Although authors like Mary Shelley and Shirley Jackson were influential in the literary genre, horror films are frequently criticized for being one-dimensional and misogynistic. Women in these films are usually portrayed as expendable or damsels in distress, serving as mere props in the story. Even when a woman is the main character, films often revert to popular genre tropes, such as the final girl, which originally perpetuated sexist ideas about female sexuality being inherently negative. Despite these criticisms, women still make up a large part of horror audiences. 

Horror tends to explore complex themes and real-life issues through the lens of the genre, with each film reflecting the era in which it was made. In recent years, there has been a rise in horror films that explicitly address the plights of women, citing how women are reclaiming their place in the genre. Just this year, Coralie Fargeat’sThe Substance told the story of a fading celebrity who purchases a black market drug that generates a younger version of herself. The Substance addresses themes like self-image, body dysmorphia, ageism, and the hypersexualization of women in Hollywood through the body horror subgenre.

Horror films provide a rare opportunity for women to take center stage and portray complex characters, as women are more frequently cast as the lead than men are. Whether that be because audiences more easily project fear onto a female protagonist or seeing a female character in more complex and emotionally dense roles is more interesting, women have been at the helm of the genre’s newfound success. Here are some of the best horror films centering girls and women to watch this Halloween.

Jennifer’s Body (2009)

This film follows high schooler Jennifer (Megan Fox) as she becomes possessed by a demon and is compelled to murder her male classmates through seduction. Despite its negative reviews upon release, Jennifer’s Body has become a cult classic, recognized as cathartic for its female viewers as they get to watch the main character take control in a patriarchal society and seek revenge upon predatory men. 

Us (2019)

Us follows a family as they travel to Santa Cruz, CA for a vacation when they are suddenly confronted by their doppelgangers. Jordan Peele’s sophomore film continues the themes of the social thriller genre, which he popularized with his directorial debut, Get Out. While this film’s commentary revolves less around feminism, focusing more on social class and privilege, Us features a now iconic Black female horror character with Lupita Nyong’o’s Adelaide in a genre that was lacking one.

Carrie (1976)

Based on the Stephen King novel, Carrie examines repression, isolation and its consequences. Carrie White (Sissy Spacek) is bullied by her classmates and abused by her devoutly religious mother when her transition into puberty unleashes her telekinetic powers, which cause havoc. Carrie portrays the woman in the story as both the monster and the victim as she seeks revenge on those who wronged her.

Alien (1979)

This film is a staple in feminist horror for its lead, Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), one of the most popular sci-fi icons to date. A rarity for the time it was released, Ripley, rather than being a one-dimensional side character, is the film’s headstrong leader and sole survivor.

The Descent (2005)

When six women enter an uncharted cave system, they encounter cannibalistic humanoids. The film subverts common genre tropes by featuring an almost entirely female cast in a claustrophobic and terrifying setting while exploring themes of trauma and betrayal. Friendships are tested as they must rely on themselves and each other to escape. 

Ready or Not (2019)

Ready or Not twists the classic wedding day fairytale as new bride Grace (Samara Weaving) is hunted for sport in a nightmarish game of hide-and-seek by her wealthy in-laws in a wedding night ritual. Throughout the film, Grace’s dress becomes a symbol; traditionally, the white wedding dress symbolizes purity and innocence, but as the situation becomes dire, the dress unravels, becomes bloodied, and even is used as a weapon.

Black Christmas (1974)

During winter break, a group of sorority sisters are terrorized by unsettling anonymous phone calls. Black Christmas was lauded for its progressive stance on women’s bodily autonomy and reproductive rights.

Eve’s Bayou (1997)

This Southern Gothic film follows 10-year-old Eve (Jurnee Smollett) during the summer of 1962 in Louisiana as she discovers her wealthy family’s hidden secrets. The supernatural is a central theme of this film, represented through both Eve and her eccentric clairvoyant aunt, Mozelle (Debbi Morgan), along with Black girlhood and the transition out of adolescence.