Top 10 Horror Movie Performances of 2024
horror performances, 2024 horror movies, Demi Moore, Hugh Grant, Mia Goth, Nicolas Cage, James McAvoy, David Dastmalchian, Lupita Nyong'o, Justice Smith, Cailee Spaeny, Alien: Romulus, I Saw the TV Glow, A Quiet Place: Day One, Late Night with the Devil, Speak No Evil, Longlegs, MaXXXine, Nosferatu, Heretic, The Substance, Horror, Film, Movies, best horror movies, top 10 horror movies, watchmojo, watch mojo, top 10, list, mojo, best movies,
Top 10 Horror Movie Performances of 2024
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the best performances found in this year’s batch of horror films. We will not be including movies that blend horror and comedy, so Michael Keaton will not be found here, despite his assured performance in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
Do we have a new Sigourney Weaver on our hands? Expectations for “Romulus” were somewhat mixed given the franchise’s rocky record, but it surpassed all hopes with great directing and strong performances. Leading the way was Cailee Spaeny, playing orphaned miner and new “Alien” heroine Rain Carradine. Like the legendary Ripley, she shows strong resolve and fierce determination in the throes of danger, but her fear and humanity are never buried. She’s terrified, but someone has to get the job done! Spaeny performs a deft juggling act and gives the franchise a much-needed burst of energy. We hope to see more of Rain - and Spaeny - in the future.
Emma Stone is venturing into horror, with her company Fruit Tree producing the widely acclaimed “I Saw the TV Glow.” While it’s a sumptuous visual feast, the real star here is Justice Smith, breaking from his roles in mainstream blockbusters to play the outcast teenager Owen. Smith has never been better, showing an intensity and rawness that helps personalize the movie’s themes about loneliness and identity. He goes on an intense emotional journey throughout the course of the story, and Smith is capable of delivering all the different aspects of the character. He also shares incredible chemistry with Brigette Lundy-Paine[b], rounding out and completing one of the year’s best performances.
It seems like everyone wants to get in on the “Quiet Place” train, including prestige Oscar winners. Lupita Nyong’o brings her unbelievable talents to the franchise in the form of Sam, a terminally ill cancer patient living through the initial outbreak of the monster invasion. She brings a vulnerability to Sam that isn’t often seen in horror films - she doesn’t want to fight the monsters. She barely even registers their existence. Her battle is internal, the monsters an obstacle in finding peace and contentment with her situation. It’s a brilliant twist on the traditional horror narrative, and Nyong’o leads the way with her strong, tender, and sympathetic performance.
Despite having a long and storied career, David Dastmalchian is largely known as a “oh that guy” character actor. Well, not anymore. His breakout lead performance comes via “Late Night with the Devil,” playing talk show host Jack Delroy. Jack battles a number of monsters throughout the course of the film, like demons, ghosts, and perhaps the worst monster of all - grief. Dastmalchian is masterful throughout, providing Jack the ultimate humanity we require to sympathize with him while also playing one heck of a ‘70s talk show host. He’s equal parts endearing, funny, and slimy - a perfect representation of the time!
We’ve seen the “friendly killer” thing a thousand times before, but few have done it as commendably as James McAvoy. He plays Paddy, a homicidal father and husband who traps a vacationing family at his isolated country farmhouse. McAvoy is terrifying, attempting to conceal a deep evil with uneasy smiles and glinting eyes. Try as he might to be courteous and friendly, something is always a bit “off” with him - it’s a tricky feat for an actor to accomplish, and McAvoy employs it with great skill. And when it comes time for the evil to be unleashed, buckle your seats, because he does not hold back. McAvoy is clearly having the time of his life playing this role, and the fun is contagious.
The titular villain is certainly a memorable character, and Nicolas Cage is perfectly cast. With his disturbing facial prosthetics and pale makeup, Cage is transformed into Longlegs and does a commendable job creeping out the audience with a simple glimpse or a smile. But Cage is magnificent, even underneath the stellar makeup. He puts on a creepy, sing-songy falsetto to inhabit a predator, and his behavior is equal parts hammy and horrific. It’s the kind of balance that only Nicolas Cage can strike - the kind where we don’t know if we should laugh or scream at the absurdity of it all.
The “X” series made Mia Goth a horror icon, and she capped the trilogy in stylish fashion with “MaXXXine.” She returns to the role of Maxine Minx, who is now trying to make it in the glitzy glamor of 1980s Hollywood. Goth literally transforms into the role, her blonde hair and colorful clothes contrasting highly with her farmhouse aesthetic from the original film. She’s pure ‘80s tawdriness, and we love to see it. Goth is once again a joy to watch, with her aura and charisma carrying much of the film. Even when the movie itself threatens to collapse under the weight of its own style and ambition, Goth keeps it afloat through sheer magnetism.
