10 Best Horror Movies According to Gen Z: “Hereditary,” “Longlegs,” and More
I’ve seen almost every horror movie out there, but these favorites are the best without a doubt. If you want some good recommendations that move beyond the slashers of the ’80s and ’90s into the “elevated” horror era, just keep reading.
These picks represent the shift in the genre toward psychological trauma, stylized aesthetics, and viral moments that take over your TikTok feed. In the video below, we highlighted our top five picks, but I’ve expanded the list to include 10 modern masterpieces that define the Gen Z horror canon.
1. Hereditary (2018)
Coming in at number one, we have Hereditary. This is one of the most intense, well-made movies I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s so scary—it’s literally terrifying. Directed by Ari Aster, it follows a grieving family haunted by a tragic and disturbing presence. Toni Collette’s performance is nothing short of legendary, and the film’s shocking twists will leave you staring at the wall in silence for hours after the credits roll. If you want the best of the best, this is it.
2. Longlegs (2024)
For number two, we have Longlegs, which you can watch on Hulu right now. I wish so badly I could watch this for the first time again ’cause it was so good, but it’s genuinely so terrifying. Maika Monroe stars as an FBI agent tracking a serial killer with ties to the occult, played by an unrecognizable Nicolas Cage. The atmospheric dread and retro aesthetic make it feel like a cursed tape you weren’t supposed to find.
3. Midsommar (2019)
Number three, we have Midsommar. This one is so unsettling because it starts off really sweet and pretty and then gets really, really, really dark. Florence Pugh plays a young woman who travels with her boyfriend to a Swedish midsummer festival that devolves into a bizarre and violent pagan-cult nightmare. Unlike most horror movies that hide in the shadows, this one takes place in blinding, beautiful daylight, which somehow makes the horror even worse.
4. The Substance (2024)
For number four, we have The Substance, which you can watch on HBO Max. This one was so weird, but in the best way. Honestly, it’s one of the most original horror movies I’ve ever seen. It’s a body-horror satire about a fading celebrity who takes a black-market drug to create a younger, better version of herself. It’s gross, stylish, and incredibly sharp in its commentary on beauty standards.
5. Fresh (2022)
We kicked off the original top five on TikTok with Fresh on Hulu. This one starts off as a rom-com and then turns dark really quickly. Sebastian Stan plays a charming man who sweeps a young woman off her feet, only to reveal a horrific appetite that gives new meaning to modern dating nightmares. It’s a stylish thriller that balances humor and gore perfectly, making you rethink your next Hinge date.
6. Talk to Me (2023)
If we’re talking about the best horror movies according to Gen Z, we have to mention Talk to Me. Created by YouTubers RackaRacka, this Australian supernatural horror film follows a group of friends who discover how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand. It captures the modern teen experience perfectly—using possession as a party drug—and delivers some of the most shocking sequences in recent memory.
7. Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
This A24 slasher is basically a Gen Z satire wrapped in a murder mystery. When a group of rich 20-somethings gets stuck in a mansion during a hurricane, a party game turns deadly. It features Pete Davidson and Amandla Stenberg, and uses buzzwords like “gaslighting” and “toxic” as weapons just as deadly as the actual killer. It’s funny and tense, and it captures the specific anxieties of the digital age.
8. Barbarian (2022)
Barbarian is the ultimate “go in blind” movie. (I would stop reading this blurb now, LOL.) A young woman books a rental home only to find a stranger already staying there—but the double-booking is the least of her problems. It’s a wild ride that constantly subverts expectations, shifting tones from tense thriller to shocking horror. It became an instant viral hit because everyone was dying to talk about that twist.
9. X (2022)
Ti West’s X revitalized the slasher genre for a new generation. Set in 1979, it follows a group of filmmakers trying to make an adult movie in rural Texas, only to be targeted by their elderly hosts. It also spawned the prequel Pearl (which gave us the “I’m a star!” meme) and the sequel MaXXXine—not my fav of the trilogy, but still pretty good. It’s a love letter to cinema that manages to be both scary and surprisingly poignant.
10. Get Out (2017)
While it kicked off the trend a few years earlier, Jordan Peele’s Get Out remains a foundational text for modern horror fans. It blends social commentary with traditional horror tropes in a way that feels completely fresh. The story of a young Black man visiting his white girlfriend’s family estate is a masterclass in tension, and it opened the door for many of the “elevated” horror movies on this Zoomer list.Related articlesUpcoming Horror MoviesThe Best True Story Horror MoviesThe Best 80s Horror Movies
Gen Z horror movies FAQ
What is the scariest movie according to Gen Z?
Hereditary (2018) is frequently cited as the scariest movie by younger audiences due to its intense depiction of family trauma and shocking imagery. Other contenders include Skinamarink and Talk to Me.
What defines "elevated horror"?
"Elevated horror" is a term often used to describe modern horror films that prioritize atmosphere, artistic cinematography, and complex themes (like grief or trauma) over jump scares. Examples include The Witch, Midsommar, and The Babadook.
