Best LGBTQ Horror Movies

Best LGBTQ Horror Movies

Horror cinema has always intertwined with queer narratives, even before the Hays Code’s strictures tried to erase homosexuality from Hollywood’s silver screen. Pioneering director James Whale, an openly gay man, laid the groundwork for American genre cinema with classics like Frankenstein and The Invisible Man, crafting horror in his own image and achieving remarkable commercial success, even as some sought to scrub queerness from Hollywood’s narrative.

Over the past century, as America emerged as a horror film powerhouse, the genre has become a sanctuary for those on the fringes, the marginalized, those deemed monstrous by self-proclaimed moral arbiters, finding kinship with the “villains” in tales like Dracula’s Daughter. Occasionally, queer characters emerged as heroes, like Theo in The Haunting, but it wasn’t until the demise of the Hays Code in the late 1960s that non-heteronormative sexuality began to be more openly depicted (though not always positively, as seen in the 1970s lesbian vampire films).

The 1980s saw the Moral Majority’s influence collide with the AIDS crisis, leading to a surge in stylish, sexualized horror like The Hunger and Hellraiser. The dawn of the new millennium brought with it the rise of indie cinema and the New Queer Cinema movement, with films like May and Ginger Snaps offering a fresh take on the genre, diverging from the polished mainstream slashers of the era.

Exploring the Depths of Horror : A Comprehensive Look at Iconic LGBTQ Horror Films

The realm of horror cinema has always captivated audiences with its ability to delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche, presenting stories that both terrify and fascinate. This article offers an in-depth exploration of some of the most iconic horror films, ranging from the classic era of the 1930s to the innovative approaches of the 21st century.

Dracula’s Daughter (1936) : A Gothic Continuation

“Dracula’s Daughter,” a sequel to the legendary “Dracula,” stands out as a unique continuation of the Universal horror mythos. Directed by Lambert Hillyer, the film stars Gloria Holden in the titular role, bringing a haunting and ethereal presence that sets it apart from its predecessor. Despite criticisms of its talky script and mild atmosphere, the film extends the Dracula legacy in a fascinating direction, exploring themes of identity and the supernatural.

The Haunting (1963) : A Psychological and Supernatural Blend

Directed by Robert Wise, “The Haunting” is a masterpiece that intertwines psychological and supernatural elements. This film, starring Julie Harris and Claire Bloom, is set in the ominous Hill House. Its chilling character study approach, combined with innovative cinematography, creates an atmosphere of unrelenting suspense, making it a seminal work in the horror genre.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ3UuryHbOQ

Night Warning (1981) : A Tense and Obsessive Thriller

“Night Warning,” directed by William Asher, is a gripping thriller that delves into themes of obsession and murder. Starring Susan Tyrrell and Jimmy McNichol, the film presents a disturbing narrative of a woman’s controlling nature over her nephew, a high school basketball player. This film stands out for its intense storytelling and psychological depth.

The Hunger (1983) : A Stylish Vampire Tale

Tony Scott’s “The Hunger,” featuring Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, and Susan Sarandon, is a visually stunning vampire thriller. Although criticized for its style-over-substance approach, the film is celebrated for its unique take on vampire lore, eroticism, and its exploration of themes like immortality and desire.

The Haunting of Hamilton High (1987) : A Supernatural Revenge Story

Bruce Pittman’s “The Haunting of Hamilton High” brings a supernatural twist to the revenge narrative. The film revolves around the vengeful spirit of promiscuous teen Mary Lou Maloney, portrayed by Lisa Schrage. It combines elements of the supernatural with the high school setting, offering a unique take on the horror genre.

Sleepaway Camp 2 : Unhappy Campers (1988) : A Campy Horror Sequel

Michael A. Simpson’s “Sleepaway Camp 2: Unhappy Campers” is a sequel that mixes horror with dark humor. Starring Pamela Springsteen, the film follows Angela Baker, a psychotic transsexual, who becomes a counselor at a summer camp. This film is known for its campy tone and subversion of typical slasher tropes.

Hellraiser (1987) : A Dark and Twisted Tale

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMiunjFHANY&list=TLPQMjkxMTIwMjMOxo7aFxuiow&index=4

Clive Barker’s “Hellraiser” is a groundbreaking film in the horror genre. It introduces a new level of gore and dark fantasy, centered around the character of Frank, who opens a portal to hell. The film is praised for its originality, disturbing imagery, and the introduction of the iconic character Pinhead.

