Looking for something to watch that’ll spike your heart rate and is a favorite of one random teenage girl? Then look no further; this list has slashers, thrillers, and movies with the best final girls. If you’re tired of horror movies that constantly water down important themes, infantilize women, and stereotype races, then this list is for you.
1. Us (2019, Rated R)
You can’t have a horror movie tier list (unless it’s “Worst Horror Movies of All Time”) without a Jordan Peele movie. This 2019 horror movie is full of tense scenes and an iconic soundtrack that’s recognizable anywhere. Winston Duke keeps the movie fun and entertaining through the dark moments. The movie, while comedic at times, explores themes of American privilege, childhood trauma, and the duality of human nature. The complexity of the movie is nothing new for the critically acclaimed Jordan Peele.
2. Get Out (2017, Rated R)
Surprise, surprise—another Jordan Peele film. This one is more humorous than the last while also touching on more serious topics than Us. The movie explores themes of oppression, White supremacy, and slavery. Daniel Kaluuya and Lil Rel Howery portray a realistic friendship in the movie, with Lil Rel Howery’s character providing much-needed comedic relief. The movie does a brilliant job of making the audience feel how uncomfortable it is to be the only person of color in a sea of White people, especially when microaggressions are being said left and right. The iconic “sunken place” scene is beautifully filmed and metaphorically represents the suppression and silencing of marginalized groups, specifically Black people. And while this movie came out almost ten years ago at this point, it seems safe to say it will remain a timeless classic of the horror genre.
3. Speak No Evil (2024, Rated R)
Though an original version came out in Danish in 2022, I will be talking about the English version that came out in 2024, as that is the one I’m most familiar with. This movie is so much fun, however, not in your typical way. Speak No Evil is fun in the sense that after an intense jump scare, you’ll be laughing. Throughout the movie, there are uncomfortably relatable scenarios when a person is deciding between forced politeness to avoid confrontation or speaking up and saying “no.” Of course, I have to mention the impeccable acting, especially by James McAvoy. McAvoy’s facial expressions are so perfectly subtle, he’s able to show the smallest hint of malicious intention in a seemingly normal sentence just from his eyes and the twitch in the corner of his mouth. The traditional American family that the movie focuses on has their barrier slowly broken through subtle manipulation and peer pressure. There’s nothing supernatural about this movie; the real terror is the chilling fact that this could happen to anyone.
4. Barbarian (2022, Rated R)
Barbarian is a fantastically frightening movie directed by Zach Cregger, who later directed Companion. One thing Zach Cregger knows how to do is make an absolutely wacky horror movie that has very real undertones and messages. Barbarian is a movie that comments on gentrification and how, when toxic masculinity goes unchecked, it can be devastating. Cregger explores these very real messages through absurd, eye-catching horror and a fictional “monster” that represents the horrors of abuse many women experience. Not only is the movie meaningful and enjoyable to watch, but it also features two iconic actors in the horror genre: Justin Long and Bill Skarsgård. Justin Long plays an obnoxiously egotistical man who acts as a semi-antagonist who furthers the message of toxic masculinity ironically. Bill Skarsgård was a perfect red herring when the movie was being advertised, as he typically plays a darker character in movies, especially horror movies; surprisingly, in this movie, he was a wholesome protagonist. This movie is another fun watch that leaves you satisfied and with your spirits lifted.
5. The Conjuring (2013, 2016, 2021, Rated R)
The Conjuring franchise is a classic. These movies are genuinely terrifying but have a meaningful story and sincere characters that are easy to love. In all the movies, there’s a heartfelt story about a tight-knit family experiencing the unimaginable; you’ll be frightened but rooting for the families in the end. These movies are well-made, and the acting is always impeccable — whether it’s the horrifying possession acting from Lili Taylor in the first movie or the chemistry between Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson throughout the whole franchise. Not only are the movies themselves good, but another layer of intrigue is found in the fact that they are all “based on a true story.” While many people speculate whether the true stories were fabricated or not, it certainly adds another dimension to the movies. A fourth movie is set to release this year on September 5.
6. Scream (1996, 1997, 2000, 2011, 2022, 2023, Rated R)
The Scream movies are some of my favorites in and out of the horror genre. Wes Craven is the credited director of these masterpieces; they’re slasher films that feature strong characters that bend their usual archetypes. Not only will watching these movies open your eyes to a world of pop culture allusions, but it’ll also be a thrilling experience. These movies were the first of their time to call out the stereotypes in previous slasher movies and deviate from the norm with their satire and dark comedy. While I do think the latest movies have fallen flat, especially without Craven being involved due to his unfortunate passing, I’ll always rewatch the first three. A seventh movie is set to release in 2026.
7. Sinners (2025, Rated R)
Sinners came out about a month ago and quickly scaled the ranks as one of the best horror blockbusters. This movie is wonderfully crafted, which is no surprise since it’s directed by the same man who directed the Black Panther and Creed movies, Ryan Coogler. Since this is a newer movie, I won’t get into plot details, but I will say the movie is set in 1932 during the Jim Crow era. Sinners is a sort of historical horror, using supernatural elements to portray racial violence and the oppression of African-Americans, especially during the Jim Crow era. The movie shows the beauty and power of African-American culture, specifically through a scene where a younger character plays the blues in a transcendent way. This movie is powerful and entertaining, and instead of reading this review, you should be watching it!
8. X Trilogy (2022, 2022, 2024, Rated R)
The X trilogy (X, Pearl, and MaXXXine) is a bloodbath of commentary on the objectification of women in Hollywood and the dark side of fame. These movies were clearly made with care by Ti West; the trilogy comes full circle in the end, and they each have a unique aesthetic that meshes well together. While all three films are enjoyable, MaXXXine is the standout; it’s a wicked slasher with an iconic final girl that, after all the tragedies in the other movies, will leave you feeling gratified. Mia Goth plays multiple characters throughout the trilogy, and this in a way connects the characters, symbolizing the similarities and differences between them, and she does a stellar job at differentiating them through her performances. These movies serve as a critique of the systems that exploit women for profit, and that’s what I love about them.
9. Ready or Not (2019, Rated R)
This movie is hilariously vicious, featuring a woman (Samara Weaving) marrying into an eccentric, wealthy family only for her to end up in a manhunt that lasts until the break of dawn that same day. Samara Weaving is the final girl, and with her blood-curdling screams and powerful line delivery, her performance is formidable. The movie exaggerates the relatable experience of hating your in-laws while also making social commentary on wealth and elitism. This movie is intense and exciting, and supposedly has a sequel in the works.
10. Bodies, Bodies, Bodies (2022, Rated R)
When a typical party game somehow turns deadly, a group of stuck-up young adults all turn against each other while trying to figure out who the killer is. This A24 classic is ridiculous, and that’s what makes it so captivating; it shows a realistic side to the bad decision-making of young adults, especially sheltered ones, in a tense situation. This movie incorporates Gen Z slang and pop culture to poke fun at virtue-signaling privileged youth. With comedians such as Rachel Senott and Pete Davidson in the movie, the humor is dark and fast-paced.
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