2009's Jennifer's Body has gone from a box office flop to a cult classic in the decade and change since it hit theaters, and is one of actress Megan Fox's most iconic roles. While the marketing misdirected audiences, the horror comedy (which is streaming with a Peacock subscription) has aged super well. And the actress recently gave some Jennifer vibes while talking about being a bi icon. Let's break it all down.

Jennifer's Body is a movie folks love to revisit, thanks to its funny dialogue, thrilling kills, and unique tone. It also helped to make Megan Fox an LGBTQ+ icon, and during an interview with InStyle Magazine, she opened up about the feedback she's gotten from queer folks over the years. In her words:

How sweet is that? Clearly Fox loves hearing from LGBTQ+ fans, and knowing that she had even a small part in people's coming out journey. Leading the Jennifer's Body cast is at least part of the reason why, especially thanks to her iconic make out session with Amanda Seyfried in the movie. Plus, lots of queer moviegoers have a particular love for the horror genre as a whole.

The fact that Megan Fox was doing this interview while holding a lighter was particularly noteworthy, given how she famously burned her tongue with one during Jennifer's Body. Later in the same clip she spoke about her favorite title she's been given from LGBTQ+ fans. In her words:

I mean, what's not to love? Fox identifies as bisexual herself, so this moniker must feel particularly significant. She's also played queer characters before, so I'd say she definitely qualifies as a bisexual icon. You can see the clip of her explaining this below:

Was anyone else waiting for her to burn her tongue in the middle of this clip? Just me? Sorry, but I just can't get Jennifer's Body out of my head. And that's what makes it such a cult classic.

Jennifer's Body is streaming now on Peacock. Megan Fox's recent credits include Five Nights at Freddy's 2 and Overcompensating, and we'll have to see what comes next for the 40 year-old actress.

Karyn Kusama's Jennifer's Body has had a wild life since its release back in 2009. Over the years it went from a box office flop to a cult classic, and is arguably one of the best horror movies of the early aughts. The Jennifer's Body cast was led by Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried, who had a steamy makeout scene during its 102-minute runtime. And the latter actress explained why filming that was actually "really sexy."

While Jennifer's Body's reviews were mixed, the movie has really gotten a strong following in the past decade and change. Both Seyfried and Fox continue to speak highly about their experience together, and in a resurfaced interview from the outlet She Wired (via Yahoo!), the Mean Girls star reminisced about kissing Fox, and the movie's lack of box office numbers. In her words:

Honestly, she's not wrong. Jennifer's Body's marketing misdirected audiences, which may be a big reason why it flopped so hard at the box office. I mean, the idea of Seyfried and Fox locking lips in the horror comedy flick. And to this day, it's probably baffling that so few moviegoers went to theaters to see this particular sequence.

Later in the same interview, the Mamma Mia! star shared more about just how easy it was to lock lips with Megan Fox while shooting Jennifer's Body. In her words:

As previously mentioned, the years have been kind to Jennifer's Body. While it was originally a box office flop, it's aged well and has grown into a modern horror cult classic. What's more, there are plenty of moviegoers out there who want to see the dark comedy get another go on the big screen.

Luckily for fans of the 2009 flick, writer Diablo Cody is working on a Jennifer's Body sequel script. While there's no guarantee that a follow-up project will actually be filmed and released, the possibility is a thrilling concept for fans of the original. And given how much success the movie has had in the years since its release, it would be poetic to see it get a sequel and become a full-blown franchise.

Unfortunately, at the time of writing this story Jennifer's Body isn't available on streaming; you'll have to purchase your own copy on digital or physical media. It's unclear if a sequel will actually get green lit, but it's definitely not going to arrive as part of the 2026 movie release schedule.

The film industry is a tricky thing. Some movies are misunderstood or bomb at the box office, before becoming bonafide cult classics years later. Jennifer's Body is in that category, while also being one of Megan Fox's best movies. The Transformers actress recently gushed about the movie's legacy, and also revealed a number of pop stars who were inspired by it with their music. And yes, my mind is blown.

While not known as one of the best horror movies ever, Karyn Kusama's 2009 dark comedy has gotten a ton of love in the years since its release. Jennifer's Body became a cult classic despite how the movie's marketing failed it, and continues to be part of the pop culture zeitgeist. While speaking with Letterboxd at a recent screening of the film, Megan Fox shared her pride over the project. She said:

Given how Fox was the subject of brutal comments at the time of the movie's release, seeing it have such a long life in the years that followed must be incredibly validating. She made a movie that continues to resonate with audiences, including some of the top pop girlies in the game. Namely, Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish.

Indeed, Rodrigo's "good 4 u" music video does feature a number of visual nods to Jennifer's Body. And from the sounds of it, it seems like Fox may have spoke to both her and Eilish about the movie at some point. Later in the same interview, she went on to speak about how many people adore the horror comedy, sharing:

While Fox has other major roles like her tenure in the Transformers movies, it sounds like Fox really feels the love surrounding Jennifer's Body. She's been an actress for a long time now, but the level of fandom surrounding that title in particular is on another level entirely. As someone who loves the 2009 flick myself, I totally get it.

Fox recently returned to the horror genre with her movie Subservience, where played a murderous robot named Alice. Over the past year she's taken some time away from the industry to take care of her young daughter, who was born back in March.

Luckily for fans she's voicing a role in the upcoming horror movie Five Nights at Freddy's 2, which will hit theaters December 5th as part of the 2025 movie release list. She also had a surprise cameo in Overcompensating, and I hope to see her return when Season 2 is released. Jennifer's Body isn't streaming anywhere right now but it can be rented or purchased for a reasonable price.

Megan Fox has made headlines on various occasions, but two particular stories landed unusually close together recently. First, there was a report about her and Machine Gun Kelly co-parenting, following the birth of their first child together back in March, and rumors of a reconciliation between the two. Then, Fox turned heads at a Jennifer’s Body Q&A event, wearing a jaw-dropping nude corset gown with red trim and dripping beadwork. Per speculation, the timing of these two media moments may be anything but accidental.

In a new episode of Deux U (also previewed on the show’s official Instagram), the celebrity news insider offered some strategic analysis. When addressing the timing of the co-parenting article, which came from People, the host said:

The host then pointed to Fox’s “super hot outfit,” adding, “She looked phenomenal.” But the news about the two spending time together seemingly piqued fans' curiosity. More specifically, was the article dropped to get ahead of the new wave of Megan sightings as she gets back to work? Deuxmoi’s answer is “Yes.” The gossip outlet then speculates that the article was written to “get ahead” of the news, since people will now see more of Fox. (I, for one, hope it's on the rumored Jennifer's Body sequel in development.)

Based on the chatter, the timing would appear to track. Megan Fox’s Q&A look went viral, while her behind-the-scenes press appearances were quietly revving up. With this assertion, the notion would be that the star's team alegedly wanted to control the narrative before questions about her relationship could dominate the conversation. And there have already been some awkward ones.

During the aforementioned Q&A, someone reportedly asked, “What about the Aussie influencer?”—a likely reference to recent rumors about MGK being seen with another woman. Deuxmoi’s response? That was “probably just someone he was hanging out with.” The host also shared a bit more insight from a separate source, who claimed:

Of course, we ultimately don't know for sure why these stories landed days apart. Based on the rumors, that reason could be that Megan Fox is slowly stepping back into the spotlight and her team is making sure the ground is paved first. Still, all of this should be taken with a massive grain of salt.

When Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly welcomed their daughter, named Saga Blade, on March 27, 2025, they were reportedly no longer together. Despite the pair separating the previous December, sources claimed that becoming a father again had a profound effect on MGK, leading to a noticeable shift in his demeanor. By July, the pair were seen vacationing together with their baby in Costa Rica—an outing insiders described as a potential turning point in their dynamic.

By September, reports surfaced that the former couple were navigating co-parenting smoothly, even as their romantic relationship remained uncertain, with them allegedly not wanting to put a label on it. While it’s unclear where things stand between them now, one thing seems true, and that is that baby Saga is surrounded by a lot of love.

As for what these two viral moments mean for Megan Fox, it's possible her schedule, especially her 2026 movie schedule and beyond, could pick up.

Megan Fox has always been candid about how Hollywood treated her, but during a recent screening of one of her best movies, Jennifer’s Body, she delivered one of her most unfiltered reflections yet. In a Q&A following the a screening of arguably one of the best 2000s movies, Fox opened up about the emotional toll fame took on her at the height of her popularity, and how that struggle bled into the filming of the now-iconic teen horror.

During a Q&A following a Jennifer’s Body screening at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (via People), the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles actress revealed to the audience she was “really struggling” while promoting the movie back in 2009, calling out the industry and paparazzi for their harsh treatment, particularly toward young women. She explained:

One incident that still lingers for the Transformers actress occurred during the Jennifer’s Body premiere. She recalled how paparazzi lined the exit, shouting at her as she tried to leave. Fox continued:

The 39-year-old star said those encounters left her with a mix of sorrow and fury, emotions she funneled directly into the role of the cheerleading succubus. Being allowed to be “unhinged” on set, she said, gave her space to process what she was going through. She added:

The Hope & Faith alum also connected deeply with the character of Jennifer, a girl who’s sacrificed for someone else’s gain and transformed into something people fear. She said the script felt like it mirrored what she was going through as a young woman thrown into fame and chewed up by the machine. And ultimately, the joke is kind of on everyone else, because though Jennifer’s Body started as a box office flop before becoming a classic.

More than fifteen years later, Jennifer’s Body is finally getting its due and maybe more. Screenwriter Diablo Cody and star Amanda Seyfried have both teased a possible sequel. Seyfried has already given a “thumbs-up” for returning to the upcoming horror movies as Needy. For Fox, the film may once have been an emotional outlet, but now it’s also proof that her story resonates with so many.

As for recent work, Megan Fox joined the cast of Five Nights at Freddy's 2, voicing Cica. The flick is set to hit the 2025 movie release schedule on December 5.

While Jennifer's Body isn't the best horror movie of all time, it's amassed a cult following over the years, with some marking it as one of Megan Fox's best movies. It's popular enough that a sequel is in the works, and the actress decided to show up for a recent screening in a flesh-colored corset that was totally on-brand.

The 38-year-old actress was present for a recent screening at the Academy Museum of Jennifer's Body, and rocking a Halloween-approved fashion-forward look that shows how she's remained an icon over the years. Check out the look below, via a screencap of one of Fox's stories of her arriving for the screening:

I mean, she's definitely ready for the sequel based on that look. That said, I am curious about the details as to how Jennifer Check is going to come back from the dead, as she was killed by her best friend Needy at the film's end. That said, if there's any genre that is great at bringing back characters from the dead with little to no explanation required, it's horror.

Right now, there aren't a lot of details about the sequel to Jennifer's Body. Director Karyn Kusama talked about the movie and how writer Diablo Cody is working on the sequel. She shared what she knew about it, which isn't much:

While CinemaBlend's review of Jennifer's Body wasn't glowing, it got an above-average score and was deemed a solid enough movie. Unfortunately, middling reviews at the time weren't enough to move the needle at the box office, which is why the movie was considered a flop when it came out. That only helped the movie become a fan-favorite in the years since.

Megan Fox will return to the horror genre even before the sequel to Jennifer's Body goes into production, as she was recently revealed to have joined the cast of Five Night's At Freddy's 2. Fox will voice Toy Chica. I can't say the character looks nearly as scary as Jennifer Check, but I weirdly feel like both characters give off the same vibe, which may factor into why Fox landed both roles.

Outside of the film world, Megan Fox continues to make headlines due to fans' interest in what's going on in her relationship with singer Machine Gun Kelly. The duo are allegedly hanging out a lot as of late, with rumors stating they're living like a couple without putting an explicit label on it. Does this mean we could get MGK involved in the sequel? I'm hoping so, even if I don't necessarily want to see him in a similarly decorated corset.

The sequel to Jennifer's Body is in development, and the original can be streamed right now over on Tubi. It's been a long time since I've watched it in full, so I'm considering a rewatch of that or one of Megan Fox's other best movies.

Jennifer’s Body is one of those movies that started as a box office flop before becoming a classic of the 2000s that many fans revisit year after year – especially during the Halloween season. In recent years, there’s been some chatter about writer Diablo Cody wanting to make a sequel, which, of course, we’d hope Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried would star in again. Thankfully, the first movie’s director just offered an exciting update on the progress of it.

Karyn Kusama recently reflected on Jennifer’s Body to Deadline ahead of screening the movie with Megan Fox at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Check out what she had to say about what’s going on with the sequel:

Now, there’s currently no word about whether Kusama would take the helm again, or if Cody is working directly with 20th Century Studios yet. However, we’d imagine once she’s finished writing the script, we’ll hear more about movement of the project, casting and such. It certainly sounds like Kusama is in the loop about what Diablo Cody has up her sleeves for the next storyline, and her comments about it being “fun and crazy like the first film” is definitely inspiring some hope over what could be to come. Hopefully Kusama will return to direct!

When Jennifer’s Body hit theaters back in September 2009, it’s now well-documented that 20th Century Fox mismarketed the movie to appeal to young straight men rather than the female demographic the movie itself gears more towards. Fortunately, over the years, Jennifer’s Body found the right audiences and has become a beloved and important film to so many people – especially queer women.

Talk about a Jennifer’s Body sequel felt like it started up again recently when Diablo Cody reflected on the movie a lot (including to CinemaBlend) while promoting her latest project, Lisa Frankenstein in early 2024. During that time, Cody said she wanted to do a sequel, but just needed to “partner with people who believe in it” as much as she does. Over the summer, Amanda Seyfried said she’d been approached by producer Mason Novick about doing the sequel. The actress shared she’d be interested in doing it only if Fox was on board, and tried to convince Adam Brody to join.

Kusama’s recent comments are definitely a step in the right direction for another Jennifer’s Body movie to join upcoming horror movies, and we’re so curious how Cody plans to continue the story.

Amanda Seyfried has some great 2025 movie releases to look forward to, including the book-adapted film The Housemaid and the historical musical-drama, Ann Lee. However, it seems that fans probably shouldn't expect the talented actress join a sequel of some sort anytime soon. Seyfried recently shared her thoughts on the “fatigue” that surrounds follow-ups but simultaneously made a funny and honest comment on something she wants.

There have been plenty of conversations about superhero fatigue after movies like Ant-Man 3, The Marvels and Madame Web became box office bombs. Other massive IPs have also been receiving legacy sequels in recent years, while some others are in the works are about to be released. I'm looking at films like Jurassic World Rebirth and Spaceballs 2. While chatting with Superman’s Rachel Brosnahan for Interview Magazine, Amanda Seyfried weighed in on Hollywood's sequel craze while admitting that there's one she'd like to do:

I was going to say! Seyfried certainly has starred in a couple of sequels herself, like Ted 2 and the Mamma Mia sequel. While there’s still no official word on third Mamma Mia 3, the franchise’s producer, Judy Craymer, said in 2020 that the franchise was meant to be a trilogy and was sure Universal would greenlight it. The gears of speculation have also been turning as of late, with Sabrina Carpenter even reportedly being eyed for a role. All the while, something Seyfried said she wants to do in a threequel is sing the franchise's eponymous song, since her co-stars Meryl Streep and Lily James sing it in the other films.

Honestly, it's hard not to appreciate Seyfried's willingness to be honest about wanting to do that theoretical third movie. She's spoken highly of the experiences she had making the first two. Also, that's not the only cinematic follow-up she's eying.

Amanda Seyfried also expressed interest in doing is Jennifer’s Body 2. That may sound like a surprising move, given that the original 2009 flick was a box office flop. Still, the film has gained a major cult following over the years, and a sequel could potentially garner interest from multiple generations of viewers.

Despite that, the Les Misérables alum isn't wrong in saying that sequels have overrun Hollywood. Unless a very big swing is being taken, one could indeed argue that it's not "brave" -- from a creative standpoint -- to make them. Still, they do rake in the cash, with the box office performances of Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine being prime examples of that.

Amanda Seyfried's comments represent an interesting dichotomy involving the balance between original content and consecutive sequels. It's a complex conversation, and it's interesting to hear actors weigh in on it. Whether the craze dies down is anyone's guess, but I know I'd honestly still love to see Seyfried star in sequels to both Momma Mia and Jennifer's Body.

There are a lot of upcoming horror movies I’m looking forward to, but if Jennifer’s Body 2 was officially part of that list, I’d be a lot more excited. While the 2009 movie was a flop that I also overlooked due to the marketing, in recent years, it has become a verified horror classic. So you can imagine the glee I felt when I saw Amanda Seyfried and Adam Brody talking about a sequel.

While we’ve heard writer Diablo Cody say she’s “not done with Jennifer’s Body” after initially having a bad experience with the movie when it came out, Amanda Seyfried finally got the conversation going about it while reuniting with her co-star Adam Brody. (Yes, if you forgot, the Nobody Wants This star was part of the Jennifer’s Body cast). Check out the pair’s conversation below:

Amanda Seyfried: "We’re going to do another one. Are you going to do it?"

Adam Brody: "I certainly wasn’t contacted. I died."

Amanda Seyfried: "You did die, but so did Megan [Fox], and I’m not doing it without her."

Adam Brody: "There’s supernatural elements at play, but I have to say as much as I would want to, it feels very tangential to…"

Amanda Seyfried: "Not if you played the devil."

Adam Brody: "If I played THE devil?"

Amanda Seyfried: "That would be amazing."

Adam Brody: "Is there a devil in it?'

Amanda Seyfried: 'No, I don’t know anything about it. I know [producer Mason Novick] was like ‘You wanna do this?’ And I was like ‘Whatever, yeah, absolutely. Like if you make this, yeah I’ll come.’'

On one of Variety’s latest episodes of Actors on Actors, Seyfried and Brody had a sprawling conversation about each other’s careers as they both receive acclaim for their recent TV shows. During the episode, I love that Seyfried not only brought up Jennifer’s Body 2 being in the works, but also advocated for Brody to take up an excellent role.

Jennifer’s Body was certainly ahead of its time, and so was its talent, with Megan Fox, J.K. Simmons, Amy Sedaris, Kyle Gallner and Chris Pratt all being part of it. Nowadays, it’s often applauded for being one of the best female-led written and directed horror movies ever made. It’s got a solid commentary on the objectification of women and some awesome queer representation.

Can you imagine if Adam Brody actually played the Devil in the sequel? As Seyfried shared, she doesn’t actually have any idea what the filmmakers might be cooking up, but I think she’s on to something. As you might recall, in the original movie, Brody plays a musician in a band called Low Shoulder who takes Megan Fox’s Jennifer into the woods and offers her as a sacrifice to Satan in exchange for fame and fortune.

But because Jennifer is not a virgin, she becomes a murderous succubus instead. It would be quite genius if Brody’s character came back as the Devil since he summoned all the evil in the first place. It would especially work since it totally goes against the nice guy type he usually plays.

Hopefully these comments get more people talking about Jennifer’s Body 2, because I think this sequel is honestly overdue!

In reality, being at the wrong place at the wrong time is inconvenient. In the movies, it can be life-changing in strange and even horrific ways. See for yourself by revisiting cinematic classics about people getting caught in some unexpected trouble.

North By Northwest (1959)

Many of Alfred Hitchcock's best movies followed people who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time, with North by Northwest being a prime example. The awesome spy movie stars Cary Grant as an advertising executive who is suddenly forced to go on the run when he is mistaken for a government agent.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

The set-up for writer and director Shane Black's fun crime thriller Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a good example of how being in the wrong place at the wrong time can sort of work out in one's favor. Running away from a job gone traumatically wrong, thief Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.) accidentally walks into an audition for a movie role, has a breakdown on the spot that is mistaken for a dynamite performance, and is sent to Hollywood where he shadows a private investigator (played by Val Kilmer) as research.

Holes (2003)

Based on the award-winning novel by Louis Sachar, Holes tells the story of 14-year-old Stanley Yelnats IV (Shia LaBeouf), who comes from a long line of men known for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, as part of a mysterious curse. For instance, Stanley happens to be standing right where a pair of missing shoes fall on his head and, in turn, is accused of stealing them, which is how he ends up at the brutal Camp Green Lake.

No Country For Old Men (2007)

There are many reasons why Joel and Ethan Coen's No Country for Old Men is considered one of the best Western movies of all time, including its brilliant use of themes like "decision and consequence." In the Best Picture Oscar winner, Llewellyn Moss (Josh Brolin) comes across the aftermath of a drug deal turned deadly and decides to take $2 million left behind. His second and worse mistake is returning to deliver water to one of the dying victims at the scene, where he is spotted and soon forced to go on the run from the sadistic Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem).

Collateral (2004)

The tagline for director Michael Mann's gripping thriller, Collateral, points out that the plot "started out like any other night" before exploding into one of panic and violence. Had Max (Jamie Foxx) not apologized for accidentally ignoring Vincent (Tom Cruise) when he first approached his cab, it could have saved him from driving around Los Angeles with a sociopathic contract killer in his backseat.

Green Room (2016)

The acclaimed A24 movie, Green Room, put writer and director Jeremy Saulnier on the map as not just a master of heart-pounding tension, but of crafting compelling stories of ordinary people trapped in terrifying situations. The thriller follows an up-and-coming punk band forced to barricade themselves in the backroom at a bar crawling with Neo-nazis after witnessing a murder.

Blue Velvet (1986)

One of David Lynch's best movies, Blue Velvet, is a cautionary tale about the potentially dangerous lure of curiosity. Kyle MacLachlan plays a college student who stumbles upon a severed ear in the middle of a field, convinces himself to investigate the matter on his own, and ends up crossing paths with a menacing group of people.

Psycho (1960)

Just about any of the best horror movies are an exercise in characters being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but Psycho has to be the ultimate example of the theme's unexpected nature. Of all of the places where she could have stopped on a stormy night, the on-the-run Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) chooses to take shelter at the Bates Motel, run by the criminally unhinged Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins).

First Blood (1982)

I believe anyone who has seen First Blood would agree that Brian Dennehy's angry, prejudiced Sheriff William Teasle is to blame for the trouble that soon plagues his town at the hands of John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone). Had the lonely, traumatized, and highly-skilled Vietnam veteran walked into any other town, he would not have been caught up in a war with local law enforcement.

Die Hard (1988)

The phrase "wrong place, wrong time" is practically personified by Bruce Willis' John McClane, who becomes the only hope to save his wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia), and her co-workers when Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) takes them hostage on Christmas Eve in Die Hard. For this reason, the New York-based cop should be considered a godsend, but if given the chance, he would willfully pass on the responsibility onto someone else.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

At the beginning of The Shawshank Redemption, Frank Darabont's adaptation of Stephen King's novella, the evidence is stacked against Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) regarding whether or not he murdered his wife and her lover. Considering he was at the scene of the crime with a revolver in hand, one would understandably assume he was guilty, until it is revealed that his cellmate, Elmo Batch (Bill Bolender), is the real killer, making this a case of unfortunate coincidence.

Donnie Darko (2001)

The bizarre, perplexing high school movie favorite Donnie Darko presents a unique reversal of sorts on the "wrong place, wrong time" theme, as Jake Gyllenhaal's titular teen is spared from a tragic death by the rabbit-suited Frank (James Duval). However, avoiding this grisly fate proves to have catastrophic consequences for his family, his peers, and, potentially, the world.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

Technically, in the opening scene of the Coen Brothers' worshipped comedy, The Big Lebowski, The Dude (Jeff Bridges) is in the right place (his own home). However, he is definitely there at the wrong time, when Jackie Treehorn's goons broke into his apartment, assuming he is the wealthy Jeffrey Lebowski, which is why they "soil" his rug, leading him to become involved in "a very complicated case."

After Hours (1985)

After Hours is a rare comedy from director Martin Scorsese, but a certainly dark comedy movie, at that. It stars Griffin Dunne as computer data entry worker Paul Hackett, who becomes embroiled in a series of uproarious and deadly situations that stem from a seemingly innocent conversation with a woman (played by Rosanna Arquette) at a cafe.

Lucky Number Slevin (2006)

Admittedly, I'm cheating a little bit by adding Lucky Number Slevin, because it only seems like Josh Hartnett's title character is in the wrong place at the wrong time when he is mistaken for Nick Fisher and becomes caught up in two aging gangsters' rivalry. SPOILER ALERT: It is revealed that this case of mistaken identity is all part of a vengeful scheme against the mob bosses for murdering Slevin's parents when he was a child.

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)

Alfred Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much, a remake of his own 1934 film, is a classic film noir starring James Stewart and Doris Day as a married couple on a holiday in Paris when they happen to witness a murder. Making matters worse, soon after, their young son is suddenly kidnapped.

Breakdown (1997)

Kurt Russell stars in Breakdown as Jeff, who is on a trip with his wife, Amy (Kathleen Quinlan), when their car breaks down in the middle of the desert. A truck driver stops for them and agrees to take Amy to a nearby diner where she can call for help. However, when he can't find Amy at the diner and the trucker he met claims to have never seen either of them, Jeff begins a desperate search to find her.

Jennifer’s Body (2009)

In Jennifer's Body, Megan Fox's eponymous teen makes the mistake of agreeing to leave a local bar with struggling indie rock band Low Shoulder, who, under the impression she is a virgin, intend to sacrifice her to achieve mainstream success. As it turns out, she lied about her "innocence," and the sacrificial ritual ends up turning her into a deadly succubus.

Enemy Of The State (1998)

From director Tony Scott, Enemy of the State stars Will Smith as a lawyer who is out shopping for his wife when he unwittingly intercepts evidence of a political crime. As a result, his life begins to unravel when he becomes a target of the NSA.

Innerspace (1987)

In director Joe Dante's criminally overlooked '80s movie Innerspace, a scientist makes the spur-of-the-moment decision to save Tuck Pendleton (Dennis Quaid), who has been miniaturized and placed into a syringe, by injecting him into the first person he sees. That person is anxious supermarket clerk Jack Putter (Martin Short), who is forced to ignore his doctor's orders and embark on an adventure to help get his new friend back to his normal size before it is too late.

Taken (2008)

Taken is the film that made Academy Award nominee Liam Neeson, as retired CIA agent Brian Mills, one of the top action stars in Hollywood. The thriller's inciting incident occurs when Mills' teenage daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace), is abducted while on a European vacation, motivating him to take drastic measures to find her himself.

Nick Of Time (1995)

From director John Badham, Nick of Time is a fun '90s thriller told in real time that deals with the concept of average people embroiled in above-average situations. Johnny Depp stars as an accountant approached at a train station by sinister individuals who coerce him into committing an assassination in exchange for his daughter's life.

Nobody (2021)

Nobody is a John Wick-style action thriller starring Bob Odenkirk as a family man harboring long-dormant violent tendencies, which he even chooses to hold inside when intruders break into his house. He is finally inspired to let out his true self when he happens to board a city bus where he spots a young woman being harassed by a gang and unleashes his own brand of justice.

Blow Out (1981)

From director Brian De Palma, Blow Out stars John Travolta as a movie studio recording artist who overhears evidence of a murder. While the film was a box office flop in the '80s, it has since been reevaluated as a taut suspense thriller by many, including Quentin Tarantino, according to Far Out.

Game Night (2018)

Imagine being invited to what you assume would be a night of innocent, if not elaborate, game play until unexpected circumstances force you and your friends to be embroiled in a deadly situation. Such is the premise of directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein's Game Night, starring Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams as a highly competitive couple who must rely on their party game skills to solve a real mystery.

Lucy (2014)

In writer and director Luc Besson's Lucy, Scarlett Johansson's title character, while living in Japan as a student, is forced to be a gangster's mule for an experimental drug inserted in her stomach. When the bag of the mysterious substance leaks out while still in her stomach, it begins rapidly evolving her brain chemistry and granting her superhuman abilities.

Pineapple Express (2007)

Writers Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and Judd Apatow envisioned Pineapple Express as what would happen if Tony Scott directed a raunchy comedy. The result is the story of a process server named Dale Denton (Seth Rogen) who witnesses a murder and his forced to go on the run with his dealer, Saul Silver (James Franco).

Frantic (1988)

From director Roman Polanski, Frantic is an international mystery thriller starring Harrison Ford. The Academy Award nominee plays a man vacationing in Paris with his wife when she suddenly goes missing, embroiling him in a deadly mystery.

Jeepers Creepers (2001)

In Jeepers Creepers, Trish (Gina Phillips) and her brother, Darry (Justin Long), are driving home for spring break on a country road when they witness a mysterious trucker (Jonathan Breck) dumping his victims' bodies down a homemade chute. When he notices them, the siblings become a special target of the trucker, whom they soon discover is a being of otherworldly origin.

The Collector (2009)

The Collector is a wild, underrated horror movie that almost plays like Home Alone in reverse. It stars Josh Stewart as a former thief-turned-handyman who breaks into his current employers' house, not realizing a sadistic killer has beaten him to it, subjecting the owners to torture and littering the place with deadly traps.

Clerks (1994)

While nothing truly tragic happens to Dante in Clerks (at least in the final cut after Kevin Smith nixed the tragic original ending), Dante (Brian O'Halloran) repeatedly makes it clear that he "is not supposed to be here today" after being called into work at Quick Stop.

Death Sentence (2007)

Had Kevin Bacon's Nick Hume not stopped at a gas station on the way back from his teenage son's hockey game, the boy would still be alive, and he would not be motivated to wage a war against a violent gang in director James Wan's thriller, Death Sentence.

We know them, we love them, and most of the time, we love to hate them. Regardless of how any of us feel about the iconic, troublesome teens that round out the fabric of Hollywood’s youth-centric media, they’ve left their signature messy marks. This list covers the big hitters, the unmistakable part-of-pop-culture adolescents who derailed monumentally (dependent on their character and world, not all misguided minors are created equal). Each calling card of these chaotic characters has a few things in common–they’re lost and faced with conflict–but how they solve their issues leads to many more issues than solutions. Buckle up and grab your favorite nostalgic mix tape/playlist; we’re in for a bumpy ride.

Jim Stark and Buzz Gunderson - Rebel Without a Cause

This is by far one of the most influential movies that jumpstarted the teen genre and it’s big thanks to Jim Stark (James Dean) and Buzz Gunderson (Corey Allen). When gang leader Buzz and new-in-town Jim agree to a “chickie race,” that’s when things go up in smoke. Jim is left to face the fallout.

Marissa Cooper - The O.C.

You could probably make a case for most of The O.C. kids, but Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton) undoubtedly tops them all. Coop’s undoing was a monolith and started on the wings of her parents' divorce. It led to underage drinking, tumultuous relationships, petty theft, and eventually to her passing away after a car crash at the end of Season 3.

Danny Zuko - Grease

Like many other ensembles, you could make a pick mostly anyone from the Grease cast, but Danny Zuko's (John Travolta) issues bled into everyone else’s. Not to mention, he strung Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) along until the very end of the movie.

Serena van der Woodsen - Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl is another show where you could argue a good case for any of the characters being the biggest saboteur. But like Marissa Cooper, Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) just can’t shake off trouble in most things she does. The thought of old her and Georgina Sparks together really sounds like they’d top the list together.

Veronica Sawyer - Heathers

Heathers and Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder) were ahead of the curve. When awkward loner Veronica gets invited to join the school’s most popular group, she quickly realizes it’s not the place for her. After befriending new kid Jason Dean (Christian Slater), they accidentally kill one of the Heathers. This sets off an entire killing spree that wreaks havoc on Westerburg High School.

Dawson Leery - Dawson’s Creek

Even though he may have been seen more as a golden boy during his reign, Dawson (James Van Der Beek) caused some major damage in his day. We literally have a separate list showcasing all the times Leery was the worst character for his loved ones to be around. If he'd only been supportive of Joey Potter (Katie Holmes) going to Paris, who knows what could've been?

Cady Heron - Mean Girls

Tina Fey’s wildly quotable Mean Girls needs no introduction or explanation. With Cady (Lindsay Lohan) coming to terms with attending a public high school in the US after growing up in Africa, she is a poster child for this list. As she explores her new reality, she gets lost for a moment amid girl world drama, which leads to multiple friend, family, and relationship troubles.

Rue Bennet - Euphoria

The Max ‘teen’ jewel-encrusted drama juggernaut holds another ensemble of lost and morose students. However, Rue Bennet (Zendaya) and her substance abuse issues are the focal point. It's upended friendships, caused familial stresses, multiple times over, causing Rue to lie, steal and hurt everyone in the East Highlanders.

Chris Hargensen - Carrie

Stephen King’s Carrie is another classic high school staple that helped push the envelope on what fictional teen worlds could hold. Popular girl and bully, Chris Hargensen (Nancy Allen) makes Carrie’s (Sissy Spacek) life a living nightmare. Hargensen continues down a downward spiral that leads to the bone-chilling but iconic prank that happens at the dance (which has some truly grim consequences).

