Wishing all of our Daily Dead readers a very Happy New Year celebration and the absolute best in 2025! Prepping for my year-end list, I read through our Daily Dead archives and couldn’t believe that our “Favorites” series has been going strong since 2013. Time is funny, especially since the pandemic, and everything feels both “not too long ago” and “ages ago” at the same time.
The past few years have had their share of ups and downs, including some significant family loss, but the winter of 2023 was especially challenging, and it marked the first year I didn’t put together my favorites, but I’m thrilled to be back with my favorites this year. Although 2024 presented its own set of challenges (but really, what year doesn’t?), I’m feeling more energized and hopeful than I have in a while as I close out this year and look toward 2025.
In no small part, much of this renewed energy is thanks to the incredible support I’ve received from the Daily Dead team and our readers. You’ve all been amazing, and, this year, I’ve felt recharged to write, spotlight the best in horror, and highlight new voices in the genre. 2024 has been an outstanding year for horror, and our favorites are a bit different from a traditional “Best Of” list, so they can include anything from movies and shows to collectibles and events.
In short, we’re sharing a list of our favorite horror experiences from 2024. Don’t forget to check back for more favorites from the Daily Dead team throughout the week!
THE SUBSTANCE
Of all the movies I’ve seen in theaters, The Substance may top the list of films I’m amazed made it to the big screen intact, and that’s saying a lot considering that Terrifier 3 was released this year. I saw Terrifier 3 with a packed theater, and no one left, but multiple people couldn’t handle The Substance at my screening and walked out.
The Substance reportedly faced a number of creative hurdles, but I’m incredibly thankful that Coralie Fargeat stuck to her vision and Mubi stepped up to release this truly outstanding film. Stylish, confident, and featuring killer performances from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, The Substance never overstays its welcome, even with a 2-hour and 20-minute run time.
Coralie Fargeat’s commitment to ramping up the film’s body horror, culminating in an astonishing, practical FX-laden finale, should be celebrated, and is sure to inspire a new wave of horror creators.
Naomi Scott in SMILE 2
Smile 2 was an anomaly for me: I left the theater not loving the film, but like the film’s malevolent entity, it kept festering in my mind and eventually won me over. I can’t stop thinking about it.
It’s all thanks to a powerhouse performance from Naomi Scott, who transforms into pop star Skye Riley, who is put through an increasingly torturous series of reality-bending events. My minor qualms with the story aside, there’s no denying that Naomi Scott is a talented, hard-working performer who goes above and beyond for this film, including singing all of the movie’s songs.
Of course, credit also goes to writer / director Parker Finn for defying sequel expectations and creating a movie that stands on its own as an excellent, terrifying film. Going with Skye Riley may have seemed like a bit of a gamble from the outside, but he wrote a captivating, complex character that surpassed his efforts in the original. I’m dying to know what he has in store for us in Smile 3.
If you’ve been listening to our podcast, you already know that The Skye Riley EP has been a frequent listen for me over the past few months. If you haven’t heard it yet, make sure to check it out immediately, as it easily contains some of this year’s best pop songs. And in a year of great pop music, that’s really saying something.
Spiders at THE OVERLOOK FILM FESTIVAL
If I’m putting together a favorites list, Overlook is always going to be on it, and for good reason. I absolutely love my time at The Overlook Film Festival, and this year was no exception. From seeing the latest and greatest horror films, like Abigail, to hanging out with Derek and other friends from the fest, to sponsoring trivia once again, it was another unforgettable year!
Oh… and this happened:
Every year, The Overlook Film Festival gives me unforgettable experiences outside of the films themselves. Sometimes, it’s an incredible immersive experience, or in other years, it’s a chance to have spiders put on your face! This unforgettable moment was in support of Infested, directed by Sébastien Vaniček, which was another one of my favorite films this year. Make sure to check out the creepy crawly horror film if you haven’t yet. You’ll be squirming the whole way through!
Landon Zakheim and Michael Lerman have created something truly special with The Overlook Film Festival, and it remains my favorite horror event of the year. I can’t wait to see everyone in 2025!
EXUMA
A fresh breath of supernatural air, Exuma is the movie I’ve recommended the most this year. This South Korean horror film has been under the radar for many, but for those looking for something new, this is it. The story blends occult practices from different cultures while putting its own deadly spin on the material. Writer/director Jang Jae-hyun commands a stellar cast, with characters you care about and scares that might have you thinking twice about where and how you’re buried. I’m intentionally not spoiling anything here and I recommend that you go into this film knowing as little as possible.
I know it’s easy to move on to the next new film, but make sure Exuma doesn’t get left behind on your to-watch list.
BALDUR’S GATE 3
If you played this during early access, you might be questioning its inclusion on this list. But remember… these are my favorite experiences of 2024, and I can’t talk about them without bringing up Baldur’s Gate 3.
The original Baldur’s Gate and its sequel are among the best RPGs ever made, so Larian Studios had a lot to live up to. I’m impressed and thrilled to say that Larian not only matched RPG greats, but surpassed BioWare’s original classics.
