The horror genre is a tricky one. Especially when it comes to women. It’s a genre that’s sometimes hard to enjoy – sure, there’s female characters aplenty, and many of them survive the [insert form of turmoil] delivered by [insert deranged killer/supernatural force/etc.], so many so that it’s the basis of a well-worn genre trope. However, it’s a constant source of some of the most misogynistic works of cinema, even though women frequently make up over half of the audience. There’s enough awful rape/revenge flicks out there to destroy the idea that women not surviving these films is the problem. Horror films, like all films, need women that exist on their own terms, in stories that do what many good genre films do: encourage debate about real world issues.
Horror films can be ideal grounds for discussion of countless social concerns – gender, sexuality, fear, all kinds of things. It’s a genre that can isolate women, but with a push in the right direction it can empower them, too. If you’re willing to dig a little deeper, you’ll find plenty of well-made, female-lead, super scary movies. From the interstellar, to the chilling, to the just plain strange, here’s a handful of films to get you started. Consider this a salute to the good women of horror: proving since the 70s that it’s not just a genre for pretty blondes running through the woods in their underwear.
Alien (1979) dir. Ridley Scott / Aliens (1986) dir. James Cameron 
Where better to start? Admittedly, these two are kind of sci-fi/horror, but they’re scary enough to fit the bill. Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley, iconic heroine that she is, is simply rather wonderful, and an example of the kind of characters we need. The films never feel the need to have her turn around and shout, “I’m empowered! Look at how strong I am!” whilst she continues to flawlessly kick all kinds of ass in outer space – she’s a realistic woman in a male-dominated environment, showing strength and versatility whilst addressing sexual equality, patriarchy and more, all whilst being chased about by a beast from another planet. They’re diverse films too, which is excellent (if peculiar, considering the latest of Scott’s work). If only all women in space got the same treatment. Bonus points for not killing the cat.
The Descent (2005) dir. Neil Marshall 
The Descent is a walking Bechdel Test-breaker. With the exception of a brief male appearance during the first five minutes of the film that ends, unsurprisingly, rather badly, it’s all girls here – six friends (yes, SIX!) head off on the caving holiday from hell a year after a tragic accident, reuniting friends for support and for a good time. They were expecting a fun reunion. Flesh-eating subhuman cave dwellers chasing them through endless caverns, all whilst having to carry spelunking equipment and emotional baggage? Less so. Thus entails a descent, if you will, of the physical and the psychological, that allows its female cast the chance to shine and racks up the scares consistently. Claustrophobic, wince-inducing, pleasantly gory, and and packed with strong performances, The Descent is a tightly wound thrill ride that does for cave exploration what Jaws does for surfing.
The Babadook (2014) dir. Jennifer Kent 
Calling The Babadook a horror film doesn’t quite do it justice. It’s scary, certainly, and belongs in the genre, but it’s far more psychological than your average supernatural fare. In its many positive reviews (here’s one from us!), it has drawn frequent comparison to The Shining; another point of comparison would be the also female-lead, and also excellent, The Others. It begins as a familiar story for any fan of the genre – an unstable mother living in a crumbling house with her creepy kid discover a peculiar pop-up book that turns out to be a lot more threatening than expected. However, in a world of gory franchise movies (however fun they may be) the film is a great reminder of how much scaring can be done through good old-fashioned sound design, cinematography, and performances. It’s psychologically driven, super tense, and manages to explore the weighty issues of single motherhood, grief, mental illness and child abuse – all in a ninety-minute film directed by a woman and starring a woman, in a genre that’s always been dominated by men. That alone should show its merit.
Honorable Mentions:
- Carrie (1976): Most people know the story of poor Carrie. It’s a classic tale of feminine revenge, whether you catch the (generally considered superior) original or the 2013 remake.
- The Scream franchise (1996 – 2011): Not really about serial killers.
- Ginger Snaps (2000): Everyone loves a good, slightly cheesy, werewolf story. Hey, you know who else follows a lunar cycle?
- Teeth (2007): Vagina Dentata. Enough said. A sex satire with real bite.
- Excision (2012): A self-assured outcast teen comes to terms with all your usual angst. Oh, and she’s into necrophilia. That too. A rare display of super-weird female power through sexuality, with Lynch-esque suburban dream sequences to boot. Not for the faint of heart.
- You’re Next (2013): A twist on the ‘home invasion’ movie with a dreamy female lead. Smart, gooey, and funny, too.
Now, with all that said, a final disclaimer: don’t feel bad for enjoying media that isn’t flaw free. Liking horror movies, or any other problematic things, doesn’t make you an asshole, but ignoring their problems might. Be critical, be accepting of people’s criticisms, and be the change you want to see in the media you’re into. Support good work! There’s no reason not to. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find something you love that loves you, too.
Scare because you care.
Words by Lara Peters