The horror genre, often underrated by critics, surprisingly plays a significant role in the contemporary film industry. It's not just about capturing the attention of horror enthusiasts, but also about using the popularity of this genre to leverage profit for film distribution companies.
Consider the case of "The Substance," an early October release that became MUBI’s highest-grossing film. Despite heavy criticism online, the movie was a hit at box offices worldwide, particularly at theaters like Chicago's Music Box. Suddenly, MUBI, a somewhat unfamiliar name in horror movie distribution, found itself shoulder-to-shoulder with dominant indie distributors like A24 and Neon.
Similarly, "Longlegs" overpowered "Parasite" to become Neon's highest-grossing film to date. It was the best-marketed horror film of 2024, and this success proves that Neon could rely on a similar strategy in the future. It could emphasize building anticipation and buzz around its horror titles among small groups of critics.
But 2024 was not without its surprises. Intriguingly, A24 did not see a comparable commercial breakout, and IFC/Shudder's polarizing neo-slasher "In A Violent Nature" only did well enough to spur a new franchise.
Horror films in 2024 covered more than just typical fear-inciting themes. They captured the prevalent societal anxiety about body autonomy, focusing on topics like reproductive freedom and trans rights. For instance, movies like "The Substance" and "I Saw the TV Glow" delved deep into exploring the non-male perception of the body. A key trend among the 2024's horror offerings was post-Roe pregnancy horror, characterized by movies illustrating the terror of bearing an undesired pregnancy.
These movies, often directed by women, incorporated more substance and depth to their storytelling, stepping away from gratuitous sexualization.
The modifiable nature of the horror genre offers an avenue for filmmakers to experiment within the confines of mainstream cinema. Despite the decline of interest in certain franchises, directors have a certain degree of freedom to test boundaries, leading to some captivating works.
A compilation of the top horror films of 2024 shows the immense potential and scope within this genre. These include "Chime," a disturbingly violent movie, "The Devil's Bath," a grim historical drama, and Arkasha Stevenson's dread-laden debut, "The Baby."
As we step into 2025, a new line of exciting horror-themed releases await distribution: "Missing Child Videotape," "Dead Talents Society," "Dead Mail," and "The Last Sacrifice." These offerings hint at yet another promising year for the horror genre.
