One of the highest achievements in horror is the ability for a particular project to frighten audiences so terribly that the film reaches a specific gold status. In doing so, these movies are slapped with the “cult classic” label for eternity and used as the gold standard for all horror flicks that will come after them. In the past, horror staples such as The Evil Dead (1981) and Re-Animator (1985) have earned this particular notoriety, insinuating that these projects are cinematic treasures that are still enjoyed by horror fanatics decades later.
Despite these unforgettable features, the modern-day realm of horror undoubtedly boasts a plethora of engaging movies that have the ability to become cult classics later down the line. Some of these films might need a few years — or even a decade — but that doesn’t at all hinder any chances of these projects earning the “cult classic” title. So, let’s dive in and explore 10 recent horror movies that are ready to become cult classics.
Creep
For a film that arguably re-imagined the art and magic of the found footage sub-genre, it feels apparent that 2014’s Creep be included on this list. Centering around an independent filmmaker who responds to a Craigslist ad, it becomes obvious that the creator of the ad harbors much more serious intentions. Between the terrifying werewolf mask named Peachfuzz and Mark Duplass’ unhinged performance, there’s no denying that Creep is on its way to cult classic stardom.
It Follows
There likely isn’t a horror fan alive that wasn’t completely swept up by the jaw-dropping anxiety presented in 2014’s It Follows. The coming-of-age horror tale revolves around a deadly curse that is passed between sexual partners — which many horror fans believe to be a metaphor for sexually-transmitted diseases. The cinematic piece is saturated in mind-blowing concepts and spine-tingling scenarios as characters are faced with an original and raw otherworldly presence.
Ready or Not
It’s hard to imagine a list about future cult classics in horror without mentioning the brilliance of Ready or Not. Starring the incomparable Samara Weaving, the movie is a free-for-all horror spectacle which centers around a newly-crowned wife attempting to avoid the sadistic ritual of her in-laws’ trying to kill her. Over the years, the project has been highly regarded as one of the best horror flicks of the last decade — which only further establishes its clear journey toward cult classic status.
The Witch
With groundbreaking projects such as The Lighthouse and The Witch on his resume, it comes as no surprise that Robert Eggers’ 2015 horror made it on this list. One of the most unsettling aspects of the hit horror is actually its premise — which centers around a New England family who are shunned from their community and forced to live near the woods. As a result, they are haunted by a devious witch, and an array of mind-melting sequences help to catapult Eggers’ film into the contendership for cult classics.
Midsommar
As one of the most talented filmmakers in the modern-day horror industry, it would surely be a crime if at least one of Ari Aster’s movies didn’t place on this list. Midsommar deals with an unfathomable cult during a midsummer festival in Sweden, and its pulse-pounding moments and dramatic performances ensure that cult classic status is undoubtedly in its reach for the future. Of course, this won’t be the only Aster movie on this list that is capable of that status.
Get Out
As to be expected, considering Oscar winner Jordan Peele is arguably the most talented filmmaker in horror today, it seems only fitting that 2017’s Get Out should receive another moment in the spotlight. As it stands, the horror hit unequivocally shook up the landscape of the genre as a whole, driving home the significance of beautiful cinematography, divine imagery, and a premise which keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. To be honest, one could argue Get Out is already a cult classic.
Barbarian
One of the most mind-blowing horror movies of 2022 would have to be Zach Cregger’s Barbarian. In turn, it’s definitely only a matter of time until the heart-stopping horror experience is considered a cult classic by the entire community. Of course, it helps when you enlist an established scream king such as Justin Long, who absolutely shines in his role. From chaotic jump-scares to sheer terror, there’s no denying its path toward becoming a cult classic.
The Conjuring
You’d be hard-pressed to find a solitary soul in the horror fandom who hasn’t seen or at least heard of James Wan’s The Conjuring. Centering around the various cases attached to demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, the success of the first film eventually launched an entire franchise — and in turn, a horror cinematic universe. That being said, there’s no discounting The Conjuring’s cult status, making it one of the highest on this list.
Hereditary
Upon its release back in 2018, most of the horror community couldn’t stop discussing, analyzing, and dissecting Ari Aster’s Hereditary. Its spine-tingling premise and gritty performances — from Toni Colette and Alex Wolff — have quickly earned the film its reputation as one of the most brilliant, original horror movies of the last decade. That being said, one could argue that Hereditary is the most deserving of the title on this list.
X
Ti West quickly went from an indie filmmaker to a high-profile, mainstream director for his work in slasher spectacle X. Starring the talented Mia Goth, the movie centers around a group of young filmmakers and adult film stars seeking out the perfect spot to shoot their erotic project. As is with every horror film, chaos eventually ensues, and West does a terrific job of breathing a breath of fresh air into a genre that definitely needed a boost. As a result, it’s merely a matter of a decade until X is renowned as a cult classic.