The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999) : A Supernatural Teen Drama

Katt Shea’s “The Rage: Carrie 2” revisits the world of Stephen King’s “Carrie.” The film focuses on Rachel Lang, played by Emily Bergl, who discovers her telekinetic powers after a tragic event. While it attempts to mimic the arc of the original story, it is often criticized for not adding anything new to the genre.

Ginger Snaps (2000) : A Unique Werewolf Movie

“Ginger Snaps,” directed by John Fawcett, stands out in the werewolf sub-genre. It tells the story of two sisters, Ginger and Brigitte, played by Katharine Isabelle and Emily Perkins, who must deal with Ginger’s transformation into a werewolf. The film is lauded for its strong female cast, biting satire of teenage life, and its fresh take on the werewolf mythology.

May (2002) : A Distinctive Slasher Film

Lucky McKee’s “May” is an above-average slasher flick with a unique protagonist. Angela Bettis stars as May, a young woman struggling with social awkwardness and a traumatic past. The film is known for its character-driven narrative and its blend of horror and psychological drama.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x0zCqvOPv0

Seed of Chucky (2004) : A Blend of Horror and Comedy

Don Mancini’s “Seed of Chucky” brings a comedic twist to the Chucky franchise. This installment focuses on Chucky’s child, Glen, voiced by Billy Boyd, and the return of Jennifer Tilly. The film is recognized for embracing the absurdity of the franchise, though it has been criticized for its lack of genuine humor or entertainment.

The Covenant (2006) : A Teen Supernatural Drama

Renny Harlin’s “The Covenant” combines elements of teen drama with supernatural themes. Set in the 17th century, it follows the story of five families with supernatural powers. Despite its attractive cast and supernatural elements, the film is often criticized for its wooden acting and lack of suspense.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_5Ahe8C1EQ

Let the Right One In (2008) : A Refreshing Vampire Story

Tomas Alfredson’s “Let the Right One In” is a Swedish film that reinvigorates the vampire genre. The story revolves around the relationship between a bullied boy, Oskar, and his mysterious neighbor, Eli, who happens to be a vampire. The film is praised for its haunting atmosphere, intelligent storytelling, and the delicate handling of its themes.

Otto; or Up with Dead People (2008) : A Provocative Zombie Film

Bruce La Bruce’s “Otto; or Up with Dead People” is a unique entry in the zombie genre. The film follows a gay zombie who becomes involved in a horror film. It’s known for its provocative content and experimental style, though it has been criticized for not fully realizing its potential.

Jennifer’s Body (2009) : A Horror-Comedy with a Twist

Directed by Karyn Kusama, “Jennifer’s Body” stars Megan Fox as a high-school cheerleader who becomes possessed by a demon. The film is noted for its clever dialogue and unique take on the horror-comedy genre, though it struggles to consistently deliver on its premise.

All Cheerleaders Die (2013) : A Subversive Horror Comedy

“All Cheerleaders Die,” co-directed by Lucky McKee and Chris Sivertson, aims to subvert typical horror tropes. The story follows a group of cheerleaders seeking revenge against the captain of the football team. Despite its ambitions, the film is often criticized for falling into the same cliches it attempts to mock.

Stranger by the Lake (2013) : A Dark and Erotic Thriller

Alain Guiraudie’s “Stranger by the Lake” is a French film that combines eroticism with a dark narrative. The story centers on Franck, who falls in love with a dangerous man he meets at a cruising spot. The film is celebrated for its smart, dark humor and its thought-provoking drama.

Lyle (2014) : A Psychological Horror

Stewart Thorndike’s “Lyle” presents a psychological horror story centered on a mother’s grief. Starring Gaby Hoffmann, the film explores themes of paranoia and maternal instinct in a haunting and effective manner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jbZ7tFULgY

Raw (2016) : A Deeply Symbolic Horror Film

Julia Ducournau’s “Raw” is a French-Belgian horror film that stands out for its visceral and provocative content. The story follows a vegetarian veterinary student who develops a craving for flesh. The film is known for its lurid violence, sexuality, and deep symbolism.

Blue My Mind (2017) : A Coming-of-Age Horror Drama

Lisa Brühlmann’s “Blue My Mind” is a Swiss film that explores the transformation of a teenage girl in a unique and unsettling way. The film is praised for its strong performances and its ability to transcend clunky moments with its fully realized characters.

Rift (2017) : A Haunting Gay Romance

Erlingur Thoroddsen’s “Rift” is an Icelandic film that combines elements of horror with a gay romance. The story revolves around two men haunted by their past relationship. The film is known for its atmospheric tension and emotional depth.

