20 Great Horror Movies Directed by Women

In the past, horror filmmaking has been largely dominated by men. Directors like John Carpenter, Wes Craven, Sam Raimi, and Alfred Hitchcock have taken up much of the conversation, with their female colleagues falling by the wayside. In more recent times, though, directors such as Gigi Saul Guerrero, Nia DaCosta, and Ana Lily Amirpour are fresh new names that have become a welcome addition to the horror genre.

Despite women not being a large part of the conversation, that’s not to say there hasn’t been a plethora of horror films with a female director leading the charge. As far back as the 1980s, there have been some cult favorites and critically acclaimed films that have proven horror isn’t just for the boys.

Updated January 26, 2025: This collection of horror movies directed by women has been updated with brand-new features and information, including where to stream each of the movies featured.

20

The Slumber Party Massacre (1982)

Directed by Amy Holden Jones

Directed by Amy Holden Jones, The Slumber Party Massacre was also penned by author and feminist activist Rita Mae Brown. The film follows a group of high school seniors that are stalked by a maniacal killer with a power drill. Michele Michaels, Robin Stille, and Michael Villella co-star in this film.

Originally a Parody

Though written by Brown to be a parody of the booming slasher genre at the time, Jones shot the movie as a straightforward horror film. With the bulk of the original intent ignored, it resulted in the humor seemingly being out of place in the movie. Still, The Slumber Party Massacre did spawn two sequels, also written and directed by women, as well as a 2021 re-imagining of the film directed by Danishka Esterhazy, that acts as a direct sequel to the original. Despite middling reviews and box office returns during its original release, the film has since been reevaluated with a sizable cult following. Stream The Slumber Party Massacre on Prime Video.

19

Sorority House Massacre (1986)

Directed by Carol Frank

Sorority House Massacre was written and directed by Carol Frank, and is a spin-off of The Slumber Party Massacre that is meant to take place in the same universe as its predecessor. It features an escaped patient from a mental health facility seeking to finish the job he started as a youngster by terrorizing a sorority house until he kills the one that got away. Angela O’Neill, Wendy Martel, Pamela Ross, and Nicole Rio make up the main cast here, with Roger Corman’s Concorde Pictures serving as the film’s original distributor.

A Feminist Cult Classic

While going largely unappreciated at the time by drawing comparisons to John Carpenter’s Halloween, Sorority House Massacre has since been given its flowers as a smart slasher for its feminist themes, cinematography, and character development. Chances are that you can find elements from other popular slashers integrated wholesale into Sorority House Massacre as well, with dreams, the killer’s statuesque presence, and supernatural phenomena all being featured prominently throughout. At a runtime of only 74 minutes, this fun 1980s slasher is sure to have something you’ll appreciate. Stream Sorority House Massacre on Prime Video.

18

Near Dark (1987)

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow

Featuring Kathryn Bigelow in her solo directorial debut, Near Dark stars such heavyweights as Bill Paxton, Lance Henriksen, and Adrian Pasdar. It follows Pasdar’s character, Caleb Colton, as he gets mixed up with a group of nomadic vampires in Oklahoma. Wanting to be with Mae (Jenny Wright), the girl of his dreams, Caleb is given a week to hunt with the vampires in order to build their trust.

A Dark Neo-Western

While vampire movies at the time such as The Lost Boys and Fright Night were known for being trendy and hip, Bigelow took Near Dark in a different direction, shooting the film as more of a Western. The result was a beautifully cinematic piece that has gone on to be known as one of the best vampire films ever made. Bill Paxton’s performance here is nothing short of memorable, even going so far as to overshadow the performances of the film’s actual leads. It’s safe to say that Bigelow’s debut is a genuinely unique horror flick. Near Dark is currently unavailable on streaming.

17

Blood Diner (1987)

Directed by Jackie Kong

Blood Diner, a cult classic directed by Jackie Kong, has a wildly outrageous plot. It follows two brothers who set up a restaurant as an excuse to lure in women that they can use for body parts in order to summon a demon goddess known as Sheetar. Rick Burks and Carl Crew co-star as the two brothers, with Roger Dauer, LaNette LaFrance, and Lisa Guggenheim rounding out the main cast.