Tim Riggins - Friday Night Lights

If you know anything about this NBC network TV classic, you either love or hate Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch). While he was a regular womanizer, heavy partier, not to mention that he sabotaged himself and the team with some regularity, he straightened up.

Dallas ‘Dally’ Winston - The Outsiders

Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of The Outsiders is a quintessential coming-of-age story. Even though the whole gang is rough and tumble, along with any of the ‘Socs,’ Dally (Matt Dillon) is the most troubled. With an already tumultuous background, Johnny’s death sends him on to make poor decisions for himself and his friends.

Cory Matthews - Boy Meets World

Surprising, I know. The more classic choice from Boy Meets World may be Shawn Hunter, but Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) sparked plenty of trouble in his time (like fellow do-gooder, Dawson Leery). Throughout the 7 seasons, he caused more rifts between his family, friends and Topanga than anyone else.

Billy Loomis & Stu Macher - Scream

Naturally, any teen in any scary movie generally has some baggage that leads to strife in one way or another. Youths like Billy (Skeet Ulrich) and Stu (Matthew Lillard) are different, though, they are intentionally motivated to terrify and harm their fellow classmates and the people of Woodsboro. Unfortunately for them, their plans backfire on them gravely.

Lucas Scott - One Tree Hill

Like the aforementioned teen network drama shows of the mid and late ‘00s, any character is up for debate. Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray), the main protagonist, puts on a good show of commotion for everyone in his life. Being a serial heartbreaker while being unloyal and manipulative to others lands him this particular title.

Jennifer Check - Jennifer’s Body

Jennifer’s Body, again, isn’t filled with average adolescents, and especially not Jennifer (Megan Fox). While she and longtime friend Needy (Amanda Seyfried) head out for a semi-average night of Jennifer-approved fun, all goes awry. We find out that Jennifer has turned into a demon feasting on the male teens of Devil’s Kettle, WY. After the friends face off, Needy gets pinned for the murders and gets taken to an insane asylum.

Rachel Berry - Glee

The destined-for-greatness Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) typically stopped at nothing to get what she wanted, regardless of the consequences. While the fictional NYADA darling had moments of hope and promise, her ego and ambition always seemed to cause more harm than good. (Any Ryan Murphy-created teen could do, though.)

Seth - Superbad

The 2007 classic was the first Seth Rogen-Evan Goldberg project, and it immediately put them on the map. The semi-biographical Superbad revolves around characters with the same names and pretty typical senior tropes. Of the fictional duo Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera), and their pal, Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), the first of the trio creates the most trouble for their celebratory evening. While the trio make up, along with the girls (Emma Stone, Martha MacIsaac), before graduation.

Rory Gilmore - Gilmore Girls

“Why did you drop out of Yale?” Even though Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) is one of the more unusual fictional high schoolers on the list, her dropping out was monumental for the world of Gilmore Girls. Even Lauren Graham didn’t like the storyline because of the turmoil it created between Lorelai and Rory. Not to mention, her sleeping with Dean, missing Lorelai's graduation and later on, being more lost than ever in her 30s.

Donnie - Donnie Darko

Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) isn’t your typical troublesome, drama-filled teen, even though his choices in one reality lead to serious consequences. His present ED signifiers (Emotional Disturbance) present Donnie as something else, but we eventually come to realize he's an anti-hero of sorts. As he comes to realize that there are multiple timelines at play, he chooses to fix it to save Gretchen Ross' (Jena Malone) life. And with his developed powers, he returns to the day when it all went awry, which leads to his destiny--death.

Archie Andrews - Riverdale

Archie of The CW’s Riverdale was one of the many, much darker TV reboots out there. And though all the drama has always hinged on the red-headed football hero regardless of genre, the TV show really packs Archie with a punch. To be fair, he also found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time quite frequently–it’s how he reacted to them that gives him the top spot for the searching students of Riverdale High.

Kathryn Merteuil & Sebastian Valmont - Cruel Intentions

Another young and terrifying twosome is Kathryn Merteuil (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Sebastian Valmont (Ryan Philippe). The oddball step-siblings wager a bet that involves innocent and new Annette Hargrove (Reese Witherspoon). Through the scheme, the group of students is faced with continuing drama until a very sad end.

Valerie Malone - Beverly Hills, 90210

Though there was plenty of actual drama on the set of Beverly Hills, 90210, Valerie Malone (Tiffani Thiessen) wasted no time sowing seeds of chaos. Arriving in Season 5 with a lot of baggage in the form of family trauma, Malone was immediately set up to be in trouble. She dated many of the guys and regularly feuded with the girls.

Max Fischer - Rushmore

As one of the many stylized Wes Anderson films, Rushmore was one of his earliest. Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman) is a love-drunk student determined to date his teacher and will stop at nothing to achieve it. After an array of mishaps and his fellow acquaintance, Blume (Bill Murray), hitting it off with her, Max loses it. He leaked the affair publicly and temporarily burned bridges with both of them.

Willow Rosenberg - Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Willow’s (Alyson Hannigan) rise to raising hell for Buffy and co. may be a slow burn, but once she hits it, things get wild. While her use of telepathy, manipulation and struggling to keep her magic in check kick off the season, Tara’s death sets Willow into overdrive in trying to destroy the world.

PJ & Josie - Bottoms

Gen Z coming-of-age comedies come in all shapes and sizes, including Emma Seligman’s Bottoms. The satirical take on the high school experience is wild, especially with PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri). The BFF’s hatch a fight club for girls so they can talk to cheerleaders they have crushes on. Needless to say, a lot of drama goes down, including a car blowing up.

Mona Vanderwaal - Pretty Little Liars

Honestly, most characters from the 2010 series have a fair shot here. But Mona (Janel Parrish) is the reason for all of the mystery and torment. She is who sparks the series because of her grudge against the main friend group. Eventually, she becomes one of them, and even more trouble ensues.

Laura Palmer - Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me

In my opinion, there’s no list about misguided high schoolers complete without Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee). The character was cemented into pop culture in David Lynch’s cult show, Twin Peaks, but the less popular prequel movie shows her tragic undoing. Her last days are filled with traumas relating to her drug addiction, web of lies and darker spirits. Warning, this movie isn't for the faint of heart.

DeGrassi: The Next Generation

DeGrassi: The Next Generation is maybe the only title on the list in which each character is as chaotic and troubled as the last. The iconic Canadian teen soap has multiple iterations, but the 2002-2015 series takes the cake. Between the students, they have every classic dramatic HS storyline in the book, and alumni Drake’s “I’m Upset” reunion-filled music video summarizes some key points.

Nancy Downs - The Craft

The quartet of girls in The Craft start as lost as the next, but Nancy’s (Fairuza Balk) power-hungry ways destroy what they have together. After quiet Sarah Bailey (Robin Tunney) moves to town and gets wronged, Downs and her pals take her in. All four hatch a scheme to cast a spell on the wrongdoer, and when it succeeds, that’s when Nancy starts sabotaging everything.

John B - Outer Banks

Netflix’s Outer Banks is one wild ride with wayward John B (Chase Stokes) at the helm. Sure, other characters may be outwardly more troubled (JJ, Sarah or Rafe), but everyone’s lives intensified because of John B’s initial treasure hunt.

Christine ‘Lady Bird’ McPherson - Lady Bird

As one of the more subtle teenage pot stirrers, Ladybird (Saoirse Ronan) still makes her presence and opinions unmistakably clear. Her main sources of conflict reside within her relationship with her hardworking mom (Laurie Metcalf) and nerdy best friend (Beanie Feldstein). While Lady Bird temporarily burns bridges with both in pursuit of greater life expectations and new friends, she mends things with both.

Effy Stonem - Skins UK

A cult classic that ran from 2007-2013 and largely featured the rebellious but lost Effy Stonem (Kaya Scodelario). From the jump, we see 14-year-old her sneaking home in the early morning after being out all night at a rave. Needless to say, Effy’s journey was a bumpy one filled with substance abuse, mental health crises, and a web of lies.

Have you ever walked out of a movie feeling like you saw something almost entirely different from what the trailer promised you? Well, you are certainly not alone, and this sort of thing happens all the time in Hollywood, to be frank. See for yourself by taking a look at some beloved films that would prove to be a bit of a stretch from how they were portrayed in the marketing, for better or worse.

Jennifer's Body (2009)

From director Karyn Kusama and writer Diablo Cody, Jennifer's Body, starring Megan Fox as a high school student transformed into a succubus after a failed demonic sacrifice, is heralded as one of the most misunderstood cult favorites of all time. The trailers delivered on the thriller's horror content but were light on its feminist themes and heavy on its risque coming-of-age comedy. Not to mention, the poster's depiction of Fox contradicted the film's tongue-in-cheek commentary on teen objectification.

About Time (2013)

Richard Curtis' About Time starts off much like the winning rom-com the marketing promised and that you would expect from the writer and director of Love Actually. However, the time travel movie starring Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams ultimately evolves into a deeply emotional tearjerker about holding onto one's familial bonds.

Godzilla (2014)

The marketing for Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures' reboot of the world's most famous kaiju relied heavily on the popularity of one of its stars, Bryan Cranston. So, it came as quite a surprise to see Godzilla kill off the Emmy-winning Breaking Bad cast member's character in the first act.

Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)

The central character of the Cameron Crowe-penned, Amy Heckerling-directed coming-of-age comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High is Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh). However, you would not know that from the marketing, which made Sean Penn's Jeff Spicoli the most prominent figure.

Passengers (2016)

The trailer for the futuristic sci-fi thriller Passengers suggests that commercial space travelers Jim Preston (Chris Pratt) and Aurora Lane (Jennifer Lawrence) are both mistakenly woken up from their cryogenic slumber at the same time. In the actual film, Jim is the only one woken up by accident and selfishly wakes up Aurora on purpose so he would no longer be alone, tainting the story's romantic element for many critics and audiences.

Sucker Punch (2011)

Zack Snyder's Sucker Punch was marketed with trailers that comprised mostly of the F-rated thriller's visually stunning action sequences. However, they appeared to leave out the fact that these moments only exist in the head of Emily Browning's character, Babydoll, and that she and the rest of the ensemble are confined to a mental asylum throughout.

Magic Mike (2012)

Audiences who expected a fun dance flick from director Steven Soderbergh's Magic Mike, which is loosely based on star Channing Tatum's life, would be more fulfilled by its 2015 sequel, Magic Mike XXL. However, the original is essentially a tale of self-destruction and aspiration for a better life, complemented by a number of fun dance sequences throughout.

The Cabin In The Woods (2011)

Director Drew Goddard's feature debut, The Cabin in the Woods, was marketed as just another formulaic horror flick about stupid kids getting into a freaky situation during a woodland vacation. Of course, in truth, the film is a clever and subversive deconstruction of the genre's most prevalent tropes and has since been heralded as one of the best horror-comedy movies of its time.

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

Director Robert Rodriguez revealed to Yahoo! that Miramax wanted to underplay the Quentin Tarantino-penned From Dusk Till Dawn's horror elements in favor of hyping up its Pulp Fiction-style crime thriller elements in the marketing. Thus, many were surprised to see the story of two ruthless criminal brothers on the run (played by George Clooney and Tarantino) suddenly become a relentlessly gory vampire movie in the final act.

Drive (2011)

Considering its title, it is easy to see why some audiences may have assumed that Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive, starring Ryan Gosling as a getaway driver who participates in a job gone wrong, would be a high-octane action flick instead of a slow-burn neo-noir drama. According to The Guardian, one woman felt genuinely bamboozled by the thriller's marketing and filed a lawsuit against it, citing that she was promised something more along the lines of the Fast and Furious movies.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (2007)

Johnny Depp stars in the title role of the gothic thriller Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, in which a 19th Century hairstylist seeks to avenge his wife and child's brutal murder, which he was wrongfully convicted of. Unless you were a fan of the original 1979 stage production by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler, you might not have known that the Tim Burton movie was a musical from the marketing alone.

It Comes At Night (2017)

Personally, I believe Trey Edward Schults' sophomore feature, It Comes at Night, is a masterful exercise in slow-burn suspense and paranoia. The film follows a family's struggle to survive a cataclysmic virus. Yet, I can also understand why someone might have been disappointed to learn that the A24 horror movie is not a straight-up zombie flick like the marketing suggested. I'll even admit that I am not sure what the "it" in the title is supposed to refer to.

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)

I imagine there were many fans of Jim Carrey movies who walked into director Michel Gondry and screenwriter Charlie Kaufman's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind not expecting a cerebral, somber meditation on the lengths one might go to escape their romantic grief. The trailer, set to Electric Light Orchestra's upbeat hit, "Mr. Blue Sky," does highlight some of the acclaimed sci-fi film's surreal elements but also attempts to sell it as more of a quirky, overt comedy.

The Grey (2012)

Director Joe Carnahan's The Grey is widely praised as a moving story about the struggle to survive both the unforgiving natural world and internal depression. However, the trailer hypes the thriller up as "Liam Neeson vs. the wolves," which is a scene we do not even get to see as the film cuts to black and the credits roll right after the Irish actor's character prepares to fight his furry foe.

Edge Of Tomorrow (2014)

Perhaps director Doug Liman's retrospectively beloved time loop movie Edge of Tomorrow, starring Tom Cruise as a reluctant soldier who mysteriously finds himself continuously respawning after death during a human-alien war, was a box office flop not because of its underwhelming title. I think it had more to do with the marketing hyping up the alien Invasion movie as an earnest war film, completely underselling just how fun and clever the action-packed sci-fi thriller turned out to be.

Red Eye (2005)

The misleading nature of Red Eye, starring Rachel McAdams as a woman coerced into assisting the flight passenger next to her (Cillian Murphy) with an assassination plot, can be blamed on a couple of things, including the fact that Wes Craven is the director. The marketing even seemed to try selling it as a slasher in the vein of his Scream franchise, but the PG-13 political thriller is actually one of the filmmaker's lighter efforts in terms of tone.

Unbreakable (2000)

Unbreakable was marketed as more of a supernatural thriller in the vein of M. Night Shyamalan's breakthrough hit, The Sixth Sense, from the previous year. Thus, many audiences were surprised to learn they were seeing a dark take on a superhero movie that was not based on a comic book and was way ahead of its time.

Catfish (2010)

Imagine going to see what you assume is a found-footage thriller, such as The Blair Witch Project, only to find out that the film in question is just a simple documentary. That was the case with Catfish, in which Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost document Nev Schulman's relationship with a woman he meets online and whose true identity is put under scrutiny.

Bridge To Terabithia (2007)

I remember seeing the trailer for Bridge to Terabithia, starring Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb, and thinking it was a feel-good family film set in a wondrous fantasy land. However, I later discovered that director Gabor Csupo's adaptation of Katherine Paterson's novel is a deeply saddening story about escaping the grief of reality through imagination.

Lady In The Water (2006)

Any time a new M. Night Shyamalan movie is announced, audiences are bound to immediately assume it is a horror movie. The trailers for his somber fairy tale Lady in the Water, in which an apartment complex superintendent (played by Paul Giamatti) tries to help a mysterious young woman (played by Bryce Dallas Howard) return to her otherworldly home, did not help dispel such assumptions.

Wonka (2023)

Academy Award nominee Timothée Chalamet portrayed author Roald Dahl's eccentric chocolatier as a younger man in director Paul King's Wonka. The only hint that the wondrously sweet family film was a musical might be that the original 1971 film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, was a musical because there were certainly no signs of that in the marketing.

The Many Saints Of Newark (2021)

Fourteen years after the acclaimed HBO series, The Sopranos, ended with one of the most divisive series finales in TV history, Warner Bros. released a divisive feature film digging deeper into the mafia family's past. The Many of Saints of Newark was not an origin story for Tony Soprano (played by the late James Gandolfini's son, Michael) like the marketing promised and centered more heavily on his mentor, Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola).

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

Did you know that Matthew Broderick's eponymous slacker from John Hughes' classic high school movie had two other siblings, in addition to Jennifer Grey's Jeanie? Anyone who saw the original trailer for Ferris Bueller's Day Off might have been able to pick up on that, only to find that the actors who played his younger brother and sister were cut from the finished product.

Click (2006)

Click, in which Adam Sandler plays an overworked family man who receives a special remote that is universal in the true sense of the word, would turn out to be one of the comedian's more mature efforts, especially after the device begins to take control over his character's life. However, the film's more serious and even heartbreaking turns surely came as a surprise to audiences expecting yet another screwball comedy like the former Saturday Night Live star is best known for.

Colossal (2016)

You might say that the misleading marketing for director Nacho Vigalondo's Colossal worked in its favor, as audiences expected this flick starring Anne Hathaway as an American woman who discovers a kaiju in Japan is mimicking her actions would be a quirky sci-fi comedy. The story is actually much deeper than that, as it is revealed that the monster is a manifestation of the main character's struggle with addiction.

Kangaroo Jack (2003)

Not only is the eponymous, Australian-based animal from Kangaroo Jack barely in the movie, but he does not even talk, save for one dream sequence taking place in the head of Jerry O'Connell's character, Charlie Carbone. However, said dream sequence was a huge focal point in the marketing, which also underplayed the PG-rated comedy's unbelievably inappropriate material, which I imagine many parents did not appreciate.

Yesterday (2019)

Nothing about the tone or plot of Yesterday, in which a struggling musician (played by Himesh Patel) finds himself in an alternate reality in which The Beatles never existed, is undersold in its marketing. However, many people were shocked and even angered to see Ana de Armas, who was featured in the trailer, completely cut from the finished film, including two fans of the Oscar nominee who attempted to sue Universal over it.

Mean Girls (2024)

If you did not know that 2024's Mean Girls was based on the coming-of-age comedy's stage musical adaptation, you might have assumed it was just a pointless remake of the 2004 original. There were absolutely no hints of it being a musical in the marketing, unless you count the sheet music note in the logo.

Observe And Report (2009)

Based on its joke-heavy trailer, audiences expected Observe and Report to be just another zany romp like what star Seth Rogen was then-primarily known for and not a pitch-black psychological thriller examining the mind of an unstable mall security guard. I would be more concerned to discover if parents mistook director Jody Hill's divisive dramedy for a similarly plotted movie from the same year: the more family-friendly Paul Blart: Mall Cop.

Bicentennial Man (1999)

Seeing Robin Williams play a robot sounds like a fun time for the whole family, and the marketing for the PG-rated Bicentennial Man largely made it seem like that was the case. Little did audiences know that this futuristic flick based on an Isaac Asimov story was a slow-paced examination of mortality from the point of view of a machine.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016)

Tina Fey stars in Whiskey Tango Foxtrot as real-life journalist Kim Baker in an adaptation of her memoir, The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan, which chronicles her days covering Middle Eastern conflicts in the early 2000s. While ultimately praised for its balance of comedy and drama, the trailers for the film emphasized the former, perhaps to better appeal to fans of the 30 Rock star and creator.

Lamb (2021)

A24's Lamb, starring Noomi Rapace and Hilmir Snær Guðnason as a couple raising a strange half-sheep, half-human hybrid, was marketed as a horror flick. However, that element of the otherwise bizarre story does not come into play until near the end, while most of the film is a slow-paced meditation on grief and the struggles of parenting.

The genre of horror has existed since the beginning of film. While it's certainly grown more intense or psychological as time has gone on, it's always been there, scaring audiences in their seats one way or another. A pivotal time for the genre was in the 2000s when so many horror films came out that made an impact. Here are some that I'm sure we all remember very well.

Final Destination (2000)

I'm 99% sure that the Final Destination movies perpetually scarred most Millennials. Now, I look at everything as if it could kill them because it could, as this movie has shown multiple times. Final Destination gave a new idea that death will always come when it's meant to come, and you can't avoid it, no matter how much you try.

Cloverfield (2008)

The marketing for Cloverfield was out of this world. Even when I was a little kid at the age of ten, I remember seeing billboards and trailers for this and not knowing what the heck was going on. Only after I watched it years later did I truly understand. It's still a great found-footage horror film and one that defines the genre.

The Strangers (2008)

So many people forget The Strangers because other films have been released with the same basic concept, but this was the original. Inspired by real-life events, the movie is about a couple enjoying a vacation when three masked intruders break into their home and ruin everything. It's eerie and creepy, and it became a colossal hit.

Zombieland (2009)

When you think of some of the best horror comedies out there, I can think of no better than Zombieland. It was released during a massive intake of zombie content within the media but only cemented that we love those brainless monsters and that, sometimes, horror can seriously make us laugh.

Dawn Of The Dead (2004)

Directed by Zack Snyder and written by James Gunn, two big shots in Hollywood nowadays, Dawn of the Dead was when these two were starting in the industry and trying to make it big. The film, based on the original Dawn of the Dead by the same name, brought the creepiness of zombies back to the big screen and added plenty of gore to it.

Lake Mungo (2008)

If you're looking for a good psychological horror film from the 2000s, Lake Mungo certainly made its impact. Hailing from Australia, the film follows the story of a young woman who drowns and the family who must deal with her death while experiencing supernatural events. It just gets more twisted as time goes on. Australian horror films have certainly made an impact over the last few years, but this is one of the best.

American Psycho (2000)

I can't have a list of the most impactful 2000s horror films without including American Psycho. Based on the novel of the same name, this film follows the life of a Wall Street investment worker by day and a serial killer by night. It was a game-changing film for female directors, with Mary Harron at the helm. To this day, people believe this to be one of Christian Bale's best performances.

Saw (2004)

Do you want to talk about changing the game? Saw is definitely one of those horror films that made an impact. While the Saw franchise has existed for two decades now, the first film redefined what it was like to witness blood, death, and horror on the big screen. And from there, the movies only got bloodier.

The Ring (2002)

If you're a fan of horror movies from Japan, then The Ring is really the movie to thank for that. While this movie itself is a remake of another Japanese film, Ring, it ended up bringing a lot of attention to Japanese horror films across the sea and allowing people to really expand their mindset when it came to what horror is. Also, an entire franchise followed after its success.

Drag Me To Hell (2009)

While Drag Me To Hell is the kind of film that isn't necessarily groundbreaking, it certainly made an impact when it first came out. The idea of something happening so suddenly just because you're trying to prove yourself at work and then being sentenced to hell because of it – now that is just terrifying. Of course, when Sam Raimi directs it, one can only wonder what will come from his twisted mind.

The Descent (2005)

The Descent is another film that really tests the limits of what you can do with a horror film. With plenty of gruesome moments, the film follows six women who are trying to make it out of an underground cave system to escape cannibals. It's really the ending that makes it such a great film and something that I won't spoil if you've never seen it.

Slither (2006)

Slither is really the reason we were given James Gunn as a director in the first place and why we've gotten so many amazing films from him since. It was his directorial debut and followed the story of a town getting infected by a parasite. This is a body horror movie to the max, but it's an excellent one at that.

Wolf Creek (2005)

Wolf Creek is an Australian movie about three backpackers who are held captive and hunted down by a serial killer in the outback. If you've never seen this movie, you're probably wondering how it made an impact, but let me tell you—this film is violent. It's perhaps one of the most violent Australian movies out there, and for that, I have to give it the warped flowers it deserves.

The Devil's Backbone (2001)

Oh, you knew I'd find a way to put Guillermo del Toro on here. He's a master of horror and fantasy; it would be a sin for me not to place him on this list. The Devil's Backbone is a fantastic horror film that follows a boy who a dead child haunts as he stays at an orphanage during the Spanish Civil War. It was a great gateway into the world of Mexican horror films – many of which are excellent.

The Mist (2007)

Frank Darabont is a king of horror, and The Mist is one of his subjects, which brings one of Stephen King's most beloved novels to life. What really makes The Mist have such a profound impact is the ending. If you haven't seen it, I won't spoil it, but it packs a hard, Karate Kid-style punch that will knock you on your back for 5-7 business days. It's painful in so many ways – and brilliant in a horror movie aspect.

The Cell (2000)

If you're looking for other movies that really made a dent in what you can show on screen and can't, then The Cell is an excellent choice. Starring Jennifer Lopez, the movie really tests the boundaries of horror and its strange stylistic choices while also emerging into the world of sci-fi. Its plot centers on a social worker entering into the mind of a serial killer.

Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

There are so many great horror comedies out there, and Shaun of the Dead is really the blueprint for many of them. I feel like many of the horror parody movies we have now would not exist if not for Shaun of the Dead. It's hysterical in many ways, with some kills I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams, and unlike many other horror movies, it is a film that I will willingly rewatch.

Hostel (2005)

When I first watched Hostel I regretted everything, I knew I'd never watch it again because this film is just…gory. It's very gory, but what else could you expect from Eli Roth? The movie takes leaps and bounds for its gruesome tale and certainly made an impact with two sequels and a TV show that is reportedly in the works. But if you're looking for impactful films, this is the one to glance at.

Insidious (2009)

I genuinely don't think a movie franchise from the 2000s has made more of an impact than the Insidious movies. These films opened up a whole new interest in the paranormal landscape of horror, and now, years later, we are still getting Insidious films. There's nothing quite like that red demon jumpscare.

The Loved Ones (2009)

Hailing from Australia, The Loved Ones is a mix between horror and campy at specific points, but it paved the way for many other films with similar styles to come out. The movie follows the story of a high schooler who now has to attend a twisted party when he doesn't accept a dance date and the twisted adventures he goes on. It's harsh in its delivery of gore, and I loved watching it.

Paranormal Activity (2007)

While found-footage films existed before Paranormal Activity, this movie sky-rocketed into fame and led to several other Paranormal Activity films. It really renewed the entire genre of found footage and gave us many good—and bad—films from that subdivision. We haven't gotten a new film in some time, but it's only a matter of when.

Martyrs (2008)

Coming from France this time around, Martyrs is one of those movies that really paved the way for horror films to take a step back from just pure gore and scares and really dig deep into the mind of the subject we are viewing. The film focuses on the story of a young woman who was tortured as a child and seeks revenge against those who did it alongside her friend. While it does take twists, it's the message beyond that which genuinely made an impact and gave us very great emotionally-driven horror movies.

Ginger Snaps (2000)

I sometimes forget that Ginger Snaps came out in the 2000s just because of its '90s aesthetic, but it did, back in 2000, and it really was a great werewolf movie. It felt like, for years, we weren't getting the kind of werewolf films we deserved from what I've seen of the 1990s, and this was the kind of refresh that we needed for the genre.

Orphan (2009)

Oh, you knew I'd put Orphan on here. Orphan is the kind of film that makes you rethink everything. Children were already creepy in horror movies, but the one in this? Esther? Ooooh, keep her away from me with a ten-foot pole. Orphan redefined how to use children as a scare tactic within horror movies, and I can't complain one bit.

Trick 'R Treat (2007)

While it bombed at the box office, this is the type of film that has gained a cult following over the years and has only gotten better with age. Trick 'r Treat is an anthology movie that follows several different people on Halloween, and all run into Sam, a trick-or-treater who enforces the rules of Halloween. Without this film, there wouldn't be as many anthology horror movies as we have now. We may not have even gotten the Terrifier series.

Jennifer's Body (2009)

The Jennifer's Body cast is freaking iconic, and I will not stand for any other slander against them. This movie is what I would define as girl-boss horror – because who doesn't want to watch a girl kill literally the words kinds of men? All right, jokes aside, Jennifer's Body is the kind of film that made it possible for other movies to really dig deep into the comedy aspect of horror while also creating a film that is undeniably sexy in its delivery as well as its kills.

Let The Right One In (2008)

When you think of the best vampire movies out there, Let The Right One In is probably one of the first that pops up. The film, telling the story of a friendship between a boy and a vampire girl, is one of the first that really allowed for emotionally driven vampire stories to become as big as they did, and it's something I can appreciate.

The House Of The Devil (2009)

Before the X franchise, Ti West directed The House of the Devil, a horror film that follows a college student who takes a babysitting job but forces her life out of her control in the house. This movie is the definition of a slasher but also dares to combine that with paranormal aspects that make it such a fun watch. If you haven't seen it, check it out.

The Others (2001)

While Nicole Kidman is known for plenty of other roles nowadays, her starring part in The Others is one of my favorites. When a mother and her children arrive at a new manor, they start to experience supernatural events, but the scares are delivered in such a way that they make me jump even now, years later.

28 Days Later (2002)

If you think of some of the best zombie films of the last few decades, one that always comes up is 28 Days Later. Focusing on someone who wakes up from a coma and now suddenly has to deal with a virus that has broken his society, the movie uses interesting filming techniques and horrifying zombies that truly up the scare game.

REC (2007)

Found footage horror really hit its stride back in 2007, and REC was a great example of that mixed with zombies. It follows the story of a reporter who goes with her camera crew to an apartment that is festering with a zombie infection. It's creepy and scary and gets your heart pumping in the best way.

Inside (2007)

Coming from France, Inside was a big step in the right direction for women-leading horror films. It details the story of a pregnant widow whose life is threatened on Christmas Eve by an intruder. It's scary in all the right ways and makes you double-check every time you lock your door.

There are so many other horror films that made an impact, but these are just some that will get you interested. Now it's time for a horror movie marathon. It's time to get my blanket and snuggle up with popcorn.

It is strange to consider how many of the most iconic, show-stealing movie villains in history are young women of high school or college age… or even younger. What is it about these self-absorbed and rudely boisterous young ladies that cause audiences to cower in fear or seethe in rage? Let’s find out by revisiting some classic high school movies, a few great college movies, and even a couple of other genres and their loathsome female characters who define what it means to be a “mean girl.”

Kathryn Merteuil (Cruel Intentions)

At a time when Sarah Michelle Gellar was famous for defeating evil whilst leading the Buffy the Vampire Slayer cast, the actor showed her bad side in 1999's Cruel Intentions as Kathryn Merteuil. The title of this modern retelling of Dangerous Liaisons borrows from the spoiled rich teen's definitive behavioral traits, such as taking advantage of and manipulating people purely for her own amusement.

Tracy Flick (Election)

How is it that one of the most intense and thought-provoking political dramas of all time is a satire following teenager Tracy Flick's bid to be student body president for her Oklahoma high school? Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon gives one of her most scintillating performances in 1999's Election as the ruthless, scheming over-achiever who comes at odds with her teacher (played by Matthew Broderick).

Chris Hargenson (Carrie)

Despite the deadly, otherworldly abilities of Sissy Spacek's title role, there are other characters far more deserving of being called the villain of the 1976 adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie, such as Chris Hargenson (Nancy Allen). She blames Carrie for her being banned from prom, even though she teased and harassed her, and plots a cruel prank that triggers Carrie’s telekinesis, leading to the death of nearly everyone in the gym, including Chris.

Heather Chandler (Heathers)

In the dark 1988 teen comedy Heathers, Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder) strikes up a friendship with the most popular (and despised and feared) clique at her high school: Heather Duke (Shannen Doherty), Heather McNamara (Lisanne Falk), and their leader, Heather Chandler (Kim Walker). Fed up with her domineering behavior, Veronica teams up with J.D. (Christian Slater) to kill Heather Chandler, which ultimately does nothing to tarnish her influence over the school’s social hierarchy.

Big Red (Bring It On)

In the Citizen Kane of cheerleader movies, 2000's Bring it On, the Toros at Rancho Carnes High School are initially led by their captain, who calls herself "Big Red" (Lindsay Sloane). However, after she graduates, it is discovered that she sabotaged her team's reputation with the self-serving act of stealing routines from the East Compton High School Clovers.

Amber Von Tussle (Hairspray)

The main antagonist of Hairspray is easily the snobbish and vehemently prejudiced Velma Von Tussle but her teenage daughter, Amber, is a close second for the bullish and fiercely competitive qualities she displays before her change of heart near the end of the story. The role was originated by Colleen Ann Fitzpatrick (later known as Vitamin C) in John Waters' 1988 comedy classic and later portrayed by Brittany Snow in Adam Shankman's 2007 feature based on the hit musical adaptation.

Amber Mariens (Clueless)

What makes Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) from Clueless a lovable '90s teen movie hero is her willingness to use her privilege to benefit others. This makes her the perfect opposite of her spoiled rival, Amber Mariens (Elisa Donovan), who uses her privilege as an excuse to belittle just about anyone she feels is beneath her, which is most people.

Jennifer Check (Jennifer’s Body)

One of the most iconic female horror movie villains of the 21st Century is Megan Fox's title role from 2009's Jennifer's Body, who becomes a deadly succubus after a failed Satanic sacrifice. However, even before she was feasting on her male classmates, the cheerleader was still a conceited jerk who did not deserve a friend like the more meek Needy (Amanda Seyfried).

Courtney Alice Shayne (Jawbreaker)

Jawbreaker is another one of those shocking high school comedies involving homocide – specifically the accidental death of Liz (Charlotte Ayanna) by her friends Foxy (Julie Benz), Julie (Rebecca Gayheart), and Courtney Shayne (Rose McGowan). Even if we take manslaughter via the eponymous candy out of the equation, Courtney is an uproariously villainous teen clique leader who despicably refers to herself as a goddess.