Baldur’s Gate 3 will go down as one of the best RPGs ever made, and there’s no shortage of horror: from a vampire companion to witch quests, demonic possession, and much more, horror fans will find a lot to love here. This game offers an unparalleled number of options that provide a nearly unique experience for each player. More and more these days, games feel padded, but after playing 100 hours and completing Baldur’s Gate 3 main story, I wasn’t ready to leave the world they created.
TERRIFIER 3
For those that know me well, it might be a surprise how much I’ve come to love the Terrifier films, but I’ve especially enjoyed Terrifier 2 and 3, along with the fandom behind them. It’s been disheartening that Freddy and Jason have been sitting on the shelf for so long that this generation of teens haven’t really had a slasher film series to rally behind. But that’s all changed, thanks to Art and the Terrifier movies. From Terrifier merch to sold-out screenings, fan art, and Halloween costumes, it’s really cool to see how much horror fans have gotten into this series.
This generation’s Freddy Krueger, Art the Clown is as deadly, funny, and creative as ever in the latest film. I also have to give a special shout-out to Samantha Scaffidi as Victoria, who gives a different, but equally disturbing performance. As someone who loves the supernatural aspects of these films, it’s been exciting to see the world’s mythology and roster of characters continue to expand. Of course, Lauren LaVera is excellent again as Sienna Shaw, one of my favorite modern horror heroes. LaVera plays Shaw with a physicality we don’t often see in these types of films, and I’m very excited to see where Damien Leone is taking these characters.
The passion that Leone has poured into these films has radiated to the cast, crew, and fans, and it’s been incredible to watch the journey that these films have taken. I’m very happy for the success of the film and the fandom behind the series, and I can’t wait for Terrifier 4!
Comic Books!!
No surprise here, given how many comic books we cover on Daily Dead, but I don’t think you realize just how many comic books I read every week 🙂
This year has been especially great! I found a new-ish local comic book shop that’s become my weekly highlight, and I’m always excited to pick up new titles every Wednesday.
There have been so many great releases, and please look through our Daily Dead archives for more, but here’s just a small list of what stood out for me: Batman: City of Madness (Hardcover), Count Crowley Volume 3: Mediocre Midnight Monster Hunter, DC Horror Presents, the X-Men re-launch, the return of EC Comics, DC’s All-In, Creature Commandos, Invasive, Hello Darkness, Transformers, The Last Wardens, Spectregraph, Groupies, and Come Find Me. I’ve also caught up on some manga (with more to come), including Chainsaw Man, Spy x Family, Dandadan (the anime has been great!), and more from Junji Ito.
NOSFERATU & ABIGAIL
Two films that couldn’t be more different, but both scratched the vampire itch for me in distinct ways.
Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin strike the perfect horror-comedy balance in Abigail, allowing for fun and laughs while delivering a hard-R blood-soaked vampire movie that’s still scary where it counts. The casting here was spot-on, with everyone getting a chance to shine.
And then there’s Nosferatu, which reminds horror fans why vampires are something to be feared. Pulling from folklore rather than romanticized versions of the vampire we frequently get in movies, TV, and books, Robert Eggers puts a new spin on a classic tale. Gorgeous sets, excellent performances, and top-notch practical work make this an all-time great vampire movie. Yes, we’ve seen similar stories, but we’ve never seen it done like this.
Physical Media
In many ways, there have been challenges with the state of physical media and restorations in 2024, with places like Best Buy stopping physical media sales altogether, and larger companies are increasingly turning to AI for their restorations.
And that’s what makes specialty media companies so important, so necessary, and so special. The individuals behind these labels are working tirelessly every day to preserve films, and to bring horror fans the very best presentation and special features. These companies are truly heroes saving these and the art of film preservation for future generations. A huge thank you to Severin, Vinegar Syndrome, Arrow, Kino, Terror Vision, Deaf Crocodile, Indicator, Scream Factory, and others for incredible releases this year! These companies deserve all of our praise and support.
I picked up a lot of new releases, but some of the standout include: All The Haunts Be Ours Vol 2, The Coffin Joe Box Set, Conan 4K UHD, Trick or Treat 4K UHD, Gorgo, Cemetery Man, Opera, Danza Macabra.
LONGLEGS
What I love about this generation of horror is the variety. It’s not like past decades, when studios were just chasing the hottest horror wave, be it slashers or zombies. There’s truly something for everyone, and Longlegs really scratched the itch for me when it comes to hypnotic, Satanic horror. Oz Perkins approaches this film with such vision and intention, from the title card to the dialogue, hidden devils, choices in camera placement, and even the closing credits. It’s an expertly crafted film, with great performances from every single cast member, including Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Alicia Witt, Blair Underwood, and Kiernan Shipka. There were a lot of great films this year, but I haven’t been able to shake Longlegs.
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It was such an excellent year of horror that I anticipate our Daily Dead team and readers may have vastly different lists. Other really strong releases for me include: Heretic, Trap, Late Night with the Devil (I saw it in 2023), The Coffee Table, Chucky, and Cuckoo. What are some of your favorites? Tag us on social media and let us know, and be sure to check back all week for favorites from the Daily Dead team!