Gory and Grimy Fun

The ’80s were a wonderful time, weren’t they? Blood Diner is a fun, over-the-top gore fest that was originally intended to be a sequel to the 1963 splatter film Blood Feast, directed by Herschell Gordon Lewis, but was later rewritten to be a standalone horror movie. The change was ultimately for the better, as Blood Feast revels in its absurd premise and over-the-top effects. Fans of splatter horror will find plenty to enjoy in this bizarre ’80s gem. Blood Diner is currently unavailable on streaming.

16

Pet Sematary (1989)

Directed by Mary Lambert

Directed by Mary Lambert, who also directed Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” music video, Pet Sematary is an adaptation of a Stephen King novel that stars Dale Midkiff as a grieving father who will do anything to bring his son back from the dead. After the family cat is mysteriously brought back to life after a burial at the titular “sematary,” a mortifying idea unleashes a terror that should’ve never been brought to life. Fred Gwynne, Denise Crosby, Brad Greenquist, Michael Lombard, Miko Hughes, and Blaze Berdahl make up the rest of the main cast. Mary Lambert would also go on to direct the sequel, Pet Sematary Two, in 1992.

One of the Best Stephen King Adaptations

Grossing over $50 million at the box office, the film has received mixed reviews over the years, with some calling it bland and cliché, and others such as Steve Barton from Dread Central praising it as one of the best Stephen King adaptations ever made. Fred Gwynne’s performance as Jud Crandall is truly stellar, even prompting a direct parody of his performance in not one, but several episodes of South Park. The film’s score even features the titular song by the Ramones, which would go on to become one of the band’s most commercially successful hits in their brief history. Stream Pet Sematary on Paramount+.

15

Critters 3 (1991)

Directed by Kristine Peterson

Critters 3, a direct-to-video sequel in the Critters franchise, was directed by Kristine Peterson, who, as a staff member at Zoetrope Studios, was also involved in the making of Apocalypse Now. The film sees the Critters leave the small, fictional town of Grover’s Bend, and make their way to a Los Angeles apartment tower, where carnage ensues. Aimee Brooks, John Calvin, Katherine Cortez, Geoffrey Blake, and a young Leonardo DiCaprio make up the main cast here.

Part of the Critters Collection

Critters 3 has largely been panned by critics over the years, with its claim to fame being Leonardo DiCaprio’s film debut. Still, that’s not to suggest that this film is completely without merit. For one thing, David J. Schow penned the film’s screenplay during his early years in film, later going on to work on the screenplays for The Crow and 2009’s The Hills Run Red. Geoffrey Blake also puts on a decent performance here prior to his famous role in Forrest Gump. Stream Critters 3 on Prime Video.

14

Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991)

Directed by Rachel Talalay

With a screenplay by Michael De Luca and direction by Rachel Talalay, who would later go on to direct the cult favorite Tank Girl, Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare marks the sixth film in the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. Originally intended to be the final film in the series, Freddy’s Dead follows a brand-new teen, John Doe (Shon Greenblatt) who teams up with psychologist Maggie Burroughs (Lisa Zane) to survive the surreal terror of the dream-powered slasher, Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund). Lezlie Deane and Yaphet Kotto round out the cast.

A Full-Blown Comedy

By this time, audiences had grown tired of Freddy Krueger, who had gone from a terrifying monster that could kill you in your dreams, to nothing more than a caricature of himself, uttering cheesy one-liners and puns. Cameo appearances by Johnny Depp and Alice Cooper only make the film’s more comedic tone even more blatant. While not the worst film in the franchise in terms of box office gross, it’s mostly known for the last 10 minutes, which were filmed in 3-D. Sadly, this effect was initially removed for the DVD and Blu-ray releases, but was brought back for the box set that was released in 1999. Buy or Rent Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare on Apple TV.

