Horror movie enthusiasts have a spine-chilling lineup to look forward to. This year promises a diverse array of films that range from psychological thrillers to supernatural hauntings, ensuring that every horror aficionado finds something to love. Here’s a comprehensive list of the most anticipated horror movies set to release in 2024.
1. MaXXXine
Release date: July 5, 2024
Director: Ti West
Distributed by: A24
Box office: $10.9 million
Cinematography: Eliot Rockett
Music by: Tyler Bates
“MaXXXine” is the highly anticipated third installment in Ti West’s acclaimed horror trilogy, following “X” and “Pearl.” Set in the late 1980s, the film continues the story of Maxine (Mia Goth), the sole survivor from the previous films, as she embarks on a journey to achieve stardom in Los Angeles. Amid the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Maxine finds herself entangled in a dark and dangerous world, facing new horrors that threaten her dreams and her life. “MaXXXine” promises to deliver a gripping and stylish conclusion to the trilogy, with Mia Goth reprising her role and bringing her signature intensity to the screen.
2. Longlegs
Release date: July 12, 2024 (USA)
Director: Oz Perkins
Distributed by: Neon
Cinematography: Andrés Arochi
Produced by: Dan Kagan; Brian Kavanaugh-Jones; Nicolas Cage; Dave Caplan; Chris Ferguson
Production companies: C2 Motion Picture Group; Traffic. Range; Oddfellows; Saturn Films
“Longlegs” is an upcoming horror thriller directed by Osgood Perkins, known for his atmospheric and chilling storytelling. The film stars Nicolas Cage, who delivers a riveting performance as a detective investigating a series of gruesome murders. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a terrifying secret linked to a malevolent supernatural entity known as “Longlegs.” Blending suspense, horror, and a touch of the supernatural, “Longlegs” promises to be a captivating and spine-tingling experience for horror enthusiasts.
3. Alien: Romulus
Release date: August 16, 2024 (USA)
Director: Fede Álvarez
Distributed by: 20th Century Studios
Based on: Characters; by: Dan O’Bannon; Ronald Shusett
Music by: Benjamin Wallfisch
Produced by: Ridley Scott; Michael Pruss; Walter Hill
“Alien: Romulus” is the latest installment in the legendary Alien franchise, directed by Fede Álvarez, known for his work on “Evil Dead” and “Don’t Breathe.” This new chapter introduces a fresh storyline within the terrifying universe of the xenomorphs. Set on a distant, hostile planet, a group of survivors must confront the relentless and horrifying alien threat while uncovering dark secrets that could change the fate of humanity. With Álvarez at the helm, “Alien: Romulus” promises intense suspense, gripping action, and the chilling horror that fans of the series have come to love.
4. A Quiet Place: Day One
Release date: June 27, 2024 (UK)
Director: Michael Sarnoski
Story by: John Krasinski; Michael Sarnoski
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
Based on: Characters; by Bryan Woods; Scott Beck
Box office: $220.7 million
“A Quiet Place: Day One” is a gripping prequel to the acclaimed “A Quiet Place” series, directed by Michael Sarnoski. This film takes audiences back to the catastrophic first day when the deadly, sound-sensitive creatures invaded Earth. As society collapses into chaos, viewers will follow a new set of characters struggling to survive the initial onslaught. Promising to deliver the same intense suspense and emotional depth as its predecessors, “A Quiet Place: Day One” will explore the origins of the terror that has haunted the world in the previous films.
5. Smile 2
Release date: October 18, 2024 (USA)
Director: Parker Finn
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
Production company: Temple Hill Entertainment
“Smile 2” is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2022 horror sensation “Smile,” directed by Parker Finn. Building on the unsettling premise of its predecessor, the film delves deeper into the eerie curse that spreads through sinister, malevolent smiles. As new characters encounter the terrifying phenomenon, they must unravel the dark mystery behind the curse before it consumes them. With its blend of psychological horror and supernatural dread, “Smile 2” promises to deliver even more spine-tingling scares and gripping suspense.
6. Speak No Evil
Release date: September 13, 2024 (USA)
Director: James Watkins
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Based on: Speak No Evil; by: Christian Tafdrup; Mads Tafdrup
Music by: Danny Bensi; Saunder Jurriaans
Produced by: Jason Blum; Paul Ritchie
“Speak No Evil” is a haunting psychological thriller directed by James Watkins. The film centers around a family vacation that takes a sinister turn when they reunite with another family they met on a previous holiday. What starts as a pleasant visit quickly descends into a nightmare of manipulation, control, and terror. As tensions rise and dark secrets come to light, the characters must confront their deepest fears and moral boundaries. “Speak No Evil” promises to deliver a chilling exploration of human behavior and the horrors that lurk beneath the surface of everyday life.
7. Heretic
Release date: November 15, 2024 (USA)
Directors: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
Distributed by: A24
Production companies: A24; Beck/Woods; Catchlight Studios; Shiny Penny
“Heretic” is a gripping supernatural horror film directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Hugh Grant as the diabolical Mr. Reed. The story follows two young missionaries who become ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse after knocking on Mr. Reed’s door. Trapped inside his eerie home, they must rely on their faith and wits to survive the night and escape the malevolent clutches of their sinister host. With intense suspense and chilling horror, “Heretic” promises to be a thrilling exploration of faith, fear, and survival.
8. Trap
Release date: August 2, 2024 (USA)
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures
Cinematography: Sayombhu Mukdeeprom
Music by: Herdís Stefánsdóttir
Production company: Blinding Edge Pictures
“Trap” revolves around a small town hiding dark secrets and strange occurrences. Former detective Michael Turner seeks solace in this town but soon realizes it’s not as peaceful as he thought. He is pulled back into his investigative role when supernatural forces threaten the town. Themes of redemption, trust, and blurred reality are explored as Michael uncovers hidden agendas in the town.
9. Terrifier 3
Release date: October 11, 2024 (USA)
Director: Damien Leone
Budget: 2 million USD
Distributed by: Cineverse Corp.
Cinematography: George Steuber
Production companies: Dark Age Cinema; Fuzz on the Lens Productions
“Terrifier 3” follows the chilling story of Art the Clown, a cruel and otherworldly murderer who reemerges to haunt a fresh group of individuals. Brace yourself for more extreme and explicit terror as Art unleashes his horrifying style of chaos in this newest chapter of the beloved horror franchise. Art the Clown is gearing up to sow disorder among the unsuspecting populace of Miles County, catching them off guard as they peacefully drift into slumber on the eve of Christmas.
10. Nosferatu
Release date: December 25, 2024 (USA)
Director: Robert Eggers
Distributed by: Focus Features, Universal Pictures
Adapted from: Nosferatu, Dracula
Cinematography: Jarin Blaschke
Production companies: Studio 8; Maiden Voyage Pictures
“Nosferatu” (2024) is a reimagining of the classic 1922 silent horror film. Directed by Robert Eggers, the movie follows the eerie tale of Count Orlok, a vampire who moves to a new town and becomes infatuated with a young woman named Ellen. As Orlok’s dark influence spreads, the townspeople must confront the ancient evil that threatens their lives. With its atmospheric visuals and intense performances, this adaptation promises to deliver a chilling and haunting experience.