Thelma (2017) : A Supernatural Thriller with a Twist

Joachim Trier’s “Thelma” is a Norwegian film that offers a fresh take on the supernatural thriller genre. The story follows a college student who discovers she has frightening powers. The film is celebrated for its unexpected genre twists and thought-provoking narrative.

What Keeps You Alive (2018) : A Tense Survival Thriller

Colin Minihan’s “What Keeps You Alive” presents a survival thriller that is both smart and stylish. The film revolves around a couple’s anniversary celebration that takes a dark turn. It is praised for its well-acted and engrossing narrative.

The Wild Boys (2017) : A Visually Striking Adventure

Bertrand Mandico’s “The Wild Boys” is a French film known for its ambitious and visually distinctive style. The story, set in the early 20th century, follows five children who commit a savage crime. The film impresses with its breadth of ambitions and its triumphant realization.

Good Manners (2017) : A Unique Look at Female Relationships

Juliana Rojas and Marco Dutra’s “Good Manners” is a Brazilian film that juggles disparate tonal shifts while exploring female relationships. The film is known for its smart and sensitive approach to its themes.

Suspiria (2018) : A Bold and Confrontational Remake

Luca Guadagnino’s “Suspiria,” a remake of the 1977 classic, is a film that dares to be different. Starring Dakota Johnson and Tilda Swinton, the film is known for its heady themes, garish vigor, and confrontational approach.

Climax (2018) : A Technically Brilliant Dance Horror

Gaspar Noé’s “Climax” is a French film that stands out for its technical brilliance and distinctive visuals. The story follows a dance troupe’s rehearsal that descends into chaos. The film is celebrated for its challenging and rewarding nature.

Knife + Heart (2018) : A Giallo-Inspired Cinematic Experience

Directed by Yann Gonzalez, “Knife + Heart” is a film that stands out for its bold narrative and stylish execution. Set in 1979 Paris, the film follows Anne, a producer of gay porn, who finds herself embroiled in a mysterious and dangerous situation. Starring Vanessa Paradis, Nicolas Maury, Kate Moran, and Jonathan Genet, the film is a homage to the Italian Giallo genre. It combines elements of horror, mystery, and eroticism, creating a unique and visually striking experience. The film’s ability to handle complex themes with a stylish flair is noteworthy, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

BIT (2019) : A New Take on Vampire Lore

“BIT” is a refreshing addition to the vampire genre, directed by Brad Michael Elmore. The film introduces a transgender teenage girl who encounters a group of queer feminist vampires. Starring Nicole Maines, M.C. Gainey, Diana Hopper, and James Paxton, “BIT” offers a modern twist on vampire tales with its inclusive and progressive approach. The film’s exploration of identity, empowerment, and survival within the vampire narrative framework makes it a significant film in contemporary horror cinema.

The Perfection (2018) : A Sinister Musical Thriller

Directed by Richard Shepard, “The Perfection” is a film that combines the elegance of music with the darkness of psychological horror. Starring Allison Williams and Logan Browning, the film revolves around a troubled musical prodigy and a new star pupil who embark on a disturbing journey. The film is known for its unexpected twists and sharp wit, making it a gripping watch. The performances of Williams and Browning are particularly compelling, adding depth to this twisted thriller.

Freaky (2020) : A Genre-Bending Horror Comedy

Christopher Landon’s “Freaky” offers a unique blend of slasher horror and comedy with a gender-bending twist. The film follows Millie Kessler, played by Kathryn Newton, a high school student who swaps bodies with a deranged serial killer, played by Vince Vaughn. “Freaky” is celebrated for its clever script, engaging performances, and genre-mixing antics. It’s a film that provides both scares and laughs, making it a standout in the horror-comedy genre.

Titane (2021) : A Provocative and Original Vision

Julia Ducournau’s “Titane” is a film that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. This French thriller is known for its provocative narrative and originality. The story revolves around a woman with a titanium plate in her head and her bizarre journey, blending elements of body horror and emotional depth. Starring Agathe Rousselle and Vincent Lindon, “Titane” is a testament to Ducournau’s unique vision and is a must-watch for those seeking a truly different cinematic experience.

Fear Street Part Three : 1666 (2021): A Triumphant Conclusion to the Slasher Series

The final installment of the “Fear Street” trilogy, directed by Leigh Janiak, “Fear Street Part Three: 1666” concludes the series on a high note. The film takes the audience back to the origins of the curse of Sarah Fier, tying together the events of the previous films. With a cast including Kiana Madeira, Ashley Zukerman, Gillian Jacobs, and Olivia Welch, the film is a satisfying conclusion to