Calling this a comprehensive queer horror movie list would be a lie. It may not even be possible for a single guide to exist as the entire horror genre is one of the queerest media classifications there ever was and will be. The main foundations of horror are rooted in queer, “outsider” identities and narratives that don’t conform to society and its rules. Horror makes us confront the uncomfortable, much like queer people do on a day-to-day basis.
Here are some must-watch horror movies from contemporaries to classics that display themes, characters, and storylines that are unapologetically queer in all definitions and forms.
The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
Starting this list strong with the (queer) woman who is literally the mother of the horror genre—Mary Shelley. Directed by James Whale, who was openly gay throughout his entire career (practically unheard of in the ’30s), Bride of Frankenstein is a perfect genre film that oozes queerness from its writing by Shelley and its direction and tone from Whale. Over the top and heavily queer-coded, this classic is widely seen as a defining queer feminist horror film and a huge step toward queer representation in media. Plus, Elsa Lanchester masterfully inspired too many drag looks to count.
Daughters of Darkness (1971)
How terrifying, women owning their own sexuality! And even more terrifying: them owning it with other women! While Carmilla holds a special place in my heart as the lesbian vampire of my dreams (and she’s the reason our boy Dracula exists at all), Daughters of Darkness gives us a mesmerizing portrayal of the real-life legend Countess Báthory. This film honors queer legacy as it gets passed down generationally through its characters, all while being a feminist masterpiece, much like The Hunger (1983), which deserves an honorable mention. Also, this proves that all vampires are gay. I don’t make the rules.
Videodrome (1983)
Body horror at its finest. Here is director David Cronenberg on transness: “They’re saying, ‘Body is reality. I want to change my reality. That means I have to change my body.’ And they’re being very brave…I say, go ahead. This is an artist giving their all to their art.”
Vamp (1986)
Vampire strip club. Keith Haring painting a body mural on the one and only Grace Jones. Doesn’t get queerer than that. Again, all vampires are gay.
Scream franchise
It would be an actual crime not to include the Scream franchise on this list. Yes, Billy and Stu were in love. That’s obvious. More importantly, Mindy Meeks is one of the most exciting, loveable, and relatable queer characters the horror genre has seen in recent years. I can’t wait to see her growth as a character and queer horror icon. Seeing her continue to fight and survive on a massive movie theater screen will always be revolutionary.
Ginger Snaps (2000)
Werewolf films exhibit transformation like no other subgenre can. Brigitte and Ginger go to desperate lengths to keep Ginger’s identity closeted throughout the entire movie. It’s rare to see women go through the werewolf transition, and Ginger Snaps clearly shows us what shame, ostracism, and “passing” can look like for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Seed of Chucky (2004)
Nonbinary icon Glen/Glenda. Queen Jennifer Tilly. King of trash John Waters. Need I say more?
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
There’s too much to say here in a short paragraph, so I will leave it at this: I first saw Jennifer’s Body when I snuck into the movie theater (I was only 14) after seeing two girls kiss in the trailer. Shout out to Jennifer Check for that sexual awakening.
All About Evil (2010)
More horror films written and directed by drag performers, please! Natasha Lyonne and Cassandra Peterson (AKA Elvira!) star in this wild, bloody ride from the mind of Peaches Christ, and I couldn’t be more grateful for its existence.
The Fear Street trilogy (2021)
The Fear Street movies took me by surprise when I first saw them, to the point where I got emotional. The main teen romance being a queer-centered one, felt genuine and exciting. Phil Graziadei, an openly gay screenwriter, was the co-writer, and nonbinary actor Ryan Simpkins smashed their role in Part Two. You can tell queer folks were in the room when creating this project, and I’m crossing my fingers for more installments soon.
Queerness is cemented in horror no matter where you look, and this short guide is just a small taste of films that aren’t afraid to dive deep into the many representations of queerness and gender identity. I could go on and on, and your list may look completely different from mine. In fact, I hope it does, because that’ll ultimately illustrate the full breadth of queer horror and how its limitations are never-ending.
As a queer person, it’s almost too easy to be convinced you’re the monster. Society wants to eradicate us, tear us down, and throw us away, which is why we tend to see ourselves in this strange, expanding genre. It helps to remember what horror films have taught us since the very beginning: we always fight back (and absolutely slay while doing it)
For a year round queer streaming guide, check here!