21 Must-Watch New 2024 Horror Movies for This Holiday Weekend

Keeping up with the array of movies hitting theaters and streaming platforms can be overwhelming. For many Americans, the Fourth of July offers a perfect opportunity to unwind and catch up on some of those missed films. If horror is your genre of choice, here is an updated guide featuring some noteworthy horror movies from the past six months and where you can find them for home viewing.

The Strangers: Chapter 1 is the inaugural film in a new trilogy based on Bryan Bertino’s 2008 home invasion slasher. Starring Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez, it tells the harrowing tale of a couple tormented by three ruthless strangers in a secluded cabin. Notably, despite its commercial success, it has garnered poor reviews. You can currently rent it for $19.99 or purchase it for $24.99. Its sequel, Chapter 2, is expected later this year.

Another notable release is Night Swim, a Blumhouse production that centers on a family dealing with a haunted swimming pool. Currently streaming on Peacock, it’s available to subscribers at no extra cost. However, it’s been received as rather mediocre and might not be worth an additional payment for non-subscribers.

Abigail, one of this year’s standout horror comedies, comes from the Radio Silence duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. With a star-studded cast including Melissa Barrera, Kathryn Newton, Dan Stevens, and Giancarlo Esposito, it’s a must-watch for genre enthusiasts. Although it’s not yet available for streaming, you can rent or buy it on demand for $19.99, a purchase that’s well worth the expense.

Blumhouse also brings Imaginary, featuring a haunted/evil teddy bear. It’s now available to rent for $5.99 or buy for $14.99.

The First Omen, my personal favorite so far this year, serves as a prequel to the iconic Omen franchise. With a stellar performance by Nell Tiger Free, the film revolves around a nun entangled with a demonic conspiracy in Rome. Directed by Arkasha Stevenson, it stands out for its directorial prowess and intense brutality. You can now watch it on Hulu or purchase it digitally for $19.99.

The Watchers, released on June 7, is another recent addition. Though it left me underwhelmed, it’s already available to rent or buy on demand. The film marks the directorial debut of Ishana Night Shyamalan and follows the premise of the book by A.M. Shine. It’s priced at $19.99 to rent or $24.99 to buy.

Despite mixed reviews, Tarot has turned out to be one of the year’s top-grossing horror films. It’s a good option for a family scary movie night, offering PG-13 scares as it follows a group of friends who unlock the sinister secrets of an ancient Tarot deck. Available to rent or buy for $9.99.

I Saw the TV Glow stands as another excellent horror film this year. Directed by Jane Schoenbrun, it stars Justice Smith as Owen, a teenager who discovers a supernatural world through a late-night TV show. This film is available for rent at $19.99 or for purchase at $24.99.

For those interested in revisiting previous hits, it might be a good time with MaXXXine in theaters. X is available on Paramount+ with Showtime, and Pearl can be streamed on Prime Video. In anticipation of Terrifier 3’s October release, Terrifier and Terrifier 2 are streaming on Peacock and Tubi.

Shudder continues to expand its horror library, featuring several new films. Arcadian, starring Nicolas Cage, debuts on July 12, followed by Caitlin Cronenberg’s Humane on July 26. Another anticipated title, In a Violent Nature, will also be available on the platform later this year.