Top 20 Best Anticipated Horror Movies of 2024 – Parent Guilding

Top 20 Best Anticipated Horror Movies of 2024

2023 treated horror fans to a delightful array of scares, and the anticipation continues with an exciting lineup for 2024. From original gems like Blumhouse’s Night Swim and the upcoming Trap to beloved franchises including The First Omen and Beetlejuice 2, the horror genre is set to deliver once again.

In April, the enigmatic “Radio Silence Untitled Monster Movie” is set to captivate audiences with its mysterious allure. As details unfold, the title and trailer have already sparked intrigue, ensuring a must-see experience on opening weekend. Here’s a concise list of upcoming 2024 horror releases, some with unconfirmed dates and others shrouded in secrecy – stay tuned for updates as this list is bound to expand!

1. Night Swim – Jan 5

Plot: In the inaugural horror release of 2024 from Blumhouse, “Night Swim” explores an aquatic tale that might redefine the fear associated with swimming pools. Wyatt Russell stars as Ray Waller, a retired baseball player battling a degenerative illness. Moving into a new home with his family, they discover a shimmering backyard pool that hides a dark secret from the past, unleashing a malevolent force that drags them into inescapable terror.

2. Destroy All Neighbors — January 12

Plot: Meet William Brown, a neurotic musician with dreams of completing his prog-rock masterpiece. When confronted by his noisy neighbor Vlad, played by Alex Winter, things take a dark turn. Accidentally causing a series of undead mishaps while trying to cover up one murder, “Destroy All Neighbors” is a twisted splatter-comedy filled with practical effects, an ensemble cast, and plenty of blood.

3. True Detective: Night Country — January 14

Plot: The fourth season of True Detective, titled “Night Country,” brings horror to the icy landscapes. Directed by Issa López, this season stars Jodie Foster and Kali Reis as law enforcement officials at odds with each other and their surroundings. With nods to snowy classics like The Thing, “Night Country” promises to be a feast for horror fans as it unfolds on HBO Max. Read Our Full Review.

4. Dario Argento Panico – February 2

Plot: Delve into the legendary director’s life in “Dario Argento Panico,” a documentary featuring Argento himself along with interviews from Asia Argento, Nicolas Winding Refn, Guillermo Del Toro, and more. Set in a secluded hotel room, Argento returns to the creative ambiance that inspired his greatest cinematic works, concluding his latest script and participating in an intimate interview while a film crew documents his illustrious career. Streaming on Shudder starting February 2. Read Our Full Review.

5. Baghead — February 8

Plot: Directed by Bryce McGuire, one of the minds behind “Night Swim,” “Baghead” follows a young woman inheriting a run-down pub with a dark secret in its basement. Encounter Baghead, a shape-shifting creature that allows communication with lost loved ones, albeit with consequences. Unravel the secrets of “Baghead” as the story unfolds.

6. Lisa Frankenstein — February 9

Plot: Neon horror-comedy “Lisa Frankenstein,” written by Diablo Cody and set in the ’80s, stars Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse. The story revolves around a misunderstood teenager and her high school crush, who happens to be a handsome corpse. After a set of playfully horrific circumstances bring him back to life, the two embark on a murderous journey to find love, happiness, and a few missing body parts along the way. Read Our Full Review.

7. Out Of Darkness – February 9

Plot: Out Of Darkness unfolds in a raw and desolate landscape as a group of six individuals, living 45,000 years ago, strives to find a new home. Starving and desperate, they face terrifying sounds in the night, hinting at a monstrous presence. As relationships fracture, the determination of one young woman reveals the terrible actions taken to survive in this gripping tale.

8. Skeletons In The Closet – February 9

Plot: Haunted by a malevolent spirit since childhood, a desperate mother allows herself to become possessed to save the life of her terminally ill daughter.

9. Stopmotion – February 23

Plot:  Directed by Robert Morgan, “Stopmotion” follows Ella, a stop-motion animator, whose latest project drives her to the brink of madness. The film, described as gorgeous and grotesque, is set to release in theaters on February 23 and VOD on March 15.

10. History Of Evil – February 23

Plot: Set in a theocratic police state, “History Of Evil” portrays the struggles of The Resistance against oppression. Alegre Dyer and her family, on the run from the militia, take shelter in a remote safe house. However, the house’s dark past begins to unravel, consuming Ron with something much more sinister. Streaming on Shudder from February 23.

