It’s probably no surprise that I wanted to post this for Women In Horror Month. However, it took me a very long time to complete, so I’m posting it for you guys now instead! Today, I’m sharing my top 10 favorite horror films that were directed by women! These movies left a hell of an impact on me and I wanted to dedicate this post to the women who brought these films to life for us. I hope you enjoy and let me know your favorite female horror movie director!!

10. Woman Of The Hour

Directed By: Anna Kendrick

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): Sheryl Bradshaw, a single woman looking for a suitor on a hit 1970s TV show, chooses charming bachelor Rodney Alcala, unaware that, behind the man’s gentle facade, he hides a dirty secret.

I know, it’s definitely debatable on whether or not to consider this a horror film. I chose to include it because I think it did a wonderful job at showing the real life horrors of what a deranged and manipulative man is capable of. This is such a suspenseful tale and the fact that this was based on a true story is just insane. Anna Kendrick did a wonderful job at telling this story and adding the feminist touch that it needed. The fact that she accepted no profit from this film and donated everything to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network and the National Center for Victims of Violent Crime really earned my respect. It shows she cared about sharing the story, not exploiting anyone for profit.

9. See No Evil 2

Directed By: Jen & Sylvia Soska

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): An undertaker’s birthday party is interrupted when Jacob Goodnight rises from the dead and proceeds to terrorize her and her friends.

I’ll admit that the first film was not a favorite. I watched it just 2 times and that was good enough for me. When I heard that Jen and Sylvia Soska were directing the sequel, I was very curious to see where they took the story. I’m very happy I gave it a shot because I ended up liking it SO much more! I love the characters and the chemistry between them all. This was a very tense and brutal film. I think they did a great job making this sequel 8 years after the original. The setting was perfect and the kills were unforgettable. This is undoubtedly one of my favorite modern slashers!

8. The First Omen

Directed By: Arkasha Stevenson

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A young American woman is sent to Rome to begin a life of service to the church, but encounters a darkness that causes her to question her faith and uncovers a terrifying conspiracy that hopes to bring about the birth of evil incarnate.

This was an origin story I definitely wasn’t expecting to fall in love with. One thing I fell in love with right off the bat was the stunning visuals. This film brought such disturbing imagery that stuck with me for days. I love how this extended the story of The Omen in a way that didn’t change the lore too much. It’s one of my new favorite religious horror movies!

7. Jennifer’s Body

Directed By: Karyn Kusama

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A newly-possessed high-school cheerleader turns into a succubus who specializes in killing her male classmates. Can her best friend put an end to the horror?

This is such a great high school horror film. I love all the characters and I love how random the dialogue is. Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried were fantastic in their roles and they played off of each other so well. Plus, the soundtrack pairs so well with the film, each song fit perfectly, especially the one completely made up for it. This is an original and fun horror film that doesn’t take itself too seriously!

6. Don’t Worry Darling

Directed By: Olivia Wilde

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): While her husband leaves home every day to work in a top secret facility, a young 1950s housewife begins to question her life when she notices strange behavior from the other wives in the neighborhood.

Ok, I know the drama behind this movie was crazy but I still can’t help but love the movie itself. It’s a very trippy experience that’s become one of my go-tos. Florence Pugh was amazing in this film, as usual and I gotta say that Harry Styles also did a great job. It’s a great commentary on control, manipulation, and not believing everything you’re seeing. It will always be a favorite of mine!

5. Candyman 2021

Directed By: Nia DaCosta

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): Anthony, a struggling artist and his girlfriend move into a loft in the now gentrified Cabrini Green. A chance encounter with an old-timer exposes Anthony to the true story behind the legendary Candyman. Anxious to use these macabre details in his studio as fresh grist for paintings, he unknowingly opens a door to a complex past that unravels his own sanity and unleashes a terrifying wave of violence.

This was a FANTASTIC installment to the Candyman franchise! It brought back some familiar faces and also gave us something fresh and exciting. The kill scenes are ruthless and as gory as ever! I love how the filmmakers expanded the legend of Candyman and brought more light to the real life injustices. They truly did this sequel right!

4. The Substance

Directed By: Coralie Fargeat

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A fading celebrity takes a black-market drug: a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.

This was one of the best and most original body horror films I have ever seen! This was a great commentary on the pressures women STILL face in society. The downward spiral throughout the film was executed perfectly and I love how the ending was basically a middle finger to that society. It was bloody, horrifying, and just plain amazing!

3. Pet Sematary 1989

Directed By: Mary Lambert

Synopsis: After moving into a new home, a family discovers a dark secret in their backyard that leads to an ancient burial ground that holds the power to resurrect the dead.

The Pet Sematary novel was my introduction to Stephen King and the film will always hold a special place in my heart. This was such a unique and tragic story and I love the discussion of death and the afterlife. I also love how involved the Maine locals were, it really felt like a community was making this film, not an industry. It’s a truly disturbing tale with legendary characters and unforgettable moments.

2. Apartment 7A

Directed By: Natalie Erika James

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A struggling young dancer finds herself drawn in by dark forces when a peculiar, well-connected older couple promise her a shot at fame.

This film helped confirm how much I love horror movies centered around dancing. This was a prequel I never thought would exist, and I’m so happy we got another chapter in the Rosemary’s Baby story. We get to know more about these classic characters and witness some new horrors. Plus, there are some refreshing elements in this film where you can clearly tell that it was directed by a woman.

1. American Mary

Directed By: Jen & Sylvia Soska

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): The allure of easy money sends Mary Mason, a medical student, into the world of underground surgeries which ends up leaving more marks on her than her so-called “freakish” clients.

This film is my top choice because there isn’t a single thing I dislike about it! The ultimate pull was Katharine Isabelle as the lead and this is, in my opinion, her best performance. Diving into the world of body modification was utterly fascinating. Also, I’ve said this many times before, I love a good revenge flick and this one was very satisfactory. This one I can watch at any time and never get sick of!

Honorable Mentions:

Bodies Bodies Bodies

Carrie 2013

Cocaine Bear

I Saw The TV Glow