13

Ghostwatch (1992)

Directed by Lesley Manning

Ghostwatch is a British mockumentary made-for-TV film directed by Lesley Manning and broadcast by the BBC on Halloween night in 1992. It was presented as a live program even though it had been filmed weeks earlier, with the plot centering around Sarah Greene, an actual television host at the time, investigating poltergeist phenomena plaguing a mother and her two daughters. Joining Sarah Greene are Michael Parkinson, Mike Smith, Craig Charles, Gillian Bevan, and Keith Ferrari.

So Close to Being Real

With the movie switching back and forth between in-studio interviews, on-location reporting, and audience phone calls, Ghostwatch could be called the British War of the Worlds, as it sparked a huge controversy at the time with viewers believing the movie to be real. It even reached the courts after one person committed suicide shortly after seeing the film. Lauded as one of the pioneers of the found footage genre, Ghostwatch can still be seen today outside its original television format. Stream Ghostwatch on Shudder.

12

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

Directed by Fran Rubel Kuzui

Written by Joss Whedon and directed by Fran Rubel Kuzui, Buffy the Vampire Slayer featured an all-star cast with the likes of Kristy Swanson, Donald Sutherland, Luke Perry, David Arquette, and Hilary Swank. A coming-of-age story, the film is about a high school cheerleader who learns she’s destined to be a vampire slayer. James Hayman was also attached as the film’s cinematographer, with his film and television credits stretching all the way from The Sopranos to House M.D.

The Start of Something Incredible

The script was heavily altered during filming by executives at 20th Century Fox, leading to Whedon (who had been serving in an advisory role) walking off the production. He’d go on to find tremendous success, though, later writing and executive producing the acclaimed television series of the same name, which in one episode featured a young Pedro Pascal. While the film does have its fans, it has been largely overshadowed by the TV series. For her part, Kuzui would go on to also serve as an executive producer on the show, as well as its spin-off, Angel. Buy or Rent Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Apple TV.

11

American Psycho (2000)

Directed by Mary Harron

An adaptation of the 1991 novel by Bret Easton Ellis, American Psycho was directed by Canadian filmmaker Mary Harron, and starred Christian Bale as serial killer/investment banker Patrick Bateman. Told via Bateman’s unreliable perspective, we’re given an intimate look at his life through the lens of dark comedy. Murder comes just as easily to him as making dinner reservations, and as his grip on reality starts to slip, so too does his slick veneer. Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, Samantha Mathis, and Josh Lucas co-star.

Now a Modern Classic

Polarizing to say the least, American Psycho had its fair share of critics back in the day, but the film has gone on to be remembered not only for Bale’s acting performance, but also for its themes of materialism, isolation, and monotony. It should also be noted that during pre-production, there was a kerfuffle that saw Harron dismissed from the film, with Oliver Stone being brought in to direct and Leonardo DiCaprio attached to star as Bateman. When their relationship fizzled due to creative differences, though, Harron was re-hired along with her choice of Bale in the lead role. Stream American Psycho on Hulu.

10

In My Skin (2002)

Directed by Marina de Van

In My Skin is a French body horror film that was not only written and directed by Marina de Van, but she also stars in the movie as Esther, a woman whose acts of self-mutilation get more gruesome as the story progresses. Laurent Lucas co-stars as Esther’s boyfriend, Vincent, who shares his concern over Esther’s escalating self-mutilation. Léa Drucker, Thibault de Montalembert, and Dominique Reymond play minor roles throughout.

A Chilling Examination of Disassociation

Though reviews are mixed for this one, there’s no denying that Marina de Van’s depiction of gore coupled with themes of body dysmorphia, disassociation, and the exploration of how an everyday occurrence can change a person’s life, make In My Skin a chilling and psychological film worth watching. The film is occasionally grouped in with other similarly graphic films in the New French Extremity movement, joining the likes of Martyrs and High Tension in using extreme violence to communicate its themes in an unconventional way. If you have the stomach for it, In My Skin is certainly a chilling experience. In My Skin is currently unavailable on streaming.

9

Pathogen (2006)

Directed by Emily Hagins

Written, directed, and produced independently by Emily Hagins (who was just 12 years old at the time), Pathogen tells the story of a group of middle-school students as they try and stop the spread of a waterborne disease that’s turning everyone around them into zombies. Rose Kent-McGlew, Alec Herskowitz, and Tiger Darrow make up the main cast.

An Impressive Debut

Shot in Austin, Texas, Pathogen made its premiere at the famed Alamo Drafthouse. With help from a grant from the Texas Filmmakers Production Fund, Hagins was able to replace equipment that had been stolen during filming in order to complete post-production on the movie. Since then, she has gone on to write and direct several more features, with her most recent work, Sorry About the Demon, being released as a Shudder Original in 2022. Buy or Rent Pathogen on Fandango At Home.

8

Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Directed by Karyn Kusama

Directed by Karyn Kusama, who would later go on to make The Invitation, and Destroyer starring Nicole Kidman, Jennifer’s Body was written by Diablo Cody and stars Megan Fox as a demonically possessed high school student that’s killing her classmates. Amanda Seyfried co-stars as Anita Lesnicki, Jennifer’s friend, who attempts to stop the ensuing madness by taking matters into her own hands. Adam Brody, Johnny Simmons, J.K. Simmons, Amy Sedaris, and Kyle Gallner are just a handful of additional names attached to the cast.

Now a Beloved Favorite

While Jennifer’s Body did have a lackluster performance at the box office, it has since become somewhat of a cult feminist favorite among fans for its themes of bisexuality, female empowerment, friendship, and revenge, as Megan Fox uses her body as a weapon against those who have wronged her. A graphic novel tie-in was also released by Boom! Studios before its premiere, expanding on the film’s universe. It’s also worth noting that 2024’s Lisa Frankenstein, also written by Diablo Cody, is set within the same universe as this cult classic. Buy or Rent Jennifer’s Body on Prime Video.

7

American Mary (2012)

Directed by Jen & Sylvia Soska

American Mary was the second film by Jen and Sylvia Soska, who also penned the screenplay for the film. Portrayed by Canadian actress Katharine Isabelle of Ginger Snaps fame, the movie follows Mary, a broke medical student who begins to do extreme body modifications on people as a way to make money. Antonio Cupo and Tristan Risk co-star, with the Soska sisters making a brief cameo appearance as a pair of twins from Berlin.

Accurate and Terrifying

Though criticized for its abrupt ending, American Mary garnered praise from body horror lovers for its effects and gore. Renowned flesh artist Russ Foxx was even hired as a consultant on the film to ensure its authenticity towards the body modification community. In December 2022, the Soska Sisters announced that they are developing the film as a television series. However, no further details have been given since then. Stream American Mary on The Roku Channel.

6

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)

Directed by Ana Lily Amirpour

Promoted as an Iranian vampire Western movie, A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night was written and directed by Ana Lily Amirpour and shot entirely in black and white. It takes place in “Bad City,” a fictional Iranian town, where the townsfolk are pursued by an elusive vampire woman known only as The Girl (Sheila Vand). Arash Marandi, Mozhan Marnò, Dominic Rains, and Marshall Manesh make up a majority of the main cast.

An Indie Success

Partially funded by an Indiegogo campaign, it made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews. Praised for its themes of drug addiction, isolation, and female agency, A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night was shot in just 24 days in southern California and received several awards for its originality. The film’s stylish cinematography combined with its soundtrack sets it apart from other vampire movies, and Amirpour has since written and directed The Bad Batch, as well as Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon, two more stylishly original movies that definitely make her one to watch in the genre. Stream A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night on Kanopy.

5

Goodnight Mommy (2014)

Co-directed by Veronika Franz

Directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, Goodnight Mommy tells the tale of two twin boys who suspect their mother isn’t who she appears to be after returning from facial surgery with her head wrapped in bandages. At least, that’s what you’re led to believe. Susanne Wuest stars as the titular mother, with Elias and Lukas Schwarz starring as her suspicious children.