11. Imaginary – March 8

Plot: Imaginary introduces a ferocious teddy bear and a legion of evil imaginary friends. Jessica moves back into her childhood home, where her stepdaughter Alice develops an eerie attachment to a stuffed bear named Chauncey. As Alice’s games turn sinister, Jessica discovers that Chauncey is more than just a stuffed toy bear. Read Our Full Review.

12. Late Night With The Devil – March 22

Plot: Late Night With The Devil” features 1970s talk show host Jack Delroy, played by David Dastmalchian, on his last legs. In need of a ratings win, he plans to feature a young girl allegedly possessed. However, when the cameras roll, all hell breaks loose in this gripping horror film. In theaters from March 22 and streaming on Shudder from April 19.

13. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – March 22

Plot: The star-studded cast of “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” includes Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Paul Rudd, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, James Acaster, Emily Alyn Lind, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Celeste O’Connor, Logan Kim, Annie Potts, and the great Carrie Coon. The film centers on the Spengler family returning to the iconic New York City firehouse to team up with the original Ghostbusters. When the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age. In theaters March 22.

14. Immaculate – March 22

Plot: Originally slated for an April release, “Immaculate,” produced by and starring Sydney Sweeney as Cecilia, tells the story of a woman of devout faith welcomed to the picture-perfect Italian countryside. Offered a new role at an illustrious convent, Cecilia soon realizes her new home harbors dark and horrifying secrets. The theatrical release date is now set for March 22.

15. You’ll Never Find Me – March 22

An isolated man living at the back of a desolate caravan park is visited by a desperate young woman seeking shelter from a violent storm in “You’ll Never Find Me.” As the savage storm worsens, these solitary souls feel threatened, raising questions about who should be afraid. Stream on Shudder from March 22.

16. The First Omen – April 5

In “The First Omen,” a young American woman sent to Rome to serve the church encounters a darkness that challenges her faith. Uncovering a terrifying conspiracy aiming to bring about the birth of evil incarnate, the film, directed by Arkasha Stevenson, promises a suspenseful prequel to The Omen. Release date: April 5. Read Our Full Review.

17. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire – April 12

The sequel to 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” explores a colossal undiscovered threat challenging the existence of the iconic monsters. Delving into their histories, origins, and the mysteries of Skull Island, the film uncovers the mythic battle that ties these extraordinary beings to humankind forever. Arriving in theaters on April 12.

18. Abigail — April 19

Formerly known as “Radio Silence Untitled Monster Movie,” “Abigail” unveils a child vampire ballerina in this intriguing horror film. After a group of criminals kidnaps the 12-year-old daughter of a powerful underworld figure, they must watch her overnight to collect a $50 million ransom. However, in an isolated mansion, the captors realize they’re locked inside with no normal little girl, leading to mounting horror. “Abigail” is set to hit theaters on April 19.

19. Return to Silent Hill — April 26

Director Christopher Gans brings back Pyramid Head in “Return to Silent Hill,” featuring nods to the terrifying P.T. James (Irvine) receives a mysterious letter calling him back to Silent Hill in search of his lost love. However, the once-recognizable town has transformed into a nightmarish version, with familiar and new terrifying figures. As James questions his sanity, he descends deeper into the darkness, struggling to make sense of reality and save his love. Coming to theaters on April 26.

20. Infested – April 26

“Infested,” a French creepy-crawly flick, explores an invasion of venomous spiders, forcing suburban building residents to find a way out. Trapped with spiders in a building is a nightmare scenario, and viewers can experience the suspense as “Infested” streams on Shudder from April 26.

21. Tarot – May 10

Formerly titled Horrorscope, “Tarot” follows a group of friends who recklessly violate the sacred rule of Tarot readings – never use someone else’s deck. Breaking this rule unleashes an unspeakable evil trapped within the cursed cards, leading the friends on a race against death to escape the future foretold in their readings. Starring Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley, Avantika, and Jacob Batalon, “Tarot” hits theaters on May 10.

22. The Strangers Chapter 1 – May 17

“The Strangers Chapter 1” directed by Renny Harlin tells a survival tale of a couple, played by Madelaine Petsch and Gabriel Basso, who must endure a night of terror in a remote Airbnb in Oregon. The film promises intense suspense and features Richard Brake. In theaters from May 17.

