Are you in the mood for a good horror movie? Then we have exactly what you need. We show you 5 strong horror films directed by women.
While women have made a name for themselves in various genres, they remain underrepresented as directors. According to womendandhollywood.com, from 2007 to 2021, only 5.4% of directors in Hollywood were women. The percentage of female directors was 4.5% in 2018 and 12.7% in 2021.
For this reason, we would like to introduce you to female directors who have created strong horror films.
How was the list created? All the films have an IMDb rating of at least 6.6, and each is directed by a woman. Most titles are currently available on streaming services – but keep in mind that availability may change over time. Our order in the post is random and has no meaning. These are horror films and thrillers with horror elements.
One movie that didn’t make the list but is also by a female director is Bodies Bodies Bodies. It belongs to the films that make you wonder what you actually saw.
American Psycho (2000)
Original title: American Psycho
Director: Mary Harron (Alias Grace – Miniseries)
Streaming service: currently available to rent (3.99 €) / buy (7.99 €) on Amazon Prime
American Psycho is set in the late 1980s and follows wealthy investment banker Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), who chases an ideal of beauty and wants to belong to the elite. Bateman tries to hide his psychopathic tendencies from his friends and colleagues, while becoming more deeply immersed in his fantasies.
The film boasts a rating of 6.7/10 based on over 690,000 ratings on IMDb.
Fun fact: During filming of American Psycho, Christian Bale spoke with an American accent. When he later spoke in his British accent at a party, many crew members thought he was using that accent for another film. They had believed him to be American throughout filming (via IMDb).
Originally, Leonardo DiCaprio was planned for the role of Patrick Bateman, but the director did not see him in that role. You can find out more with our colleagues at Moviepilot.
Fear Street – Part 2: 1978 (2021)
Original title: Fear Street Part Two: 1978
Director: Leigh Janiak (Scream – Series; Outcast – Series)
Streaming service: Netflix
The three “Fear Street” films are based on the book series of the same name by R. L. Stine. They were released sequentially in July 2021, with a one-week interval, on Netflix. The setting of Fear Street – Part 2 is the summer camp Nightwing. There, two rival groups of teenagers must confront the terrors from the history of their towns that come back to life.
Although the first part of the series has a rating of 6.2/10 from over 91,000 ratings, it would not normally appear on the list. However, since the second film has the highest rating of the series at 6.7/10 with around 74,000 ratings (via IMDb), we have included it in representation for the “Fear Street” films. Fear Street – Part 3: 1966 has a rating of 6.6 with approximately 61,668 ratings.
Fun fact: The “Fear Street” films bear similarities to Stranger Things, including the combination of coming-of-age aspects with horror elements and nostalgic glimpses into past decades of pop culture. You can read more exciting facts about Fear Street with our colleagues at Moviepilot.
Fresh (2022)
Original title: Fresh
Director: Mimi Cave
Streaming service: Disney+
The thriller with comedic elements revolves around Noa, who is frustrated with boring dates with men she meets online. When she meets the awkward, charming Steve at the grocery store, she gathers her courage and gives him her number. Despite her best friend’s concerns, Noa decides to spend a weekend with Steve, during which she learns more about his cannibalistic passion.
The film has a rating of 6.7/10 based on over 70,000 ratings on IMDb.
Fun fact: Steve is played by a Marvel star (via Moviepilot). Fresh also made it onto the list of the best horror films on Moviepilot in 2022 and is the directorial debut of Mimi Cave.
You can find two more strong horror films on the next page.
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