Macabre Daily Staff Top 10 Of 2024: Matt's Picks!
Editor’s Note
2025 is here and 2024 is in the books, along with it another slate of horror films ranging from “amazing” to “abysmal.” At Macabre Daily, 2024 was an interesting year full of change that will continue into 2025 which saw new management, increased presence at film festivals, and some truly outstanding interviews with filmmakers across the genre spectrum. As I look to 2025, I can’t wait to share with you all some more new changes like an updated website, more giveaways, better-curated coverage, and some killer content from our team of talented staff writers.
For the genre, 2024 felt like a potpourri showcasing the kaleidoscope of sub-genres that reside under the “Horror” banner. Who would’ve thought we would get not one, but two nunsploitation flicks in the first half of the year? Or that NEON and Cineverse would have two of the largest independent film releases of all time? The year was filled with exciting releases from both small and large outfits, and looking into 2025 it can be hard to imagine how we could top this past year. Whether we do or do not is entirely subjective, but below are some of my top 10 films of the year based on as many as I was able to see before the ball dropped!
Immaculate (2024) - NEON
Director: Michael Mohan
The first of the two nunsploitation flicks is a huge surprise in more ways than one. Sydney Sweeney earns her rightful place in the scream queen conversation, and some of the imagery in here is unforgettable. The only downside to this is that it came out so close to the other nunsploitation flick that they can somewhat blend together. Still, this is one of the biggest surprises and best films of the year!
“Immaculate” is currently streaming on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
Trim Season (2024) - Paper Street Pictures
Director: Ariel Vida
“Trim Season” is a prime example of the vibrancy and skill that goes into independent genre film. Directed and co-written by Ariel Vida, this weed-growing operation/witch coven is wildly entertaining while also delivering important commentary on how marginalized people can be exploited. You can read my review and check out the interviews done with the cast and crew to see why this lands on one of my top spots!
“Trim Season” is currently streaming on STARZ and can be rented on PVOD.
Stopmotion (2024) - IFC Films
Director: Robert Morgan
I loved Phill Tippet’s “Mad God” back in 2021 and it landed on my “Best of” list that year, so “Stopmotion” feels like a film catered to my tastes. The blending of grotesque stop motion animation with the brutality of the real world is a sight to behold in Morgan’s weirdly triumphant tale of artistic insanity. There are images in this that will stick with you and make you feel icky, but will impress you with the level of craftsmanship on display.
“Stopmotion” is currently streaming on Shudder.
The First Omen (2024) - 20th Century Fox
Director: Arkasha Stevenson
Even though “Immaculate” came out before this and carries the baggage of a prequel, “The First Omen” is a helluva lot of fun! As a fan of European Horror, this felt ripped right out of a Soavi film with all the visual flair that a major studio provides. What makes “The First Omen” edge out “Immaculate” is just how far the former goes regarding the violence. There are some truly unhinged moments in “The First Omen” that are not only rare to see from a Hollywood studio, but also getting past the MPA!
“The First Omen” is streaming on Hulu and PVOD.
Nosferatu (2024) - Focus Features
Director: Robert Eggers
Given the hype leading up to this film, it was almost impossible to go into this with reasonable expectations. One could argue that the reception of this may have been better had there not been so many pre-release screenings and influencer reviews, but I digress. “Nosferatu” is visually astounding with production design and makeup work that is award-worthy and much of that is why this is higher up on this list. The performances are also quite good, although heavily inspired by another “Dracula” movie, and while the pacing is off this is still one of the most compelling films of the year.
“Nosferatu” is in theaters now.
Scala!!! (2023) - Severin Films
Directors: Jane Giles & Ali Catterall
Having released officially at the start of this year, “Scala!!!” is a love letter to anyone who has spent time in places designed for niche interests and niche people. This documentary showcases one of the most unique venues to ever exist that catered explicitly to the tastes of genre fans and various counterculture movements. Having been a back of the original FAB Press book, it was amazing to see those stories brought to the screen and done so with such frenetic energy. This is a must-own film and you can read my review here!
“Scala!!!” is currently available on Severin’s website!
The Wait / La Espera (2023) - Film Movement
Director: F. Javier Gutiérrez
Another film that debuted in 2023 at film festivals, but got a broader release later in 2024 is “The Wait” (read my review). This slow-burn folk horror drama is patient, haunting, and beautiful to look at as it takes a sobering look at the Andalusian countryside and the struggles of a family tasked with overseeing the proprietor’s hunting grounds. Gutiérrez demonstrates an impeccable sense of character development and storytelling here that is occasionally predictable, but altogether full of surprises.
“The Wait” is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and PVOD.
Oddity (2024) - IFC Films
Director: Damian McCarthy
“Oddity” (review) is proof that simplicity and quirkiness can be a powerful duo when crafting a great horror movie. McCarthy didn’t need to prove anything to me after his debut with “Caveat” (which was on my top 10 in 2020) and “Oddity” is somehow even better. Mixing dark humor with folk horror and fascinating locations is just some of what makes this a stand-out film for the year, and few films will have you laughing as much as they have you jumping!
“Oddity” is streaming on Shudder and AMC+.
The Substance (2024) - Mubi
Director: Coralie Fargeat
This came as no surprise to me that this was so high up on my list. My review espoused my love for this film and my biggest regret was not seeing it in a theater. Fargeat, Moore, and Qualley are firing on all cylinders here and all the praise this film has and continues to receive is warranted. Sure, the messaging may be heavy-handed, but at the same time, it goes for it. The finale is a masterclass in subverting expectations and doubling-down on horror. My only hope is that with all this success Fargeat doesn’t leave horror in the rear view of her career!
“The Substance” is streaming on MUBI.
Exhuma (2024) - Well Go USA
Director: Jang Jae-Hyun
Up until December 29th, my number one pick was “The Substance.” That is, until I saw “Exhuma” and had a change of heart. I’m a sucker for South Korean horror movies, and this is easily up there with “The Wailing” as one of the S-Tier genre outputs. There is so much to love about “Exhuma” from the quirky characters to the fascinating cultural rituals, but what truly sets “Exhuma” apart is how engrossing everything is. Despite being over 2 hours long, nothing ever feels slow and even with a satisfying conclusion I found myself clamoring for more. It’s like an adult oriented “Ghostbusters” and I hope we get this group of folks together for a sequel.
“Exhuma” is streaming now on Shudder, AMC+, and Amazon Prime Video.
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