Hulu and can be rented/purchased in all the places.
9. The Damned — Directed by Thordur Palsson
Another very impressive debut feature! I hadn’t been able to catch this one until after the Scariest Things crüe and I recorded our Top 10 of 2024 episode so for those of you who’ve listened to that before coming here… surprise! The Damned is a frosty, slow burn, Icelandic folk horror tale. It follows a group of 19th century fishermen at a remote fishing outpost who find themselves cut off from the rest of the world in the middle of winter. Food is running out, the snow is unrelenting, and there just might be something other-worldly preying on them.
The Damned is not yet out for VOD, but those of you in the UK will be able to catch it in theaters starting January 10th!
10. Under Paris (a.k.a., Sous la Seine) — Directed by Xavier Gens
Sharktacular! There’s a giant shark in the Seine river that flows through Paris, France! If that sounds ridiculous, then you’re absolutely correct. But Director Gens plays this one straight and the result is a gloriously fun creature feature. Don’t believe all the hate this one gets on some review sites. It’s the best darn shark-in-a-river movie I’ve ever seen.
Under Paris is currently streaming on Netflix.
There we have it! 2024 might not have been as good as some in the recent past, but there were at least a few shining lights.
And, as always, thank YOU Scariest Fans for all your support, suggestions, and comments throughout the year! We couldn’t do this without you and we truly appreciate our wonderful Scariest Family.
Happy new year!
Robert Zilbauer.