Macabre Daily Staff Top 10 Of 2024: Sean's Picks!

2024 will be a banner year for me simply because I joined the incredible staff here at Macabre Daily. These superstars were immediately welcoming, and it’s been a dream come true to review, interview, curate, and comment on some of the best horror past and present. This year was uniquely strong for Indie horror, with NEON and Cineverse dominating the box office and distributors like Focus, A24, and Blumhouse adding to the mix. Some incredibly remarkable films were released this year. As we put it in the rearview mirror, we’ll eventually see it as a benchmark for smaller films making a considerable impact.

2025 looks promising right out of the gate, with Leigh Wannell’s “THE WOLF MAN” and Oz Perkins’ “THE MONKEY” hitting theaters in January. The remainder of the year looks amazing as we look forward to Del Toro’s “FRANKENSTEIN,” Gyllenhaal’s “THE BRIDE,” Coogler’s “SINNERS,” and Boyle’s “28 YEARS LATER.” Those are just a few of the bangers on deck. You can count on at least a half dozen festival sleepers that we’re not even aware of making a huge impact before the years out. This is what makes movies, especially horror, so exciting. Before we close the books on 2024 for good, let’s look at some films I thought were the best 2024 had to offer.

“INFESTED” (2024) - IFC FILMS / SHUDDER

Vive La France! It’s been well documented that I couldn’t shut up about “INFESTED,” the tenement spider invasion movie from the talented Sebastian Vanicek. Claustrophobic, creepy as hell, and phenomenally well-filmed, this nature-run amok movie was cat nip for me and one of the most edge-of-my-seat watches of the year. Vanicek landed one of the two “EVIL DEAD” franchise installments off this film, and we can’t wait to see what he does with that property.

“INFESTED” is streaming now on Shudder, AMC+, and Apple TV.

“IN A VIOLENT NATURE” (2024) - IFC FILMS / SHUDDER

DON’T TAKE THINGS THAT DON’T BELONG TO YOU!! It’s fair if you’re screaming, “HYPOCRITE!” I stole a whole lotta Hubba Bubba from 7-11 growing up….last week. I’m happy to report Johnny hasn’t shown up at my door to stuff my a**hole up my a**hole or pull my big toe through my nipple. That boy sure likes his pulling, crushing, grabbing, and squeezing. Chris Nash’s take on slashers felt part genius, part prank, as he gave the audience what they wanted: blood, gore, and much more. The catch is that some of those kills would clock in over fifteen minutes long. Come for the massacre; stay for the nature documentary! It is an actual one-of-a-kind horror experience, no matter what you think of the end product.

“IN A VIOLENT NATURE” is streaming now on Shudder, AMC+, and Apple TV.

“LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL” (2024) - IFC FILMS / SHUDDER

A favorite this year for many reasons: a leading man turn from genre favorite David Dastmalchian, a nostalgic retro setting, and an escalating sense of dread that pays off spectacularly in the third act. Colin and Cameron Cairnes’ loving tribute to a king of late night who’ll make a dark pact to stay in the game was one of the most fun theater experiences we had this year.

“LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL” is streaming now on Shudder, AMC+, and HULU.

“A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE” (2024) - Paramount Pictures

Major studios are known for launching popular franchises and driving them straight into the ground, sequel after sequel. The “QUIET PLACE” franchise gets respect for seeking talent to keep the thrills coming and the story interesting, even third time out. They made two wise decisions: return to the start of the invasion and get a unique talent like Michael Sarnoski, fresh off the Nicholas Cage film “PIG” to direct. It's not the strongest entry, which would be Part II, but it is a solid, emotional, dramatic take that lets its characters shine.

“A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE” is streaming now on Paramount +, HULU, and Amazon Prime Video.

“ALIEN: ROMULUS” (2024) - 20th Century Studios

I wasn’t the biggest fan of Fede Alverez’s “EVIL DEAD” remake, so when I heard he was up at bat for the next installment in the galactically successful “ALIEN” franchise, I had my reservations. I wouldn’t say I had zero expectations, but the bar was set relatively low. Surprisingly, this was the most fun I had at the movies this year. This take on the xenomorph is light fare, but it’s fun. Alvarez may try to stuff a few too many fan favorites into the mix, but I was entirely on board for all of it. Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson have fantastic chemistry, and Jonsson has one of the year’s best performances.

