Black horror is such a special subgnere in that the stories are usually compelling, creative, and have an overall good vibe.
What is Black horror? Black horror is not called Black horror just because we see Black faces on screen but because there is a cultural element to the film. It allows us to explore societal fears and the goal is not to perpetuate these fears but to give Black creatives control over our own stories while also giving our perspective on the real life horrors that we live.
We did a podcast all about Black horror and its history awhile back, if you’re interested in learning more about Black horror.
With that, let’s jump into our list of must watch Black horror movies. These are not in any particular order.
Must Watch Black Horror Films
Tales from the Hood (1995): A strange funeral director tells four strange tales of horror with an African American focus to three drug dealers he traps in his place of business. The stories are heavy in social commentary and lean into genuine fears within Black culture.
Get Out (2017): Chris and his girlfriend Rose go upstate to visit her parents for the weekend. At first, Chris reads the family’s overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter’s interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he never could have imagined. Get Out is a visceral experience full of unexpected twists and turns.
The Blackening (2022): A group of Black friends reunite for a Juneteenth weekend getaway only to find themselves trapped in a remote cabin with a twisted killer. This one is a good time and perfect movie to watch with a group of friends.
Candyman (1992): The Candyman, a murderous soul with a hook for a hand, is accidentally summoned to reality by a skeptic grad student researching the monster’s myth. This is a Black horror classic and sure to make your skin crawl. Whatever you do, don’t say his name 5 times in the mirror.
Night of the Living Dead (1968): A group of people try to survive an attack of bloodthirsty zombies while trapped in a rural Pennsylvania farmhouse. Another horror classic featuring a Black lead. This film transformed the horror genre. If you haven’t seen this one, definitely add this to your watchlist.
Beloved (1998): After a man finds his old slave friend in Ohio and moves in with her and her daughter, a strange girl comes along by the name of “Beloved”. They take her in and then strange things start to happen. This movie is extremely creepy and eerie. Don’t watch this one alone.
Us (2019): Husband and wife Gabe and Adelaide Wilson take their kids to their beach house expecting to unplug and unwind with friends. But as night descends, their serenity turns to tension and chaos when some shocking visitors arrive uninvited. This movie takes a deep dive into what privilege is and what it does to our society. We talked more about the motifs of this one in our Jordan Peele video essay.
Bones (2001): Over 20 years after his death, local legend and benefactor Jimmy Bones returns as a ghost to avenge those who killed him and restore his neighborhood. This is an underrated gem. Snoop Dog, Pam Grier and Clifton Powell? Definitely a must watch.
His House (2020): After making a harrowing escape from war-torn South Sudan, a young refugee couple struggle to adjust to their new life in a small English town that has an unspeakable evil lurking beneath the surface. This film is scary and it really brings to the light the horrors of the refugee experience.
Ganja & Hess (1973): After being stabbed with an ancient, germ-infested knife, a doctor finds himself with an insatiable desire for blood. This is one of Black horror's most underrated gems and a must watch every year.
And those are our 10 must watch Black horror films. We have also curated a list of more than 80 Black horror movies or movies with Black leads over on our Letterboxd. Be sure to check those out!