23. The Watchers – June 7

Marking Ishana Shyamalan’s feature directorial debut, “The Watchers” follows Dakota Fanning and her fellow survivors trapped in a shelter in an Irish forest, where they must fight off mysterious creatures every night to survive. Also starring Georgina Campbell and Olwen Fouéré, the film arrives on June 7.

24. A Quiet Place: Day One – June 28

The prequel to the Quiet Place universe, “A Quiet Place: Day One,” directed by Michael Sarnoski, explores the origins and follows new characters portrayed by Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou, and Denis O’Hare. The storyline focuses on Nyong’o’s character in New York and takes viewers back to where it all began. Releasing on June 28.

25. Trap – August 2

M. Night Shyamalan’s upcoming movie, “Trap,” starring Josh Hartnett and Hayley Mills, promises mystery and excitement. While details are scarce, the cast alone generates anticipation for the film hitting theaters on August 2.

26. Alien: Romulus – August 16

Officially referred to as “Untitled Alien Event Movie” and unofficially as “Alien: Romulus,” this installment is set to slot between the first and second movies of the original Alien franchise. Starring Cailee Spaeny, Isabela Merced, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu, it explores a standalone story with details tightly under wraps. The film is set to release on August 16.

27. Beetlejuice 2 — September 6

Beetlejuice 2″ wrapped in November, bringing back the iconic character with a star-studded cast, including Monica Bellucci, Jenna Ortega, Willem Dafoe, Catherine O’Hara, and Justin Theroux. The sequel is set to release on September 6, promising intrigue and a unique storyline in the afterlife.

28. Speak No Evil – September 13

Originally slated for August 9 but now moving to Friday, September 13, “Speak No Evil” is an American remake of the brutal 2022 movie. Starring James McAvoy and directed by James Watkins, the film follows a Danish family visiting a Dutch family they met on holiday. Politeness takes a dark turn as what was supposed to be an idyllic weekend unravels into a tale of killer manners.

29. Untitled Blumhouse Productions Film – September 13

 Scheduled for the ominous Friday the 13th in September, Blumhouse keeps details under wraps for this release. With a reputation for delivering horror thrills, fans can anticipate what horrors Blumhouse will offer for this special occasion. More details to come.

30. Smile 2 – October 18

While plot details are currently a secret, “Smile 2” is the sequel to Parker Finn’s hit feature directorial debut, “Smile.” Naomi Scott from Aladdin is set to star in this upcoming horror sequel. The unexpected success of the first film led to a first-look deal for Finn, and fans can look forward to learning more as the project develops.

31. Terrifier 3 – October 25

Terrifier 3 marks the return of FANGORIA Chainsaw Award-winning final girl Lauren LaVera as Sienna. Elliott Fullam and David Howard Thornton reprise their roles, along with Samantha Scaffidi returning as Victoria Heyes. In this third installment directed by Damien Leone, Art the Clown unleashes chaos on the residents of Miles County as they peacefully drift off to sleep on Christmas Eve. Read Our Full Review.

32. Wolf Man – October 25

Leigh Whannell’s “Wolf Man,” initially with Ryan Gosling, now stars Christopher Abbott, with Gosling serving as an executive producer. Ozark star Julia Garner has also joined the cast. While plot details are kept under wraps, this new take on the werewolf tale is set to intrigue audiences. Co-written by Whannell, Corbett Tuck, Lauren Schuker Blum, and Rebecca Angelo.

33. Nosferatu – December 25

Directed by Robert Eggers, “Nosferatu” stars Bill Skarsgård as the blood-sucking Count Orlok, alongside Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Ralph Ineson, Simon McBurney, and Willem Dafoe. Focus Features describes Eggers’ remake as “a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.” Christmas 2024 promises to be a chilling experience with this blood-sucking beast.

Jordan Peele’s Fourth Film – TBD

Update: Universal removed Jordan Peele’s untitled fourth film from their 2024 roster, originally slated for a Christmas Day release. While details are scarce, the official IMDB title is “Untitled Fourth Film Directed by Jordan Peele,” classified as a horror/mystery/thriller. The anticipation for Peele’s next project remains high, even if the release date is uncertain.

2024 Release Dates TBD

These titles, including “The Strangers Trilogy,” don’t have solid release dates yet, but they are expected to land at some point in 2024. As announcements are made, we’ll keep you updated on these intriguing releases, promising more horror thrills in the coming year.