Modern horror is in the midst of a renaissance as the inherent potential of the genre is realized in ways never before possible. The contribution that women are making to the continued success and evolution of horror is unparalleled.
With a few notable exceptions, female directors have long been conspicuously missing from the horror genre. This finally began shifting in the early 2010s.
Here are the best horror movies directed by women.
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Tigers Are Not Afraid (2017)
7.9
DIRECTOR: Issa López
A group of orphaned children, armed with three magical wishes, fight to escape from the ghosts that haunt them and the drug cartel that murdered their parents.
Female Director
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
7.7
DIRECTOR: Ana Lily Amirpour
Residents of a worn-down Iranian city encounter a skateboarding vampire who preys on men who disrespect women.
Female Director Vampires
Near Dark (1987)
7.7
DIRECTOR: Kathryn Bigelow
After meeting at a bar, Caleb and Mae’s relationship gets complicated when she turns out to be a vampire and bites him on the neck.
Female Director Vampires
The Babadook (2014)
7.7
DIRECTOR: Jennifer Kent
When a disturbing storybook turns up, Amelia is forced to battle her son’s profound fear of a monster — and soon discovers a sinister presence all around her.
Female Director Queer
American Psycho (2000)
7.6
DIRECTOR: Mary Harron
Fan Favorite Female Director New York Serial Killer
M.F.A. (2017)
7.2
DIRECTOR: Natalia Leite
The accidental death of her rapist sets an art student on a course for justice, fueling the inspiration for her thesis exhibition.
Fan Favorite Female Director
Saint Maud (2019)
7.2
DIRECTOR: Rose Glass
A newly devout hospice nurse becomes obsessed with saving her dying patient’s soul — but sinister forces threaten to put an end to her holy calling.
Female Director
The Invitation (2015)
7.2
DIRECTOR: Karyn Kusama
While attending a dinner party at his former house, a man starts to believe that his ex-wife and her new husband have sinister plans for their guests.
Female Director
Radius (2017)
7.1
DIRECTOR: Caroline Labrèche / Steeve Léonard
A man wakes up with no memory of who he is and finds that everyone who comes within a certain distance of him suddenly dies.
Cosmic Female Director
Did we miss something? Don’t be afraid to contact us if you have any additional movie recommendations (or feedback on any of ours).