Regina George (Mean Girls)

Any fan of 2004's Mean Girls is probably relieved that Lindsay Lohan was cast as Cady Heron instead of the character she almost played, Regina George, because Rachel McAdams knocked that portrayal out of the park. The actor's iconic breakthrough role does not make the slightest attempt to hide how vindictive, judgmental, and controlling she is and even acknowledges her volatility when comparing Cady's destructive path to her own reputation.

Judy (Sleepaway Camp)

For incessantly teasing her, kissing her love interest, Paul (Christopher Collet), and encouraging Meg (Katherine Kamhi) to throw her into the lake, Judy (Karen Fields) definitely had it coming when Angela (Felissa Rose) decided to end her life. However, we cannot admit that she earned some sympathy when we saw her death scene, which is easily one of the gnarliest from the cult favorite 1983 summer horror movie, Sleepaway Camp.

Marianne Bryant (Easy A)

Perhaps Amanda Bynes' reputation for playing funny, relatable protagonists worth rooting for inspired her to go against type in the acclaimed 2010 high school comedy, Easy A. Her character, Marianne Bryant, uses her religious beliefs as justification to harass her classmates, especially Olive Penderghast (Emma Stone) when her "innocence" becomes a topic of discussion.

Sharpay Evans (High School Musical)

In all three of Disney Channel's High School Musical movies (the third of which received a theatrical release), Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale) rules East High School's drama club with an iron fist. To make matters worse, the self-absorbed diva spends much of the first two movies trying to earn the affection of basketball star Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) despite his romance with Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens).

Leslie "Spike" O'Malley (Back To The Future Part II)

If there is one additional member from Griff's (Tom Wilson) gang in Back to the Future Part II whom we would deem the most memorable and, especially, the most intimidating, it would have to be Spike (Darlene Vogel). Most movie mean girls typically specialize in psychological mind games but she has no qualms about using physical violence to coerce Marty McFly Jr. (Michael J. Fox) into doing their bidding.

Lana Thomas (The Princess Diaries)

In 2001's The Princess Diaries, Mandy Moore plays Lana Thomas – a popular cheerleader who makes life rough for Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) before discovering her royal lineage. However, even after that revelation, she does not change her tune much and tries to use her target's newfound popularity to her advantage by pretending to be friends with the princess.

Rachel Witchburn (Sydney White)

Sydney White from 2007 is a modern retelling of the story of Snow White, starring Amanda Bynes as a free-spirited college student who befriends a group of seven male social outcasts. She is driven to seek solace from them when she is disbarred from the Kappa Sorority by its queen, Rachel Witchburn (Sara Paxton), who ruthlessly strives to be "fairest of them all" (a.k.a., Number 1 on her university's online hot list).

Danielle Bouseman (Happy Death Day)

We must admit that Rachel Matthews' character from Blumhouse's fun, freaky 2017 time loop movie, Happy Death Day, does redeem herself a bit in 2019's Happy Death Day 2U, in which Danielle is depicted as charitable and even helps Tree (Jessica Rothe) return to her own reality. Of course, that was just an extra-dimensional version of Kappa Pi Lambda's controlling and conceited leader, so she still counts.

Marion Hawthorne (Harriet The Spy)

In the 1996 adaptation of Louise Fitzhugh's 1964 novel, Harriet the Spy – the first Nickelodeon movie – the bane of the titular, precocious sixth grader's (Michelle Trachtenberg) existence is Marion Hawthorne (Charlotte Sullivan). The stuck-up spoiled girl ends up ruining Harriet's life and her relationship with her best friends when she discovers her private notebook and spreads her most unpleasant secrets to her classmates.

Laura Lizzie (The Craft)

With mad respect for Fairuza Balk's brilliantly unhinged performance as Nancy Downs, one of the scariest characters from 1996's The Craft is someone who does not even practice black magic: Christine Taylor's Laura Lizzie. The blonde teen takes pleasure in humiliating and belittling the likes of Rochelle (Rachel True) for her race and Sarah (Robin Tunney) just for being the new girl at school, which is why she hexes her with a spell that causes hair loss.

Angelica Pickles (The Rugrats Movie)

Anyone familiar with the classic animated TV show, Rugrats, should know that the worst offenses three-year-old Angelica Pickles (voiced by Cheryl Chase) has committed against her younger "friends" (and even some adults) have been depicted on television. However, said offenses are so heinous, even for a girl her age, that using 1998's first big screen spin-off of the beloved Nicktoon as an excuse to include her on this list is absolutely justified.

Ambrosia (May)

One of the most sympathetic horror movie villains in the genre's history is Angela Bettis' eponymous character of 2002's May, who was driven to murder for several reasons, including her peers' unfair treatment of her. The worst offender is the domineering Ambrosia (Nichole Hiltz), who cruelly belittles the lonely, abused woman and ruins her romance with Polly (Anna Faris).

Mimi (Psycho Goreman)

A definitive, modern example of a central character who is the worst part of their own movie is Mimi from Psycho Goreman. Some might say that this funny, creative, and insanely gory throwback to '90s sci-fi B-movies would have been more enjoyable if the young girl, who awakens and becomes the captor of the titular alien warlord (voiced by Steven Vlahos and physically portrayed by Matthew Ninaber), was not such an irritatingly narcissistic bully.

Amanda Buckman (Addams Family Values)

On one hand, it is easy to understand why Amanda Buckman (Mercedes McNab) is intimidated (or downright terrified) by Wednesday Addams (Christina Ricci) when they attend Camp Chippewa together in 1993’s Addams Family Values. On the other hand, the spoiled rich girl’s domineering behavior and superiority complex makes it a little fun to watch her fall prey to Wednesday’s tricks, such as when she sabotages a play recreating the first Thanksgiving.

Madison Morgan (The DUFF)

In 2015's The DUFF (an acronym for "designated ugly fat friend"), Bianca Piper (Mae Whitman) maintains a connection with the popular crowd by being friends with the more conventionally attractive Jess (Skyler Samuels) and Casey (Bianca Santos). However, she would never be caught dead being friendly with aspiring reality show star Madison Morgan (Bella Thorne), who believes her incessant rudeness and cruelty is actually one of her more endearing qualities.

Christie Masters (Romy And Michele's High School Reunion)

Early on in 1997's Romy And Michele's High School Reunion, we meet the eponymous duo (played by Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow) and their school bully, Christie Masters (Julia Campbell). When she appears at the reunion, it is clear that the now "happily married" woman has not changed one bit and is still every bit of the overly judgmental jerk she was a teen.

Blaire Lily (Unfriended)

For much of Blumhouse's surprisingly effective 2015 found footage horror flick, Unfriended, we are hoping to see Blaire Lily (Shelley Hennig) and her friends survive the wrath of a mysterious entity that has infiltrated their Skype chat. That is until we discover that Blaire, in addition to being outed as a manipulative liar, posted the embarrassing video that drove the late Laura Barns (Heather Sossaman) to take her own life and that her vengeful spirit has been the one taunting her.

Monique Valentine (She's The Man)

Played by Virgin River's Alexandra Breckenridge, Monique Valentine is a controlling girlfriend – ahem, "ex-girlfriend" – to Sebastian (James Kirk), incessantly cruel to Viola (Amanda Bynes), and mercilessly rude to just about everyone else she crosses paths with. There is no question of who deserves to win when a fight breaks out between her, Viola, and Olivia (Laura Ramsey) in one of the most iconic moments from 2006's She's the Man – a modern take on Shakespeare's play, Twelfth Night, or What You Will.

Harriet Bentley (Wild Child)

In the 2008 coming-of-age comedy, Wild Child, Emma Roberts stars as Poppy – a spoiled, rich American girl who is reluctantly shipped off to a boarding school in the United Kingdom. Not making things any easier for her is the cruel Harriet Bentley (Georgia King), whose hatred for Poppy drives her to frame her for arson.

Jessica Spencer (The Hot Chick)

Before she played Regina George, Rachel McAdams made her feature film debut in the 2002 comedy The Hot Chick as Jessica Spencer, who accidentally switches bodies with a petty thief, played by Rob Schneider, thanks to a pair of magic earrings. Of course, it is hard to have sympathy for the high school cheerleading captain's bizarre predicament because, before the swap, she is a horribly mean-spirited and manipulative jerk.

Julie (The Toxic Avenger)

The volatile and giddily sadistic lunatic Julie (Cindy Manion) is the mastermind of the disastrous prank that causes meek, awkward gym custodian Melvin (Mark Torgl) to fall into a vat of toxic waste and become the eponymous vigilante from Troma's 1984 B-movie, The Toxic Avenger. This decision ultimately seals her downfall as Toxie (Mitch Cohen) later seeks revenge on her with a pair of scissors.

Gwen Grayson (Sky High)

When we first meet Gwen Grayson (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) in 2005's Sky High, she seems like a kindhearted model student. As it turns out, her entire reputation was part of a plan for world domination because, in reality, she is the supervillain Royal Pain, who was transformed into an infant years earlier.

Tracy Campbell (The Rage: Carrie 2)

Played by Charlotte Ayanna, Tracy is, essentially, the Chris Hargenson to Rachel Lang’s Carrie in the loosely connected sequel, The Rage: Carrie 2, from 1999. She, too, plans a cruel prank against the protagonist (played by Emily Bergl) for spending too much time with her boyfriend, Jesse (Jason London), unaware that she will eventually fall prey to the social outcast's telekinetic powers.

Stars returning to old footage can be a lot of fun for their fans, but not necessarily for the entertainer themselves. Megan Fox’s experience of getting strong-armed into the common press segment is one of those moments. There’s no question that she feels absolutely ick looking back at old carpet interviews of herself for Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, and it's literally peak cringe.

All of the current Megan Fox happenings aside, the star sat down with Entertainment Tonight to jump back into old interviews she had done. Via their Instagram post, a Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen clip made the cut, and while it’s not one of the coolest Megan Fox movies, she still made her mark in the film.

The New Girl actress had other feelings about seeing her 2004 self on the Disney movie premiere carpet. Ahead of seeing any footage, she was visibly dreading the vintage moment waiting for her. Immediately, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles alum was distraught, saying this of initially seeing the interview:

Personally, I don’t think it’s all that bad. She looks good, especially considering the fashion of the early '00s and of the audio provided, and she didn't say anything embarrassing. However, I do get where she's coming from. If I was confronted with a video of myself from decades ago, I too would probably be operating at peak levels of cringe.

The Expend4bles actress then dove into her appearance, claiming it was awful, saying:

In terms of the early aughts, the 38-year-old looked very fitting for the time, complete with timely hair and makeup, thin brows and accent jewelry. Now, while I still think she looked good, I do get why Fox was cringing at herself. I think it's natural to do that when we're confronted with images or videos from when we were younger no matter what they are, so her reaction to this archived interview was very relatable.

Megan Fox then jumped on the fact that the way she speaks hasn’t changed after 21 years. She exclaimed:

I can feel the ache in the This is 40 actress’ voice. The toughest critics tend to be ourselves, but from a fan standpoint, Megan Fox shouldn’t dwell too much on this old clip. She’s always been one of the coolest, beloved and outwardly attractive actresses of her generation–her scary sexy robot movie’s success on Netflix over the holidays is a testament to her longevity.

Amongst the Subservience recognition and snippet embarrassment, Fox has had quite a turbulent year. Late last year The Jennifer’s Body star and long-time partner, Machine Gun Kelly, announced their first pregnancy before breaking up around Thanksgiving. Now, in the midst of the recent breakup with The Dirt actor, Kourtney Kardashian has been offering Fox support and care while in her final months of pregnancy. The Transformers actress is due in March 2025 and has been relatively quiet about it all, her ex, Brian Austin Green, on the other hand, has called out MGK's recent choices.

Whatever is ahead for Fox, including the arrival of her baby, I know it’ll be anything but cringe. However, in this case, I do understand why she was giving peak levels of cringe while reacting to old interviews, I think it's what most of us would do when confronted with our younger selves.

Watch Megan Fox in the 2004 classic, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen with a Disney+ subscription.

The 2024 movie schedule has been a treasure trove for horror enthusiasts, delivering some of the best horror movies the genre has seen in a decade. Leading the pack is Demi Moore’s The Substance, a standout that reaffirms the power of female-led horror. With its psychological depth, razor-sharp social commentary, and unsettling body horror, it has cemented itself as one of the best body horror films.

If, like me, you were captivated by its exploration of control and transformation, you’re in for a treat—there’s a wealth of female-led horror that captures those same gripping, intense vibes. Here’s my curated list of seven must-watch films that showcase fierce female leads, game-changing female directed flicks, and yes, I'll direct you away from a couple that didn’t quite hit the mark.

Female-Led Horror Films I'd Recommend After The Substance

The Substance is the latest in a long line of female-led horror movies. Here are seven films I'd recommend after watching Demi Moore’s latest movie.

1. Swallow (2019)

Swallow tells the haunting story of Hunter, a young housewife portrayed by Haley Bennett, in a career-defining performance. Trapped in a stifling life, Hunter develops pica—a compulsion to consume dangerous objects—as a way to reclaim a sense of control. Each object she swallows, from marbles to safety pins, takes her deeper into an exploration of her complex relationship with autonomy and self-agency. Like The Substance, Swallow journeys through the raw, unsettling layers of a woman’s desperate need to claim her body as her own, set against a chilling psychological horror backdrop that’s both disturbing and deeply captivating.

2. Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Jennifer’s Body boasts an incredible cast and has earned its place as a cult favorite by flipping traditional horror tropes on their head. This fantastic one-off horror flick tells the story of high schooler Jennifer, who, after a botched satanic ritual, transforms into a literal man-eater, taking bloody revenge on the boys around her. It’s a film that’s unapologetically gory, hilariously dark, and surprisingly profound in its exploration of betrayal and vengeance—territory few horror comedies dare to tread. For my money, it’s easily one of the best horror movies of the 2000s. If The Substance left you craving a similar mix of sharp humor and blood-soaked catharsis, this Diablo Cody-penned movie will surely hit the mark.

3. The Love Witch (2016)

If you’re looking for the best horror movies on Tubi, I got ya, because my next suggestion can be found streaming there. The Love Witch follows Elaine, played brilliantly by Samantha Robinson, a modern-day witch with a vintage aesthetic who uses love spells to ensnare men. With vibrant, retro visuals and a Gothic twist, the film critiques gender dynamics and the romantic myths women are fed. Like The Substance, The Love Witch is as beautiful as it is unsettling, proving that horror can dissect gender and autonomy just as effectively as any other genre—while serving up some serious style along the way.

4. We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)

We’re all familiar with the classic babysitter horror trope: a killer keeps calling, only for her to discover, “The call is coming from inside the house.” But what if the real horror wasn’t just in the house—it was in the family? Or worse, your own child? We Need to Talk About Kevin is a gripping–easily one of the best psychological thrillers ever made-drama that dives into a mother’s harrowing journey as she confronts the horrifying consequences of her son’s violent actions. Tilda Swinton delivers a chillingly nuanced performance as Eva, a mother entangled in a web of tension, regret, and resentment with her son Kevin. Much like The Substance, this film fearlessly explores uncomfortable themes, unraveling the complexities of parenthood, guilt, and the terror that can arise from within our own families.

5. Relic (2020)

Relic presents a chilling portrait of generational trauma and is a horror movie that meaningfully handles grief. As three generations of women reunite to care for the grandmother in a haunted house, the physical manifestation of their fears takes hold. This slow-burn horror shows how anger, fear, and love intertwine, especially between mothers and daughters. Relic offers a haunting look at family dynamics that will linger long after the credits roll.

6. Near Dark (1987)

Kathryn Bigelow’s Near Dark is an underappreciated female-led gem from the celebrated director, blending vampire horror with a gritty Western twist. The film follows a young woman pulled into a gang of vampires, delving into themes of rebellion, loyalty, and survival. It’s a rare combination of horror, gritty realism, and untraditional romance—all with plenty of bite (pun intended). Unfortunately, Near Dark has been notoriously difficult to find, and it’s not available on any streaming platform. If you want to experience this nearly forgotten ’80s classic, you’ll need to buy a physical copy. But trust me, it’s worth every penny to own this unique piece of cinematic history.

7. American Mary (2012)

This body-horror film follows medical student Mary, who turns to the world of extreme body modification after a traumatic experience. Like The Substance, American Mary uses horror as a lens for empowerment and revenge. Gory yet oddly cathartic, the film explores feminine rage and control over one’s body with an unapologetic, visceral edge. It’s unsettling, empowering, and a great choice for fans looking to explore horror’s darker side.

Female-Led Horror Films That Fall Short

While the above films are definite recommendations, not every female-led horror delivers on its promise. Here are two that fall short.

1. The Neon Demon (2016)

The Neon Demon certainly has a visual appeal, but this psychological horror film directed by Nicolas Winding Refn falls flat on substance despite its stunning cinematography. It follows an aspiring model whose rise to fame leads her into a dark world of jealousy and obsession. While The Neon Demon attempts to explore themes of beauty and exploitation, it ultimately feels shallow, lacking the emotional resonance seen in films like The Substance or Swallow. It’s more style over substance, and for a film dealing with the horror of female competition, it misses the mark.

2. Carrie (2013)

While the original Carrie (1976) stands as a horror classic, the 2013 remake has, unfortunately, earned a spot as one of the worst remakes in cinematic history. This attempt to modernize Stephen King's tale of a bullied girl with telekinetic powers strips away much of the raw, haunting essence that made the original so powerful. Despite the presence of a strong cast, including Chloë Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore, the film fails to capture the emotional depth and gritty realism of its predecessor, reducing the story to a predictable, less intense version. Unlike The Substance, which dives deep into themes of control and transformation, the Carrie remake feels like a missed opportunity, offering little beyond surface-level scares. But who knows—maybe the third time's the charm, as the story is now set for a television adaptation from a horror legend.

The Power of Female-Led Horror

Female-led horror films offer a unique perspective on autonomy, identity, and fear—elements that male-centric horror doesn’t always capture. These movies don’t just rely on scares; they explore the deeply personal struggles women face, from societal expectations to inner demons. This genre proves that women’s stories can bring something fresh and powerful to horror, challenging the norms and diving into issues often left unexplored.

From classics like Near Dark to recent gems like Relic, female-led horror continues to break boundaries, mixing horror and humanity in a way that few genres can.

Check out our 2025 movie release schedule to see what upcoming horror movies are headed to a theater near you in the new year.

We can all collectively agree that Jennifer's Body was ahead of its time and is actually incredible? Cool, cool. 

I loved this film when I was younger. When I found out the stats, I never understood why it didn't do so well at the box office, but I've always had a personal connection to it. It's not just because I'm a fan of the best horror movies ever—I don't even know if I'd put the film on that list. But, this movie is fun, zany, quirky, and a hell of a scare during certain moments. 

It's been a while since this film came out – sixteen years, if you can believe it. And the cast has indeed been up to a lot since then. Let's check back in with the Jennifer's Body cast, shall we? 

Megan Fox As Jennifer Check

Of course, we have to start off with Megan Fox, the Jennifer of Jennifer's Body. Back in 2009, you could see Fox everywhere, on every cover of every magazine, and yes, every girl wanted to be her (as I was one of those girls). 

Since then, Fox has appeared in various films, including Jonah Hex, This Is 40, The Dictator, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies, Zeroville, Think Like A Dog, Rogue, Big Gold Brick, Night Teeth, and Good Mourning. She also starred in Expend4bles, the latest in the Expendables franchise. 

In terms of television, Fox held a recurring role on New Girl for a little bit, was a guest star on Dave, and was the host of Legends of the Lost with Megan Fox. She is going to appear in a new film called Subservience, a movie about an A.I. robot gaining sentience. 

Amanda Seyfried As Anita "Needy" Lesnicki

I don't know what it was about Amanda Seyfried as Needy that altered my brain chemistry, but her role in Jennifer's Body is a prime role of hers to me, and I love it. Seyfried has had quite the career, however, since her role in the film. 

Some of Seyfried's best films since then include Dear John, Red Riding Hood, In Time, Gone, the musical movie Les Miserables, Epic, Ted 2, Pan, Mank, the sequel to Mamma Mia, called Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, A Mouthful of Air, and Things Heard and Seen, among many others. 

On television, Seyfried was the star of The Dropout cast and held a starring role in the Apple TV+ series The Crowded Room. She also had a recurring role in Twin Peaks and a main role in Big Love. Coming up, she'll be on a new TV show called Long Bright River, according to Variety, and a new film called My Ex-Friend's Wedding, according to Deadline.  

Adam Brody As Nikolai Wolf

Adam Brody as Nikolai Wolf in Jennifer's Body also changed lives, and the actor has had a successful career since then. Brody has appeared in several films, such as Damsels in Distress, Scream 4 and the fifth Scream film, Lovelace, Think Like a Man Too, Yoga Hosers, Shazam! and its sequel, Isabelle, Big Bear, and The Kid Detective.

Brody also was a part of the main cast of Good Vibes, a guest on The League, and had a recurring role in Curfew. The actor also appeared in the Fleishman is in Trouble cast. Coming up, he'll be in a new Netflix miniseries called Nobody Wants This. 

Johnny Simmons As Chip Dove

Chip was honestly a good guy in Jennifer's Body, and he didn't deserve the ending he got, but he was played really well by Johnny Simmons. The actor has appeared in various films since then, including Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, 21 Jump Street, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The To-Do List, The Stanford Prison Experiment, and The Late Bloomer, among others. 

Simmons reprised his role from the live-action Scott Pilgrim in the anime adaptation on Netflix called Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. He also had a main role in the TV shows Girlboss and Klondike. Coming up, Simmons will be in a new movie called Bad Man, according to Deadline. 

J. K. Simmons As Mr. Wroblewski

I know you're probably surprised to see J.K. Simmons on this list, but believe it or not, he had a role in Jennifer's Body, and this actor has been active since the film's release. Aside from winning an Academy Award for Whiplash, he's also reprised his role as J. Jonah Jameson several times in both the MCU Spider-Man movies and several other Spidey adaptations. 

Simmons has also had roles in movies such as The Words, Jobs, Labor Day, Dark Skies, Barefoot, Kung Fu Panda 3, Patriots Day, The Accountant, La La Land, Zootopia, Klaus, The Front Runner, Being The Ricardos and more. He's also known for his voice work and has a main role in Invincible (which is renewed for Season 3), BoJack Horseman, The Legend of Korra and more. 

Simmons has a lot coming up, but I'll say the three films you should look out for – Saturday Night, according to Deadline, a new Christmas film titled Red One, and The Accountant 2, according to Deadline.   

Amy Sedaris As Toni Lesnicki

Amy Sedaris played Toni Lesnicki in the movie. The actress has appeared in several films, including Puss in Boots, Ghosted, Somebody I Used to Know, and more. She also played a role in The Mandalorian, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, BoJack Horseman, and others. According to Deadline, she'll be in the new Smurfs film. 

Kyle Gallner As Colin Gray

Kyle Gallner played Colin Gray in the horror film. The actor has appeared in various movies, including Beautiful Boy, Dear White People, The Passenger, Smile, American Sniper, and more. He also had a main role on The Outsiders TV show, and a recurring role in The Shield, among several other television parts. 

He'll be in the new Smile 2, which is part of the 2024 movie release schedule. 

Cynthia Stevenson As Mrs. Dove

Cynthia Stevenson played Mrs. Dove in Jennifer's Body. She's also appeared in the films Tiger Eyes and Baja, and has starred in TV shows like Your Family or Mine, How to Get Away with Murder, and The Good Doctor. She doesn't currently have anything coming up, but we'll keep an eye out. 

Chris Pratt As Officer Roman Duda

Yes, Chris Pratt was in Jennifer's Body, believe it or not, as Roman Duda. The actor gained wide fame after his role in the Parks and Recreation cast and for his part as Star Lord in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

Pratt has appeared in several other films as well, such as Moneyball, The Five Year Engagement, Zero Dark Thirty, Passengers, the Jurassic World trilogy, The Super Mario Bros Movie and The Garfield Movie. He also has a main role in the TV show, The Terminal List. Coming up, Pratt will be in a new movie called The Electric State from the Russo Brothers, and a new film called Mercy, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

Carrie Genzel As Mrs. Check

Last but not least, we have Carrie Genzel, who played Mrs. Check. She's appeared in movies such as Evil Feed, They're Watching, The Layover and Parallel since the film's release. 

She's also had roles in TV shows like The Walking Dead, Sistas, and several TV films. She doesn't have anything coming up yet, but hopefully it won't be too long before we see her again. 

The Jennifer's Body cast is so talented, and honestly, I can't wait to see what they do over the next sixteen years. Jennifer's Body 2, anyone?

Horror is the only film genre whose viewers may seek feeling horrified, paranoid, and horny within a single scene, and all without any judgment passed. Eroticism has co-mingled with instruments of fear since the dawn of cinema, with vampires and Frankenstein-made creatures still haunting cinemas today. So expect nothing less from all the upcoming horror movies on the horizon. (Less so for upcoming horror TV shows, but one can hope.)

Rather than using these crystal balls to look to the future, however, I'm instead focusing on many of the sexiest horror movies that already exist. To be clear, ones that are actually watchable for traditional narrative reasons, though everyone's mileage will vary. A similar best-of list compiling slasher porn parodies surely resides somewhere online, but not here.

So get ready for an amorous onslaught of vampire vixens, sensual seamen, and manipulative Mia Goths.

1. American Psycho (2000)

• Cast: Christian Bale, Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas, Samantha Mathis, Reese Witherspon, Willem Dafoe
• Director: Mary Harron

Mary Harron’s 2000 psychological horror American Psycho is a highly stylish adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel, starring Christian Bale as everyone’s favorite raincoat-wearing axe murderer Patrick Bateman. As a satire, the movie espouses the pompous, money-obsessed behavior and ideals that it’s simultaneously condemning, but it’s hard not to feel a mild twinge from seeing Bale, Jared Leto and others with immaculate suits and haircuts (and business cards). And for anyone out there who lost their virginity to Huey Lewis or Phil Collins, Patrick is on soundtrack duties.

Stream it on Paramount+ and Prime Video.

2. Angel Heart (1987)

• Cast: Mickey Rourke, Robert De Niro, Lisa Bonet, Charlotte Rampling
• Director: Alan Parker

The genre-blending horror Angel Heart would already make the shortlist of sexiest horror movies simply for Robert de Niro oozing evil, bearded mystique as Louis Cypher. But it's the devilish and tawdry goings-on between Rourke's Harry and Bonet's Epiphany that send it over. In seemingly every scene, Rourke drips with either rainwater or sweat, creating quite a lasting look. And Angel Heart’s more extreme scenes were edited down to secure its R rating, just just imagine...

Stream it on Pluto TV.

3. Black Swan (2010)

• Cast: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder
• Director: Darren Aronofsky

Having previously crafted the sex-infused horrors of Requiem for a Dream's "ass to ass" sequence, Darren Aronofsky sent the Oscar-winning Natalie Portman pirouetting into audience's nightmares as Black Swan's obsession-driven dancer. (Not that the film was pushed as a horror release.) Obsessions and pleasures are compatible bedfellows, of course, and Nina is surrounded by carnal energy. Even it only happens in Nina's mind, that just makes it more applicable as a fantasy, amirite?

Stream it on Disney+ and Hulu.

4. Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

• Cast: Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Gary Oldman, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Waits
• Director: Francis Ford Copolla

While debates can be made about the worth of Bram Stoker’s Dracula as a literary adaptation, its inherent physical (and perhaps emotional) lust cannot be denied. Francis Ford Copolla’s 1992 vampiric romance hits many notches on the “sexy horror movie” checklist, from Dracula’s brides enamoring Keanu Reeves’ Jonathan Harker to Sadie Frost’s hyper-eroticized take on Lucy Westenra to rugged Anthony Hopkins as the best Van Helsing ever. But what sizzles harder than anything is the on-screen passion between Gary Oldman’s shapeshifting bloodsucker (in his mustachioed younger form) and Winona Ryder’s Mina. And for those watching the edited version: if you squint from far away, the older Count’s hair kinda looks like boobs.

Rent it on Prime Video or Apple TV.

5. CAM (2018)

• Cast: Madeline Brewer, Patch Darragh, Melora Walters, Devin Druid, Michael Dempsey, Samantha Robinson
• Director: Daniel Goldhaber

2018’s Cam is an exercise in “write what you know,” with screenwriter Isa Mazzei crafting a doppelgänger horror story around a camgirl performer, a profession she’d previously held, with the film’s director Daniel Goldhaber having worked with her in that realm. Likely due to their life experiences, Cam approaches its inherently sexual subject matter with authenticity, as opposed to the salaciously cringey vibes that so many others would have been riddled with. For all the worries that viewers have about Madeline Brewer’s Alice (a.k.a. Lola_Lola) as she falls down the rabbit hole, there’s something not altogether unpleasant about the idea of two Lola_Lolas out there, albeit with fewer fake suicides.

Stream it on Netflix.

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6. Cat People (1982)

• Cast: Nastassja Kinski, Malcolm McDowell, John Heard, Annette O’Toole
• Director: Paul Schrader

Paul Schrader followed American Gigolo up with his 1982 remake of the 1940s horror Cat People, and there would be no confusing which one came first considering how overtly kinky and horny the ‘80s revision is. (Even by 2024 standards.) Nastassja Kinski and Malcolm McDowell star as siblings Irena and Paul, who are revealed to be part of a bloodline of feline creatures who turn into panthers after having sex, and can only return to human form through murder. In a word, it’s quite rawr.

Rent it on Prime Video or Apple TV.

7. Crimson Peak (2015)

• Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam, Jim Beaver
• Director: Guillermo del Toro

While one’s mileage may vary when it comes to Crimson Peak’s story from top to bottom, the general consensus is that Guillermo del Toro did a commendable job with the film’s sexualized elements, from Mia Wasikowska’s Edith being a horny virgin to essentially everything that Tom Hiddleston does when he’s on screen as her worldly significant other Thomas. Like, it’s obviously not as hot when his character’s being an ass or when his incestuous relationship is revealed, but it’s not impossible to just mute the movie and lose track of context in those cases. Del Toro’s lush visuals allow for such suspensions of disbelief. And I think most would agree that the apex comes in the form of Edith and Thomas consummating their marriage for the first time.

Rent it on Prime Video or Apple TV.

8. Don't Look Now (1973)

• Cast: Donald Sutherland, Julie Christie, Hilary Mason, Clelia Matania
• Director: Nicolas Roeg

Nicholas Roeg’s 1973 classic Don’t Look Now is undoubtedly sexy in chosen moments, while jarringly tragic in others. Just like real life! Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie go through some unexpectedly haunting events in the aftermath of their daughter's death, while also delivering one of cinema's most authentically raw sex scenes, including the rare and all-important "man giving oral to his partner" shots. That the scene is echoed later is also of note, though the story goes in far less sexual directions from then on.

Rent on Pluto TV or YouTube TV.

9. Elvira: Mistress Of The Dark (1988)

• Cast: Cassandra Peterson, W. Morgan Sheppard, Daniel Greene, Susan Kellerman, Edie McClurg
• Director: James Signorelli

The words “sexy” and “horror” can’t be said together in any capacity without including Cassandra Peterson’s genre maven Elvira, whose big-screen arrival came in the form of 1988’s Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. (No worries about branding mix-ups with that one.) The goofy plot sees the hostess moving her massive coif and equally massive cleavage from Los Angeles to a conservative-minded Massachusetts town, where she obviously insults everyone with her out-there nature. Even as a PG-13 release, Elvira’s cinematic debut makes the cut because Peterson has been a sex symbol icon for decades without missing a beat, or a neckline stitch.

Streaming on Prime Video, Pluto TV, Tubi, and AMC+.

10. From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

• Cast: George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino, Harvey Keitel, Juliette Lewis, Salma Hayek
• Director: Robert Rodriguez

More than a decade before Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino's Grindhouse, they delivered the similar genre-swapping romp From Dusk Till Dawn. Notably delivering ER fave George Clooney's transition to cinema while burning "dancing Salma Hayek" into viewers' welcoming brains, the movie flips from a raunchy robbery-gone-awry to an all out massacre inside a Mexican strip club populated by vampires. Tarantino is gross enough to ruin the bell curve, but Tom Savino's completely illogical crotch gun swings it back around.

Stream it on Pluto TV.

