October 28, 2024
Longlegs, the Nicolas Cage starrer directed by Osgood Perkins, leads our list of top 2024 horror movies.
Horror isn’t just a genre—it’s an experience, and 2024 proved exactly why we keep craving that rush. After a standout 2023, this year came in swinging with a mix of mind-bending indie gems and blockbuster sequels we didn’t see coming. From nightmares that linger long after the credits roll to pulse-pounding moments that left us peeking over our shoulders, it’s been a wild ride. If you’ve caught yourself triple-checking the locks or sleeping with the lights on, you’re not alone.
Here’s our roundup of the top horror films of 2024 that hit cinemas in the region—and left us all haunted in the best way possible.
Nicolas Cage in one of the weirdest roles you’ll ever see? Yes, please. Longlegs delivers a slow-burn thriller dripping with eerie vibes and offbeat brilliance. Imagine if David Lynch overdosed on espresso—strange, unsettling, and completely unhinged.
Longlegs is the horror version of Barbie. Not in content, but in vibe—this indie film exploded on social media, especially with Gen Z. By the time it hit cinemas in the Middle East—just a week after its global premiere—the buzz was unstoppable. Thursday nights at Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall were swarming with excited, young audiences, eager to catch a glimpse of this strange beast of a movie. It’s rare for an indie horror film to make such waves here, but Longlegs? It owned the spotlight.
A sequel we didn’t think we needed, but now can’t live without. Smile 2 proves that horror franchises can grow without losing their edge. It’s sharper, smarter, and somehow even creepier—oh, and that sinister grin? Still absolutely terrifying.
What’s wild is that the first movie almost didn’t hit theaters. After a test screening that blew expectations out of the water, the studio changed course. With the first film pulling in a cool $217.4 million and the sequel kicking off with a $45 million opening, it’s clear they made the right call. Naomi Scott delivers a gripping performance, while Parker Finn’s direction ensures this sequel cements its place in horror history.
Oddity is all about the discomfort—slow, creeping dread that gets under your skin. At the center of it all? Carolyn Bracken’s mesmerizing performance. She doesn’t just act; she embodies the unease, turning every glance and gesture into pure tension. Though it had a limited release in the region, it left a mark on those lucky enough to catch it on the big screen. This is the kind of psychological horror that demands multiple viewings—each watch peeling back another disturbing layer.
If there’s one thing Korean filmmakers excel at, it’s the art of unnerving you to your core. Exhuma isn’t just a movie—it’s an experience. Atmospheric and unpredictable, it’s easily one of the top 2024 horror movies, cut from the same cloth as The Wailing, blending human fears, raw emotion, and rich folklore. If you know, you know: Korean horror doesn’t rely on cheap scares—it taps into something deeper, something primal, that lingers long after the credits roll. Exhuma honors that tradition and raises the stakes.
Alien may be a sci-fi franchise, but Romulus reminds us of where it all started—with bone-chilling horror. Fede Álvarez, the mastermind behind Evil Dead and Don’t Breathe, brings his horror expertise to this intergalactic nightmare. Dark corridors, flickering lights, and an overwhelming sense of dread—this isn’t just another space flick. Romulus is a masterclass in tension, blending survival horror with sci-fi thrills. Álvarez brings the franchise back to its terrifying roots, making it feel both familiar and frighteningly fresh.
The Bollywood movie that made it to the top 2024 horror movies list. The original Stree was a sleeper hit—one of those rare films that sneaked into cinemas quietly but ended up becoming a fan favorite with repeated watches. Its clever blend of supernatural horror, humor, and social commentary earned it a cult following over time. Stree 2 builds on that foundation, expanding the eerie folklore of the haunted town while retaining its quirky, comedic charm. With returning cast members and fresh twists, the sequel promises more scares, laughs, and social jabs, making it a worthy follow-up that doesn’t rely solely on nostalgia. If you enjoyed the first, the second will feel like revisiting an old friend—one with a mischievous ghost still lurking in the shadows.
Set against the glitzy backdrop of a 70s talk show, Late Night with the Devil offers a unique twist on the genre. David Dastmalchian steals the show with a performance that’s equal parts charming and unsettling. His hypnotic presence keeps you hooked as the film spirals from quirky talk-show antics into surreal horror. The retro vibe adds authenticity, making it feel like you’re watching a piece of lost television history that unravels into pure madness. Refreshing, eerie, and brilliantly executed, it’s a standout in a year full of horror gems.
Remaking a favorite isn’t easy but Speak No Evil nails it. Staying true to the Dutch original, this adaptation captures the same nerve-wracking tension that made the first film unforgettable. With James McAvoy delivering a performance that feels both uncomfortably intimate and deeply unsettling, the film drags you deeper into psychological torment with each passing scene. Fans of the original will appreciate the faithfulness, while newcomers will be swept away by the creeping dread and emotional weight. Brutal, unrelenting, and impossible to look away from—this one leaves a mark.
Curious how Damian, the demon child from The Omen, got his start? The First Omen goes back to the beginning, digging into the origin of the Antichrist with eerie precision. This prequel adds depth to the mythology, exploring the dark forces that shaped Damian’s childhood and set him on the path to ultimate evil. Wrapped in lush cinematography and eerie atmosphere, it breathes new life into the franchise while staying true to its roots. Whether you’re an Omen fan or diving in for the first time, this prequel is a haunting must-watch.
Blink Twice taps into a primal fear: what if you can’t trust your own eyes? This psychological thriller plays tricks on both its characters and its audience, making you question everything you see. With a plot that twists like a corkscrew and cinematography designed to disorient, it feels like a mashup of Black Swan and Hereditary. Miss even a second, and you’ll be lost in its labyrinth of lies. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Blink Twice delivers a gut-punch of a twist.
The Substance is definitely one of the top 2024 horror movies. The only reason it didn’t make the main list is that it wasn’t released in the Middle East, as it leans heavily into body horror. This film refuses to leave your brain days after you’ve watched it. It’s a twisted, unsettling dive into obsession and control—one that doesn’t just crawl under your skin; it moves in and makes itself at home. If you vibed with David Cronenberg’s Crimes of the Future or James Wan’s Malignant, this is a must-watch. It’s like Cronenberg cranked up to 11, with every scene pushing boundaries, leaving you equal parts disturbed and mesmerized.
Some of these 2024 horror movies are still captivating audiences in cinemas, while others have already hit streaming platforms. Just in time for Halloween, grab your popcorn and prepare for a thrilling night with spine-tingling scares!
Relater Articles:
