This Women’s History Month, I want to recognize my Top 10 horror films spearheaded by women. In preparation for this post, I found I had to narrow my focus more than I anticipated. In the first draft of my list, I realized there are SO MANY great horror films starring women that I could not choose just ten with such broad criteria. Therefore, the films represented in this post are horror films with women in leading roles AND were directed and/or written by women.
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#10: Relic (2020)
This movie is not for everyone, but in my opinion the creators and performers did a wonderful job of translating a real-life horror (dementia) into a stirring horror experience.
#9: Ginger Snaps (2000)
This movie was a trailblazer for horror and cult films representing women’s life experiences through traditional horror movie tropes. Plus, it’s just a lot of fun.
#8: Raw (2016)
Julia Ducournau is steadily taking over the horror world with her boundary-breaking, wildly imaginative horror films. I am here for it (no matter how many times I gagged watching this one).
#7: Suspiria (1977)
Dance horror films have become their own unique sub-genre. This film co-written by Daria Nicolodi is one of the founding films that blended dance into a horror narrative.
#6: American Mary (2012)
This film tells the story of a smart young woman who uses her talent and ambition to start a small business; gotta love it.
#5: A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
A hypnotic black-and-white movie that features vampires, iconic makeup, AND a chubby cat?? A masterpiece.
#4: The Babadook (2014)
The Babadook was the first movie I watched that made me realize how horrors of everyday life can successfully be represented in a horror context. Grief, loneliness, depression, and resentment are some of the themes explored in this chilling story of a single mother battling a poltergeist that has invaded her life.
#3: The Company of Wolves (1984)
Based on the short story and eventual screenplay by Angela Carter, this movie blends horror and fairy tales in a nightmarish whirl of storytelling.
#2: Jennifer’s Body (2009)
All hail Diablo Cody, Karyn Kusama, and the entire underrated, feminist camp masterpiece that is this film.
#1: The Love Witch (2016)
The Love Witch is not just a horror film written by, directed by, and starring women: it celebrates women in general. From its dark satire to its colorful production design and costumes, this film is a bouquet of many things I love about horror films.
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To discover more horror and cult films directed by women, check out this post.
Until next time,
Jordan
By Night 