11. Hellraiser (1987)

• Cast: Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins, Ashley Laurence, Sean Chapman, Doug Bradley
• Director: Clive Barker

Whether or not you think Doug Bradley’s iconic monster himself (itself?) is a looker, Clive Barker’s Hellraiser is a sensual feast for those with more sadomasochistic tastes. (The memorable moniker Pinhead came in the sequel, to phrase it winkingly.) The Cenobites’ puzzle box unlocks unending carnal extremes, with Higgins’ Julia and Laurence’s Kristy becoming acutely aware of its powers in horrifying ways. Or heavenly ones, depending on one’s perspective.

Stream it on Prime Video, Pluto TV and Tubi.

12. The Hunger (1983)

• Cast: Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, Susan Sarandon, Cliff De Young, Dan Hedaya
• Director: Tony Scott

As the perhaps surprising directorial debut from action movie mastermind Tony Scott, 1983’s The Hunger wasn’t so well received at the time. But like many genre standouts, its popularity grew over time, in part for being one of the most erotic vampire movies in existence, thanks to the love triangle between characters played by the OMG trio of Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, and Susan Sarandon. To everyone’s credit, perhaps, The Hunger’s sexual themes and scenes were among the more highly regarded aspects of the film early on, and they’ve all maintained their sensual sense of danger in the years since.

Rent it on Prime Video and Apple TV.

13. Infinity Pool (2023)

• Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Cleopatra Coleman, Jalil Lespert, Amanda Brugel
• Director: Brandon Cronenberg

It’s no shock that Infinity Pool comes from Brandon Cronenberg, son of The Fly and Crash director David Cronenberg, in that the 2023 film is the cinematic equivalent of diving down an extreme-internet rabbit hole in the early 2000s, and may indeed inspire a similar kind of guilt-ridden concupiscence when watching the multitude of fetishes and kinks on display. It’s probably too psychological to delve into how the concept of doubles and cloning plays into the film’s sexual impact, so we’ll just let that part slide while focusing on everything else Alexander Skarsgård’s novelist gets into.

Stream it on Hulu and Disney+.

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14. Interview With The Vampire (1994)

• Cast: Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Kirsten Dunst, Antonio Banderas, Christian Slater
• Director: Neil Jordan

As it tends to go with sexually tinged vampire movies, much of what makes Neil Jordan’s Interview with the Vampire a horny movie comes from inherently disturbing situations that would be quite different outside of cinematic context. Brad Pitt’s Louie quasi-courting Kirsten Dunst’s underage vamp Claudia is one, while the unwitting victim stripped and murdered by the Théâtre des Vampires is another, and generally speaking, it’s probably not great to lust after murderous bloodsuckers just because they look and talk like Antonio Banderas’s Armand. But hey, it’s New Orleans, baby, so laissez les bons temps rouler.

Rent on Prime Video and Apple TV.

15. Jennifer's Body (2009)

• Cast: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Brody, J.K. Semmons
• Director: Karyn Kusama

Screenwriter Diablo Cody and director Karyn Kusama joined forces for 2009’s fatal femme film Jennifer’s Body, which brought Megan Fox’s sex symbol energy to the horror genre in a big male-chomping way alongside Amanda Seyfried. Despite the subdued response upon its initial release, Jennifer’s Body has since reached newfound popularity as a poster child for feminism in genre cinema. And that poster would probably be a centerfold of some kind, with succubus Jennifer Check posed and poised to feed on anyone who dares to cross her path.

Stream it on Peacock.

16. Lady Frankenstein (1971)

• Cast: Rosalba Neri (as Sara Bey), Joseph Cotten, Mickey Hargitay, Paul Müller
• Director: Mel Welles

While Frankenstein lore isn’t often a nexus of horror and sexuality — with all respects to Ella Lanchester — the 1971 Italian film Lady Frankenstein added a jolt of electricity to the story, as well as a bunch of seductive body parts that were not stolen from graves. Starring Rosalba Neri and Hollywood icon Joseph Cotten, the Mel Welles feature maybe isn’t the most memorable from beginning to end, but features some truly uncomfortable moments of coitus interruptus.

Stream it on Tubi, SlingTV and Plex.

17. Lifeforce (1985)

• Cast: Steve Railsback, Peter Firth, Frank Finlay, Patrick Stewart, Mathilda May
• Director: Tobe Hooper

Texas Chain Saw Massacre helmer Tobe Hooper and Alien scribe Dan O’Bannon created the textbook definition of a cult move with 1985’s Lifeforce, whose legacy for years hinged largely on being “that movie with the naked space vampire.” That clothing-optional shapeshifter, portrayed by Mathilda May, isn’t the only reason why Lifeforce’s reputation is so much more positive now than it was around its panned release, to be sure. But if you’re talking sexy horror movies specifically, “naked space vampires” are as formidable as threats get.

Stream it on Prime Video and Tubi.

18. The Lost Boys (1987)

• Cast: Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Corey Feldman, Keifer Sutherland, Dianne Wiest, Edward Hermann
• Director: Joel Schumacher

The concept of eternal youth has never been more sexually charged with hair-metal swagger than in the timelessly ‘80s classic The Lost Boys. Patric, Gertz and Sutherland are the most brooding and reluctant throuple imaginable, and the power dynamics only add to the twisted allure. And Joel Schumacher isn’t ageist, either, with Wiest and Hermann bringing their own hawt vibes. Which Corey Haim’s Sam would just die thinking about. The one movie where necking makes as much sense as sex.

Rent it on Prime Video or Apple TV.

19. The Love Witch (2016)

• Cast: Samantha Robinson, Jeffrey Vincent Parise, Gian Keys, Laura Waddell
• Director: Anna Biller

While a good number of genre flicks spice their narratives up with romance and sex, Anna Biller’s 2016 technicolor horror-comedy The Love Witch focuses squarely on the dalliances of its bewitching Elaine, portrayed with Hollywood starlet perfection by Samantha Robinson. The ‘60s setting gives Bewitched in an alt-universe where Elizabeth Montgomery played a horny widow who may have snapped and killed Darren, with some delightful Munsters-esque camp rounding out the more salacious side of things. It’s the rare form of sexy horror movie that doesn’t inspire pangs of awkward self-judgment.

Streaming on Peacock, Tubi, Pluto TV, and Philo.

20. MaXXXine (2024)

• Cast: Mia Goth, Kevin Bacon, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Elizabeth Debicki
• Director: Ti West

The third film in Ti West’s trilogy kicked off by 2022’s slasher X and 2023’s psychological horror Pearl, the ‘80s-set sequel MaXXXine goes all-in on the era’s exploitative excess. Mia Goth again rules the screen as Hollywood starlet-in-training Maxine in her quest, no matter whose testicles and faces she has to destroy in the process. Even without the focus on pornography and outright horror as Maxine’s first outing, Goth is a fountain of sexually confident power throughout, whether or not a cigarette is dangling from her lips. What’s sexier than success?

Stream it on HBO Max.

21. Mulholland Drive (2001)

• Cast: Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux, Robert Forster, Dan Hedaya
• Director: David Lynch

Still serving as the penultimate film in David Lynch’s bizarre oeuvre, 2001’s Mulholland Drive takes audiences from the sensual glamour and confidence of Old Hollywood to its sleazy and regretful antithesis, with Naomi Watts ostensibly delivering two distinct performances opposite Laura Harring’s femme fatale. It’s the relationship between their characters, darkly twisted yet authentically loving, that really take Mulholland Drive into wet fever dream territory, despite the unsettling notion that someone’s tiny grandparents might be watching voyeuristically from the floor. Lots of things about this movie are confusing — with its horror distinction sometimes needing defense — but its effect on horny viewers is as clear as the L.A. sky.

Rent it on Prime Video or Apple TV.

22. Nosferatu (2024)

• Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Willem Dafoe
• Director: Robert Eggers

Regardless of one's thoughts about Count Orlok's somewhat polarizing mustache, it's hard to deny the erotic romance throbbing and spurting throughout Nosferatu. Robert Eggers has a way with imbuing sensuality into his disturbing tales through gauzy aesthetics, attractive actors and, well, actual sex scenes. WIllem Dafoe doesn't need to be in them to make them more effective all the same.

Stream it on Peacock.

23. Raw (2016)

• Cast: Garance Marillier, Ella Rumpf, Rabah Naït Oufella, Laurent Lucas, Joana Preiss
• Director: Julia Ducournau

Coming-of-age movies are always good for awkward sexual chemistry, and director Julia Ducournau’s 2016 body horror Raw certainly fits the bill. Garance Marillier’s vegetarian veterinarian Justine suffers a case of “food poisoning” and suddenly finds herself obsessed with the idea of eating meat…any kind of meat…even if it’s her own. For those with oral fetishes, Raw is either a dream or a nightmare, and the fact that Justine’s journey is joined by her sister Alexia (Ella Rumpf) just complicates all the feelings.

Buy it on Amazon.

24. The Shape Of Water (2017)

• Cast: Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones, Michael Stuhlbarg
• Director: Guillermo del Toro

Guillermo Del Toro’s The Shape of Water is like much of his filmography, in that it portrays sexually heightened acts and behavior without lust-filled gratuity or rampant titillation. Its inherent sexiness isn’t really beholden to the visuals, but the assurance from the filmmaker that Elisa’s inner pleasure is always at the forefront, whether it’s through the knowledge of her daily bathtub masturbation sessions or her not-exactly-erotic sex scene with the fish-man. It’s more complex than campers getting shanked after cabin boinking, in any case.

Rent it on Apple TV and Prime Video.

25. Species (1995)

• Cast: Natasha Henstridge, Ben Kingsley, Michael Madsen, Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker
• Director: Roger Donaldson

Certainly not the only horror movie out there with a hawt extraterrestrial at its center, 1995’s Species stars Natasha Henstridge as its extremely deadly (and also extremely provocative) human-alien hybrid Sil. Unlike some horror and sci-fi movies’ more complex sexual charges, Species wears its horniness right on its ooey-gooey sleeves in the way a slasher movie does, only this time it’s the malicious big bad handling all the nudity and sex scenes. There’s even full-on penetration, at least by way of Sil’s tongue penetrating a dude’s throat and neck. And it should probably come as a surprise to no one that Sil’s alien nature was designed by H.R. Giger.

Stream it on Prime Video, Pluto TV and Tubi.

26. Stoker (2013)

• Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Matthew Goode, Nicole Kidman, Dermot Mulroney, Jacki Weaver
• Director: Park Chan-wook

On paper, in theory, and in practice, Park Chan-wook’s wickedly intense 2013 thriller Stoker probably shouldn’t harbor any sexual desires among its viewers, given the fact that the film starts with death and mourning, and its other main ingredients are psycho-incest lust and murder. And yet… There’s something about the mansion and its gothic aesthetic, about the way Matthew Goode’s Charlie brings mischief and mayhem to the prim and pristine lives of Nicole Kidman’s Evelyn and Mia Wasikowska’s India, about the all-out taboo nature of everything happening within those walls. It stokes, it stokes.

Rent on Prime Video and Apple TV.

27. The Substance (2024)

• Cast: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid
• Director: Coralie Fargeat

The Substance is a brilliant and brilliantly performed movie that cuts as deep as its story. But it also happens to be the kind of movie where, if you turn the sound down and purposefully ignore all the meaningful text and subtext, there's a bonkers amount of surface-level titilation to wade through. Unfortunate as it may be that the surface is that of a bathroom floor.

Stream it on Mubi.

28. Suitable Flesh (2023)

• Cast: Heather Graham, Bruce Davison, Johnathan Schaech, Barbara Crampton, Judah Lewis
• Director: Joe Lynch

Inspired heavily by Stuart Gordon’s H.P. Lovecraft offerings, Joe Lynch’s body-swapping romp Suitable Flesh is an appropriately naughty and monstrous take on Lovecraft’s “The Thing on the Doorstep,” with Lewis’ Asa essentially possessed by the horniest entity imaginable. The whole movie feels like one of prepubescent David Lynch’s wet dreams adapted into an episode of Tales from the Crypt, presumably also with Graham as a hawt therapist.

Stream it on Hulu, Disney+, Shudder, and Philo.

29. Teeth (2007)

• Cast: Jess Weixler, John Hensley, Josh Pais, Hale Appleman, Lenny Von Dohlen
• Director: Mitchell Lichtenstein

Technically more of an amusing cautionary tale than purely erotic horror for dental hygenists, Mitchell Lichtenstein’s 2007 feature Teeth follows Dawn O’Keefe, a perfectly normal teen who happens to have teeth in her vagina that excel at severing penises. (Can't think of a second-best option.) An indie body horror with a feminist spin, Teeth could possibly be the greatest “horny teen” horror ever if not for all the genital-thrashing trauma involved.

Stream it on Plex and Fandango at Home.

30. Thirst (2009)

• Cast: Song Kang-ho, Kim Ok-vin, Kim Hae-sok, Shin ha-Kyun, Park In-hwan
• Director: Park Chan-wook

Four years before Stoker, Park Chan-wook dipped his toes into erotic horror waters (or blood in this case) with the 2009 vampire tale Thirst. Song Kang-ho stars as Catholic priest Fr. Sang-hyun, whose hospital volunteer work coincides with his newfound unquenchable desire for all things sanguine. Thirst's passion for other bodily pleasures is evident through Sang-hyun’s illicit exploits with ennui-stricken lover Tae-ju (Kim Ok-bin). Definitely one of the more twisted takes on sexy vampire lore out there.

Rent it on Prime Video or Apple TV.

31. Under The Skin (2013)

• Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy McWilliams, Adam Pearson, Paul Brannigan
• Director: Jonathan Glazer

Instantly polarizing upon its 2013 release, Jonathan Glazer’s dreary sci-fi feature Under the Skin is a lo-fi adaptation of Michel Faber’s 2000 novel, starring Scarlett Johansson as a nameless alien who makes easy prey out of her victims thanks to her ample sexuality. To be sure, Under the Skin’s sexiness is largely about the surface-level vibes, as the film’s disturbing denouement is hardly alluring, and its story can be interpreted in a number of anti-sexual ways.

Rent it on Prime Video or Apple TV.

32. The Wicker Man (1973)

• Cast: Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, Britt Ekland, Lesley Mackie, Ingrid Pitt
• Director: Robin Hardy

Robin Hardy’s 1973 classic The Wicker Man is steeped in the push and pull between overt and repressed, whether it’s in regards to information that Edward Woodward’s police sergeant is looking for, or the seductive nature of Summerisle and its very willful inhabitants. As it can often go with films set within cult-ish communities, The Wicker Man taps into psychosexual threads that run deeper than corporeal pleasures and stick around longer than more direct imagery might. Not that it lacks in that department, either. But all the Isle of Horndog-ness would be for naught if not for that gut-punch of a final act.

Stream it on Pluto TV and Tubi.

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33. X (2022)

• Cast: Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, Brittany Snow, Scott Mescudi, Martin Henderson, Owen Campbell
• Director: Ti West

Given that it’s ostensibly about making a pornographic movie, Ti West’s 2022 hit X could either be seen as a no-brainer for a sexy movies round-up, or it could be viewed as too obvious a choice to truly qualify. (Read our X review!) Of course, both are kind of true, and kind of aren’t, since X features more than a few harrowing moments that completely remove thoughts of libidinous pleasure from one’s mind. But hey, it’s also a movie about people who want to fuck and have a good time doing it, and nothing is sexier than that. Up until a certain point in the runtime, anyway.

Stream it on Max.

Not everyone agrees on what makes the best cup of tea, the same way that not everyone will agree on what makes the sexiest horror movie, but part of what makes being a movie fan so enjoyable is sharing those opinions and hearing what others are into as well. If we all agreed on everything, horny or otherwise, it'd make for a pretty boring life.

The horror genre has been experiencing a renaissance for years now, and is showing no signs of slowing down. While some of the best horror movies returned to theaters with sequels, we've also been treated to some wholly unique projects. One of the horror movies of the year is Lisa Frankenstein, which put a campy '80s spin on Mary Shelley's classic tale. The movie is now streaming with a Peacock subscription, and as a huge Jennifer's Body fan, I wish I hadn't taken so long to finally watch it.

Both Jennifer's Body and Lisa Frankenstein where written by the great Diablo Cody, and they definitely share some connective tissue as a result. In fact, Cody claimed they were set in the same universe... even if there was no references to this in the new movie. And after seeing the delightful mix of horror and comedy in Lisa Frankenstein, I'm definitely ready for the Diablo Cody cinematic universe.

Lisa Frankenstein's reviews also praised Cody's horror comeback, so I'm not the only one who is loving this return to form. The writer has a unique way of blending teen movie tropes with bloody gore, all while there are plenty of laughs along the way. And in a time where filmmakers are focused on gritty adaptations, this type of whimsy within the horror genre is a breathe of fresh air. And seeing the mix of comedy and horror in a theater with other fans would no doubt have made it an even better viewing experience. 

There were plenty of hilarious moments in Lisa Frankenstein, including the kills that happened at the hands of Cole Sprouse's Creature. It was such a blast that I was mad I didn't get to see it in theaters. Then again, plenty of moviegoers streamed Lisa Frankenstein on Peacock, and are sounding off about their love for the movie online. So clearly I'm not alone in this.

Aside from the bloody kills and sweet love story at the heart of Lisa Frankenstein, it also continues Jennifer's Body legacy by seeing Kathryn Newton's title character get revenge on those who have wronged her. Known colloquially online as the "good for her" genre, moviegoers like myself love to see girls in scream queens step into their power and take out their enemies. Jennifer and Lisa both grapple with the terrors of sexual assault, before making their attackers pay big time. 

Prior to Lisa Frankenstein, Diablo Cody had been staying busy recently with projects like 2018's Tully and the Broadway musical Jagged Little Pill, which is based off of Alanis Morissette's album of the same name. But it should be interesting to see if Lisa Frankenstein's reception inspires to her create more horror-comedy projects. As previously mentioned, I'd like to see a full cinematic universe formed. 

Lisa Frankenstein is streaming now on Peacock. Be sure to check out the 2024 movie release dates to plan your next trip to the movies. 

Over the last decade plus, Jennifer’s Body has built a major cult following. However, in 2009, it was considered a major flop. It only made a humble 16 million on a 32 million budget, critics had mixed reactions to it, and it became a joke before it was even given a chance. By Hollywood standards, it bombed in every way. This makes its resurgence and new appreciation a sweet treat for the cast and crew. Megan Fox, Diablo Cody, and Karyn Kusama are finally receiving the praise they deserve.

Not every great film finds its audience during its initial release. Sometimes it's criminally misunderstood by critics and the target audience. Jennifer’s Body isn’t the first cult classic to become popular after its initial release, but the film offers an interesting look at what happens when the studio wants the film to appeal to the wrong audience and doesn’t understand the film’s purpose. Its new cult status is vindication for Cody, Fox, and Kusama.

They tried to create a smart feminist movie for girls, but the studio wouldn’t listen. 

Warning: Jennifer’s Body spoilers ahead. Proceed with caution.

The Studio Marketed Jennifer's Body To The Wrong Audience 

Having a big studio behind a film can often propel it to success. The company invests so much time and money into marketing campaigns, so you would assume that they would use those dollars wisely. However, major studios aren’t always a blessing, and this was a curse for Jennifer’s Body. In a Buzzfeed interview, screenwriter Diablo Cody and director Karyn Kusama shared the studio’s horrific marketing campaign. It leaned heavily into Fox’s sex appeal to attract young straight men. This meant sexually suggestive posters and questionable promotional ideas, including the idea to have Fox host an amateur porn site. 

The studio seemingly ignored the script and Cody’s intention of attracting teen girls, ones like main characters Jennifer (Megan Fox) and Needy (Amanda Seyfried). Therefore, sexualizing Fox — the opposite of the film's message — made zero sense. Sadly, there seemed to be a lack of interest in pushing the film to the right audience.

In a Variety interview, Cody shared that the promotional team used a focus group full of young men for suggestions on improving the movie. This was just one of their many misguided marketing tactics. 

In the Buzzfeed interview, Cody expressed frustration at targeting boys because clearly, this set up Jennifer’s Body for failure. Boys were being ripped to pieces and murdered in the film, after all. Cody said:

The marketing team thought the best way to market Jennifer’s Body was to target young men who may have been fantasizing about Fox since her Transformers appearance. These strategies missed the mark and failed to give the horror movie the right publicity for it to succeed.  

The Popularity Of Streaming Services And Social Media Helped It Find Its Audience 

There are many problems with the streaming service model, especially when it comes to its negative effects on actors and writers. However, these platforms have made it easier for films and TV shows to find an audience who can appreciate it, even decades after its release. More people have discovered Jennifer’s Body because they can stream it on their favorite platform. 

Gifs of popular scenes, TikTok discussions, viral sound clips, and more build interest that turns into streams and purchases. Such social engagement can resurrect forgotten films. This has partly helped the Jennifer’s Body rebirth.

The Me Too Movement Allowed People To See Jennifer's Body's Purpose 

The title basically states it all: Her body is the centerpiece, but not in the way the marketing may have suggested. Jennifer’s Body is about Jennifer losing autonomy over her body. A demon is forced inside her without her control or consent. The film isn’t even a little subtle in what it’s trying to say. Plus, Jennifer’s death scene echoes the nature and tone of a sexual assault. Her scared look as she enters a van with creepy dudes says a lot without yelling at you to understand. 

Jennifer’s death results in her preying on men. It’s a great revenge movie, but not in the traditional sense. It’s revenge on the idea of men who abuse or devalue women. Though most of Jennifer’s victims have done nothing wrong that we know of, it’s about just feeding on men the way some devour women in the worst ways. Needy, however, by the end, does get some revenge in honor of Jennifer. With the Me Too Movement, a lot of people began to discuss and engage with media that added to the conversations surrounding it. More people started to watch and respect Jennifer's Body for its feminist lens and purposeful plot. 

The main character’s traumatic murder by a group of men makes a statement on violence against women. The men in this band are ruthless with a lack of remorse. They only value whether Jennifer has or hasn’t engaged in sexual activity. She’s just something to help them gain success. In the same Buzzfeed interview, Fox released a statement to add to the conversation on the film. She believed it came out at a time when the world wasn’t ready for it:

Now with the world a bit more feminist and more open to these discussions, the film has been able to find its audience.

The Queer Lens Of The Story  

2009 was more progressive than the decades before it, but it was nowhere near the level of openness and tolerance of today. Times are still not perfect, and prejudice and close-minded individuals and ideology still exist, but things have progressed a lot since Jennifer’s Body, especially with the support for queerness. More great LGBTQ+ movies and TV shows are being produced than in past decades. People are also more willing to embrace gay and queer content of the past.

Jennifer’s Body has some queer aspects that are key to the story. Needy and Jennifer are attracted to each other. Their exact sexuality isn’t really defined, but it’s definitely not hetero. Jennifer even delivers her famous line about going both ways. Needy seems to, as well, because she appears to be into both Jennifer and Chip (Johnny Simmons). Cody and Kusama expressed frustration on how people misinterpreted the kiss. Some saw it as exploitative. However, Cody envisioned it as communicating the women’s feelings for each other:

With the evolution of how people engage with queer context, people can more easily understand that this is the story of a complicated friendship. Some of that complication comes from the unspoken attraction to each other and romantic feelings.  

The Post-Film Success Of Amanda Seyfried, Megan Fox, And Other Cast Members 

The fame of the Jennifer’s Body cast may have also helped more people watch the movie. Fox was on the rise at the time. However, she has become even more famous since the movie’s release. Seyfried has become a household name and even received critical acclaim and awards. The cast also includes Chris Pratt and, J.K. Simmons, who are also now two extremely popular and successful actors.

Fans tend to explore movies and TV shows featuring their favorite actors, and as people become more popular, new fans tend to watch their past projects. New fans of these stars may have just discovered the movie.

Discovering films and TV shows of the past and making them popular again is a constant media cycle. New cult classics are born each day. However, Jennifer’s Body is a cautionary tale on how bad marketing can wrong a good movie. 

Stream Jennifer’s Body on Max.

Anyone else already missing spooky season? Luckily for us, there are some exciting upcoming horror movies coming out in the meantime, starting with Lisa Frankenstein. The latest of the 2024 movies is not only a horror movie, but a twisted spin on the romantic comedy genre too. It stars Kathryn Newton, Cole Sprouse and Carla Gugino, and comes from writer Diablo Cody and director Zelda Williams. If Lisa Frankenstein was your jam, it’s time to keep the blood splatters going with these recommendations of more teen horror movies like it to check out next. 

While Lisa Frankenstein was met with mixed thoughts from critics, I certainly dug the movie! Check out my thoughts with CinemaBlend’s own Lisa Frankenstein review. As a longtime fan of the teen horror genre, here’s the movies I want to point you to next if you’re looking for more movies like Lisa Frankenstein. 

Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Lisa Frankenstein would be a perfect double feature with 2009’s Jennifer’s Body, especially since it was Diablo Cody’s first and last time doing a teen horror movie before Lisa Frankenstein! It follows Megan Fox’s Jennifer, a high school heartthrob who becomes possessed by a demon and starts a murderous rampage on the boys in her high school. While speaking to us about Lisa Frankenstein, Cody even shared that while the release of Jennifer’s Body initially “shattered” her confidence when it came out to poor reviews and box office numbers, following the movie becoming a cult following, she really wanted to capture some of the tone of the 2009 movie in Lisa Frankenstein. 

Stream Jennifer’s Body on Max.Rent/Buy Jennifer’s Body on Amazon. 

Freaky (2020)

Another teen horror movie with a solid connection to Lisa Frankenstein is 2020’s Freaky. The movie also stars Kathryn Newton, but in this comical premise, her teen character accidentally switches bodies with a serial killer known as the Blissfield Butcher, played by Vince Vaughn. Yes, think Freaky Friday, but with some seriously bold horror movie kills! 

Stream Freaky on Peacock.
Rent/Buy Freaky on Amazon. 

Totally Killer (2023) 

Another great pick to go with for your trek down teen horror movies like Lisa Frankenstein is a rather new addition to the genre, Totally Killer. The movie that came out just a few months ago stars Kiernan Shipka as a 17-year-old named Jamie who finds herself accidentally traveling back in time where she confronts her mother as a teen in the year 1987. Jamie and her future mother team up to take down a psychopath murderer. After the ‘80s vibes of Lisa Frankenstein, this is a great pick! You might even like it if you’re not usually into horror like one of our writers did. 

Stream Totally Killer on Amazon Prime. 

Ginger Snaps (2000)

Over 20 years ago, a new spin on werewolves was told through Ginger Snaps. The early ‘00s movie is about two teen sisters in the fallout of one of them turning into a werewolf after being bitten by an animal after starting her period for the first time. The movie is thought of as a feminist horror classic, and without the likes of a genre film like this, Lisa Frankenstein may not have even been born. 

Stream Ginger Snaps on Peacock. Rent/Buy Ginger Snaps on Amazon. 

Twilight (2008) 

If you’re down the rabbit hole of teen horror movies like Lisa Frankenstein, it’s also as good a time as any to revisit Catherine Hardwicke’s Twilight. Much like Lisa Frankenstein, this cultural phenomenon of a movie puts a unique and modern twist on a classic creature that is known to star in horror movies, and adds an element of romance for a little spice. Twilight is also, of course, a classic that encompasses the yearning of being a teenager with Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson’s twisted romance. 

Stream Twilight on Hulu. Rent/Buy Twilight on Amazon. 

Edward Scissorhands (1990) 

Lisa Frankenstein is a gothic romance of sorts, and it certainly feels inspired by Tim Burton films, especially 1990’s Edward Scissorhands. The movie starring Winona Ryder and Johnny Depp is about a young man with scissors for hands who falls in love with a teen girl as he deals with the realities of being an outcast in the world. 

Stream Edward Scissorhands on Max.
Rent/Buy Edward Scissorhands on Amazon. 

Warm Bodies (2013) 

Another creepy horror-filled romance in the vein of Lisa Frankenstein is 2013’s Warm Bodies. The movie stars Nicholas Hoult as “R,” a zombie who falls in love with a human named Julie in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. It’s a cute and rather funny movie that was based on the novel of the same name, which itself was a spin on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. 

Stream Warm Bodies on Hulu. Stream Warm Bodies on Peacock. Rent/Buy Warm Bodies on Amazon. 

Donnie Darko (2001)

If you’re looking for a more prestigious pick of the genre, definitely check out the cult classic known as Donnie Darko. Much like Lisa Frankenstein, the 2001 movie takes place in the '80s and follows a teenager going through some dark stuff. The movie starring Jake Gyllenhaal starts when the titular character comes across a demonic human-sized rabbit one night while he’s sleepwalking who warns him that the world will end in 28 days. 

Stream Donnie Darko on Peacock. Rent/Buy Donnie Darko on Amazon. 

Carrie (1976)

Or, you could watch one of the best horror movies of all time, Carrie. It’s perhaps the ultimate and best teen horror movie ever, so of course it needs to be on the list. The 1976 film starring Sissy Spacek is based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, and it’s about a telekinetic teenager who unleashes her powers on her prom night after bullies pull a bloody prank on her. 

Stream Carrie on Max. Rent/Buy Carrie on Amazon. 

There’s so many solid movies like Lisa Frankenstein to quench one’s thirst for teen horror movies! You can check out the movie itself only in theaters now. 

Almost 15 years ago, Diablo Cody’s follow-up to her debut feature script Juno, Jennifer’s Body hit theaters to a disappointing run. The movie starring Megan Fox was a box office failure and flop with critics when it initially came out, but in recent years audiences have warmed up to the movie big time. Nowadays the horror flick is thought of as a modern cult classic and that success has led to Cody’s first movie from the genre since, Lisa Frankenstein. 

When CinemaBlend spoke to Diablo Cody and Lisa Frankenstein director Zelda Williams about Lisa Frankenstein, Cody talked about how the 2009 movie connected to her return to horror. In her words: 

During our interview, Cody shared that Jennifer’s Body definitely inspired Lisa Frankenstein, but it couldn’t have happened without the resurgence of the movie. When the film initially wasn’t received well in 2009, the writer recalls her confidence being shot, and she decided to pack up her horror ideas because she felt she didn’t “have any business” writing for it anymore. Thankfully, she came back around for Lisa Frankenstein! 

Over the years, Diablo Cody and the cast of Jennifer’s Body have opened up about how the movie’s marketing did not speak to the audience it was made for. Megan Fox previously recalled being “vilified” as she was doing press for it, and her co-star Kyle Gallner remembers Fox being objectified as the movie hit theaters. I can speak for myself, as someone who loved the movie when I revisited it in recent years, but initially, it didn't appeal to me due to the trailers and other ways it was being marketed.  

While talking about the 2009 film elsewhere to the press, Cody has also shared her hopes to make a Jennifer’s Body sequel. Since the movie has gained traction, Cody has shared that she’s honestly felt “a little bit salty” at times regarding the audience not being there up front because back when the movie was released she felt “humiliated” by the “rough experience.” And these days she’s “just happy” to see Jennifer’s Body getting all the love it has received.  

Lisa Frankenstein stars Marvel’s Kathryn Newton as a teenage girl dealing with the loss of her mother when a living corpse appears on her doorstep. The horror romance is on the 2024 movie schedule to hit theaters this Friday, February 9. Go give it some love by seeing it on the big screen!! 

Unappreciated at the time of its release, despite being one of the best horror movies of the 2000s, Jennifer’s Body has become a cult classic in the world of horror movies. The screenwriter of the Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried-led horror-comedy Diablo Cody has returned to the genre with a new film called Lisa Frankenstein. Surprisingly enough, she says that Fox's film takes place in the same universe as her latest work, and my mind is blown.

The 2009 horror comedy that Diablo Cody wrote follows a high school student who becomes demonically possessed following a sacrifice and subsequently kills her classmates and eats their flesh in order to survive. While promoting Lisa Frankenstein, the acclaimed screenwriter told Deadline that while there might not be any “overt” references to the cult classic in her latest movie, they take place in the same shared universe. As she tells it:

The upcoming horror movie Lisa Frankenstein puts a fresh, goth twist on Mary Shelley's 1818 iconic novel. It stars Kathryn Newton as a teen who zaps a Victorian corpse (Cole Sprouse) back to life, with the aim to DIY her dream guy. It's so interesting to think that it could take place in the same world where Jennifer Check created all of that carnage. This is a weird (and dangerous) fictional universe, to say the least, but one that could be quite fascinating.

While chatting up her latest flick, Diablo Cody has actually been getting asked questions regarding a Jennifer’s Body sequel or reboot, and she has seemed hyped over the prospect. She's banking on the hype to kickstart that dream into gear, she continued:

As great as it would be to see another installment that would theoretically expand this supposed shared universe, the comments are a bit surprising. I can't help but wonder why the Juno writer would return to the genre, considering she, Megan Fox, and her castmates received a lot of flak when Jennifer’s Body was released. The scribe expounded on her decision to return to the genre: 

My questions aside, I certainly can't deny that it would be pretty exciting to see a crossover of the two cinematic horror worlds if a follow-up to the Megan Fox's cult classic flick materializes. However, seeing as how the 2009 production is technically a Disney movie following their purchase of 20th Century Fox and Lisa Frankenstein is owned by NBC Universal, it might not be a team-up that's in the cards. But, then again, stranger things have happened. If anything though, I just remain enthused by the knowledge that Diablo Cody sees these flicks as occurring in a single world.

Lisa Frankenstein hits theaters on February 9 as part of the 2024 movie release schedule. Also, you can revisit Jennifer’s Body, which is streaming. All you need is a Max subscription. 

In 2009, the horror movie Jennifer's Body was released, but it was sadly a critical and financial failure. Not only did its star, Megan Fox, and her castmates receive a lot of flak for the flick, but so did its writer, Diablo Cody. However, over time, the movie has gained a cult following. And though there are many reasons to revisit Fox's film, one of the primary reasons is its feminist and female empowerment themes. Recently, Cody shared some thoughts on whether there could be a sequel and recalled the movie's "failure" at the box office.

The acclaimed Juno screenwriter returns to the spooky genre with her upcoming horror movie Lisa Frankenstein, which is directed by first-time feature helmer Zelda Williams. Diablo Cody appeared on the Bloody Disgusting's Boo Crew Podcast to talk about her new project, but the conversation got really interesting when she expressed interest in returning to the world of female rage and revenge. She explained:

This is such exciting news to hear, and it really does make sense. Given the film's current popularity, there would surely be more people eager to line up to see a follow-up. Of course, the financial logistics must definitely be taken into consideration. I would imagine that a studio would probably be eager to greenlight a sequel now, especially if Megan Fox herself were willing to sign on for it.

The Young Adult screenwriter had more to say about the flick as well. She was candid about her initial feelings towards the cult status of the movie. Although many regard the film as one of the best horror movies of the 2000s now, the scribe revealed that she was initially a little resentful. She went on to say:

Unfortunately, the filmmakers and stars of the movie faced severe criticism upon the initial release. One of the main reasons for the backlash could be the confusion in marketing. The movie's promotion primarily focused on Megan Fox's sex appeal, using posters featuring her dressed in revealing outfits such as a schoolgirl uniform or cheerleading attire. This approach overshadowed the film's underlying dark humor and social commentary. Diablo Cody also added:

If I were in her shoes, I'd certainly be pleased as well due to the love the movie now receives. A follow-up honestly feels like a bit of a pipe dream at this point, though, despite the positive vibes that surround the OG film at this point. Still, legacy sequels continue to be big, so I'd say the odds of it happening aren't all that slim.

More immediately though, the One Mississippi writer is focused on promoting Lisa Frankenstein another horror comedy. The film stars Ant-Man 3’s Kathryn Newton as a teenager who brings a corpse back to life—the two journey to find love, happiness, and murderous mayhem. I honestly can’t wait to see this movie! I only hope this one gets the proper respect it deserves when it's released and doesn't have to wait 15 years to be appreciated like Jennifer’s Body. 

If a sequel to Megan Fox's film ever materializes, CinemaBlend will be the first to update you. Until then, maybe it's time to rewatch the movie if you haven't seen it in a while. It's available to stream now with a Max subscription. And Diablo Cody and Zelda Williams' Lisa Frankenstein, is set to hit theaters on February 9 as part of the 2024 movie release schedule.

It's time to dust off those old DVD and VHS collections and rediscover the hidden treasures that made the 2000s a standout era in horror cinema. (Some even earned a spot on our list of the top 100 movies from the decade.) While there have been some amazing horror movies over the years -- see our list of the best horror movies of all time for evidence of that -- the early aughts marked a period of innovation and growth in the genre, thanks to filmmakers pushing boundaries, blurring the line between reality and nightmare, and crafting unforgettable spine-chilling experiences. 

Whether you're into paranormal thrillers starring Harrison Ford, or the emergence of "torture porn" in James Wan's Saw and others, this was a time when horror took on more captivating and diverse forms as it left the '90s behind. So, dim the lights, grab your popcorn, and join me as we explore the 15 best horror movies of the 2000s. (Note that the list is ordered by year of release, and is not ranked by quality.)

What Lies Beneath (2000)

Let's kick off our spooky journey with Robert Zemeckis' What Lies Beneath, a suspenseful masterpiece starring the charismatic Harrison Ford and the ever-enchanting Michelle Pfeiffer. The story follows Claire Spencer (Pfeiffer), who suspects her dream house by the waterfront is haunted. Zemeckis skillfully weaves through the atmospheric thriller with expertly built tension in a way that straddles the line between psychological and supernatural horror. Pfeiffer's captivating performance and Ford's descent into madness help cement What Lies Beneath as an enduring classic, keeping viewers on edge until the chilling climax. Unsurprisingly, this movie ranks among the highest-grossing supernatural horror movies of all time.

American Psycho (2000)

Another standout horror film in 2000 delved deep into the darkest recesses of the human psyche. American Psycho, directed by Mary Harron, introduced moviegoers to Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), a wealthy New York investment banker who may or may not be a completely unhinged serial killing sadist, depending on your interpretation of the chilling ending. Christian Bale's unforgettable portrayal of Bateman, a charismatic and profoundly disturbed character, cements American Psycho as a horror classic, with the actor earning his place as a genuinely terrifying modern horror villain. The film, adapted from Bret Easton Ellis' novel of the same name, hinges on a satirical exploration of materialism and the superficiality of society, adding layers of depth to its disturbing narrative.

The Others (2001)

The Others, directed by Alejandro Amenábar and starring the incomparable Nicole Kidman, earns its spot on our list as one of the best one-off horror films, as well as one of the most atmospheric flicks of the early aughts. Kidman takes on the role of Grace Stewart, a woman who becomes increasingly convinced her house is haunted. Amenábar's masterful storytelling weaves a tale brimming with suspense and dread, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The confirmation dress scene is one of the scariest scenes in cinematic history, and the highly lauded shock of a twist will leave you speechless.

Frailty (2001)

The late, great Bill Paxton wears multiple hats in this 2001 thriller. Not only does he star alongside Matthew McConaughey, but he also steps into the director's chair. The story revolves around a father who becomes convinced he has a divine duty to eliminate demons hiding among ordinary people. Frailty stands out for its deep exploration of faith, morality, and the hazy boundaries between good and evil. Paxton's direction and the exceptional performances by the cast elevate this film to the status of an underrated gem, one certainly meriting a revisit.

May (2002)

Lucky McKee's May invites us on a chilling exploration of its eponymous protagonist, brought to life by the talented Angela Bettis. This film unfolds as a dark character study, delving into the unsettling depths of isolation and the powerful yearning for human connection. Through the lens of a lonely young woman, we witness her obsessive quest to craft the ultimate companion. Angela Bettis, who impressively portrayed Carrie in a less-remembered Stephen King adaptation the same year, delivers a genuinely Award-winning worthy performance in this gripping psychological horror.

One Hour Photo (2002)

One Hour Photo, directed by Mark Romanek, deviates from supernatural horror, diving into the unsettling world of obsession and voyeurism. Robin Williams crushes it in this unexpected role, giving a chilling performance as Sy Parrish, a photo technician obsessed with a family whose pictures he develops. It's a slow-burning psychological thriller, capitalizing on Williams' ability to play charming and deeply disturbed characters. The film's exploration of loneliness and the consequences of obsession lingers long after the credits roll.

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Before Zack Snyder embarked on his ambitious Star Wars-inspired two-part saga, Rebel Moon, he breathed new life into the zombie genre with Dawn of the Dead. This reimagining of George A. Romero's iconic classic thrusts a band of survivors into a shopping mall, where they face relentless waves of the undead—only this time, the zombies are sprinters! Snyder's dynamic direction and the film's unrelenting momentum combine to deliver a heart-pounding and spine-tingling zombie adventure, an exhilarating rollercoaster of survival horror.

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

While Shaun of the Dead is often celebrated for its comedic elements, it's also a love letter to the zombie apocalypse movie genre. Directed by Edgar Wright, the film stars Simon Pegg as Shaun, a slacker who must save his loved ones from a zombie apocalypse. Shaun of the Dead blends humor and horror, delivering a unique and delightful experience. Wright's sharp wit and clever references to classic zombie films make this a must-watch for horror fans with a sense of humor.

Saw (2004)

James Wan's Saw ushered in a fresh era of horror, blending intricate puzzles with challenging moral choices, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. At its core, the film follows two men trapped in a harrowing room by the sadistic Jigsaw killer. Saw reshaped the horror landscape thanks to its complex narrative and bone-chilling traps, and even after two decades, it continues to captivate fans. Saw X promises to keep the terror alive on the big screen this Halloween season. Tobin Bell's iconic portrayal of Jigsaw still lingers in our nightmares, and the film's unparalleled ability to grip viewers in suspense remains undiminished.

10. The Descent (2005)

Neil Marshall's The Descent takes us underground into claustrophobic terror. A group of friends explores an uncharted cave system, but their adventure takes a horrifying turn when they encounter deadly creatures. The movie is a masterclass in tension-building and creature features and is one of the best horror movies of the century.  Marshall's direction, combined with solid performances from the female-led cast, makes this film a nail-biting and unforgettable experience.

11. Trick 'r Treat (2007)

It's rare for a more modern movie to join the esteemed ranks of great holiday classics, but Trick 'r Treat manages to do so. This horror anthology skillfully interlaces a collection of stories all unfolding on the mystical night of All Hallows' Eve, firmly establishing itself as a contemporary Halloween masterpiece. Directed by Michael Dougherty, the film delves into the traditions, legends, and supernatural phenomena that define the holiday, all while paying homage to Halloween folklore through a series of clever and spine-tingling tales. Its anthology format keeps the audience engaged, and Dougherty's genuine affection for the holiday radiates from every frame. We eagerly await the long-anticipated sequel to manifest.

Paranormal Activity (2007)

After its release, Oren Peli's found-footage horror film Paranormal Activity became a cultural phenomenon. The film follows a couple, Katie and Micah, as they document their haunting experiences at home. A low-budget triumph, this movie proves sometimes less is more. With its deliberate pacing, steadily mounting tension, and authentic chills, the film unexpectedly struck a chord with audiences, morphing into a sleeper hit. It left an indelible mark on the found-footage subgenre and stands tall among the best demonic possession films ever made.

The Mist (2007)

Frank Darabont, known for his exceptional Stephen King adaptations, continues his streak of excellence with The Mist. In this film, we follow a group of townspeople who find themselves confined within a supermarket, surrounded by an enigmatic mist teeming with lethal creatures. The Mist skillfully merges creature horror with a profound examination of human psychology and morality. Darabont's talent for crafting well-rounded characters and weaving suspenseful narratives elevates this movie to remarkable heights, delivering some of the most bone-chilling content ever seen in a King film.

The Strangers (2008)

According to director Bryan Bertino's claims, The Strangers delves deep into the primal terror of home invasion, drawing inspiration from real-life events. The film revolves around a couple, portrayed by Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman, who masked attackers hunt at their remote vacation residence. This movie is an unrelenting and atmospheric thriller, capitalizing on the unsettling vulnerability of one's home and the sheer dread of arbitrary acts of violence. Its minimalist style and chilling authenticity deliver a genuinely harrowing cinematic experience.

Jennifer's Body (2009)

Megan Fox faced heavy criticism upon the release of Jennifer's Body in 2009, but over the years, the movie has discovered its dedicated following. Under the direction of Karyn Kusama, the film features Megan Fox in the role of Jennifer, a high school student possessed by a malevolent entity. Penned by Diablo Cody, the writer of Juno, Jennifer's Body seamlessly combines elements of horror and dark comedy, all while delving into themes of female camaraderie and empowerment. Megan Fox's captivating and wicked portrayal adds a unique dimension to this horror-comedy blend, making it a perfect choice for a revisit during this Spooky Season.

Honorable Mentions

These honorable mentions may not have made it into the top 15, but they each bring something unique and memorable to horror cinema. If you want to expand your horror watchlist, remember to try these chilling titles.

• 28 Days Later (2002) - Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later reinvigorated the zombie genre by introducing fast-moving, rage-infected zombies. The film follows Jim (Cillian Murphy) as he wakes up in a post-apocalyptic London and must survive the infected hordes. It's a pulse-pounding and intense survival horror film that explores themes of isolation and societal collapse. 
• Wrong Turn (2003) - Directed by Rob Schmidt, Wrong Turn is a gruesome and unapologetic slasher, taking us on a terrifying journey through the backwoods of West Virginia, where a group of friends encounters a clan of deformed and cannibalistic mountain men.
• Hostel (2005) - Eli Roth's Hostel is not for the faint of heart. It follows a group of backpackers who fall victim to a sinister organization, offering wealthy clients the opportunity to torture and kill tourists.
• The Hills Have Eyes (2006) - Alexandre Aja’s remake of Wes Craven's classic, The Hills Have Eyes, follows a family stranded in the desert who becomes the prey of a group of mutated and cannibalistic mutants and is a brutal, unrelenting survival horror film that doesn't pull any punches.
• 1408 (2007) - Directed by Mikael Håfström, this Stephen King adaptation centers on Mike Enslin (John Cusack), a skeptical writer who checks into a notoriously haunted hotel room to debunk its supernatural claims. John Cusack's stellar performance and the film's mind-bending narrative make it a standout in the haunted hotel subgenre.

And there you have it, a chilling journey back in time through the 15 best horror movies of the 2000s. Whether you prefer jump scares, psychological dread, or eerie atmospheres, the 2000s had something to offer every horror enthusiast. So, the next time you're in the mood for spine-tingling entertainment, consider revisiting these timeless classics from a bygone era of fear.

Horror hounds should make sure to check out our schedule of upcoming horror movies, so that the future can always remain filled with promising new flicks.

Megan Fox has been the queen of trends on social media for years now. Fox was the actress to spur the naked dress trend and went viral for see-through skirts before Florence Pugh ever freed the nipple. Lately, however, she’s cooled down on the social media posts amidst a rekindling of her romance with Machine Gun Kelly. In her absence, fellow fashionista Emily Ratajkowski is paying tribute to the Jennifer’s Body star. 

In fact, the actress and model proved how much of a fan she is of the Jennifer’s Body star after she literally threw back to the 2009 cult classic in a recent Instagram Stories post. She donned a black graphic tee with Fox’s face – appropriately featuring blood, considering the movie subject – on it as an homage to the actress. Take a look.

While Emily Ratajkowski’s notable fashion moments frequently involve a bikini, this is significant, as the two stars honestly do seem to have a lot in common. They’ve both been Hollywood “it” girls known for fashion and maintaining incredible physiques. They've also both been open about the impact the world’s responses to their looks have had on their mental health. She wrote a book of essays called My Body in which she brought up her complicated relationship with being seen as a sex symbol after her work in the "Blurred Lines" music video. She called it "gratifying" but also two-sided in some ways to be seen as a muse, writing: 

Megan Fox has also had complicated feelings about being a sex symbol. While she's been noticed more for her relationship with MGK in recent months, her early career was spent as an actress noted for her looks in flicks like Jennifer's Body and Transformers, but she's admitted in the past she had a "genuine breakdown" after being objectified so much. 

It's not just the sex symbol thing the two share either. Both are also moms and fashionistas. Ratajkowski also rocked a see-through look herself, also following in the actress' footsteps. 

In addition, it’s worth noting she has been a big defender of Megan Fox in the past. She’s spoken about how This is 40 did the actress dirty and basically set her character up to be objectified during the duration of the film. She told Amy Schumer during a Tribeca Film Festival appearance (via People):

Obviously, she's a big fan. While this low-key fashion nod is certainly in honor of that fandom, with Fox out of the social media game right now and even vacationing to repair her relationship amidst the MGK cheating drama, perhaps it's time we gave Emily Ratajkowski a little more notice for her own viral fashion moments as well. Particularly when they are an homage to a fashion fave.

Actress Megan Fox has been a public figure for decades now, and her starpower only continues to grow. And while she’s most recently been making headlines for her relationship with Machine Gun Kelly, she starred in a number of truly iconic projects throughout the years. Chief among them is Jennifer’s Body, which has become a cult classic years after its release. And while Fox took a lot of flak for Jennifer’s Body, her co-star says the reception “felt shitty” for the whole cast.

Aside from Megan Fox, Jennifer’s Body also includes a number of other familiar faces including Amanda Seyfried, J.K. Simmons, Amy Sedaris, and Adam Brody. The latter actor recently spoke to The Independent about his career, including that 2009 horror/comedy. Fox has been open about how the initial reception was really brutal for her, but she wasn’t the only one upset by how the public/press perceived the film. As Brody shared:

While Adam Brody wasn’t particularly vilified with the release of Megan’s Body, it sounds like the way the movie was originally received did stick with him and the rest of the cast. What’s more, he seems to know exactly what went wrong on the movie’s road to theaters.

In Jennifer’s Body, Adam Brody played punk rocker Nikolai Wolf, one of the primary antagonists. He’s the lead singer of the fictional band Cold Shoulder, who work together to sacrifice Jennifer to a demon. The movie is equal parts witty and dark, although Brody thinks that the hate that came its way is partly due to Jennifer Body’s racy marketing, which was more about Megan Fox’s appearance than the actual contents of the film. In the same interview he said:

He’s not wrong. The posters for Jennifer’s Body feature Megan Fox all feature her scantily clad, in either a school girl outfit or cheerleading uniform. And while the movie had a wholly original tone that’s been praised years after its release, the marketing made the project seem more surface level. And as a result, Fox was vilified in the media and online.

As previously mentioned, Jennifer’s Body has become somewhat of a cult classic in the years since its 2007 release. This has no doubt been vindicating for cast members like Fox and Adam Brody, as well as writer Diablo Cody. Now Fox continues to make headlines, albeit for different reasons.

Adam Brody can be seen in Shazam 2 on March 17th, while Megan Fox has upcoming roles in projects like Expendables 4. In the meantime, check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

When it comes to horror movies, a lot of the time, I’ll watch a new one based on word of mouth. I gave the Ari Aster horror movies a shot at first because I heard how scary they were. I watched all the Halloween films based on my mom’s recommendation. I even checked out some goofy horror comedies because my friends told me to try them. Many horror movies I’ve come to love were brought to my attention with recommendations. 

In 2020 I discovered a new way of getting these suggestions: TikTok. Of course I found myself on the horror side at one point, and I have now been led to some fun movies – and others that aren't so much fun. Here are ten horror movies I have to talk about – ranked from worst to best.

10. Skinamarink (2022)

No. Just no. 

Skinamarink is what is classified as a Canadian experimental horror film that primarily follows two children who are left at home alone, and that’s really all you know. At first, you may think this is a good premise to follow, but the movie is so boring. 

I get who this movie is trying to go for – most of the shots are weird sounds and long shots of dark spaces. It’s supposed to appeal to those scared of the unknown and what could emerge from the dark. But Skinamarink is the slowest, non-horror filled horror movie. Even when there were jumpscares, they did not feel earned. You could tell from a mile away that they were coming. 

I get why some people might think this is a revolutionary film, but it’s not for me. 

9. Megan Is Missing (2011)

Megan is Missing came out when found footage horror movies were starting to get popular again (during the Paranormal Activity era), and the film itself got quite popular on TikTok in 2020. But I have to say, there’s nothing really surprising about it in any way. 

The main premise is about a teenager who meets a boy online and decides to meet with him, and ends up going missing, hence the title. We are given several interesting scenes that are supposed to terrify, and to other viewers, sure, they could be scary. But for someone who is so used to found-footage horror movies, this movie did nothing for me. 

8. Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Okay, hear me out – I freaking love this movie. Jennifer’s Body was one of my favorite movies when I was just getting into horror, whether it be because it was a little campy, or Megan Fox’s performance, or even Amanda Seyfried. But I don’t think it deserves to be considered horror. 

The movie started to make the rounds again on TikTok in 2020/2021. The film follows the title character, Jennifer, who gets possessed by a man-eating demon after she is sacrificed by her favorite band in the woods. The film itself is so much fun and I would recommend it to anyone who hasn’t seen it, but certainly not the best horror film that TikTok has put on my For You page. It’s more funny than scary. 

7. Hush (2016)

Mike Flanagan has become a master of horror with some of his most recent films and TV shows, and this movie furthers that. Hush, starring Kate Siegel, tells the story of a deaf woman who has to survive a home invasion. 

This movie isn’t gory in any way, but what makes it better than the others is that it’s so creative. I mean, think about it – we always think that we’d survive any horror movie like the Scream franchise because we have all five of our senses, but just imagine if you had to survive a home invasion while deaf. 

That’s terrifying – but Flanagan takes it a step further and really integrates the viewer into the experience because you feel as if you’re the one being chased. The sound design is great. 

6. Tusk (2014)

This is a weird-ass movie. But I like it.

Tusk is a horror comedy directed by Kevin Smith and starring Justin Long about a podcaster who ends up getting more than he bargained for while conducting an interview with a retired sailor who is creepier than he seems. This A24 horror movie is strange as heck, but it works in a weird way. 

I have to say that I do like it much more than many of the other horror movies before this. It doesn’t try too hard to be scary, and really embraces its hilarious aspects. It almost reminds me of M3GAN – it knows exactly what it is and isn’t trying to fool you. It’s just so weird. 

5. The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007)

Another documentary-style horror movie, The Poughkeepsie Tapes also got popular around 2020/2021, and is about the fictional murders of a serial killer in Poughkeepsie, New York, which features “interviews, footage,” and material that is obtained from the serial killer – basically, his snuff films. 

While I would also categorize this movie as a found-footage horror movie, The Poughkeepsie Tapes actually feels quite scary. There are several gory moments that made me turn away from my screen, and others that had me quite interested. It’s not the best found-footage movie, but interesting enough.

4. Excision (2012)

Moving onto another horror film, Excision came out in 2012 and boy, this movie is something different. It’s about a young girl who has dreams of working in the medical field, but she isn’t quite right mentally and has a weird fascination with blood – so much so that she’ll do anything to get it. 

This is one of those movies that I literally could not look away from, and I was upset when it ended. The performances were great, and it really makes you squirm in your seat. Plus, you can see a young Ariel Winter literally acting her butt off in a horror movie. I can’t recommend this one enough. 

3. Begotten (1989)

That’s right, we’re going all the way back to the 1980s. Shot entirely in black and white, Begotten takes its story from several creation myths, focusing mainly on Mother Earth and the Son of Earth, who set out on a journey. 

This movie messes with your head, man. Where Skinamarink was an experimental horror film, Begotten is just on another level of experimental. You have no idea what the heck is going on and yet, you’re scared out of your mind. It’s creepy in all the right places and features some pretty gory sequences. Definitely a good pick. 

2. Antrum (2018)

This movie literally comes with a warning before it, saying you could be cursed watching it. Come on. 2020 was a year for horror movies – and it was easy to stream.

This both a mockumentary and a horror film, focusing on the story of the actual film, Antrum, and the horrible things it has done to people, and then cuts to the film so it can be shown to the audience. The plot follows a pair of siblings and their journey in the woods. It's full of eerie imagery and has plenty of horrible trials for the siblings, such as running into cannibals and demons. 

1. A Serbian Film (2010)

Yeah…this film. 

I discovered A Serbian Film (classified as an exploitation horror) in early 2022. The main premise follows a financially struggling pornstar who decides to work in an art film, only to find out later on that it’s a snuff film – and he’s going to be the star.

This movie…is disturbing. It’s been banned in several countries, and features heavy, heavy graphic violence. This was one of the first films in a while where, when it finished, I had to sit back and ask myself, “what the f*** did I just watch?” I felt dirty after watching it, disgusted almost. This is one of those movies where you certainly will never take your eyes away from the screen – but once it’s done, you never touch it again, which is why it’s number one on here. 

TikTok is great for many things, but horror movie recommendations? Kind of a 50/50 split on that. Either way, you might have found a new favorite film here. Or, maybe I gave you a million reasons not to watch certain movies. Whatever the case, have fun binging. 

Actress Megan Fox has been a public figure for nearly two decades, and there’s been plenty of chatter about her in those years. Fans have weighed in on her personal and professional life, especially recently given her wild relationship with Machine Gun Kelly. Jennifer’s Body actor Kyle Gallner recently spoke about Fox getting “objectified” during the movie’s filming and release, and why it broke his heart.

Karyn Kusama and Diablo Cody’s Jennifer’s Body filmed in 2008 and released in 2009, when Megan Fox was at the height of her Transformers-era fame. The movie has become a cult classic over the years, and Smile star Kyle Gallner appears in the role of Colin Gray. He recently appeared on the podcast Inside of You with Michael Rosenbum, where he shared what it was like working with Fox at the time. As he put it,

Points were made. Megan Fox has been working consistently in film and TV for years, but much of the conversation surrounding her hasn’t been about her acting talents. Instead she’s been objectified for her looks both during the time of Jennifer’s Body and even going up to today. She previously spoke about feeling “vilified” when the movie was being released. Although she definitely seems to be sitting in her power nowadays, often sharing racy photos of herself and Machine Gun Kelly.

Indeed, the title Jennifer’s Body combined with the posters and marketing seemed to put a ton of focus on Megan Fox’s appearance. Although the contents of the movie show how subversive it truly was, with the dark comedy poking fun at the public’s perception of its lead actress. Fox’s performance could take center stage, at a time where her work was mostly associated with massive CGI spectacles like Transformers. 

Megan Fox has continued to make plenty of headlines since Jennifer’s Body was released. She worked on the TV comedy New Girl and movies like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, while Jennifer’s Body grew into a cult classic. And for actors like Kyle Gallner, it seems thrilling that the 2009 horror satire has been given a second life in this way.

As previously mentioned, Megan Fox is mostly in the news nowadays related to her relationship with Machine Gun Kelly. The two celebs have some unconventional ways of sharing their love, usually going viral in the process. The celebrity couple most recently landed themselves in hot water over their Halloween costumes.

Megan Fox has upcoming roles in projects like The Expendables 4, which is expected to arrive in theaters in September of 2023. In the meantime, check out the 2022 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

Horror movie fans surely know that Max is one of the best streaming services to subscribe to when you are in the mood to watch something spooky. That being said, as we are now in the Halloween season, this is a great time to have a Max subscription. Just see for yourself as I present my picks for the best horror movies on Max right now.

A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)

Director: Wes Craven

Starring: Robert Englund, Heather Langenkamp

What it’s about: A teenage girl and her friends fall prey to a badly burned boogeyman with the ability to kill his victims in their dreams.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: One of Robert Englund’s best performances (and the most iconic) is as Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street – a classic supernatural slasher.

• Stream A Nightmare on Elm Street on Max

Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

Director: Halina Reijn

Starring: Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova

What it’s about: A simple party game among a group of friends turns far too real when people begin to turn up dead.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: One of the best horror movies from a female director in recent memory is A24’s Bodies Bodies Bodies – a clever send-up of modern youth culture disguised as a bloody whodunnit.

• Stream Bodies Bodies Bodies on Max

The Shining (1980)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall

What it’s about: A novelist slowly begins to lose his mind while he, his wife, and his young son serve as the caretaker for a Colorado hotel harboring dark secrets.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: Despite a cold reception from the author, Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s The Shining is widely considered one of the most terrifying and captivatingly mysterious films of all time.

• Stream The Shining on Max

Doctor Sleep (2019)

Director: Mike Flanagan

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson, Kyleigh Curran

What it’s about: A telepath recovering from addiction and a terrible childhood tragedy must confront his past to protect a younger and more powerful psychic from a vicious gang of immortals.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: As both a faithful interpretation of the novel and an honorable sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, Mike Flanagan’s stirring adaptation of Stephen King’s Doctor Sleep actually helped the author come to terms with his issues with the 1980 classic.

• Stream Doctor Sleep on Max

Gremlins (1984)

Director: Joe Dante

Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates

What it’s about: After three important rules are accidentally broken, a young man’s unique, furry new pet spawns duplicates that transform into mischievous, reptilian creatures.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: In addition to being one of the best Christmas horror movies, producer Steven Spielberg’s Gremlins is so effectively creepy and cartoonishly uproarious, that a fan can enjoy it any time.

• Stream Gremlins on Max

I Saw The TV Glow (2024)

Director: Jane Schoenbrun

Starring: Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine

What it’s about: Two teens bond over a strange late-night TV show that alters their lives forever.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: The unsettling, subversive recent A24 movie, I Saw the TV Glow is Jane Schoenbrun’s acclaimed follow-up to We’re All Going to the World’s Fair.

• Stream I Saw the TV Glow on Max

It And It Chapter Two (2017, 2019)

Director: Andy Muschietti

Starring: Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Martell

What they’re about: In the 1980s, a group of preteens battle a shape-shifting, fear-feeding demon and reunite decades later to destroy him once and for all.

Why they are some of the best horror movies on Max: The two-part, big-screen adaptation of Stephen King’s It had a profound effect on the creepy clown movie subgenre, thanks to Bill Skarsgård’s chilling performance as Pennywise.

• Stream It and It Chapter Two on Max

Poltergeist (1982)

Director: Tobe Hooper

Starring: JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson

What it’s about: A suburban family struggles to rescue their youngest daughter from malevolent spirits that have invaded their home and kidnapped her into the netherworld.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: Even without acknowledging the alleged curse connected to Poltergeist, producer Steven Spielberg’s ghost story is a truly haunting masterpiece, bearing the soul of a family drama and the pulse of a thriller.

• Stream Poltergeist on Max

The Exorcist (1973)

Director: William Friedkin

Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair

What it’s about: An actor believes she has no choice but to call on the help of a priest after her 12-year-old daughter exhibits upsetting behavior.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: Hollywood’s obsession with demonic possession movies can be traced back to the critical and commercial success of The Exorcist – a startling, Oscar-nominated adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s novel, which was inspired by allegedly true events.

• Stream The Exorcist on Max

Trick ‘R Treat (2007)

Director: Michael Dougherty

Starring: Quinn Lord, Dylan Baker, Anna Paquin

What it’s about: A school principal with a dark secret, a young woman trying to find a date for a costume party, a reclusive, elderly curmudgeon, and others experience an All Hallows’ Eve unlike any other.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: The mischievous trick-or-treater Sam serves as the main connective tissue for each tale told in Trick ‘r Treat – a funny horror anthology movie that gained a cult following for its passionate celebration of Halloween.

• Stream Trick ‘r Treat on Max

Beetlejuice (1988)

Director: Tim Burton

Starring: Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton

What it’s about: After an eccentric new family takes over their home, the lingering spirits of a recently deceased couple regrettably enlist a malicious ghost to help drive them out.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: The quintessential Tim Burton movie might be Beetlejuice, which is one of the most unique horror-comedy films of all time for its surreal production design and Keaton’s high-energy performance.

• Stream Beetlejuice on Max

Saw (2004)

Director: James Wan

Starring: Cary Elwes, Leigh Whannell

What it’s about: Victims of a sadistic kidnapper recall what led to their captivity while trying to figure out a safe way to escape.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: Some audiences assume the Saw movies are just a series of torturous scenes, but the original is lighter on carnage than it is on suspense.

• Stream Saw on Max

The Dead Don’t Die (2019)

Director: Jim Jarmusch

Starring: Bill Murray, Adam Driver

What it’s about: Citizens of an already strange small town encounter an even stranger situation when reanimated corpses rise from their graves.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: A ridiculously large cast of actors – also including Tilda Swinton, Selena Gomez, Steve Buscemi, and more – star in the ridiculously absurd, but also vastly underrated, zombie movie, The Dead Don’t Die.

• Stream The Dead Don’t Die on Max

Scream (1996)

Director: Wes Craven

Starring: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox

What it’s about: A group of California teens are stalked by a masked assailant with a knack for scary movie trivia.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: The slasher movie genre was revived in the 1990s with the frightening and clever first installment of the Scream movies, which have a seventh installment in the works with Neve Campbell returning as Sidney Prescott.

• Stream Scream on Max

Evil Dead (2013)

Director: Fede Álvarez

Starring: Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez

What it’s about: A recovering drug addict who falls prey to sinister, possessive forces after her friends bring her to a remote cabin.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: Alongside producers Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and Rob Tapert, Fede Alvarez crafts a reboot worthy of being called one of the all-time best Evil Dead movies with his more earnest, clever, and relentlessly brutal reimagining of the 1981 classic.

• Stream Evil Dead on Max

Fright Night (1985)

Director: Tom Holland

Starring: William Ragsdale, Chris Sarandon, Roddy McDowell

What it’s about: A teenage boy enlists the help of his friends and a TV horror host when he suspects his new neighbor is a creature of the night.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: While its 2011 remake was well-received, most fans believe the original Fright Night is the better vampire movie and one of the most fun horror films of its time.

• Stream Fright Night on Max

Sinister (2012)

Director: Scott Derrickson

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance

What it’s about: True crime author Ellison Oswalt moves his family into the site of a grisly murder as research for his next book, only to uncover a much stranger and more unsettling mystery than he could have imagined.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: The film that cemented Ethan Hawke as a modern Scream King is the chilling modern haunted house movie masterpiece, Sinister.

• Stream Sinister on Max

Midsommar (2019)

Director: Ari Aster

Starring: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor

What it’s about: A cultural festival in Sweden proves to be too much to handle for the grieving Dani, her emotionally distant boyfriend, Christian, and their friends.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: Hereditary creator Ari Aster proves he has the talent to unsettle audiences to their core even in a bright, idyllic setting with his sophomore feature-length effort, and one of the best A24 horror movies yet, Midsommar.

• Stream Midsommar on Max

It Comes At Night (2017)

Director: Trey Edward Schults

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Carmen Ejogo, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Christopher Abbott, Riley Keough

What it’s about: A family of three breaks one of their rules for surviving a cataclysmic virus by taking in another couple and their young son.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: It Comes at Night is not quite the horror film that its marketing led some to believe but its devastating commentary on human nature in the wake of catastrophe makes it one of the best A24 movies yet.

• Stream It Comes at Night on Max

The Amityville Horror (1979)

Director: Stuart Rosenberg

Starring: James Brolin, Margot Kidder

What it’s about: George and Kathy Lutz move into a seemingly perfect home with their children that turns out to be the site of a brutal murder and soon proves to be a living nightmare.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: Just about all the most essential haunted house movie tropes can be traced back to the classic, original adaptation of Jay Anson’s book, The Amityville Horror, which is allegedly inspired by terrifying true events.

• Stream The Amityville Horror on Max

Evil Dead Rise (2023)

Director: Lee Cronin

Starring: Lily Sullivan, Alyssa Sutherland

What it’s about: A woman must protect her nephew and nieces from their own mother after possessive forces invade their L.A. apartment building.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: Some say the Evil Dead movies make up the greatest horror franchise ever and the latest gruesome installment, Evil Dead Rise – which brings the action out of the woods – only continues to further that claim.

• Stream Evil Dead Rise on Max

Paranormal Activity (2009)

Director: Oren Peli

Starring: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat

What it’s about: Micah tries to capture evidence to back up claims from his girlfriend, Katie, that they are being haunted.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: One of the first films to bring the found-footage thriller genre to the mainstream is the first installment of the Paranormal Activity movies – a low-budget, partially improvised, and overall terrifying instant classic.

• Stream Paranormal Activity on Max

Night Of The Living Dead (1968)

Director: George A. Romero

Starring: Duane Jones, Judith O’Dea

What it’s about: Seven people who find themselves trapped in a rural farmhouse, in a deadly battle against zombies.

Why it is one of the best horror movies on Max: No horror movie list is complete without a George A. Romero selection, such as Night of the Living Dead – the terrifying apocalyptic thriller that ushered in a new wave of horror movie filmmaking and made the zombie movie genre what it is today.

No matter what time of the year, this leading streaming service always has movies that are scary to the Max.

It’s been a long couple of years for millennials, who have started getting roasted online for everything from skinny jeans (even cool ones that Brie Larson might sport) to cheugy behaviors like posting “live, laugh, love” signs on a wall in the house. But the biggest assault may have been on the side part, which went out when Gen Z took over TikTok in 2021. The good news? You can’t keep a good side part down. In fact, Megan Fox is giving the millennial look a major comeback after the younger generation said “no thanks.” 

Megan Fox often does photoshoots, but in a recent one posted to TikTok by makeup artist Ash K Holm, the mom of three rocked out with a glorious, bold side part. The actress likes to change up her hair fairly frequently -- Fox even recently went pink -- and she's previously rocked the look in movies from Jennifer's Body to This is 40. Yet the side part is notable given the hate it has earned from young folk in recent months. 

To note, Megan Fox was born in 1986 and is, by definition, a millennial, but she’s also a millennial with a very specific power to wield trends online. The actress has gone viral for going pants-free on the red carpet alongside Machine Gun Kelly and then turned heads again whilst wearing a see-through, bright blue fishnet skirt for Good Mourning just a couple of months ago. Fox's spoken about "defying expectations" with her fashion sense. No one would accuse her of being behind the times. 

The actress showed off a side part for a London Good Mourning event back in May, so it’s not just a one-off. So does this mean the side part is back?

Given the giant middle finger that’s been directed at side parts on the internet for the past year+ and given the fact the Jennifer’s Body star has (on trend) rocked a center part during this period, it is most definitely a statement in a sea of center parts.  

Fox still most frequently seems to be rocking the middle part, but I think I can speak for many millennials when I say this is one trend we’d like to keep as an option long-term. (At least definitely more interested in this than the new swim trend Kim Kardashian is pushing.) Center parts just don't work for everyone, even if TikTok user glowyberd went viral for making them passé. The TikTok user did seem to indicate the look was terrible at the time, but asked for someone to prove them wrong: 

Fox definitely just did that. 

When it comes to proper representation within the LGBTQ+ world, it can be hard to find those characters that truly stand out and are accurate portrayals. What’s even better is when you find an actor behind the character who is also a part of that community and shines in that role. That’s what we aim to talk about today.

There are so many actors we could point to in both movies and TV, from Owen Thiele in Adults, to some amazing films of the last few years, such as All of Us Are Strangers, Bombshell, and more. Let’s talk about some incredible performances of LGBTQ+ characters from the LGBTQ+ community in honor of Pride Month.

All Of Us Strangers – Andrew Scott As Adam

All Of Us Are Strangers released in late 2023 to rave reviews and while I personally don’t think it got nearly as much hype as it should have, the one thing I will comment on is Andrew Scott. While the LGBTQ+ actor has taken on roles such as this before, there’s just something so raw and real about his portrayal of Adam.

The story follows a lonely screenwriter who begins a romance with his mysterious neighbor while also experiencing a strange instance where he is able to see his parents again – the movie itself certainly feels like there’s a small layer of fantasy, but the themes itself make this film that much better, including the lovely portrayal from Scott, who has talked about beinga part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Love, Simon - Keiynan Lonsdale As Bram Greenfeld

Released in 2018, Love, Simon is a story about a closeted gay young adult who struggles to balance his life amongst the blackmailer that is threatening to out him at school – while also trying to identify the anonymous classmate that he has fallen in love with. The film became so popular that a Hulu spinoff, titled Love, Victor, premiered not that long after, but was canceled after Season 3

In Love, Simon, Keiynan Lonsdale portrays Bram Greenfeld, one of Simon’s classmates and an openly gay student, and Keiynan himself came out in 2017. The film made strides for having a gay protagonist, becoming one of the first mainstream film to showcase a gay teen romance.

Adults – Owen Theile As Anton

Hailing from FX on Hulu, Adults is a series about a group of twenty-somethings literally just trying to survive daily life in New York City and going through the motions of becoming a functioning adult. One character in it that I absolutely love is Anton, who is played by the fabulous Owen Theile.

While Thiele has appeared in various shows beforehand, 2025 has really shown just how talented he is with both lead roles in Adults and Overcompensating (but I kind of like Adults just a smidge more). Anton is a hilarious character, and Owen Thiele rocks it. Thiele is a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and has even called for action to demand equal rights by donating to several charities (via Instagram).

Rustin – Colman Domingo As Bayard Rustin 

Rustin itself was more of an under-the-radar critical darling of 2023, as it was one of CinemaBlend’s best movies of 2023, but you want to know what wasn’t? Colman Domingo’s performance as Bayard Rustin. It follows the story of the real-life civil rights activist who worked with MLK Jr. to organize the iconic 1963 March on Washington for equal rights in America.

Colman Domingo shines in his portrayal of Bayard Rustin, and his performance was so critically acclaimed that he earned an Academy Award nomination. Colman Domingo has become a much bigger name the last few years with many of the roles he had portrayed, and he even spoke in an interview with Advocate in 2021 that he hopes he’s breaking new ground for young Black gay men in Hollywood:

Bombshell - Kate McKinnon As Jess Carr

Moving into the drama genre, we take a look at Kate McKinnon in Bombshell. You might recognize her name from her amazing performances on the classic late night television show Saturday Night Live, which she left in 2022, or maybe even from comedy movies such as the 2016 Ghostbusters or Office Christmas Party. But Kate McKinnon has an amazing range as an actress, and she showed that off when playing Jess Carr as part of the Bombshell cast.

While her character was fictional (set within a film that was based on true events), her role as the Fox News employee Jess Carr was impactful, and showed what it might be like for a closeted lesbian who works in a primarily conservative news space.

Yellowjackets – Liv Hewson as Vanessa Palmer

While Liv Hewson has been around in the TV world for a while, I absolutely love them as teenage Vanessa Palmer in the hit Showtime series, Yellowjackets. Vanessa is a character that had both stakes in the flashbacks of the world as well as modern-day, and her story of resilience is one that I truly love.

Hewson in real life identifies as non-binary, and uses they/them pronouns, according to Teen Vogue. The actor says that they have “never been happier” since they received gender-affirming surgery:

The Normal Heart - Jim Parsons As Tommy Boatwright

Since starring as Shelden Cooper on The Big Bang Theory, Jim Parsons continues to take on new and exciting roles in both film and television. Everyone knows who he is and how often he has spoken about his sexuality. That’s why his portrayal of Tommy Boatwright in The Normal Heart felt even more compelling than any other role he has done, at least in my opinion.

The Normal Heart, based on the Larry Kramer 1985 play of the same name, depicts the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City during the early eighties, and Parsons plays a gay activist fighting to address the issue. Parsons is a talented actor, so it’s no surprise that he absolutely rocked this role. The film gives interesting insights into what happened back in the eighties and the struggles that activists had to face every single day.

Everything Everywhere All At Once – Stephanie Hsu As Joy Wang

I think out of all the movies that released in 2022, Everything Everywhere All At Once was the one that touched fans’ hearts the most, even if some of it was just straight-up weird. However, the film tells a beautiful story of love, family, and acceptance of one's faults, mainly led by two fantastic performances from both Michelle Yeoh and Stephanie Hsu.

Hsu portrayed Joy Wang, the daughter of Evelyn Quan Wang and one of the primary characters of the movie. Joy has a girlfriend in the movie, but Hsu also identifies as queer in real-life, according to The Eagle Online.

Harlem – Jerrie Johnson as Tye Reynolds

Harlem is a great TV show, one I would recommend to anyone, and a great character in it is Tye Reynolds, whose stories in the show are always some of the best. Reynolds is a hilarious character, but the actor behind the screen is even better.

Jerrie Johnson is a part of the LGBTQ+ community and got engaged to their girlfriend, and their wedding dresses were even featured in the New York Times (via Instagram) in April 2025!

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - Tituss Burgess As Titus Andromedon 

Few have truly made me laugh out loud as Titus Andromedon on the classic Netflix series, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. This show, which primarily followed a young woman learning to adapt to normal every-day life after spending more than a decade locked below ground by a reverend, has always brought the laughs and provided some hilarious inside jokes, usually because of Titus Andromedon. He’s sassy, talented, and the best gay friend that we all need in our lives that will be blunt with you no matter what.

Tituss Burgess has been active in television for some time, including guest spots on 30 Rock, performing in musicals like Annie, and more, but nothing has quite come close to the hilarious nature of Titus Andromedon and the impact he made on television as a whole. Truly, there is no one like him.

I Saw The TV Glow – Justice Smith As Owen

I Saw The TV Glow released in 2024 by A24, and while it certainly wasn’t a huge hit at the box office, it’s slowly picking up steam on the internet, mainly due to Justice Smith’s amazing role of Owen. The film tells the story of two friends whose lives begin to spiral when their favorite show is cancelled – because honestly, same.

Jokes aside, Smith’s performance of Owen is gutting and cuts straight to the core, without spoiling anything, and if you want an excellent psychological horror-drama, this is the film for you. Justice Smith came out in 2020 as a queer person, and ever since then he’s advocated for the support of Black queer and trans lives.

Portrait Of A Lady On Fire - Adele Haenel As Heloise

Released in 2019, Portrait of a Lady on Fire follows Adele Haenel portrayed Heloise, a young 19th-century lesbian who fiercely opposes the arranged marriage set up for her, but later has a romance with a woman who was commissioned to paint her wedding portrait.

Adele Haenel publicly came out back in 2014 when she won a Cesar Award, and has since been very open about who she is. The film portrays what it’s like to have that kind of romance that changes you for the rest of your life, and that it doesn’t matter what gender that you are – love is love, and when you meet that one person that can change you, it sticks with you until the end.

Bodies, Bodies, Bodies – Amandla Stenberg As Sophie

Hands down, Bodies, Bodies, Bodies is one of the best horror movies from A24, and tells a hilariously horrific story of a group of young adults who are staying in a mansion and play a murder-game that actually turns real, and soon it’s a whodunit as they try and stay alive. Amandla Stenberg plays Sophie, the main character, and while her queerness isn’t the main plotline of the film, it certainly plays an important role.

In 2016, Amandla Stenberg came out as bisexual, but she also said that “pansexual” was a good term to describe her as well, according to Elle. The actress has appeared in a variety of roles since then, but personally, I don’t think any of them have come as close as the craziness that is Bodies, Bodies, Bodies.

Looking - Jonathan Groff As Patrick Murray

Jonathon Groff has an impressive resume for plenty of people to admire. From voicing Kristoff as part of the Frozen and Frozen II cast to portraying the king in Hamilton, he’s been around the block plenty of times, showing off his amazing acting and singing skills. But one show that you may or may not remember him from was in the HBO series Looking, where he portrayed Patrick Murray.

The series follows the story of three gay men living in San Francisco, and their lives and friendships. The series went on for two seasons, which were followed by a feature-length film in 2016. Looking may have only lasted for a short amount of time, but its impact on television is felt all the same. In an interview with the New York Times, Groff talked about the significance of the show. When asked how he'd feel if he were able to watch the show as a teenager, he said:

Bottoms – Ayo Edebiri As Josie 

Bottoms was the queer comedy of 2023 in my eyes. The movie tells the story of two teenagers in high school who start a female-only fight club in order to have sex with cheerleaders. Yes, this sounds exactly like a 2000s teen comedy and yes, it’s just as funny as you can expect it to be, especially with two leads like Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri as part of the Bottoms cast.

While Ayo Edibiri’s best roles include plenty of other shows and movies, like The Bear or Big Mouth, I freaking love her in Bottoms as Josie because she perfectly exemplifies what it’s like to be a young LGBTQ+ person in high school who is just trying to survive and be somehow cool. Even Ayo Edebiri said in an interview with Refinery 29 in September 2023 that it’s “radical” she gets to be a young Black queer person and do the crazy stuff she’s done in a movie in Hollywood nowadays.

Glee - Chris Colfer As Kurt Hummel

Glee, when it released, was an iconic show, becoming a huge hit for Fox. The series was all about misfits coming together in a high school glee club in order to find companionship when it felt there was no one there for them, and one of those characters that stuck around from the very first season was Kurt Hummel, a closeted gay student (at first) at William McKinley High School.

Chris Colfer played the character, and over time, Kurt became more sure of himself not only as a gay man but as a voice for his community, and showing that just because someone might not like your sparkle, that doesn’t mean you need to dim it for anyone else. His voice was always unique and made for some amazing covers. The Glee cast was so talented in so many ways, but Colfer stood out amongst the rest.

The Last Of Us – Bella Ramsey As Ellie

As someone who grew up playing The Last of Us, Ellie was a bit of a gay icon for me. She was a lead character (in a HUGE video game) that was openly lesbian and as someone who was struggling with her own bisexuality at the time, it was freaking fantastic to see the representation on screen. That’s why when I discovered that the young person also playing Ellie, Bella Ramsey, was non-binary in real-life, I knew it would be a perfect fit.

I just knew they would understand how Ellie was portrayed, and my favorite video game character suddenly turned into my favorite TV character. Ramsey is known for their portrayal of Lyanna Mormont as well as in the Game of Thrones cast, but her role in The Last of Us Season 2 has been a game-changer.

Hearts Beat Loud - Kiersey Clemons As Sam Fisher

Kiersey Clemons has had some awesome roles in the past, from her breakout role as a teen lesbian in the 2015 comedy-drama Dope to her role in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, or even her more recent role in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. However, one of her best roles from the films I have seen has to be Hearts Beat Loud, the musical comedy, where she stars as Sam Fisher.

Hearts Beat Loud is all about Sam Fisher and her father, played by Nick Offerman, who is a record store owner and tries to convince her to start a band with him after a song they recorded went viral. The story not only has some great music but captures what it’s like as a young gay teenager to try and develop a true relationship with their family when some of them don’t quite understand what you’re going through. It’s definitely one of the underrated picks on this list and deserves so much more praise.

Jennifer’s Body - Megan Fox As Jennifer

In Jennifer’s Body, the titular character, characterized as bisexual, is possessed by a demon, who goes on a rampage in school to fill its need for human flesh, whether that be boys or girls.

Megan Fox herself is bisexual, telling Esquire back in 2011 about her thoughts about her sexuality.

After seeing her star in several films for her beauty and talent as an actress, it’s empowering to hear Megan Fox speak so openly about who she is, and even more interesting to rewatch her portrayal of Jennifer years later. It’s awesome to see sexuality portrayed in something like a horror movie, but I’m here for it regardless.

Happiest Season - Kristen Stewart As Abby Holland

2020 was a year of few big film releases, with so many dates changing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many viewers turned to streaming for their entertainment and Happiest Season was one of them, telling the story of a woman who is struggling to come out to her conservative family when she brings her girlfriend home for the holidays.

Kristen Stewart takes on the lead role as Abby Holland in the Happiest Season cast, the girlfriend of Harper, who comes home with her during the holidays. Kristen Stewart herself has come out as queer, and discussed in an interview with InStyle, how her journey of coming out helped her portray the character in the film. When asked if it was her own experiences that drew her to the role, she discussed the challenges of dating and fame during her early twenties, and being asked about her sexuality, stating:

When an actor goes through something so personal, it’s not a surprise that the character comes off so organically real, and that was the case with Happiest Season. Not only is it a great Christmas film, but it’s certainly a great portrayal of what coming out to a conservative family can be like.

Clean Slate – Laverne Cox as Desiree

While Laverne Cox has been in the business for a while, there are so many amazing roles we could point to that I knew I wanted to focus on a new one of hers. While everyone knows her as Sophia from Orange is the New Black, I wanted to focus on Desiree, a trans woman from Clean Slate who wishes to rebuild her relationship with her father.

Cox has identified as transgender for many years and is actively a part of the LGBTQ+ community. The show, which is on Amazon Prime, actively dives into modern-day complexities within the American family of learning to adjust to life changes and how people live their lives while also dealing with the topic of rights within the LGBTQ+ community – all while telling jokes that make you chuckle throughout it. Cox is a star, as always.

Schitt's Creek - Dan Levy As David Rose

Of course I had to put Schitt’s Creek on here. Schitt's Creek ended up becoming extremely popular in 2020, even going on to sweep the comedic awards at the 2020 Primetime Emmys for its final season. One of the stars of the show - as well as one of the creators - was Dan Levy, who played David Rose, the pansexual son of Moira and Johnny. And in my opinion, David Rose was one of the funniest characters that Schitt's Creek had, and I am going to miss him terribly now that the show is over.

Dan Levy, who is gay, did an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2022 about David's pansexuality, and how it affected Schitt's Creek as a whole.

All representation starts somewhere, and I believe that David Rose was the perfect step in the right direction. Besides, who else would have been able to pull off that character other than Dan Levy? And if you had another option, I'm very uninterested in that opinion.

I can’t wait to see who from this list appears in our 2025 movie schedule or what they might be doing next in the 2025 TV schedule. I’m champing at the bit for any new projects they might have coming – but maybe I could just rewatch some of these and enjoy the ride all over again.

You may have seen more horror movies directed by women than you even realize. While many of the best horror movies are anchored by a great lead performance from a female actor – such as Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween or Neve Campbell in Scream – female horror movie directors have rarely received the credit they deserve over the years, with “horror auteur” more often attributed to men like John Carpenter or the late Wes Craven.

Luckily, as female filmmakers have become more prevalent and acclaimed in the industry, so have female horror auteurs, such as Coralie Fargeat, whose latest film, The Substance, is being called one of 2024’s best movies. In that regard, let’s begin our celebration of the most esteemed macabre masterpieces by the most talented horror movie Scream Queens from behind the camera by revisiting the French director’s feature debut.

Revenge (2018)

Director: Coralie Fargeat

Starring: Matilda Lutz, Kevin Janssens

What it’s about: A young woman sets out to violently retaliate against her married boyfriend and his hunting buddies after they leave her for dead in the Moroccan desert.

Why it is one of the best horror movies from a female director: The aptly titled Revenge (also available with a Shudder subscription) is easily one of the best revenge movies in recent memory for Coralie Fargeat’s brilliantly unique use of the wild thriller’s subtextual themes.

How to watch Revenge

• Stream Revenge on Amazon with AMC+ add-on
• Buy Revenge on Blu-ray on Amazon

American Psycho (2000)

Director: Mary Harron

Starring: Christian Bale, Chloë Sevigny

What it’s about: A successful yuppie begins to succumb to his homicidal tendencies in 1980s Manhattan.

Why it is one of the best horror movies from a female director: Mary Harron brings a distinctly cheeky and endlessly fascinating flavor to her brutal adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel, American Psycho, which is an indictment on toxic masculinity way ahead of its time.

How to watch American Psycho

• Stream American Psycho on Netflix
• Rent or buy American Psycho on Amazon
• Buy American Psycho on Blu-ray on Amazon

Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

Director: Halina Reijn

Starring: Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova

What it’s about: A group of twenty-somethings try to figure out who among them is a murderer when one of them mysteriously turns up dead.

Why it is one of the best horror movies from a female director: With her second directorial effort, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Halina Reijn turned out one of the best A24 horror movies for its bold Gen-Z satire and clever whodunnit reinventions.

How to watch Bodies Bodies Bodies

• Stream Bodies Bodies Bodies on Paramount+ with Showtime add-on
• Rent or buy Bodies Bodies Bodies on Amazon
• Buy Bodies Bodies Bodies on Blu-ray on Amazon

Huesera: The Bone Woman (2022)

Director: Michelle Garza Cervera

Starring: Natalia Solián, Alfonso Dosal

What it’s about: A woman’s dream of getting pregnant comes true, only to curdle into an inexplicable nightmare.

Why it is one of the best horror movies from a female director: Michelle Garza Cervera (who also co-writes) mixes a real Mexican folklore legend with profound themes of parenthood and sexual identity to craft her intense Spanish-language thriller, Huesera: The Bone Woman.

How to watch Huesera: The Bone Woman

• Stream Huesera: The Bone Woman on AMC+
• Rent of buy Huesera: The Bone Woman on Amazon

The Slumber Party Massacre (1982)

Director: Amy Holden Jones

Starring: Michelle Michaels, Robin Stille

What it’s about: A group of high school girls stalked by a power-drill wielding, escaped maniac during a suburban sleepover.

Why it is one of the best horror movies from a female director: Based on the title alone, The Slumber Party Massacre sounds like just another trashy B-movie, but is lauded today as one of the greatest ‘80s slasher movies for Amy Holden Jones’ commentary on female representation in the horror genre at the time.

How to watch The Slumber Party Massacre

• Stream The Slumber Party Massacre on Amazon Prime
• Buy The Slumber Party Massacre on Blu-ray on Amazon

The Babadook (2014)

Director: Jennifer Kent

Starring: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman

What it’s about: A widowed single mother suspects that a character from her son’s pop-up book is real and poses a dangerous threat to them.

Why it is one of the best horror movies from a female director: Australian writer and director Jennifer Kent’s bleak, relentlessly unnerving feature-length debut, The Babadook, is one of the best horror movies to address grief, as metaphorically represented by its ominous, titular villain.

How to watch The Babadook

• Stream The Babadook on Netflix
• Rent or buy The Babadook on Amazon
• Buy The Babadook on Blu-ray on Amazon

Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Director: Karyn Kusama

Starring: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried

What it’s about: A meek high school student discovers that a satanic ritual turned her popular best friend into a man-eating succubus.

Why it is one of the best horror movies from a female director: Another horror flick with overlooked nuanced commentary is director Karyn Kusama and Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody’s Jennifer’s Body – one of the best Megan Fox movies for its poignant analysis of teen sexualization and demonizing social politics in high school.

How to watch Jennifer’s Body

• Stream Jennifer’s Body on Hulu
• Stream Jennifer’s Body on Peacock
• Stream Jennifer’s Body on Paramount+
• Rent or buy Jennifer’s Body on Amazon
• Buy Jennifer’s Body on Blu-ray on Amazon

The Invitation (2015)

Director: Karyn Kusama

Starring: Logan Marshall-Green, Emayatzy Corinealdi

What it’s about: While attending a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife and her new boyfriend, a man begins to have haunting suspicions of the gathering’s true purpose.

Why it is one of the best horror movies from a female director: A more disturbing and earnest thriller from director Karyn Kusama is The Invitation – a masterpiece of slow-burn horror that keeps the tension high all the way to its gut-punch ending.

How to watch The Invitation

• Stream The Invitation on Amazon Prime
• Stream The Invitation on Tubi
• Buy The Invitation on Blu-ray on Amazon

XX (2017)

Director: Jovanka Vuckovic, Annie Clark, Roxanne Benjamin, Karyn Kusama

Starring: Natalie Brown, Melanie Lynskey

What it’s about: A couple grows concerned when their son refuses to eat, a woman tries to hide her husband’s corpse on the day of her daughter’s birthday, and other strange and scary tales.

Why it is one of the best horror movies from a female director: Karyn Kusama also wrote and directed "Her Only Living Son" from XX – the horror anthology movie exclusively featuring segments helmed by women, including Jovanka Vucokovic’s "The Box), Roxanne Benjamin’s "Don't Fall", and Annie “St. Vincent” Clark’s "The Birthday Cake."

How to watch XX

• Stream XX on Tubi
• Rent or buy XX on Amazon
• Buy XX on Blu-ray on Amazon

Saint Maud (2020)

Director: Rose Glass

Starring: Morfydd Clark, Jennifer Ehle

What it’s about: A Welsh former nurse and devout Catholic believes God has chosen her to rescue a terminally ill dancer from damnation.

Why it is one of the best horror movies from a female director: Rose Glass (who later made another great A24 movie with Love Lies Bleeding) brilliantly toys with your expectations of whether or not our titular hero is truly the saint she strives to be until the startling final moment of one of the best horror movies on Amazon Prime, Saint Maud.

How to watch Saint Maud

• Stream Saint Maud on Amazon Prime
• Buy Saint Maud on Blu-ray on Amazon

Candyman (2021)

Director: Nia DaCosta

Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris

What it’s about: A Chicago-based artist becomes dangerously obsessed with an infamous urban legend.

Why it is one of the best horror movies from a female director: Much like the 1992 Clive Barker adaptation of the same name that proceeds it, Candyman is a profound example of the powerful social commentary that horror is capable of, thanks in part to the entrancing visual style of director Nia DaCosta.

How to watch Candyman

• Stream Candyman on Freevee through Amazon
• Buy Candyman on Blu-ray on Amazon

Fresh (2022)

Director: Mimi Cave

Starring: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Sebastian Stan

What it’s about: A woman thinks she has finally found the man of her dreams, until his true intentions for her are revealed.

Why it is one of the best horror movies from a female director: One of the best horror movies on Hulu is Fresh – writer Lauryn Kahn’s brilliant modern dating commentary that Mimi Cave makes into a dazzling, intense, and even surprisingly tasteful visual feast once it evolves into a nightmare.

How to watch Fresh

• Stream Fresh on Hulu

Raw (2016)

Director: Julia Ducournau

Starring: Garance Marillier, Ella Rumpf

What it’s about: A veterinary student’s strictly vegetarian diet is challenged when she begins to develop a strange, new appetite.

Why it is one of the best horror movies from a female director: If you enjoyed Fresh, but were hoping for something a little less reserved in its graphic nature, try Raw – French filmmaker Julia Ducournau’s feature-length debut, which proved she is a master of the surreal.

How to watch Raw

• Buy Raw on Blu-ray on Amazon

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night (2014)

Director: Ana Lily Amirpour

Starring: Arash Marandi, Sheila Vand

What it’s about: A romance begins to blossom between an emotionally troubled young man and a mysterious woman hiding an unusual and deadly secret in a small, Iranian town.

Why it is one of the best horror movies from a female director: Shot in black and white, Ana Lily Amirpour’s feature-length debut from 2014, A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, is one of the most unique vampire movies ever made, for its amusing contrast between its quiet tone and grounded story elements with startling instances of classic horror elements.

How to watch A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night

• Rent or buy A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night on Amazon
• Buy A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night on Blu-ray on Amazon

Near Dark (1987)

Director: Kathryn Bigelow

Starring: Adrian Pasdar, Jenny Wright

What it’s about: A troubled man from a small town crosses paths with a beautiful woman who belongs to a traveling group of bloodsuckers.

Why it is one of the best horror movies from a female director: If you enjoyed A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night but were hoping for something a bit bloodier and more action-packed, try Near Dark – the wild, punk rock vampire tale that put Kathryn Bigelow on the map years before she became the first woman to win the Best Director Oscar for The Hurt Locker.

How to watch Near Dark

• Buy Near Dark on DVD on Amazon

Pet Sematary (1989)

Director: Mary Lambert

Starring: Dale Midkiff, Fred Gwynne

What it’s about: A doctor and family man is seduced by the death-defying power of a Native American burial ground close to his new home.

Why it is one of the best horror movies from a female director: Following a career mostly in directing music videos, Mary Lambert made her feature debut with the 1989 adaptation of Stephen King’s Pet Sematary, which is considered one of the best films based on the author’s work, for its strong take on themes of grief and even its campy moments.

How to watch Pet Sematary

• Rent or buy Pet Sematary on Amazon
• Buy Pet Sematary on Blu-ray on Amazon

The Fear Street Trilogy (2021)

Director: Leigh Janiak

Starring: Kiana Madeira, Sadie Sink

What it’s about: A group of teens race against time to uncover the dark secrets plaguing their town in order to break a deadly curse.

Why it is one of the best horror movies from a female director: Leigh Janiak’s triple feature loosely inspired by Goosebumps author R.L. Stine’s young adult series, Fear Street, makes up some of the best horror movies on Netflix, by spanning different time periods and styles of classic horror filmmaking in a thoroughly entertaining fashion.

How to watch the Fear Street trilogy

• Stream the Fear Street trilogy on Netflix

With how many strong thrillers focus heavily on female characters (whether it is from the perspective of a heroic Scream Queen or a female horror villain), women have a special – if not better – understanding of the genre than even some of the greatest male horror filmmakers ever. So it really should come as no surprise that women were at the helm of so many classic favorites and recent hidden gems.

The true heroes of many of the best horror movies of all time are women, such as Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode in Halloween or Heather Langenkamp as Nancy in the A Nightmare on Elm Street movies. However, not all of the greatest Scream Queens are the ones you want to root for.

While many of the most famous and scariest horror movie villains are male (or even indistinguishable by gender if we are talking about demons), there are just as many amazing female horror movie villains who have left us paralyzed in fear or running from the screen screaming bloody murder. The following are ten of the most essential examples, starting with the “mother” of the slasher genre.

Pamela Voorhees (Friday The 13th)

The hockey-masked face of the Friday the 13th movies may be Jason Voorhees, but the magically resurrected drowning victim was not the one slicing up teenagers at Camp Crystal Lake in the original 1980 classic. That would be his mother, Pamela, who seeks vengeance on the young, negligent counselors who were not keeping a close watch on her boy. She is played by veteran actress Betsy Palmer - who, surprisingly, gives a convincingly manic performance for a role she apparently accepted in order to finance her new car. 

Margaret White (Carrie)

At least Pamela Voorhees clearly loved her child, unlike Margaret White - played to Academy Award nominated perfection by Piper Laurie in the classic 1976 Stephen King adaptation, Carrie. The domineering, abusive religious fanatic believes even natural bodily processes are sinful, which is why her titular daughter (Sissy Spacek in another Oscar nominated performance) had to learn the hard way about menstrual cycles, for which she is punished by being locked in her prayer closet. If only Margaret had tried to help Carrie during her time of need instead of denouncing her telepathic powers as witchcraft, she might not have suffered such a bitter end.

Queen Mother (Aliens)

Perhaps the most vengeful mother in all of horror is the woman responsible for the onslaught of terrifying creatures overrunning LV-426 in Aliens. At the climax of James Cameron’s epic, action-packed sequel, Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) risks life and limb when facing off against the Queen Mother, whose eggs she destroyed earlier with her flamethrower, in order to protect her surrogate daughter, Newt (Carrie Henn). At the end of the day, this sci-fi classic is really all about what women go through to protect their young.

Red (Us)

Also very protective of her young is Red, the creepier of the two characters played by Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o in Us - writer and director Jordan Peele’s chilling 2019 thriller. It follows a vacationing family taunted by their oppressed doppelgängers as part of a revolt led by Red - the only one of them with the ability to speak, if not with a hauntingly raspy voice. Red becomes one of the few horror movie villains on this list that earns your sympathies, especially after the shocking twist at the end.

Rose Armitage (Get Out)

The main antagonist Jordan Peele’s stunning, Oscar-nominated 2017 debut is someone I have absolutely no sympathy for, however. At the moment of the big twist from Get Out, photographer Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) is devastated to learn that his white girlfriend, Rose Armitage (Allison Williams), and her family are part of a conspiracy to implant the brains of white people into the more youthful bodies of unwilling Black people and he is just the latest victim of her trap. The immediate switch from her loving façade to her remorseless, sociopathic personality after her true colors are revealed makes her especially disturbing.

Samara Morgan (The Ring)

One of the most disturbing horror movie moments ever comes from director Gore Verbinski’s 2001 English-language update of Hiroshi Takahashi’s Japanese horror classic, Ringu. I am referring to when Samara Morgan (Daveigh Chase) - the star of a cursed video tape that promises death to anyone who watches after seven days - emerges from the freaking television to claim the life of Naomi Watts’ onscreen ex-boyfriend, Martin Henderson. The heart-stopping, climactic scene made The Ring an acclaimed hit and Samara the quintessential example of creepy kids in horror movies (to put it lightly).

Esther (Orphan)

I would call Esther a prime example of creepy kids in horror movies if not for what we learn about her true identity at the end of 2009’s Orphan. Scream Queen Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard play a couple that adopt whom they believe is a charmingly precocious 9-year-old (the brilliant Isabelle Fuhrmann) until they become plagued by increasingly horrifying events that are evidently linked to this girl. Well, as it turns out, she is not a girl at all, but a 33-year-old woman who uses her proportional dwarfism to infiltrate unassuming families and makes their lives a living hell!

Jennifer Check (Jennifer’s Body)

Also in 2009, we saw the release of one of the most unjustly underrated horror-comedy movies of its generation and one of the best Megan Fox movies, at that. The Transformers star gives, arguably, her finest performance as the title role of Jennifer’s Body - a Diablo Cody-penned, Karyn Kusama-helmed teen satire about a popular cheerleader made into a powerful succubus by a satanic ritual gone south. The otherwise beautiful, but also unapologetically catty, Jennifer Check gives “man-eater” a whole new meaning when she must feed off of her male classmates in order to stay alive.

Rose The Hat (Doctor Sleep)

Someone who can relate to Jennifer Check is Rose the Hat, the lead antagonist of Doctor Sleep - writer and director Mike Flanagan’s masterful adaptation of Stephen King’s sequel to The Shining. She and the rest of the psychokinetic members of The True Knot achieve immortality by literally ingesting the life out of other gifted individuals like them, including children, as seen in the 2019 film’s most harrowing sequence featuring Jacob Tremblay. Rebecca Ferguson gives an unforgettably chilling performance as this unforgivably cruel, power-hungry, telepathic maniac.

Annie Wilkes (Misery)

Perhaps the best-known female villain from a Stephen King adaptation would be Annie Wilkes in director Rob Reiner’s Misery. Kathy Bates won an Oscar for playing this nurse who takes in her favorite novelist (James Caan) after a car accident leaves him immobilized and refuses to let him leave until he rewrites his latest, unpublished book to her liking. This intensely overdramatic, delusional, “cock-a-doody” villain is one the first great metaphorical representations of toxic fandom, but could still easily be the scariest of them all so many years later.

I originally considered including Regan MacNeil from The Exorcist, until I realized that this 12-year-old girl played by Linda Blair is as much a victim of the demon Pazuzu as anyone else in William Friedkin’s terrifying possession thriller. However, the women above are in control of their actions, which, arguably, makes them scarier, but, inarguably, some of horror’s greatest standout antagonists for using more than a creepy mask and a deadly weapon to strike fear into the hearts of several generations of horror fans. 

Amanda Seyfried has solidified herself as a star of both movies and television since her first roles in the early 2000s. Appearing in big-time hits such as Mean Girls, Les Miserables and more, this actress has truly blossomed into a talented star with plenty of acting ability. And today, we’re going to celebrate with some of her best projects yet. 

Here are some of the best Amanda Seyfried movies and TV shows, and how you can watch them streaming. Who knows? You might end up just finding a new favorite movie to watch featuring our favorite girl. 

Veronica Mars (2004-2006)

On this popular teen series, Veronica Mars follows the titular character, Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell), a seemingly normal everyday teen with a thirst for knowledge about mysteries, acting as a private investigator under her father, learning the ways of the world while trying to solve some of the most interesting cases out there. 

For the first two seasons, Amanda Seyfried portrayed Lilly Kane, the main subject of one of the bigger mysteries that Veronica was trying so desperately to solve. Even at such a young age, you could see just how talented Amanda Seyfried was, showing how much promise she had to come. 

Stream Veronica Mars on Hulu.

Mean Girls (2004)

Arguably what most people probably know Amanda Seyfried from is Mean Girls. This hilarious comedy told the story of Cady, a young girl who just moved from South Africa and transfers to a school in the United States, only to butt heads with the "plastics," her school's version of the popular girls. 

Amanda Seyfriend portrayed Karen Smith, one of the more naive members of the Plastics who believed that she could tell the weather by touching her breasts. I mean, that premise alone makes me laugh, but the way that Amanda Seyfried pulls it off is astounding. After seeing so many of her films, it’s always fun to return back to this one and watch her comedic timing, because truly, this just makes me want to see her in many more comedies. She’s so good at them. 

Stream Mean Girls on Paramount Plus. 
Rent Mean Girls on Amazon.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

Hands down, one of my favorite modern musicals, and my ultimate feel-good movie. Mamma Mia! is based on the Broadway show of the same name, telling the story of a young girl who is about to get married. However, she’s missing one thing - her biological father. When she finds her mother’s old diary that details the summer of when she slept with three men - the same summer she was conceived - she takes it upon herself to invite them to he wedding destination to find out who is who. 

This was the first time I had ever heard Amanda Seyfried sing and act at the same time, and every time I watch Mamma Mia!, I always get the biggest smile on my face. While I do love Seyfried in her more dramatic roles, I’ve always adored her character here because she’s so genuine. All she wants is for her father to walk her down the aisle, but she comes to realize that maybe she doesn’t need to know and she can be happy just the way she is. There was also a sequel, where she shines as well.

Stream Mamma Mia! on Starz. 
Rent Mamma Mia! on Amazon.

Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Definitely an underrated horror movie and one that deserves so much more praise, Amanda Seyfried co-starred in Jennifer’s Body, alongside Megan Fox. In this horror film, two best friends head out for a night of fun at a bar that turns into terror. The next day, one of them starts to change, and horrible moments begin to occur. 

First off, let me tell you that Amanda Seyfried and Megan Fox should have been in more movies together. These two have such amazing chemistry that I would pay so much money to see them in the same film once more. Secondly, I really love Seyfried’s character in this movie, Needy. She starts out literally being “Needy” for her best friend and evolves into a badass young woman who is willing to risk her life to save others, and I love the character progression. I wish there had been a sequel with just her after the ending. If you haven’t watched it, check it out now. 

Stream Jennifer’s Body on Amazon. 
Rent Jennifer’s Body on Apple TV+.

Dear John (2010)

If you’re looking for a romantic film mixed in with a war movie, check out Dear John, based on the novel of the same name. A tale as old as time, when two people fall in love and one of them gets sent off to war, they decide to keep in contact by constantly exchanging letters back and forth. 

You know, I don’t care what anyone says - this movie may be cliche but sometimes, you just need that kind of romance movie, and it doesn’t change the fact that Amanda Seyfried is still great in it. Dear John doesn’t have anything remotely groundbreaking in it compared to other romantic dramas out there, but it’s still a good romantic movie that boasts great couple chemistry between both Amanda Seyfried and Channing Tatum. Give it a try if romance is your thing.

Stream Dear John on Netflix. 
Rent Dear John on Amazon.

Big Love (2006-2011)

I bet when you think of HBO, you think of dramas, and Big Love was one of those for some time. This series, starring several big-time stars, follows a practicing Mormon family that practices polygamy, following their every day lives while living in Utah. 

Amanda Seyfried played Sarah Henrickson, one of the daughters in the family, and watching this makes me want to see more of her in the future in TV shows as a main character. While I do love her in movies, I feel like Big Love was such a reset in her career because it not only allowed her to show off her acting ability on a weekly basis but her skills in a dramatic role. I also loved the contrast between her character and her family. It creates a sense of conflict that makes it hard to look away from the television screen. 

Stream Big Love on HBO Max.

Les Miserables (2012)

I think at this point everyone has heard of Tom Hooper's Les Miserables. This musical movie, based on the musical production of the same name, mainly follows Jean Valjean, a man who had served many years in prison after stealing a loaf of bread, and when he is released, focuses on his new life when he meets the little girl, Cosette. 

Look, I’m one of the first people to say that the movie isn’t as great as the stage production. It has its moments, but as someone who loves musical theater, it could have been better. That being said, I did love many of the portrayals in the movie, and that includes Amanda Seyfried as Cosette. She had that perfect combination of a girl who is happy with what she has but wanting more with someone else, mixed in with her singing voice. While I do think some things could have been done better, there’s no denying that Seyfried has so much talent. 

Stream Les Miserables on Netflix. 
Rent Les Miserables on Amazon. 

The Art Of Racing In The Rain (2019)

I’ll be honest - this film will make you cry. The Art of Racing in the Rain, based on the book of the same name, follows Denny, a race car driver who has a very special connection with his dog Enzo. And this dog has a mind of his own - an idea of what life could be like after he dies. 

I know, I’m probably already making your heart clench with the idea of a movie where the dog actively knows it’s going to die, but The Art of Racing in the Rain is a great comedy-drama that tells a sweet story about a person and the love they have for their animal, and how that love can transfer over to others. Amanda Seyfried’s character, Eve, has amazing chemistry with Milo Ventimiglia’s character, effectively feeling like a real relationship that anyone could relate to. And let’s be honest - the Golden Retriever is the cutest dog you’ve ever seen, almost on par with Lucky from Hawkeye. 

Rent The Art of Racing in the Rain on Amazon.

Scoob! (2020)

Amanda Seyfried decided to step into the world of voice-acting for this one. In Scoob!, we see the origin story of everyone’s favorite animated dog, Scooby-Doo, and years later when he, his owner, Shaggy, and his friends of Mystery Incorporated are involved in their biggest mystery yet. 

Seyfried voices Daphne, one of the members of Mystery Inc. and a part of the all-star Scoob! cast. Hear me out - as someone who literally talked about the best Scooby-Doo movies, I can assure you that Scoob! is a good time. The cast does an excellent job with their voice roles, including Seyfried’s Daphne, and they all mold very well together, creating a fun experience for not only new faces to the franchise but old fans as well. It’s a fun time, regardless of how old you are. 

Stream Scoob! on HBO Max. 
Buy Scoob! on Amazon. 

Mank (2020)

Next up, we have the Netflix original film, Mank, directed by David Fincher. This drama tells the story of the real-life screenwriter, Herman Mankiewicz, otherwise known as “Mank,” and his struggles with trying to create the next big hit for film. This, in turn, led him to create one of the most known films of all time, Citizen Kane. 

Amanda Seyfried portrayed Marion Davies, a real-life actress who was close with Herman and had a big influence on the screenplay he was writing, and her portrayal is wonderful from beginning to end. While Amanda Seyfried shines in a lot of modern-set movies like Mamma Mia! or A Mouthful of Air, I've always loved her in these period pieces, as you can really tell the dedication she pours into the role to fully become that character. 

Stream Mank on Netflix.

A Mouthful Of Air (2021)

Last but not least, we have Seyfried’s latest entry into the film world, A Mouthful of Air. This drama film tells the story of a young woman who faces something that so many new mothers face today - postpartum depression, and how it affects her life following the birth of her son. 

I wish that this movie had gotten more attention than it did because this, to me, is one of Seyfried’s best performances. It feels so real. This isn’t a fantasy movie or a musical or even a romantic drama. It’s a genuine story about a very real topic that many can likely relate to. The emotion that Seyfried portrays is so raw and enthralling that you’ll be entranced by her performance from start to finish. Truly, one of her best. 

Rent A Mouthful of Air on Amazon.

With so many amazing films and TV shows, one can only wonder what Amanda Seyfriend will do next. Could the Mean Girls cast reunite for a second movie? Perhaps another fun Mamma Mia! movie? Only time will tell. 

While LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood has progressed by leaps and bounds in recent years, the horror genre remains fairly heteronormative. While a few films have gained notoriety for subtle queer-coding, explicitly gay horror movies can be few and far between. So, if you’re jonesing for some LGBTQ+ friendly scare fests to enjoy this Halloween, look no further: here are eight LGBTQ horror movies and how to watch them on streaming. 

• The 30 Best Horror Movies Of All Time

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Initially dismissed by critics when it first premiered in 1975, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has gone on to become one of the most famous cult classic films of all time. When Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon) and Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) are stranded by a flat tire, they seek help at a suitably eerie castle. It’s there that the newly engaged couple meets the “sweet transvestite” Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry) and his band of kooky / creepy associates. While a few of the terms may feel a bit dated to 21st century viewers, none can deny the cultural impact of this rock musical adaptation, with its many songs, that is simultaneously a parody of and a love letter to schlocky horror films. Bonus points if you see the movie at one of its many shadow productions, complete with audience participation. 

Stream The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Hulu.
Rent The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Amazon Prime Video. 

The Perfection

For viewers who prefer to keep their horror psychological, The Perfection may be the perfect fit. Logan Browning of Dear White People stars as Lizzie Wells, a cello prodigy seeking to re-enter the music world after her mother’s death. After traveling to China to meet up with her former professor (Steven Weber), Lizzie begins a relationship with his star pupil (Allison Williams). The pair embark on a road trip that quickly dissolves into drug-fueled horror. Viewers with sensitive stomachs should be prepared: this one gets gory. 

Stream The Perfection on Netflix. 

Bit

LGBTQ+ activist and actress Nicole Maines (Supergirl) stars as Laurel, a trans teenager who moves to Los Angeles after graduating from high school. She crosses paths with Izzy (Zolee Griggs) at a club, who invites her to an exclusive afterparty. The only problem? Izzy is a vampire, and her friends are part of a so-called feminist vampire gang that targets male predators. While Laurel adapts to her newfound vampirism, she begins to butt heads with coven leader Duke (Diana Hopper), whose intentions aren’t quite as pure as she makes them out to be. Bit stands out as a rare film with a queer trans main character who isn’t defined by her gender or sexuality. 

Stream or rent Bit on Amazon Prime Video. 

What Keeps You Alive

What Keeps You Alive is a tense horror thriller that brilliantly explores the toxic relationship between its queer protagonists. When Jules (Brittany Allen) agrees to accompany her new wife Jackie (Hannah Emily Anderson) to a remote cabin in the woods, she never expects the trip to turn into a fight for her life. Unfortunately for Jules, her wife has a hidden (and bloody) agenda. What was supposed to be an anniversary celebration quickly turns into a psychological nightmare, as Jackie’s loving veneer begins to crack, revealing her true, sinister, intentions. 

Stream What Keeps You Alive on Netflix. 
Rent What Keeps You Alive on Amazon. 

Jennifer's Body

Similarly to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Diablo Cody’s Jennifer’s Body was critically panned upon release. However, the film found a second life as a queer cult classic. Megan Fox stars as Jennifer Check, a pretty high school cheerleader who shares an unlikely friendship with social outcast Anita “Needy” Lesnicki (Amanda Seyfried). When Jennifer gets possessed by a succubus with a penchant for eating human flesh, Needy must go head to head with her former BFF. Although Needy has a boyfriend, her frequently ambiguous relationship with Jennifer is the focal point of the film and provides most of the emotional heft. 

Stream Jennifer’s Body on Amazon Prime Video.  

The Fear Street Trilogy

The Fear Street trilogy, based on the RL Stine book series of the same name, centers around former girlfriends Deena (Kiana Madeira) and Sam (Olivia Scott Welch). When their hometown of Shadyside becomes the setting for a series of gruesome murders, the duo must team up to stop a malicious force during the Fear Street: Part 3 - 1666 ending, so it won't destroy their lives, and those of their friends. Director and co-writer Leigh Janiak masterfully weaves multiple timelines into a tapestry of nostalgia-fueled horror with classic horror movie references. The ensemble cast includes Stranger Things vets Maya Hawk and Sadie Sink, alongside Ashley Zuckerman (Succession) and Gillian Jacobs (Community). 

Stream the Fear Street trilogy on Netflix. 

Hellbent

The quote-unquote gay slasher subgenre may owe some of its origins to the homoerotic classic, A Nightmare On Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge, but Hellbent is credited as the first out and proud entry to the canon. This bloody slasher film follows a group of gay men in West Hollywood who are pursued by a mysterious masked killer. Critics noted director Paul Etheridge’s adherence to slasher film tropes, but Hellbent remains an explicitly gay film in a genre that tends to ignore the LGBTQ+ community. 

Stream or rent Hellbent on Amazon Prime Video.

Lyle

Lyle was billed as “a lesbian Rosemary’s Baby,” a surprisingly apt epithet. When a pregnant Leah (Gaby Hoffmann of Transparent) and her wife June (Ingrid Jungermann) lose their first child in an accident, Leah descends into grief-induced paranoia spurred by her neighbors’ strange interest in her unborn baby. Although Lyle clocks in at only a short 65 minutes, director Stewart Thorndike still manages to create a compelling and unsettling story full of uncertainty. Are Leah’s neighbors really part of a satanic cult that’s plotting to steal her child? You’ll have to watch Lyle to find out.

Stream or rent Lyle on Amazon Prime Video. 

Whether you’re a fan of psychological horror, tense thrills, or B-movie gore, these queer horror films are sure to satisfy this Halloween. You can check out these upcoming horror movies, and more to enjoy this October with our list of 80s slasher movies. More of a TV person? Check out our recs for what to watch if you loved American Horror Stories. 

Jennifer’s Body has become something of a cult classic since its release in 2009. Once a box office bomb panned by critics, Diablo Cody’s satirical take on high school horror movies has gained a new life in the wake of the #MeToo movement. The film has inspired an array of tribute acts on social media, but one video in particular has sent the Internet into a tailspin. The best part? It involves Bratz dolls. 

Whether it involves a Megan Fox lookalike or a comprehensive philosophical breakdown, there’s plenty of Jennifer’s Body content to go around. However, one specific homage has garnered social media attention, and it’s nostalgic in all the best ways. Take a peek below:

Yes, those are animated Bratz dolls. As in the iconic Y2K dolls that spawned an empire of merchandise, movies and Nintendo GameCube video games. And yes, they are recreating that iconic scene from Jennifer’s Body that features a demonically-possessed Megan Fox trying to burn her tongue with a cigarette lighter. The objectively hilarious caption reads “Killing boyz, brb,” a reference to Jennifer’s penchant for devouring her male classmates. 

Responses to the Bratz video from have been mixed. Some adult fans have argued that the scene is inappropriate for a kid-friendly franchise like Bratz. Other users argued that the video would convince younger kids to attempt to burn themselves in a similar manner. Fans of Jennifer’s Body, on the other hand, held that the video was actually marketed to adult fans who would understand the reference.

This theory holds a bit more weight considering that Bratz dolls were discontinued back in 2016. They’ve only recently been popping back up on Target’s toy shelves. A quick scroll through the Bratz Twitter account also provides confirmation, since most of the content is geared towards nostalgic adult fans. The Bratz account even posted a clapback video addressing the Jennifer’s Body naysayers. Check it out below: 

Captioned “When they don’t understand that your fans are grown up now,” the video features a Bratz doll scrolling through the myriad of comments on the Jennifer’s Body post. The doll slowly loses her mind as she views comments like “Why would they show this to children?” The girls with the original passion for fashion are clearly sticking around for their grown-up fans, not the current impressionable youth. With this apparent Bratz renaissance, one can only hope for more recreations of iconic films. The fans agree: some even petitioned for a full-length Bratz version of Jennifer’s Body. Hey, a Bratz can dream. 

Megan Fox is slated to appear in the upcoming films The Expendables 4 and Johnny & Clyde. Until their releases, you can revisit the campy fun of Jennifer’s Body on Amazon Prime Video. 

When Jennifer’s Body hit theaters in September 2009, the horror comedy passed quietly and deadly into the night. It was the least successful new release of the weekend that included animated comedy Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Steven Soderbergh’s The Informant! and rom-com Love Happens and whimpered against poor reviews and audience reception. It was dead on arrival. Yet over a decade later, the Megan Fox flick is a beloved cult classic. If you’ve yet to dive back into this campy bloodbath, it’s time to add it to this year’s Halloween season watchlist because its revival is totally earned. 

Jennifer’s Body stars Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried as best friends Jennifer and Needy with different social statuses at their high school, but still inseparable. Fox’s Jennifer is a flirty high school cheerleader who calls herself “not even a backdoor-virgin anymore.” A more bumbling Needy tags along to see an indie band Jennifer’s been following. However the pair get separated when an inebriated Jennifer gets into the band’s van and Needy is left concerned for her. What follows is a hilariously clever horror movie that you should definitely revisit. 

You’ll Get Why It’s Been Hailed A Cult Classic

Even though it originally flopped, if you look closer at Jennifer’s Body itself, it had all the makings of being a favorite. The movie was written by Juno’s Diablo Cody and directed by Karyn Kusama, who has since gone on to make another underrated horror film, 2015’s The Invitation. It’s one of the few studio horror films out there to not only have two women behind it, but two talents with distinct voices who delivered something completely original at the time, yet was overlooked. And to put the movie in context, 2009 was an interesting year for horror, with a couple more gems like Zombieland and Orphan, but the narrative around the genre was more so linked to a number of tired franchise failures for Saw, Final Destination and Friday the 13th as well. 

So at the time, the general feelings about a movie like Jennifer’s Body, just from a genre point of view, even before giving it a chance was exhaustion for movie fans. We’d seen too many flimsy slashers and that’s what it looked like it was. But nowadays, horror is coveted again. There’s a lot of different, more elevated horror movies, including fun campy horror comedies like Happy Death Day, Ready or Not or The Babysitter that make a movie like Jennifer’s Body cool again because they pulled off what it did years prior. And over ten years later, Jennifer’s Body is very much up to par with these offbeat slashers that have since been released and become popular in the past five years.

It’s Megan Fox’s Favorite Role Yet (And Her Best) 

Megan Fox has been seeing a bit of an exciting resurgence as of late, between being couple goals with Machine Gun Kelly or signing up for a number of projects including the next Expendables movie and a Netflix vampire comedy. Amidst all that, it’s all about Jennifer’s Body more so nowadays than before whenever her name is dropped. Earlier this year, the actress shared how “surprised” she is with how much the movie’s popularity has grown as of late to WhoWhatWear. She said it’s still her “favorite project” she’s ever worked on. 

Fox’s love for Jennifer’s Body makes so much sense, because to this day it’s her best role. The movie’s narrative around the treatment of young women goes hand-in-hand with the treatment of the actress since starring in Transformers at the age of 21. She’s always been craved and envied for her appearance, but Jennifer’s Body allowed the actress to tell a story through female eyes and with a purpose of calling out our own society’s tendency toward sexualization. Fox perfectly balances some comedic beats, with her effortlessly cool confidence with a character that runs much deeper than her bold fashion choices. 

The Entire Jennifer’s Body Cast Is A Dream

Also, we have to take a minute and look at the supporting cast alongside Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried. The OC’s Adam Brody takes on the villainous role of the lead singer of the indie band Low Shoulder, Amy Sedaris steals her few scenes as Needy’s mother, J.K. Simmons plays one of their high school teachers. A yet-to-be-famous Chris Pratt can be found in the dive bar sequence early in the film. It’s a blast to see these actors take on these roles and they were expertly cast. 

Jennifer’s Body Was Scary Ahead Of Its Time

Not only was Jennifer’s Body not treasured back in 2009 due to where the genre was, it was also discussing themes that were completely out of left field back then and misunderstood in the context of the larger culture. In the movie, Jennifer is abducted by a group of men for a satanic ritual to forward their own goals and as a result becomes a succubus who must hunt down boys at school to keep her body alive. It was very much tackling misogyny and rape culture at a time when Hollywood had yet to really be challenged for the male gaze. It would be years before big-budget genre films like The Hunger Games, Star Wars: The Force Awakens or Wonder Woman would change the tide and redefine the female protagonist as more than a sexualized action star like Charlie’s Angels, Lara Croft or Resident Evil of the early ‘00s. 

Also, it’s rooted in a relationship that has spoken to LGBTQ+ culture these days, between two women, a subject that had very little nuance or really any mainstream conversations going on. Jennifer and Needy are not a couple in the film or in love by any means, but the movie plays with sexuality between women in a headstrong way that may be applauded today but was very misunderstood during its release. In 2009, Megan Fox saying “I go both ways” as she comes at Amanda Seyfried was part of the trailer and played to laughs, discomfort or at the whims of male sexual fantasies rather than what it was actually playing at, which is a rare and unique moment of queer representation away from the cliché. 

The Movie’s Marketing May Have Altered Your Perception

Aside from 2009 not being the best year for Jennifer’s Body to be embraced, the marketing didn’t help. Coming off of the success of Transformers, 20th Century Fox reportedly decided to market the film to men who were crushing on the actress, even though the core audience for the movie was young women. Megan Fox was being objectified at the time for being a sex symbol in Hollywood and the studio used that to reel in that fanbase, with one tagline reading “she’s got a taste for bad boys.” As Karyn Kusama reflected to Buzzfeed: 

Diablo Cody said she wrote it for “girls” and more importantly the “toxic friendships between girls” and how they can “get distorted and corrupted by the patriarchy.” It’s a valid conversation to have in a movie, but when played to young men specifically at the time through its marketing, no wonder the perception of it was ruined for so long. All that being said, Jennifer's Body is a super fun horror movie and without its prior baggage upon its release, it's an especially great pick to revisit this Halloween season. 

For more fresh spooky movie picks, stay updated on what upcoming horror movies are next here on CinemaBlend. 

I, like many people who reached adolescence in the mid-to-late 2000s, have been a longtime admirer of Megan Fox – an actor who continues to impress me with her talents and her amusing choice of roles to this day. See what I mean by taking a look at my picks for some of the best Megan Fox movies yet, along with how to watch them.

Subservience (2024)

Director: S.K. Dale

Starring: Megan Fox, Michele Morrone, Madeline Zima

What it’s about: A man brings home a human-esque machine to act as a domestic helper but it proves to have a damaging effect on his family.

Why it’s worth checking out if you are a Megan Fox fan: Megan Fox gives one of her most chilling performances yet in Subservience – a sexy robot movie that became a hit on Netflix in 2024.

How to watch Subservience

• Stream Subservience on Netflix
• Rent or buy Subservience on Amazon
• Buy Subservience on Blu-ray on Amazon

Night Teeth (2021)

Director: Adam Randall

Starring: Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Debby Ryan, Lucy Fry

What it’s about: A young chauffeur-for-hire unwittingly agrees to escort two young vampires on a night of debauchery.

Why it’s worth checking out if you are a Megan Fox fan: Fox and Sydney Sweeney have small but memorable roles as two bloodsucking queens in the Netflix original horror movie, Night Teeth, which is a fun, stylish, modern take on vampire lore.

How to watch Night Teeth

• Stream Night Teeth on Netflix

The Expendables 4 (2023)

Director: Scott Waugh

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Megan Fox

What it’s about: A group of skilled, experienced mercenaries are tasked with stopping a terrorist from releasing a nuclear warhead in Libya.

Why it’s worth checking out if you are a Megan Fox fan: In The Expendables 4, Fox joins the typically male-dominated ensemble of the action-packed franchise as Gina – a CIA agent who is also Lee Christmas’s love interest.

How to watch The Expendables 4

• Stream The Expendables 4 on Starz
• Rent or buy The Expendables 4 on Amazon
• Buy The Expendables 4 on Blu-ray on Amazon

Transformers (2007)

Director: Michael Bay

Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox

What it’s about: A teenage boy discovers his new car is really an alien robot in disguise, embroiling him in an intergalactic conflict between two warring races of sentient, shapeshifting machines.

Why it’s worth checking out if you are a Megan Fox fan: While not her acting debut, Fox’s role as Shia LaBeouf’s onscreen love interest, Michaela Banes, in the premiere installment of the live-action Transformers movies skyrocketed her to mainstream acclaim.

How to watch Transformers

• Rent or buy Transformers on Amazon
• Buy Transformers on Blu-ray on Amazon

Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Director: Karyn Kusama

Starring: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried

What it’s about: A meek teen discovers that her more popular best friend has become a deadly succubus feeding on her male classmates.

Why it’s worth checking out if you are a Megan Fox fan: The actor landed her first leading role in one of the best horror movies directed by a woman, Jennifer’s Body - a cleverly dark teen angst satire now remembered as an underrated and sorely misunderstood cult classic.

How to watch Jennifer’s Body

• Rent or buy Jennifer’s Body on Amazon
• Buy Jennifer’s Body on Blu-ray on Amazon

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movies (2014-2016)

Director: Jonathan Liebesman, Dave Green

Starring: Megan Fox, Will Arnett

What it’s about: A reporter discovers a group of human-sized, reptilian vigilantes living in the New York City sewers.

Why it’s worth checking out if you are a Megan Fox fan: After exiting the Transformers franchise on less-than-stellar terms, Fox reunited with producer Michael Bay for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows as the titular CGI heroes’ human ally, April O’Neil.

How to watch the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies

How To Lose Friends And Alienate People (2008)

Director: Robert B. Weide

Starring: Simon Pegg, Kirsten Dunst, Megan Fox

What it’s about: A London-based journalist is hired as an entertainment reporter for a highly regarded New York City magazine, where he makes a complete ass out of himself at any given chance.

Why it’s worth checking out if you are a Megan Fox fan: Fox showed that she had a great sense of humor about herself by playing a Hollywood starlet in one of the best Simon Pegg movies, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People – a funny rom-com loosely inspired by Toby Young’s memoir.

How to watch How to Lose Friends and Alienate People

The Dictator (2012)

Director: Larry Charles

Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris

What it’s about: The oppressive, self-serving ruler of Wadiya experiences life from an impoverished perspective in New York City.

Why it’s worth checking out if you are a Megan Fox fan: The talented star poked fun at herself even further by playing herself in a very lewd scene from The Dictator - another uproarious political satire from writer and star Sacha Baron Cohen not filmed in a mockumentary style.

How to watch The Dictator

• Rent or buy The Dictator on Amazon
• Buy The Dictator on Blu-ray on Amazon

This Is 40 (2012)

Director: Judd Apatow

Starring: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann

What it’s about: Peter and Debbie struggle with their children’s rivalrous relationship, their failing business, and other hardships as they approach middle age.

Why it’s worth checking out if you are a Megan Fox fan: Fox plays an employee at Debbie’s small clothing store whom she befriends and envies for her youthful glow in This Is 40 – an endearing yet brutally honest spin-off to the 2007 hit, Knocked Up.

How to watch This is 40

• Stream This is 40 on Netflix
• Rent or buy This is 40 on Amazon
• Buy This is 40 on Blu-ray on Amazon

Friends With Kids (2011)

Director: Jennifer Westfeldt

Starring: Adam Scott, Jennifer Westfeldt

What it’s about: Two single, platonic friends agree to have a child together, which becomes complicated when they try dating other people.

Why it’s worth checking out if you are a Megan Fox fan: Friends with Kids is a clever, star-studded romantic comedy about the pressures of being 30, featuring Fox as a woman Scott’s character takes interest in after his child is born.

How to watch Friends with Kids

• Stream Friends with Kids on Amazon Prime
• Stream Friends with Kids on Tubi
• Buy Friends with Kids on Blu-ray on Amazon

Till Death (2021)

Director: S.K. Dale

Starring: Megan Fox, Eoin Macken

What it’s about: A woman wakes up to find herself handcuffed to her dead husband and must fend off the hitmen he hired to kill her.

Why it’s worth checking out if you are a Megan Fox fan: The actor made a striking return to horror movies in the intense, blood-soaked Till Death.