“ALIEN: ROMULUS” is streaming now on HULU and Disney +.

“LONGLEGS” (2024) - NEON

My admiration for this film began weeks before its release. I’ve made no secret that studios have ruined the trailer experience altogether for moviegoers. Releasing up to five trailers per film and giving away almost every central plot point and set piece, it's beyond frustrating to sit in a theater and see a film you’re excited about essentially ruined. When I first saw the trailer for “LONGLEGS,” I was shocked that it hooked you on vibes alone. You did not know what this movie was about, but you were intrigued. Made for roughly 10 million, this film grossed over 100. Hopefully, studios will take note and follow suit. Perkins continues his ode to Old Scratch  after the shockingly underseen “THE BLACKCOAT’S DAUGHTER.” Cage turns in a typically unhinged Cage performance, but Alicia Witt steals the show here.

“LONGLEGS” is streaming now on Amazon Prime Video.

“EXHUMA” (2024) - Showbox

This is the first film by Jang Jae-hyun that I’ve seen, but it certainly won’t be the last. “EXHUMA” simply dazzles in its simplicity and complexity. Showing the fascinating world of exhuming and relocating graves and performing rituals to ward off evil spirits, this movie could come off hooky in lesser hands, but Jang lands every scene while escalating the tension and stakes slowly until the third act bonanza of fire in the sky and a demon bent on destruction. This movie is gorgeous to look at with superb performances, especially from legend Choi Min-sik (“OLDBOY,” I SAW THE DEVIL”) and Kim Go-eun. 

“EXHUMA” is streaming now on Shudder, AMC+, and Amazon Prime Video.

“MADS” (2024) - IFC Films / Shudder

Being an avid horror lover comes with the expectation that, eventually, you’ll have seen every single variation on a sub-genre. That can lead to believing that you’ve seen it all and can no longer be surprised by a film. I felt that way turning on “MADS,” which I reviewed in October. (You can check out that review here.) Nothing makes me happier than to admit I was completely wrong. This film is such a fresh take, so bold and kinetic. David Moreau shows us incredible skill in his direction and gets fantastic performances from his actors. What’s better than a lazy summer night gone to hell?

“MADS” is streaming on Shudder and AMC+.

“THE SUBSTANCE” (2024) - MUBI

Coralie Fargeat is a marvel. Once I saw “REVENGE” back in 2017, I knew she was one to watch. I didn’t know that it would be the better part of 6 years before she dazzled us again. The theater experience for this one was the most fascinating: the gentleman on my right throwing a complete wobbler as the credits rolled. I think he was more of the Dennis Quad camp, to be honest. I haven’t been this mesmerized by a film in some time. The style and attitude are off the charts, but it’s not style over substance (no pun intended…I think?). This film has so much to say. Initially, I thought the third act would work better with a scalpel rather than a wrecking ball, but I was wrong. Coralie is spot-on in her approach; the audience needs to see the absurdity. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley are incredible as two sides of a tragic coin, and their performance is iconic. I hope we don’t have to wait as long for the next Fargeat masterpiece, but I’ll certainly be there no matter when it drops.

“THE SUBSTANCE” is streaming on MUBI

“ODDITY” (2024) - IFC FILMS / SHUDDER

2024 was the year I realized Folk Horror may be my favorite sub-genre. Thanks to incredible talents like Emily Hughes and Sadie Hartmann for showing me the way. Isn’t that the great thing about the genre? You can follow your black heart wherever it takes you. “ODDITY” is more folk horror lite with its mythology, but don’t think for a second that limits the impact or scares. Damian McCarthy continues to deliver top-notch thrills with characters that will break your heart, even the baddies. Carolyn Bracken and Gwilym Lee are amazing. Everyone in this film is incredible. That’s what makes the movie so special. Every element here shows the care and love that went into it. It feels like the best play you ever saw. Making a phenomenal impact with his sinister directorial debut, “CAVEAT,” McCarthy continues along those same lines but with greater effect; the two films are even weaved together with a cheeky Easter Egg. I hope he never leaves this dreadfully wonderful world he’s created.

“ODDITY” is streaming on Shudder and AMC+.

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