Genuine Dread Throughout

Premiering at the 71st Venice International Film Festival, Goodnight Mommy offers engrossing performances, slow-building dread, and a nail-biting ending. Though selected as an entry for Best Foreign Film at the Academy Awards, it was ultimately not nominated. However, the National Board of Review did select it as one of The Top 5 Foreign Language Films of 2015. Franz and Fiala have since gone on to write and direct The Lodge, another unsettling psychological horror film. An American remake of Goodnight Mommy was released in 2022 as an Amazon Original, starring Naomi Watts. Stream Goodnight Mommy on Prime Video.

4

The Babadook (2014)

Directed by Jennifer Kent

Marking Jennifer Kent‘s feature debut as a director, The Babadook is an Australian horror film that portrays the fractured relationship between a widow and her son as they try and deal with a humanoid monster known as Mister Babadook. Essie Davis and Noah Wiseman co-star as the widow and son, respectively, with Hayley McElhinney, Daniel Henshall, Barbara West, and Ben Winspear making up the rest of the main cast.

A Universally-Praised Debut

Also written by Kent, The Babadook has received critical praise, with an approval rating of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. The late director of The Exorcist, William Friedkin, said on his X account that he’d never seen a more terrifying film. Since it’s release, The Babadook has gone on to be a favorite among the LGBTQ+ community, despite the omission of references to the culture in the movie. Still, some see the character as a gay icon for its over-the-top persona, costume, and the resulting effect it had on the family structure. For her part, Kent loves the idea of Mister Babadook being portrayed in such a light. Stream The Babadook on Shudder.

3

Tigers Are Not Afraid (2017)

Directed by Issa López

This Mexican film blending elements of crime, horror, fantasy, and magical realism was directed by Issa López and premiered in Austin, Texas at the annual Fantastic Fest. It has since gone on to rack up 51 awards at various film festivals around the globe. Tigers Are Not Afraid sees a young girl join a gang of street children after the disappearance of her mother, resulting in horrific events.

A Surprising Film With an Effective Young Cast

With themes of political corruption, violence, homelessness, and generational trauma, López commands outstanding performances from her young cast that doesn’t disappoint. Garnering praise from the likes of Guillermo Del Toro and Stephen King, Tigers Are Not Afraid is available to watch now as a Shudder Exclusive. Stream Tigers Are Not Afraid on Shudder.

2

Bingo Hell (2021)

Directed by Gigi Saul Guerrero

Also premiering at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas in 2021, Bingo Hell is directed by Gigi Saul Guerrero and sees a group of seniors trying to stop their favorite bingo hall from being sold to sinister forces. Adriana Barraza, L. Scott Caldwell, and Joshua Caleb Johnson make up the main cast, with a particularly menacing Richard Brake playing the role of Mr. Big. Shane McKenzie and Perry Blackshear co-wrote the film’s screenplay with Gigi Saul Guerrero.

A Better Blumhouse Film

As part of the Welcome to Blumhouse series of films, Bingo Hell was produced by the famed company as an Amazon Original, and is a fun ride combining themes of capitalism and gentrification that uses humor throughout to ease more of the tense elements. It’s easily one of the most enjoyable films from the Welcome to Blumhouse series. Guerrero has since been praised as a director to watch in the horror genre, and if Bingo Hell is any indication of her talents, then we’re in for some real treats. Stream Bingo Hell on Prime Video.

1

Huesera: The Bone Woman (2022)

Directed by Michelle Garza Cervera

Directed by Michelle Garza Cervera in her feature film debut, Huesera: The Bone Woman focuses on Valeria (Natalia Solián), who, after learning that she’s pregnant, begins to feel like something isn’t quite right. What follows is a descent into body horror and the occult that’s masterfully done. Alfonso Dosal, Mayra Batalla, Mercedes Hernández, Sonia Couoh, and Aida López make up the rest of the main cast.

Motherhood and Mexican Mythology

With a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this Spanish horror film features terrifying imagery combined with spine-tingling sound design that will make audiences cringe. Mixing Mexican mythology with fears of becoming a mother, Cervera brings something fresh to the genre while at the same time producing a film that draws on classics such as Rosemary’s Baby. Seeing as how this is her only feature thus far, it will be interesting to see where she goes next with Palizada, her next film production. Stream Huesera: The Bone Woman on Shudder.