How to watch Till Death

• Stream Till Death on Netflix
• Rent or buy Till Death on Amazon
• Buy Till Death on Blu-ray on Amazon

Rogue (2020)

Director: M.J. Bassett

Starring: Megan Fox, Philip Winchester

What it’s about: A tough mercenary and her crew are left stranded in the African desert where they fall prey to vicious rebels and bloodthirsty lions.

Why it’s worth checking out if you are a Megan Fox fan: Fox has, arguably, never been more badass than when she starred in Rogue, which has the story beats of a scary animal movie but the pulse of a war film.

How to watch Rogue

• Rent or buy Rogue on Amazon
• Buy Rogue on Blu-ray on Amazon

BONUS: New Girl (2016)

Starring: Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson

What it’s about: After a painful breakup, a young, quirky school teacher moves in with three single men who share a loft in Los Angeles.

Why it’s worth checking out if you are a Megan Fox fan: The star joined the New Girl cast for 15 episodes of Seasons 5 and 6, as a temporary fill-in for Zooey Deschanel while the actor was on maternity leave.

How to watch New Girl

• Stream New Girl on Hulu
• Stream New Girl on Peacock
• Buy New Girl on Amazon

Most recently, Megan Fox has lent her voice to the Mortal Kombat games as Nitara and there should certainly be more where those came from!

Once a box-office bomb and critical disaster, Jennifer’s Body has taken its rightful place in the cult classic canon. Although the campy horror comedy originally premiered in 2009, the film continues to make waves in the cultural zeitgeist, especially with star Megan Fox making a well-deserved return to Hollywood. Case in point: a Tik Tok recreation of a scene from Jennifer’s Body, featuring an eerily accurate Fox look-alike.

When TikTok user Kyra Pollard (@kyra.pollard) first joined the social media app earlier this year, her followers immediately noticed her resemblance to a certain famous Megan Fox. After a barrage of requests flooded the comments sections on her posts, Kyra decided to recreate this scene from Jennifer’s Body. Check it out below:

As you can see, courtesy of the actual scene playing on her laptop, Kyra could be Megan Fox’s long-lost sister. And in case you’re wondering: no, that’s not actually Megan Fox’s co-star Amanda Seyfried acting out the scene with her - it’s fellow TikTok user Rou (@russsah), who also has fans frequently hitting up her DMs to point out her resemblance to the Mamma Mia! star. The pair’s TikTok collab quickly racked up over 2 million views, proving that Jennifer’s Body is still a film worth revisiting.

This isn’t the first time Kyra broke the Internet by impersonating Megan Fox. One of the very first videos posted to her account features the TikToker lip-synching solo to a Jennifer’s Body scene. As if her physical resemblance to Megan Fox wasn’t crazy enough, she added a version of the now-iconic pink heart hoodie that Jennifer rocked in the original film.

Hollywood is in the middle of a Megan Fox renaissance. The former Transformers actress has already released two movies this year. She returned to the horror genre in the tense thriller Till Death, and teamed up with Bruce Willis to apprehend a serial killer in producer Randall Emmett’s directorial debut Midnight in the Switchgrass. The latter is where she met current boyfriend Colson Baker, more famously known as singer/rapper Machine Gun Kelly. The pair has recently made frequent appearances on red carpets, usually involving coordinated and/or gleefully risque outfits.

Megan Fox’s upcoming film releases include Night Teeth, alongside Game of Thrones alum Alfie Allen, and Johnny and Clyde, a modern redux of the Bonnie and Clyde mythos, alongside The All-American Rejects lead singer turned actor Tyson Ritter (Preacher). She’ll play Alana, a casino owner and crime boss set on taking down the eponymous duo. Tyson Ritter will play Alana’s right hand man and head security detail. While they wait for what’s sure to be the first in a new slew of Megan Fox films, her fans can relive the gloriously schlocky fun of Jennifer’s Body on Amazon Prime Video.

Sometimes, all we want is to be scared. And that is exactly what the Fear Street movies on Netflix have been doing for us since they dropped. Fear Street Part One: 1994, Fear Street Part Two: 1978, and Fear Street Part Three: 1666 have created a great horror trilogy that has captured the minds of viewers, and given us heart attacks at the same time.

However, there are plenty of other films out there to watch if you’re going through withdrawal after watching the last installment of the horror trilogy. From classics like The Nightmare on Elm Street to newer successes like Goosebumps, these are some of the best movies out there for you to watch if you like the Fear Street movies.

Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark (2019) (Showtime)

As a 90s/00’s kid, I grew up reading this book, and the movie did not disappoint. In Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, a group of teenagers discovers a haunted book in an abandoned mansion, and after they decide to take it, it creates a world of horrible horror stories, sucking them in, with every story becoming all too real.

As someone who was terrified of this novel as a child, they really do a fantastic job bringing it to the big screen. The classic stories are told wonderfully, with the costuming on point, and I feel that it’s the perfect way to bring one of our most beloved childhood novels (as twisted as it is) to the big screen. For fans of Fear Street, this is definitely a pick for you with the story of teens surviving some scary situations.

Stream Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark on Showtime.

IT (2017) (HBO Max)

How can you not love It? In this 2017 adaptation of the classic Stephen King novel, we follow a group of young teenage misfits who band together when mysterious disappearances of children start to happen around their town, leading them to face off against a monster that has them on its dinner menu.

When I watch Fear Street, I get heavy influences from It. A part of me just loves seeing teenagers band together to take down evil things. It’s like the perfect horror movie in my eyes. It itself is such a great story too, and with two parts, one of when they were younger and when the group of older and adults, there’s so much to enjoy. It’s a classic for a reason. Ah, killer clowns. Gotta love them.

Stream IT on HBO Max.

Rent IT on Amazon.

Friday The 13th (1980) (Starz)

Part two of Fear Street is reminiscent of this film, taking place at a sketchy camp. Friday the 13th is the origin story of the classic horror icon, Jason. In this film, a killer is stalking and murdering teenagers preparing to reopen Camp Crystal Lake, creating a dangerous mystery that could get anyone killed.

This is one of the greats of the horror movie golden age back in the 70s and 80s. The music is amazing, the story intense and fun, and the reveal at the end is worth the wait. Fear Street Part Two: 1978 in my opinion was clearly heavily influenced by films like this, so if you enjoyed the second part, this is definitely up your alley.

Stream Friday the 13th on Starz.

Rent Friday the 13th on Amazon.

Midsommar (2019) (Amazon Prime)

After watching the Fear Street saga, something that stood out to me was how well it really fit into many modern horror films, with several moments that were just disturbing and others that were plain scary. That’s what I think of when I look at Midsommar, one of Ari Aster’s horror films. In Midsommar, we follow a girl who has just recently gone through a horrible tragedy, who travels to Sweden for a cultural festival there, but it takes a dark turn.

Let me just say, you need to go into this film completely blind. That’s what I did and it remains as one of my favorite horror films, maybe even one of the best horror movies ever. Florence Pugh is absolutely amazing in her role alongside her castmates, and the story is just bizarre. I love Ari Aster’s other horror film, Hereditary, as well, but Midsommar has a special place in my heart for just how twisted it is. Watch it. You won’t regret it.

Stream Or Rent Midsommar on Amazon Prime.

The Witch (2015) (Showtime)

For fans of the third part, Fear Street: 1666, this is the one for you. In The Witch, a family back in the 1930s is torn apart by the evils of witchcraft, black magic, and possession, creating a horrible circumstance for them and bringing out the dark sides of each other.

This sounds quite familiar, doesn’t it? It’s not a surprise that both of these films are set back in the 1600s, considering many people were persecuted for supposedly practicing witchcraft. But if the third part of Fear Street was your favorite, The Witch is one to remember. Anya Taylor-Joy gives a fantastic performance, and the story is eerie and unsettling – the perfect mood for some black magic sorcery.

Stream The Witch on Showtime.

Rent The Witch on Amazon.

Scream (1996) (HBO Max)

Honestly, a lot of Fear Street Part One: 1994 could be considered a homage to this horror film by Wes Craven in my opinion. In Scream, Sidney Prescott is terrorized by a new killer a year after her mother died, when she and her friends begin to experience some strange phone calls.

In Fear Street, there are so many easter eggs that are related to this classic slasher film. Scream was an iconic horror movie for a reason – even the opening scene of Fear Street Part One: 1994 is pretty similar to the opening scene of Scream with that first phone call. I mean, how can you like horror and never have seen the origin story of Ghostface? If you haven’t watched Scream yet for some reason, do yourself a favor and head on over to HBO Max.

Stream Scream on HBO Max.

Rent Scream on Amazon.

The Craft (1996) (HBO Max)

Another amazing witch film, The Craft is the perfect combination of Fear Street Part One: 1994 and Fear Street Part Three: 1666. In The Craft, we follow four teenage girls, outcasts at high school in Los Angeles who decide to pursue the art of witchcraft for their own gain – and of course, experience some bad repercussions.

For those who like the setting of Fear Street: 1994 but enjoy the sorcery aspect of Fear Street: 1666, this is your film. It has all of the '90s culture that you can expect, with teenagers taking over the school, but with the influence of magical powers. There's even going to be a remake soon. As someone who loves witch movies, this is definitely one of my favorites and will be for you too if you decide to watch it.

Stream The Craft on HBO Max.

Rent The Craft on Amazon.

Jennifer's Body (2009) (Hulu)

Oh, Jennifer’s Body. Now, this is a great example of a modern horror film that shook boundaries up. In Jennifer’s Body, we follow the titular character, Jennifer, and her best friend Needy, after Jennifer is possessed by a demon after she and her friend attend a concert at a bar that goes up in flames.

There’s so much to this film that makes it a cult classic. The chemistry between Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried is great, and the story itself is a ton of fun. For fans of the Fear Street series, this is a perfect fit for you because not only does it keep the story in high school – as all the great horror films do – it uses the paranormal aspect as well that is often used in Fear Street. Plus, the dark comedy in this is top tier. You’ll be jumping in your seat one second and then rolling on the floor laughing the next.

Stream Jennifer’s Body on Hulu.

Rent Jennifer’s Body on Amazon.

A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984) (HBO Max)

I mean, come on, it’s almost the same title.

Jokes aside, A Nightmare on Elm Street gave birth to one of the most classic movie icons of all time – Freddy Krueger. This 1980s film tells the story of four teenagers who live on one street, Elm Street, whose dreams are invaded by an evil murderer, and they are killed within them – therefore, killing them in real life.

Just the premise sounds terrifying. Everyone needs to sleep, so there’s no way around this villain unless you find a way to outsmart him. It’s a brilliant masterclass film in horror, about how suspense should be done, gore should be handled, and how scary a true villain can be. To me, Freddy Krueger will remain as one of the scariest horror movie villains of all time. For fans of Fear Street, this film is perfect for you, with plenty of scares that will remind you of the Netflix trilogy.

Stream A Nightmare on Elm Street on HBO Max.

Rent A Nightmare on Elm Street on Amazon.

Goosebumps (2015) (Amazon Rental)

While not as scary as the Fear Street trilogy, Goosebumps is written by the same man that wrote the Fear Street series, R.L. Stine. In Goosebumps, a teenager teams up with the daughter of a famous author – R.L. Stine in the film – once the writer’s imaginary demons are released upon their town, creating chaos.

Goosebumps itself is a classic horror franchise for kids who grew up in the '90s and '00s. I can’t even recall how many of those books I read. But the film does the series justice and pays homage to some of the classic monsters from the series, like Slappy the Dummy and or the Werewolf of Fever Swamp. Plus, Jack Black is amazing as R.L. Stine. He really brings a surprising amount of comedy to the young adult horror writer. Considering it’s by the same author of Fear Street, you’re going to like this movie, even if it’s not as terrifying as its counterpart.

Rent Goosebumps on Amazon.

To me, these are some of the best movies on Amazon Prime or the best movies on Netflix. There are so many amazing options – it gets me excited for any upcoming horror movies that are releasing soon. Halloween Kills, anyone? Regardless, the Fear Street trilogy was a great addition to the horror movie world, and I can only wonder what the next great horror film will be. In the meantime, check out some of these – they’ll be worth your time.

Back in 2009, Megan Fox became a sex symbol thanks to the popularity of the Transformer franchise. When Diablo Cody and Karyn Kusama’s Jennifer’s Body hit theaters at the time, the marketing team decided to go all in on Fox’s sex appeal in the horror comedy. The movie was far more skin deep than Hollywood executives gave the film credit for. However, it flopped at the time, making just $31 million worldwide and suffering poor reviews.

Over ten years later Jennifer’s Body is a cult classic, especially within the LGBTQ community, as it cleverly subverts the teen genre, comments on toxic masculinity and female sexuality. Looking back, Megan Fox recently explained her feelings on the film’s release and how she felt her public image at the time affected the film’s marketing and release:

Megan Fox was 23 when Jennifer’s Body came out, and as she previously opened up about, she was being objectified constantly in the public space. At the time, Fox said the problem was so prevalent in her life that she had a “genuine breakdown” and wanted to retreat completely from the public eye. Despite what the filmmakers had intended for Jennifer’s Body, the focus of the marketing was on the actress’ makeout scene with Amanda Seyfried and her ascending from a lake.

Jennifer’s Body was ahead of its time in a sense. At least it has been reexamined today among a community of fans. As Megan Fox said on her appearance on the Eli Roth’s History of Horror: Uncut podcast:

According to Diablo Cody, Jennifer's Body was marketed to a male audience even though its core audience was women. During a test screening with the “target audience,” the writer recalls a note calling for “moar bewbs” in the movie. I certainly remember the trailers for the film reflecting this strategy, even though it was not the intentions of the flick.

Megan Fox still takes some flack every once in a while, such as when she recently addressed allegations concerning Michael Bay’s treatment of the actress before she was of age, defending the director and pushing back against the idea he should be "cancelled." She is currently in a public relationship with Machine Gun Kelly since splitting with Brian Austin Green.

Megan Fox is returning to horror for a movie called Till Death. Check out all the upcoming horror movies set to come out through 2021.

Throughout Hollywood’s history, there have been tons of movies that originally slipped through the cracks before being embraced by audiences years later. Such is the story with Jennifer’s Body. The horror film starring Megan Fox opened in theaters ten years ago to poor reviews and fell flat with audiences with its $31 million box office earnings.

Jennifer’s Body writer Diablo Cody, who famously wrote hit comedy Juno before the now cult horror classic, cites some unfortunate marketing as the reason for Jennifer’s Body flopping. Since Megan Fox was at the height of her sex symbol status, the studio focused on objectifying the actress to sell tickets to young men over the film’s target to women on themes of female sexualization and queer representation. Perhaps it was ahead of it’s time?

Thinking back, Megan Fox remembers her and Mamma Mia’s Amanda Seyfried being timid to film one scene in Jennifer Body where the two friends make out on a bed, revealing a rare instance of bisexuality on the big screen. In Fox’s words:

Now these are the behind-the-scenes things you don’t think about! Make-out scenes such as the one between Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried in Jennifer’s Body have the camera getting as intimate with the viewer as the actors on screen. And for the two young women, the idea of baring all their blemishes was the most terrifying aspect of filming the sequence.

Counterpoint, I don’t think anyone was looking for chin acne or even thinking about that during the steamy sequence! However, it was scenes such as this one that was particularly used in the marketing of Jennifer’s Body to entice male theatergoers and largely ignore the film’s intended audience. Megan Fox told Variety in the tenth-anniversary interview that the film was sold as the ‘Megan Fox is sexy, come see this movie,’ when there was more than met the eye.

Diablo Cody also remembers predicting the film’s flop fate during a test screening with the film’s marketing target. She has one of the responses saved to this day, which read “needs moar bewbs.” Since 2009, Hollywood has certainly shifted its focus and a movie like Jennifer’s Body may have been marketed different and reached its intended audience.

Since the failure of Jennifer’s Body, Diablo Cody has moved on with critically-acclaimed projects such as Young Adult, Tully and television show United States of Tara, while Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried have found successful careers, with Jennifer’s Body remaining a deep cut (hidden gem?) during their acting beginnings.

When Michael Bay’s first Transformers movie hit theaters, a new name sprung onto the Hollywood scene: Megan Fox. At 21 years old, the actress revved up engines with her bedazzling beauty and swiftly became a sex symbol of the action franchise. Looking back on her grand entrance to the public sphere, Fox admits it brought about some dark times.

In celebration of the tenth anniversary of cult-horror flick Jennifer’s Body, Megan Fox and writer Diablo Cody reflected on the release, which flopped and was demonized at the time. Having top billing in a movie such as Jennifer’s Body that ultimately bombed may have hit other actors hard, but Fox said that her relationship with the public was so charged at the time, "it was just part of the mix." In her words:

It couldn’t have been easy to be objectifyed and sexualized as constantly as Megan Fox was at the time. She was a young talent entering the public eye with a lot more conversations circling around her appearances than any of her other attributes to the industry. She continued to ET with the following:

The actress was also subject to constant dating gossip about co-star Shia LaBeouf (and yes, they did actually date) and ill words about Michael Bay, who she characterized as “Hitler” on set. All the while, she was being voted the “sexiest woman in the world” and posters of her were being plastered on bedroom walls.

In hindsight, she considers her breakout period a personal low point in her career. When she was able to move away from the Transformers franchise and start a family with husband Brian Austin Green, she gained perspective and has since moved on to projects such as New Girl and her recent documentary series Legends of the Lost with Megan Fox.

10 years later, Jennifer’s Body has been embraced by a new wave of fans who celebrate its attention to sexual harassment and sexual objectification. It sounds like a re-watch is in order!

After appearing in projects like Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, Two and a Half Men and Hope & Faith, Megan Fox was propelled to worldwide stardom when she was cast in 2007’s Transformers, the first live action adaptation featuring the robots in disguise. Fox gained a lot of attention and media exposure for her portrayal of Mikaela Banes, but while we’re still getting Transformers movies (the Bumblebee spinoff rolled into theaters last December), Fox’s time in the film series would be short, as she departed after the second movie.

However, don’t think that Megan Fox’s career has slowed down since then. While she’ll arguably always be best known for her time in the Transformers universe, she’s starred in various other movies and television shows that have allowed her to stretch other acting muscles, with the occasional foray back into blockbuster territory.

So if you’re interested in learning what she’s been up to in the decade since her last Transformers appearance, read ahead to learn about the most notable Megan Fox movies and TV shows that have come out since then.

Transformers Movies

Actually, let’s first quickly recap Megan Fox’s time on the first two Transformers movies. Her character, Mikaela Banes, served as the love interest of Shia LaBeouf’s character, Sam Witwicky, and she was also quite skilled at fixing and stealing cars thanks to lessons from her incarcerated father. Transformers is what put Fox on the map for a lot of people, and she was nominated for three Teen Choice Awards and an MTV Movie & TV Award for her participation in that movie.

Megan Fox returned for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and the plan was for her to be back for the third installment, Dark of the Moon, too. However, plans changed after Fox compared working with director Michael Bay to working for Hitler. After initially refusing to apologize, Fox later retracted this statement and said she was “very fortunate” to be part of the Transformers franchise, but the damage was already done. She was eventually fired and replaced in Dark of the Moon by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who played Carly Spencer, Sam Witwicky’s new girlfriend.

Jennifer’s Body

Although Megan Fox had already completed work on Jennifer’s Body before her ungraceful departure from the Transformers franchise, it’s nonetheless notable for being her first movie after the debacle, coming out just three months after Revenge of the Fallen. Jennifer’s Body sees Fox’s titular character becoming demonically possessed and killing her male classmates in order to survive, and her best friend Needy, played by Amanda Seyfried, tries desperately to stop her.

Upon its initial release, Jennifer’s Body was met with mixed-to-negative reviews, and it didn’t make much of a splash at the box office either. However, in the wake of the #MeToo movement, the movie has received more attention for its depiction of sexual harassment and how Jennifer later uses her body to exact revenge on those who wronged her. Now Jennifer’s Body is considered more of a cult classic, but whether or not viewing it through this news lens makes it better is up to the respective viewer.

Jonah Hex

A year after Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Jennifer’s Body, Megan Fox returned for Jonah Hex, which brought the same-named DC Comics character to live action for the first time. In the movie, Fox played Lilah, a gun-toting prostitute who is dragged into the chaos that Josh Brolin’s scarred bounty hunter in caught up in. It’s revealed later that Lilah’s real name is Tallulah Black, who is a character from the Jonah Hex comics, although Fox’s version didn’t have the scarred physical appearance of her comic book counterpart.

Alas, like a lot of pre-DCEU DC Comics movies not centered on Batman or Superman, Jonah Hex was met with negative reviews, and it was also a huge box office bomb, making a little under $10 million despite costing $47 million to make. Fortunately for Fox, this wouldn’t be the last time she’d get to leave her mark on a property that began as a comic book, but we’ll get to that later.

Friends With Kids

Thus far we’ve looked at Megan Fox’s experience in genre work, but she also has experience in the comedy realm. Case in point, 2011’s Friends with Kids, where Fox was part of an ensemble that included Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott, Jon Hamm, Maya Rudolph, Chris O’Dowd and Edward Burns. Fox played Mary Jane, an actress who becomes romantically involved with Scott’s Jason. No spoilers here on what happens with their relationship.

Friends with Kids might not go down in film history as one of the more beloved romantic comedies, but when it came out it did fairly well for itself critically, if not commercially. At the very least, this was an opportunity for people only familiar with Megan Fox through her more visually-stimulating work to see that she could lend her talents to a smaller-scale movie.

The Dictator

To American audiences, Sacha Baron Cohen is arguably best known for starring in the wacky mockumentaries Borat and Bruno, but in 2012, he returned to the big screen in The Dictator, where he played Admiral General Aladeen of the fictional Republic of Wadiya in a purely fictional narrative. Fox plays a fictional version of herself who sleeps with Aladeen and other world leaders in exchange for handsome payment. But she doesn’t do cuddling!

Megan Fox’s appearance in The Dictator is nothing more than a cameo, but at the very least, it showed that she can poke fun at herself. If/when Sacha Baron Cohen leads another movie as one of his ridiculous characters, maybe she can cameo in that as well or obtain a bigger role.

This Is 40

In 2007, Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl starred in Knocked Up, which Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd also appeared in, with the former playing Debbie, the sister of Heigl’s Allison, and the latter playing Pete, Debbie’s husband. Five years later, Rudd and Mann’s characters returned for the semi-sequel/spinoff This is 40, and Megan Fox played Desi, who works for Debbie at her boutique and makes a side living as an escort.

While Knocked Up was met with a lot of positive reviews (though it wasn’t without controversy), This is 40 earned more mixed reception. There was talk of making a sequel, which possibly could have resulted in Megan Fox reprising her character. That sequel never moved forward, but This is 40 still remains an noteworthy example of Fox’s comedy work.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Megan Fox and Michael Bay’s time on the Transformers movie might not have ended well, but the two of them would reunite for the 2014 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot, which Bay produced. Fox played April O’Neil, the intrepid reporter who accidentally learns about the Turtles during her investigation into the Foot Clan and soon becomes their closest ally on the surface. As alluded to earlier, the Teenage Mutant Turtles first appeared as comic book characters in the mid-1980s, so this movie marked Fox’s second time working on a comic book property.

Megan Fox reprised April O’Neil two years later in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, which saw April meeting Casey Jones, the sports equipment-packing vigilante played by Arrow’s Stephen Amell. While there were plans to make a third Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie set in this continuity, a threequel was scrapped due to Out of the Shadows’ mediocre box office return, but at least Fox had two movies where she got to star alongside anthropomorphic giant reptiles. Few others have done that.

New Girl

Up to this point we’ve only covered the movies Megan Fox appeared in post-Transformers franchise, but she also collected some TV work as well. In New Girl Season 5, star Zooey Deschanel had to leave for maternity leave, so her character Jess was written as being called in for a long amount of jury duty. Megan Fox filled in for her during that period as Reagan, a pharmaceutical sales representative who rented out Jess’ room and shook things up among the main characters.

Megan Fox continued recurring as Reagan in New Girl Season 6, but she did not return in the final season. While the New Girl creative team was undoubtedly glad to have Fox fill in while Zooey Deschanel was away, Reagan wasn’t particularly well-received among fans, and her presence served as a reminder that there’s no substitute for the lead character who hooked people in from the start.

Legends Of The Lost With Megan Fox

In addition to acting, Megan Fox has also made a name for herself in the realm of documentary programming. Last December, the first four episodes of her series Legends Of The Lost With Megan Fox, where saw the actress traveling across the globe and learning about ancient history, cultures and myths.

This show received some criticism for how it blended actual history with pseudo-archaeology, and overall it’s earned a mixed reception. It’s unclear if Travel Channel will bring Legends Of The Lost With Megan Fox back for Season 2; if it does return, Fox will have more opportunities to go visit other countries and learn about their history when she’s not acting.

So these are all the major projects that Megan Fox has appeared in since she exited the Transformers franchise, but don’t think she’s slowing down now. She’ll appear later this year in Zeroville and Above The Shadows, and she’s also signed on for Big Gold Brick, which doesn’t have an assigned release date yet, but began production earlier this month.

Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for any major news concerning Megan Fox, but for now, be sure to browse through our 2019 release schedule to plan your trips to the movie theater this year accordingly.

If there's a genre that understands the value of a good sequel, it's the realm of the horror movie. We've seen this happen with Ouija: Origin of Evil, and more recently with Annabelle: Creation. Two promising ideas were turned into less interesting cash grabs, but were eventually revived with the right amount of vision and talent behind their sequels. And this got us to thinking, what other good concepts of horror could be saved with a second installment of better execution? Well, you're about to find out, as we're pitching seven movies that didn't do well the first time out, but could be redeemed by much better sequels.

Fade To Black

Let's start with a film so obscure that you've never heard of it, but it's so interesting that you ought to track it down: 1980's Fade To Black. A story about a young man obsessed with the movies, the film's horror aspect comes into play when he uses that obsession to inspire a series of murders. A misfit lashing out against those who did him wrong is already horror genius, but a soft reboot sequel could see a new killer inspired by classic Hollywood to rail against the modern blockbuster system. This murderous quest to make the movies great again would not only act as a proper sequel to honor the intent of the original Fade To Black, it would also be quite a meta horror film. If you don't think that concept is a winner, don't forget that Wes Craven's New Nightmare is another sequel that helped erase a franchise's troubled past.

Poltergeist (2015)

Horror remakes aren't a bad idea, as a lot of the original versions of films like Poltergeist are steeped in the culture of their inception. Needless to say, the 2015 remake had no interest in such a concept, and instead barely remade the original film in a modern context. So imagine a second bite at the apple that took the one of the concepts that actually worked and went a little further with it. You'd have our idea for a new Poltergeist sequel where Dr. Powell and Carrigan Burke further embark on their reconciled adventures into ghost hunting, with a new family in peril and a new ghost to fight off. All the while, the charming performances of Jared Harris and Jane Adams will be front and center, delivering a new story in the realm of house exorcisms.

Thirteen Ghosts

A machine that can manipulate the boundaries between ghosts and humans, the producers of the Tales from the Crypt series and a mixture of both hot young talent and established character actors should have made Thirteen Ghosts a solid base hit in the realm of horror. But considering how Dark Castle Productions also screwed this concept up with their infamous remake of House of Wax, it's no surprise that this film failed to land on its feet the first time around. So what could a second time out bring to the table? Well, take the Doctor Who episodes "Doomsday" and "Army of Ghosts", in which a government and/or corporate entity is being talked into weakening the realm between the living and the dead, but end up making it bloodier and more macabre, with a possibly darker ending. Cue Tony Shaloub and Shannon Elizabeth ready to save the day, as a massive invasion of the spirit realm is about to take place.

Ghost Ship

At this point, we should just earmark the entirety of the Dark Castle Productions canon and reevaluate them each for remake and sequel status, especially when a movie like Ghost Ship has such a teaser of an ending that it has to be fulfilled. Though another chance for improvement, via a fantastic follow-up to the original film, would be to take notes from the first draft of the film, where Ghost Ship was more of a psychological thriller rather than a supernatural gore fest. Would a sequel be able to properly balance the thrills of not being about to trust one's own mind, but with the visceral thrills and spills of a bloodier horror film, this could be the type of follow-up that realizes an original vision, while at the same time pushing the series into a brand new direction.

The Omen (2006)

Believe it or not, The Omen is a movie that we'd love to see more of, especially considering the story of the eventual rise of the Antichrist is something that never seems to run out of steam. In fact, the potential sequel to the remake of The Omen would probably best be suited by taking some notes from the second sequel to the original film: The Final Conflict. If you took the basic framework of Damien becoming president in order to bring upon the end times, you could go to some seriously dark, topical places that a more modern context would afford such an idea. Think House of Cards, but instead of merely being a ruthless powerbroker, the lead actually has supernatural pull to get their way.

Jennifer's Body

In the original Jennifer's Body, the one big drawback to the film's execution was the "sly" dialogue and pacing of Diablo Cody's script. While that could make for an arguably effective comedy, the horror aspect of Jennifer's Body was a toothless mess. With Amanda Seyfried's Needy being left with some supernatural powers of her own, the focus of a potential sequel could be focused on our righteous lead from the original slowly turning dark. Surely those powers won't come without consequence, and there's even the potential for Megan Fox's Jennifer to return in disturbed visions. Even if this was just a straight-up story of Needy being a force for good fighting the demons of evil with her newfound powers, there's potential for a more grounded sequel that'd make for an exciting horror romp.

As Above So Below

Again, we're faced with a fantastic concept that drowns in a horrific execution, as As Above So Below was one of those found footage horror films that underperformed during its run. Considering there are demons, alchemy and supernatural elements in the original film, it's disheartening to see that such cool aspects were hampered by shaky-cam and underwritten story. So why not ditch the found footage angle and turn a sequel into a straightforward narrative? Even better, the loss of the previous aesthetic choices would mean that a return to the catacombs below Paris would stand to be a more visually lush experience, as the lack of camera limitations could lead to some beautiful and/or claustrophobic scares for its potential audience.

Following the release and subsequent success of Juno, everybody thought that Diablo Cody was the next big thing. The writer was given an Oscar, gained a huge following and was offered more than her fair share of projects. Then Jennifer's Body happened and things didn't look so good for her theatrically. While she was able to create a successful series in The United States of Tara, it appeared that she was no longer a sure thing. So how do you get that back? By getting the old band back together.

Deadline reports that Jason Reitman, who directed Cody's Juno, has signed on to direct Young Adult, with Charlize Theron in the lead role. In the film, Theron will be an author who becomes successful writing under a pseudonym until she realizes that she has become distanced from her work. The film is currently aiming for a November 10 start date and will film in New York.

If you have made it this far in the article, I would like to take this time to commend you. There is a reason why I choose pictures for my articles after I have already written them. If I didn't, it would take me three hours to complete a story about an actress like Charlize Theron. Now that this article has ended, please enjoy staring at the above photo for the rest of eternity.

The Plastics of Mean Girls are pretty evil, but they’re no match for Megan Fox in Jennifer’s Body. Guard your boyfriends, because thanks to Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, Jennifer Check is on the loose on DVD and Blu-ray December 29th.

Jennifer (Fox) is the ultimate groupie. When she drags her best friend Needy (Amanda Seyfried) to see the band Low Shoulder perform, she winds up leaving with lead singer Nikolai (Adam Brody) and his band mates. Turns out, playing music isn’t the only thing the boys of Low Shoulder are into. They’ve got a thing for Satan and use Jennifer as a sacrifice. Now, Jennifer is possessed and takes a liking to the flesh of her male classmates.

Jennifer’s Body is no Juno, but writer Diablo Cody still delivers a devilishly entertaining flick. If you’re a fan of Fox, Seyfried, or Cody’s witty writing, Jennifer’s Body is a good buy. The DVD only costs $29.98 but should be immediately refuted. There’s no way you’ll watch this film and not be craving additional material. Considering the DVD only comes with the extended version of the film and commentary with director Karyn Kusama and Cody, there’s no contest when choosing between the DVD and BD. Picking up the 2-disc Blu-ray version is well worth the price jump to $39.99. Check out all of the additional goodies:

Disc One

• Audio Commentary with Director Karyn Kusama and Writer Diablo Cody
• Audio Commentary with Director Karyn Kusama
• Dead Boys
• Jennifer Check Is Gross
• Needy Confronts Jennifer
• Who's Cindy Crawford?
• Needy Faces The Band
• Ass, Gas, or Grass...
• Gag Reel
• Jennifer's Body: The Dead Pool
• Megan Fox and Johnny Simmons
• Amanda Seyfried
• Diablo Cody
• Dan Dubiecki
• Megan Fox Is HOT
• Megan Fox "Peer Pressure" PSA
• Fox Movie Channel Presents "Life After Film School" With Writer Diablo Cody

Disc Two

• Digital Copy of Jennifer's Body (Extended Version)