31 Days of Black Horror: A Celebration of Fear and Culture

Missed it in my notes? Here's the complete list—now in a post!

Oct 10, 2024

It's that time of year again when the nights grow longer, shadows feel thicker, and the chill in the air makes you look over your shoulder a little too often. But what better way to dive into the spooky season than with Black horror?

For the next 31 days (sorry, y’all, we are already ten days in), I’ve curated a list of 31 Black horror films that highlight the diverse experiences, creativity, and genius of Black filmmakers, writers, and actors in the genre. This is more than just a list of scary movies—it is a celebration of Black culture, storytelling, and the ways we’ve been able to make our own space in horror. From classic vampire tales to modern psychological thrillers, I’m giving you a little bit of everything.

Why Black Horror?

Black horror speaks to our history, our fears, our triumphs, and the very real horrors we've faced. Whether it’s a nod to social commentary like Get Out or a reimagining of classic horror tropes in films like Ganja & Hess, Black horror gives us the space to create fear, face fear, and be fearless.

Each film on this list brings something unique to the table, whether it’s a story rooted in cultural legends, psychological terror, or the everyday horrors of navigating a society that can feel downright terrifying on its own. The beauty of Black horror is in how we twist the genre to tell our own stories, reflect our experiences, and—quite frankly—scare the hell out of you.

What to Expect

You’ll find classics like Blacula (1972) and Candyman (1992) that have stood the test of time, alongside more contemporary films like His House (2020) and Bad Hair (2020), which bring a fresh, innovative perspective to the genre. And, of course, I've included some gems you might have missed—films like Sweetheart (2019) and Rust Creek (2019) that will leave you with chills and something to think about.

So grab your popcorn, turn down the lights, and prepare yourself for a month-long celebration of Black Horror.

I already posted this in my notes, but this list is for those who might’ve missed it! Let me know which ones you're watching—or if I missed any of your favorites!

The Full 31 Days of Black Horror List:

1. Blacula (1972)

2. Candyman (1992)

3. Bones (2001)

4. The People Under the Stairs (1991)

5. Tales from the Hood (1995)

6. Vampires vs. the Bronx (2020)

7. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

8. His House (2020)

9. Eve’s Bayou (1997)

10. Get Out (2017)

11. Us (2019)

12. The Girl with All the Gifts (2016)

13. Bad Hair (2020)

14. Black Box (2020)

15. Ganja & Hess (1973)

16. Spell (2020)

Part 2

17. The First Purge (2018)

18. Sweetheart (2019)

19. Ma (2019)

20. Def by Temptation (1990)

21. Blacula II: Scream Blacula Scream (1973)

22. Rust Creek (2019)

23. The Craft: Legacy (2020)

24. The House on Skull Mountain (1974)

25. Da Sweet Blood of Jesus (2014)

26. Thriller (2018)

27. Survive the Night (2020)

28. Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror (2019)

29. Rattlesnake (2019)

30. J.D.’s Revenge (1976)

31. Antebellum (2020)

Here are five honorable mentions for Black horror films that didn’t make the main list but are absolute must-watches:

Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (1995) – A supernatural action-horror featuring Jada Pinkett Smith as a badass hero fighting against an ancient demon. This one mixes classic horror with comic book vibes and some memorable performances.
The Transfiguration (2016) – A quiet, unsettling film about a boy obsessed with vampires, blending horror with a poignant commentary on isolation and trauma.
Vampire in Brooklyn (1995) – Eddie Murphy's take on the vampire genre, directed by Wes Craven. It's a mix of horror and comedy with a unique approach to the vampire mythos.
Beloved (1998) – Based on Toni Morrison’s novel, this psychological horror stars Oprah Winfrey and explores themes of trauma, loss, and haunting memories from the horrors of slavery.
Body Cam (2020) – A supernatural thriller with Mary J. Blige playing a police officer investigating disturbing, paranormal occurrences tied to police brutality.

This lineup is not just for the hardcore horror fan—whether you’re a casual viewer or someone ready to be genuinely frightened, there’s something here for you. Stay spooky, y’all! 🎃👻