Since it’s still quite early in 2024, it’s difficult to say definitively which horror movies will be the top 10. However, here are some of the most anticipated releases and some hidden gems that have already been released and are getting positive buzz:
1. Imaginary (January 5th)
This psychological horror explores the dark corners of childhood fears. It follows the Daniels family, who move into the wife’s childhood home to help her estranged father. Their young son, Luke, becomes obsessed with an imaginary friend named Morris, a raggedy teddy bear. As Luke’s behavior grows increasingly disturbing and the house seems to hold its own secrets, the Daniels must confront the possibility that Morris is much more sinister than a figment of Luke’s imagination.
2. Immaculate (February 9th)
A chilling tale about a young waitress named Sarah, who after experiencing a mysterious conception, joins the utopian community of Eden Parish. Led by the charismatic Father Quinn, Eden Parish seems to offer a life of peace and purpose. But as Sarah delves deeper, she uncovers a horrifying truth behind the group’s beliefs and the nature of her own immaculate conception.
3. The First Omen (February 23rd)
A prequel to the classic Omen series, this film dives into the origins of Damien Thorne, the Antichrist. Set in 1950s Rome, a young diplomat and his wife, Katherine, adopt a seemingly ordinary boy they name Damien. Unexplained events and strange occurrences plague the couple as Damien grows, leading them to a terrifying revelation about his true demonic nature.
4. Tarot (March 1st)
A group of college friends gather for a seemingly harmless night of fun and games, indulging in a tarot card reading. But when enigmatic new student, Eliza, interprets the cards, their fortunes take a terrifying turn. The friends find themselves targeted by their darkest fears and deepest desires, trapped in a deadly game orchestrated by unseen forces.
5. Abigail (March 15th)
A gothic horror set in the fog-shrouded moors of 19th century England. Young Abigail inherits the crumbling Blackwood Manor after her estranged father’s death. Upon arrival, she uncovers a dark family history filled with witchcraft, accusations of pacts with demons, and a vengeful spirit said to roam the halls. As Abigail delves deeper, she becomes the target of the malevolent entity, forced to confront the legacy of her bloodline.
6. Humane (April 12th)
This sci-fi horror film explores the ethics of animal testing gone wrong. Dr. Lorna Burke, a brilliant but ruthless scientist, develops a revolutionary new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Her secret weapon? Implanting human consciousness into chimpanzees to test the drug’s effects. The experiment yields promising results, but the lines between human and animal begin to blur as the chimpanzees gain a terrifying level of sentience and a thirst for revenge.
7. The Strangers: Chapter One (April 27th)
A prequel to the 2008 cult classic home invasion film. This film delves into the origins of the mysterious masked strangers who terrorize a family in a secluded cabin. We follow Cindy and James, a young couple on their honeymoon in 1970s California. Their idyllic getaway takes a horrifying turn when they are stalked and tormented by three figures in grotesque masks, leaving a trail of bloody mayhem in their wake.
8. In a Violent Nature (Shudder Release)
A couple on a weekend getaway to a remote cabin in the Pacific Northwest find themselves hunted by a mysterious force in the woods. Carley and AJ, seeking to rekindle their strained relationship, venture deep into the wilderness. Their romantic retreat turns into a desperate fight for survival as they are relentlessly pursued by an unseen entity with a bloodcurdling connection to the land.
9. The Watchers (Release Date TBA)
Have you ever felt like you’re being watched? The Watchers takes this feeling to a whole new level of terror. A family moves into a seemingly normal house, unaware that unseen figures are constantly observing them. As they uncover the neighborhood’s dark secrets, they learn of a sinister entity that has been stalking residents for generations. The Watchers will make you think twice about moving into a new home.
10. A Quiet Place: Day One (Release Date TBA)
A prequel to the critically acclaimed A Quiet Place, Day One takes you back to the terrifying first day the mysterious sound-sensitive creatures arrived on Earth. Witness the Abbott family’s desperate struggle for survival in a silent world where even the slightest noise can bring a deadly consequence. This prequel will show you the horrifying origins of the silence that forever changed their lives.
These are just a few of the many great horror movies that have been released or are scheduled to be released in 2024. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to be scared!