“Unrecognizable” is the first word that comes to mind watching Bill Skarsgård as the grotesquely alluring Count Orlok. Yet, Lily-Rose Depp’s performance as Ellen Hutter is transformative in another way that caught us off guard. Depp has demonstrated in the past that she’s willing to throw herself headfirst into a role. “Nosferatu” is a star-making showcase for the young actress, delivering an emotionally arresting portrayal. While Depp demonstrates her physicality as a performer, she also makes us feel the war raging inside Ellen. It’s a battle of will, sanity, and passion as Ellen confronts Orlok the only way she knows how. This is a bewitching turn from Depp, who balances innocence and lust in ways few other working actresses can.
We have to say, we didn’t have “Hugh Grant plays one of the creepiest villains of the year” on our 2024 bingo card. Known for his cute and endearingly awkward characters, Grant plays against type for “Heretic,” and we want more of this, pronto. He is the enigmatic Mr. Reed, a dangerous recluse who targets two Mormon missionaries. Playing against type is always a huge gamble, especially when it involves switching from adorable hero to threatening villain. But Grant pulls it off with ease. The gamble paid off, and we think his career just opened up to new and exciting possibilities. And even if he doesn’t do this kind of thing again, at least we got the sinister and macabre Mr. Reed.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
This movie came out of nowhere and rocked the world with its many different facets of horror. It’s gory and grotesque and all sorts of fun, but it’s also a deeply psychological glimpse into self-deprecation. Demi Moore plays Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging fitness celebrity who takes The Substance and turns into the youthful Margaret Qualley. While Qualley is terrific, this movie belongs to Moore, who imbues Elisabeth with a deep humanity. Her issues are universal, and her behavior in battling those issues is uncomfortably real. Elisabeth’s pain is palpable, and Moore is sensational at capturing small nuances that trigger our sympathy. We’ve never wanted to give a character a bigger hug.
Which performance was your personal favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
[b]bridget LUN-dee pain https://youtu.be/V9HqlUOvRUg?si=6nVMqvDLH-n6m1dy&t=2
[c]dast-MAWL-chin https://youtu.be/gzIJhZKxw7s?t=8
[d]https://youtu.be/RVvPgokF6kM?si=G8kwMxsBYv1OL4o-&t=16
[e]bruv-YUR-uh https://www.dictionary.com/browse/Bravura
[f]nay-oh-me https://youtu.be/-aq1n8MSk8c?si=JGwPuJF0zWdSZQv-&t=3
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the best performances found in this year’s batch of horror films. We will not be including movies that blend horror and comedy, so Michael Keaton will not be found here, despite his assured performance in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
#10: Cailee Spaeny[a]
“Alien: Romulus” (2024)Do we have a new Sigourney Weaver on our hands? Expectations for “Romulus” were somewhat mixed given the franchise’s rocky record, but it surpassed all hopes with great directing and strong performances. Leading the way was Cailee Spaeny, playing orphaned miner and new “Alien” heroine Rain Carradine. Like the legendary Ripley, she shows strong resolve and fierce determination in the throes of danger, but her fear and humanity are never buried. She’s terrified, but someone has to get the job done! Spaeny performs a deft juggling act and gives the franchise a much-needed burst of energy. We hope to see more of Rain - and Spaeny - in the future.
#9: Justice Smith
“I Saw the TV Glow” (2024)Emma Stone is venturing into horror, with her company Fruit Tree producing the widely acclaimed “I Saw the TV Glow.” While it’s a sumptuous visual feast, the real star here is Justice Smith, breaking from his roles in mainstream blockbusters to play the outcast teenager Owen. Smith has never been better, showing an intensity and rawness that helps personalize the movie’s themes about loneliness and identity. He goes on an intense emotional journey throughout the course of the story, and Smith is capable of delivering all the different aspects of the character. He also shares incredible chemistry with Brigette Lundy-Paine[b], rounding out and completing one of the year’s best performances.
#8: Lupita Nyong’o
“A Quiet Place: Day One” (2024)It seems like everyone wants to get in on the “Quiet Place” train, including prestige Oscar winners. Lupita Nyong’o brings her unbelievable talents to the franchise in the form of Sam, a terminally ill cancer patient living through the initial outbreak of the monster invasion. She brings a vulnerability to Sam that isn’t often seen in horror films - she doesn’t want to fight the monsters. She barely even registers their existence. Her battle is internal, the monsters an obstacle in finding peace and contentment with her situation. It’s a brilliant twist on the traditional horror narrative, and Nyong’o leads the way with her strong, tender, and sympathetic performance.
#7: David Dastmalchian[c]
“Late Night with the Devil” (2023)Despite having a long and storied career, David Dastmalchian is largely known as a “oh that guy” character actor. Well, not anymore. His breakout lead performance comes via “Late Night with the Devil,” playing talk show host Jack Delroy. Jack battles a number of monsters throughout the course of the film, like demons, ghosts, and perhaps the worst monster of all - grief. Dastmalchian is masterful throughout, providing Jack the ultimate humanity we require to sympathize with him while also playing one heck of a ‘70s talk show host. He’s equal parts endearing, funny, and slimy - a perfect representation of the time!
