When you think of “black horror movies,” Get Out probably pops into your mind – Jordan Peele‘s 2017 masterpiece that not only won an Oscar for best screenplay but also etched itself into pop culture history. The modern thriller wasn’t just after screams; it was a unique blend of humor and edge-of-your-seat moments while tackling racism in America.
But hold on, Peele’s not the only one crafting fantastic black horror movies with a statement to make. So, whether you’re a connoisseur of Black American cinema or just looking to spice up your watchlist, check out our list of the best black horror movies. We’ve got everything from chilling vampire flicks to gems spanning from the 1970s to 2022, with plenty of options to stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and beyond.
Nope (2022)
 | Nope (2022) | |
| Genre Horror, Sci-fi | Runtime 2h 10m | |
| Directed by Jordan Peele | 6.8/10 | |
| Cast Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Steven Yeun, Brandon Perea and Barbie Ferreira | ||
Emerald (Keke Palmer) and her brother OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) world’s gets flipped upside down when their dad meets a mysterious and brutal end, leaving them no choice but to dive headfirst into the bizarre realm of UFOs and those infamous “little green men” (you know, aliens!).
Armed with the assistance of a tech whiz from what seems like a “Geek Squad” dream team and a documentary enthusiast, this dynamic duo embarks on a mission to catch supernatural shenanigans on camera. But, hold on to your cowboy hats, because animal abductions and the disappearing act of locals quickly turn this quest into something way bigger – and way more terrifying – than they bargained for.
Master (2022)
 | Master (2022) | |
| Genre Horror, Mystery | Runtime 1h 39m | |
| Directed by Mariama Diallo | 5.3/10 | |
| Cast Zoe Renee, Talia Ryder, Regina Hall, Amber Gray, Noa Fisher | ||
Regina Hall takes on the role of Professor Gail Bishop, the new residence hall master at a prestigious New England university. As she settles in at Ancaster College, an institution as old as the United States itself, a creepy vibe starts to seep through. The faculty, mostly white, can’t seem to avoid microaggressions, catching the attention of Gail, her colleague Liv Beckman (Amber Gray), and freshman Jasmine Moore (Zoe Renee).
But this isn’t just about awkward comments. Ancaster College’s shady history begins to unravel, messing with the lives of these three women in ways that could turn deadly. You can watch the suspenseful on Prime Video, where the ghosts of the past might just be the scariest thing on the syllabus.
Candyman (2021)
 | Candyman (2021) | |
| Genre Horror, Mystery | Runtime 1h 31m | |
| Directed by Nia DaCosta | 5.9/10 | |
| Cast Jordan Peele, Yayha Abdul Mateen II, Tony Todd, Colman Domingo | ||
In the spooky sequel to the 1992 horror gem, Candyman made a chilling comeback nearly two decades later. It’s about an artist Anthony McCoy, played by the talented Yahya Abdul-Mateen II from Watchmen fame. Anthony dives into the sinister legend of Candyman for his latest project, but as he peels back the layers of history, he uncovers some unsettling truths from his own past. And wouldn’t you know it, the hook-handed specter of Candyman returns to wreak havoc on the streets of Chicago once again.
Now, the 2021 remake decided to sprinkle in some social justice vibes, adding a whole new layer to the tale. The movie is available to watch on Netflix.
His House (2020)
 | His House (2020) | |
| Genre Horror, Drama | Runtime 1h 33m | |
| Directed by Remi Weekes | 6.5/10 | |
| Cast Wunmi Mosaku, Sope Dirisu, Matt Smith, Emily Taaffe | ||
Bol and Rial, a refugee couple from the violence of South Sudan, make a daring escape to the outskirts of London. Settled into a somewhat rundown home, they begin the journey of adapting to life in their new, mostly white neighborhood. Little do they know, the walls of their new house aren’t just holding memories – they’re concealing some eerie and unsettling secrets. You can watch His House on Netflix.
Spell (2020)
 | Spell (2020) | |
| Genre Horror, Mystery | Runtime 1h 31m | |
| Directed by Mark Tonderai | 5.5/10 | |
| Cast Omari Hardwick, Loretta Devine, John Beasly, Lorraine Burroughs, Tumisho Masha | ||
Omari Hardwick’s Marquis takes a turbulent journey after the death of his estranged and abusive father. Opting for a dramatic entrance, Marquis flies his family to the funeral in a private plane. However, things take an unexpected turn when they encounter a storm. Next thing he knows, Marquis wakes up solo in an attic, finding himself under the care of the mysterious Ms. Eloise, portrayed by the captivating Loretta Devine. Little does he know, Ms. Eloise is no ordinary caretaker – she’s a hoodoo practitioner with more than a few tricks up her sleeve.
Us (2019)
 | Us (2019) | |
| Genre Horror, Mystery | Runtime 2h 1m | |
| Directed by Jordan Peele | 6.8/10 | |
| Cast Jordan Peele, Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss | ||
Another masterpiece from the brilliant mind of Jordan Peele. Lupita Nyong’o stars as Adelaide, leading her family back to her childhood beach house for what should be a peaceful getaway. However, the tranquility is shattered when her haunting past comes knocking. Four mysterious figures don masks and invade the home, transforming a simple family vacation into a pulse-pounding battle for survival.
Ma (2019)
 | Ma (2019) | |
| Genre Horror, Mystery | Runtime 1h 40m | |
| Directed by Tate Taylor | 5.6/10 | |
| Cast Octavia Spencer, Tate Taylor, Diana Silver, Luke Evans, Corey Fogelmanis | ||
Octavia Spencer takes a thrilling leap into the horror genre with Ma. A troubled middle-aged woman befriends a group of teenagers, generously opening up her home for their parties in the basement. Seems like a harmless good time, right? Wrong. As the clock ticks, it becomes evident that her kindness is just a front, concealing a sinister agenda for revenge against those who wronged her in the past.
If you’re a fan of meticulously crafted plots, twisted humor, and heart-pounding moments – the signature ingredients of great psychological thrillers – then Ma is right up your alley.
Bones (2001)
 | Bones (2001) | |
| Genre Horror, Crime | Runtime 1h 36m | |
| Directed by Ernest Dickerson | 4.4/10 | |
| Cast Snoop Dogg, Pam Grier, Bianca Lawson, Ricky Harris, Khalil Kain | ||
In this gritty urban tale, Snoop Dogg steps into the shoes of Jimmy Bones, a beloved leader of his vibrant neighborhood. But alas, betrayal lurks in the shadows, and Jimmy meets a tragic end at the hands of those he trusted most. Fast forward to the future, and Jimmy’s back from the dead, ready to settle the score with his community, now drowning in the grip of drugs and decay.
Ending Notes
That was it! Black horror movies have carved out a unique space, bringing fresh perspectives, thought-provoking narratives, and spine-tingling thrills to audiences. As audiences continue to embrace and celebrate the richness of Black American cinema, the legacy of these films lingers on, sparking conversations and opening doors to new possibilities. As we look forward to more horror cinema, one thing is certain – the best Black horror movies will continue to captivate and leave an indelible mark on the fans.
