Top 10 Most Anticipated Horror Movies of 2024

Release Date: January 5, 2024 [US]
Horror fans won’t have to wait long to get their frights in 2024, as Bryce McGuire’s feature length debut will swim into cinemas at the start of the year. “Night Swim” finds the Waller family, headed by actors Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon, moving into a new house. Sure, there’s some fixing up to do, but the price is a total steal! What could go wrong? Well, for one, the backyard swimming pool is haunted. We admit, saying the premise out loud sounds silly, but the film’s trailer reassures us that we’re in for a genuinely tense time. If “Jaws” made us afraid to go in the Ocean, “Night Swim” will likely make us think twice about taking a late-night dip.

Release Date: March 8, 2024 [US]
From Chucky to Annabelle to M3GAN, it’s clear moviegoers just can’t get enough of a possessed doll. Well, the folks at Blumhouse are hoping that killer doll appeal will translate to this film about a killer teddy bear. Yep, meet Chauncey, a cute and cuddly teddy bear. Chauncey was once the beloved imaginary friend of Jessica. Angry that she grew out of needing him, Chauncey decides to take his frustrations out on Jessica and her young daughter. Cue the diabolical chaos! The film is helmed by director Jeff Wadlow of “Kick Ass 2” and “Truth or Dare” fame and promises plenty of jumpy delights.

Release Date: October 18, 2024 [US]
Parker Finn’s 2022 film “Smile” was a massive hit, grossing over $217 million from just a $17 million budget. The execs at Paramount Pictures are hoping for similar success with the follow-up feature. While no story or cast details have been shared at this time, things will most certainly continue the chilling premise of the first installment. The plot revolved around a malevolent entity that possessed people and caused them to off themselves – all while they sported a maniacal smile. If that wasn’t bad enough, the dire fate is passed on to those who witness the traumatizing deed. Needless to say, horror fans are grinning big with anticipation!

Release Date: August 9, 2024 [US]
If you’re thinking that you already saw this excellently crafted Danish horror film back in 2022, you’re not wrong. And if you didn’t see it, you absolutely should! So, what’s the deal? Well, like any great foreign cinematic offering, Hollywood will be giving “Speak No Evil” the remake treatment. The original film sees a Danish family become fast friends with a Dutch family during a vacation, all leading to an unexpected invitation. Let’s just say the union takes a turn into some tense and troubling revelations. With James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, and Alix West Lefler taking the lead in this North American adaptation, the unsettling story appears to be in good hands.

Release Date: June 28, 2024 [US]
“A Quiet Place: Day One” will be the third entry in the popular post-apocalyptic horror series. But as the title alludes to, it will serve as a prequel. Not only that, but it’ll also center on a new crop of characters – pushing the Abbott family to the wayside. Also new will be the film’s director, as John Krasinski stepped aside for Michael Sarnoski – the filmmaker behind the lauded Nicholas Cage-starring film, “Pig.” The story will be set during the early days of the sound-driven monsters’ takeover of Earth. And with a cast including Lupita Nyong'o, Alex Wolff, Joseph Quinn, and a returning Djimon Hounsou, we can’t wait to see how the horror unfolds.

Release Date: October 25, 2024 [US]
After three feature films (two in the “Terrifier” franchise) Art the Clown has solidified himself as one of the most terrifying horror movie villains out there. The psychotic clown’s unspeakable acts have even caused moviegoers to become violently ill during showings. So, what’s next for the twisted killer? A Christmas movie, of course. Yep, although releasing at the end of October, “Terrifier 3” will actually be a holiday-themed slasher. The film is also said to reintroduce possessed survivor Victoria Heyes and further flesh out Art’s origin story. And if the previous outings are any indication, you may want to hold off on the popcorn upon viewing – because there will be blood!

Release Date: April 5, 2024 [US]
A prequel to Richard Donner’s 1976 cult classic horror film, “The First Omen” will tell the story of a woman who is sent away to Rome to begin working in the church. While there, she uncovers a dark conspiracy involving the birth of evil incarnate. Naturally, she begins to question her faith. Audiences will remember that the original “The Omen” starred Gregory Peck as an ambassador who believes his young son to be the Antichrist. That film spawned several sequels, a remake, and even a TV series. This will mark the first prequel in the series, however. While it no doubt has big shoes to fill, “The First Omen” also has an opportunity to expand on the franchise’s chilling lore in a meaningful way.

Release Date: August 16, 2024 [US]
For those apprehensive about another entry in the “Alien” franchise, let us put you at ease. For starters, the film is directed by Fede Alvarez. Horror fans already know that Alvarez was behind the 2013 “Evil Dead” reboot and the 2016 standout “Don't Breathe.” And for those looking to hear Ridley Scott’s name, fear not, he serves as a producer on the film. Plus, crew members who worked on the Xenomorph design for “Aliens” were brought back for “Alien: Romulus.” Plot details are being kept close to the chest, but we do know that this outing will take place between Ridley Scott's “Alien” and the James Cameron-directed sequel, “Aliens.” It’s also best to remember that in space, no one can hear you scream.

Release Date: TBD 2024
Without question, writer/director Ti West is on track to deliver one of the best horror trilogies of all time. Of course, it requires “MaXXXine” to live up to the excellence of its predecessors, “X” and “Pearl.” But, with the remarkable Mia Goth returning, we have all the faith in the world. The film places Maxine in 1980s Los Angeles where she's oh-so-desperate to achieve fame. Joining Goth onscreen will be the likes of Bobby Cannavale, Lily Collins, Halsey, Giancarlo Esposito and Kevin Bacon – just to name a few. No release date has been made official for the sultry slasher pic, but with “Pearl” having premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, insiders anticipate a similar debut for “MaXXXine.”

Release Date: December 25, 2024 [US]
In perhaps one of the most anticipated films of the last decade, “Nosferatu” will finally make its way to screens in December of 2024. The gothic horror remake has been in development since 2015. But, what has us most excited are the people behind the film, namely director Robert Eggers. Thanks to films like “The Witch” and “The Lighthouse,” Eggers’ eerie output has been exceptional over the past couple of years. Making things even more tantalizing is the casting of Pennywise actor, Bill Skarsgård, as Count Orlok. Add in Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Willem Dafoe, and you’ve got the makings of a stellar vampire picture. And, it will all be ready to get unwrapped in time for the holidays!