This year’s 10 top-rated horror movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes scores

This year's 10 top-rated horror movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes scores

As a horror enthusiast who’s seen more than a few creepy crawlies in my time (thanks, Arachnophobia), I must say that the top-rated horror movies of 2024 have truly sent shivers down my spine. The Irish gem “Oddity” and the gnarly creature feature “Infested” are two standouts that had me squirming in my seat, especially the latter which made even my arachnophobia-free self feel like something was crawling on me!

Based on an editorial piece published by Rotten Tomatoes, I’ve rearranged the list of 2024’s top-rated horror movies with some adjustments, such as placing “Heretic” in its proper position. Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” is garnering positive feedback from early reviews and could potentially make it onto this list before the year concludes.

This year's 10 top-rated horror movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes scores

10. The Substance (90%)

In a daring and unsettling portrayal of body horror, the movie The Substance could be Coralie Fargeat’s masterpiece, deserving recognition from the Academy. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley deliver exceptional performances as Elisabeth Sparkles, a former aerobics instructor, and her counterpart, Sue, in their dual roles.

The movie primarily revolves around Elizabeth being forced out of her own business once she reaches 50, which leads her to seek help from an enigmatic substance aimed at reversing the signs of aging. Sharp and insightful, The Substance undeniably merits a spot on this list, and I personally believe it should be ranked even higher, given its poignant portrayal of ageism against women.

This year's 10 top-rated horror movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes scores

9. Stopmotion (91%)

Critics have labeled the movie “Stopmotion” as “unusual”, “disturbing”, and “offensive”. Unsurprisingly, it has been a highly divisive horror film this year. Notably, its critical rating is much more favorable compared to its audience rating.

Following her mother’s descent into a coma due to abuse, determined stop-motion animator Ella (Aisling Franciosi) resolves to complete her mother’s last film, come what may. As Ella’s fixation deepens with the project, she spirals downward into a harrowing series of unsettling events.

This year's 10 top-rated horror movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes scores

8. MadS (93%)

Daring to take bold moves as a filmmaker can be intimidating, but it’s truly remarkable when these risks result in success. This is exactly what we see with the one-shot, found-footage movie titled “MadS“, now available for streaming on Shudder.

A high school graduate named Romain is eager to party by trying out a new, potentially dangerous drug. This could lead him on a harrowing journey from which he may not return. The movie, “David Moreau’s Viral Outbreak,” has been highly acclaimed by critics for its innovative and brutal approach to the thriller genre, with the director being particularly commended for his unique perspective.

This year's 10 top-rated horror movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes scores

7. New Life (94%)

In this article, Sonya Walger and Hayley Erin star in a gripping post-pandemic thriller, which is John Rosman’s first feature film as director. Despite the pandemic reference that might initially make you skeptical or prompt you to move on, I encourage you to take a closer look at this production.

The movie titled “New Life” initially had a restricted theater screening before becoming available on Video On Demand (VOD). Consequently, numerous viewers missed out on a thoughtfully acted and skillfully directed film that stands out among pandemic-themed productions due to its intricate female characters and daring narrative twists.

This year's 10 top-rated horror movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes scores

6. Heretic (94%)

In more straightforward terms: While I found “Heretic” to be an engaging religious thriller with standout performances, I’m not entirely convinced it deserves the top spot on this list, especially when compared to films like “The Substance”, “I Saw the TV Glow”, and “Longlegs”. However, given the widespread acclaim for “Heretic”, I can understand why some might feel differently. It’s clear that the film has earned its praise from critics.

In this movie, the director’s skill shines through, and Hugh Grant gives one of his finest performances as the charmingly sinister Mr. Reed. Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East are equally outstanding, matching Grant’s acting prowess, making the film a delight to watch, despite the fact that the ending might not live up to the strong start it had.

This year's 10 top-rated horror movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes scores

5. Strange Darling (95%)

Showcasing a captivating acting display from Willa Fitzgerald, the film Strange Darling boldly reimagines familiar themes from classic thrillers.

With its distinctive style, stunning visuals, and non-stop thrilling narrative, it’s clear that “Strange Darling” is one of the standout films of this year, earning every bit of praise it has received and possibly even deserving a higher position on the list. If you haven’t heard much about “Strange Darling“, I suggest keeping it that way. This movie is best experienced with minimal knowledge – let the mystery unfold as you watch.

4. In Flames (95%)

This Pakistani-Canadian horror movie is often characterized as both chilling and captivating, depicting a woman’s terror as she feels pursued by sinister entities, along with her family.

Absolutely! While In Flames may seem scary, it’s the insightful social commentary and outstanding performances that make it more than just a typical supernatural drama. This movie has been screened at numerous film festivals and has received several nominations and awards since its release last year. Now, you can conveniently rent or purchase the film on demand.

This year's 10 top-rated horror movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes scores

3. Infested (95%)

A thrilling, fashionable, and nerve-wracking movie centered around a young resident unknowingly inviting a rapidly multiplying venomous spider into his home, which soon infests his entire apartment building, leaving him and his companions with no choice but to employ extreme measures in order to survive and break free.

For those with a fear of spiders, take heed. The film titled “Infested” takes terror to a whole new level. Even if you don’t typically get uneasy around insects or small creatures, the intense suspense may leave you feeling as though something is scurrying across your skin by the movie’s end.

This year's 10 top-rated horror movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes scores

2. Oddity (96%)

Two movies, titled “Oddity” and “Infested,” showcase the power of horror through their straightforward yet compelling narratives. The former, an Irish production, opens with a scene that ranks among the most tense I’ve encountered in recent memory, and this tension persists throughout the movie.

Maintaining such high levels of suspense can be tough when you begin with a powerful start, but “Oddity” does it masterfully and even escalates that initial tension. When a woman meets her untimely end, a patient at the psychiatric institution where her spouse works is accused of the crime. Her twin sister, who operates a curio shop and has psychic abilities despite being blind, senses something unusual and decides to delve into the mystery herself by visiting the house.

This year's 10 top-rated horror movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes scores

1. Late Night with the Devil (97%)

In 2024, the independent horror film Late Night with the Devil, which was highly anticipated as a top contender for the year’s best horror movie, maintained its leading position from its spring release until November. This is noteworthy because it demonstrates exceptional quality in the realm of independent films.

I found “Late Night with the Devil” intriguing, as it presents previously unseen footage of a chilling event that transpired on Halloween night in 1977. The film employs a found-footage style to mimic an authentic artifact from late-night television broadcasts of that time. While it’s eerie and occasionally cruel, I wasn’t entirely convinced by the story. It seemed to lose momentum by act three, and the climax didn’t deliver the satisfying payoff I had hoped for. Essentially, it’s a well-crafted horror movie with an underwhelming finale.

Runner-ups

#11 The Devil’s Bath (90%)
#12 V/H/S/Beyond (89%)
#13 A Quiet Place: Day One (87%)
#14 Smile 2 (86%)
#15 Longlegs (86%)

Several well-received movies this year, such as “I Saw the TV Glow”, “Abigail”, “The First Omen”, “Speak No Evil”, and “Alien: Romulus”, are somewhat similar to the ones mentioned previously but boast ratings in the low 80s on approval scales.

2024-11-09 20:25

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