#6: James McAvoy
“Speak No Evil” (2024)We’ve seen the “friendly killer” thing a thousand times before, but few have done it as commendably as James McAvoy. He plays Paddy, a homicidal father and husband who traps a vacationing family at his isolated country farmhouse. McAvoy is terrifying, attempting to conceal a deep evil with uneasy smiles and glinting eyes. Try as he might to be courteous and friendly, something is always a bit “off” with him - it’s a tricky feat for an actor to accomplish, and McAvoy employs it with great skill. And when it comes time for the evil to be unleashed, buckle your seats, because he does not hold back. McAvoy is clearly having the time of his life playing this role, and the fun is contagious.
#5: Nicolas Cage
“Longlegs” (2024)The titular villain is certainly a memorable character, and Nicolas Cage is perfectly cast. With his disturbing facial prosthetics and pale makeup, Cage is transformed into Longlegs and does a commendable job creeping out the audience with a simple glimpse or a smile. But Cage is magnificent, even underneath the stellar makeup. He puts on a creepy, sing-songy falsetto to inhabit a predator, and his behavior is equal parts hammy and horrific. It’s the kind of balance that only Nicolas Cage can strike - the kind where we don’t know if we should laugh or scream at the absurdity of it all.
#4: Mia Goth
“MaXXXine” (2024)The “X” series made Mia Goth a horror icon, and she capped the trilogy in stylish fashion with “MaXXXine.” She returns to the role of Maxine Minx, who is now trying to make it in the glitzy glamor of 1980s Hollywood. Goth literally transforms into the role, her blonde hair and colorful clothes contrasting highly with her farmhouse aesthetic from the original film. She’s pure ‘80s tawdriness, and we love to see it. Goth is once again a joy to watch, with her aura and charisma carrying much of the film. Even when the movie itself threatens to collapse under the weight of its own style and ambition, Goth keeps it afloat through sheer magnetism.
#3: Lily-Rose Depp
“Nosferatu” (2024)“Unrecognizable” is the first word that comes to mind watching Bill Skarsgård as the grotesquely alluring Count Orlok. Yet, Lily-Rose Depp’s performance as Ellen Hutter is transformative in another way that caught us off guard. Depp has demonstrated in the past that she’s willing to throw herself headfirst into a role. “Nosferatu” is a star-making showcase for the young actress, delivering an emotionally arresting portrayal. While Depp demonstrates her physicality as a performer, she also makes us feel the war raging inside Ellen. It’s a battle of will, sanity, and passion as Ellen confronts Orlok the only way she knows how. This is a bewitching turn from Depp, who balances innocence and lust in ways few other working actresses can.
#2: Hugh Grant
“Heretic” (2024)We have to say, we didn’t have “Hugh Grant plays one of the creepiest villains of the year” on our 2024 bingo card. Known for his cute and endearingly awkward characters, Grant plays against type for “Heretic,” and we want more of this, pronto. He is the enigmatic Mr. Reed, a dangerous recluse who targets two Mormon missionaries. Playing against type is always a huge gamble, especially when it involves switching from adorable hero to threatening villain. But Grant pulls it off with ease. The gamble paid off, and we think his career just opened up to new and exciting possibilities. And even if he doesn’t do this kind of thing again, at least we got the sinister and macabre Mr. Reed.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Carolyn Bracken[d], “Oddity” (2024)
Bracken Is Enthralling as a Creepy MediumDavid Howard Thornton, “Terrifier 3” (2024)
If He Wasn’t Already, Art the Clown Is Now Firmly a GOAT SlasherWilla Fitzgerald, “Strange Darling” (2023)
Fitzgerald Gives a Brave, Bravura[e], & Breakout Performance as the LadyChanning Tatum, “Blink Twice” (2024)
This #MeToo Thriller Shows Us a Creepy Side of Tatum We’ve Never Seen BeforeNaomi Scott[f], “Smile 2” (2024)
Scott Gives an Excellent Performance As She Grapples With Reality#1: Demi Moore
“The Substance” (2024)This movie came out of nowhere and rocked the world with its many different facets of horror. It’s gory and grotesque and all sorts of fun, but it’s also a deeply psychological glimpse into self-deprecation. Demi Moore plays Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging fitness celebrity who takes The Substance and turns into the youthful Margaret Qualley. While Qualley is terrific, this movie belongs to Moore, who imbues Elisabeth with a deep humanity. Her issues are universal, and her behavior in battling those issues is uncomfortably real. Elisabeth’s pain is palpable, and Moore is sensational at capturing small nuances that trigger our sympathy. We’ve never wanted to give a character a bigger hug.
Which performance was your personal favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
[a]https://youtu.be/VF4txTaF7Fg?si=Y3L_wJLSwjYNa1SM&t=1
movie 1:51:25 care-uh-deen[b]bridget LUN-dee pain https://youtu.be/V9HqlUOvRUg?si=6nVMqvDLH-n6m1dy&t=2
[c]dast-MAWL-chin https://youtu.be/gzIJhZKxw7s?t=8
[d]https://youtu.be/RVvPgokF6kM?si=G8kwMxsBYv1OL4o-&t=16
[e]bruv-YUR-uh https://www.dictionary.com/browse/Bravura
[f]nay-oh-me https://youtu.be/-aq1n8MSk8c?si=JGwPuJF0zWdSZQv-&t=3
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