Variety Crowns Longlegs and Nosferatu as 2024’s Best Horror Films

Introduction

Horror fans entered 2025 with a heated debate after Variety magazine declared Osgood Perkins’ Longlegs and Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu the standout horror films of 2024. The announcement sparked excitement, disagreement, and renewed discussion about the direction of modern horror.

Why Longlegs Dominated 2024

Osgood Perkins’ Longlegs stunned critics and audiences alike with its chilling blend of psychological dread and supernatural undertones.

• Cast: Maika Monroe as an FBI agent, Nicolas Cage in one of his most unsettling roles.
• Plot: A string of occult murders tied to a cryptic killer known as "Longlegs."
• Impact: Grossed over $100M worldwide on a modest budget.
• Variety’s Take: Praised for atmosphere, pacing, and its ability to linger long after the credits rolled.

Many critics compared it to The Silence of the Lambs for its FBI procedural style but noted its unique horror layering that made it unforgettable.

Robert Eggers’ Gothic Masterpiece – Nosferatu

Robert Eggers’ remake of the 1922 classic Nosferatu delivered exactly what fans of elevated horror expected: artistry mixed with dread.

• Cast: Bill Skarsgård as Count Orlok, supported by Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, and Willem Dafoe.
• Style: Gothic visuals, period authenticity, and Eggers’ signature slow-burn terror.
• Reception: Applauded for cinematography, atmosphere, and performances.
• Variety’s View: A defining horror remake that balanced arthouse style with mainstream appeal.

Eggers’ vision positioned Nosferatu not just as a remake, but as a reimagined experience that resonated with both critics and audiences.

Other Strong Contenders from 2024

Though Longlegs and Nosferatu took the top spots, Variety also highlighted other standout horrors:

• The Substance – Body horror satire with Demi Moore.
• Abigail – A vampire ballet thriller.
• The First Omen – Prequel expanding the legendary franchise.

Fans, however, pointed out omissions like Oddity and Late Night with the Devil, claiming they deserved equal recognition.

Social Media Reactions

The post announcing Variety’s picks received massive engagement with thousands of likes, reposts, and bookmarks. Reactions revealed a divide:

• Supporters praised the selections as accurate representations of horror’s evolution.
• Critics argued Longlegs was overrated and that The Substance deserved the crown.
• The debate underscored how horror remains one of the most passionately discussed genres online.

Longlegs and Nosferatu have been named the best horror movies of last year by Variety. pic.twitter.com/MUpTNYBpHM

— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) September 9, 2025

FAQs

Q1: Why did Variety choose Longlegs and Nosferatu as the best of 2024?
They stood out for innovative direction, strong performances, and their cultural impact on horror audiences.

Q2: Was The Substance ranked lower than expected?
Yes, many fans felt it should have been placed above Longlegs, sparking online debates.

Q3: Are these films available on streaming platforms?
Longlegs is expected to land on Hulu via Neon’s deal, while Nosferatu will likely stream on Peacock after its theatrical run.

Q4: Did these films perform well at the box office?
Yes. Longlegs earned over $100M, while Nosferatu had strong holiday season earnings worldwide.

Conclusion

The recognition of Longlegs and Nosferatu by Variety reflects a broader trend: horror is no longer confined to cheap scares but is now celebrated as high art. Directors like Osgood Perkins and Robert Eggers are pushing the genre into new intellectual territory while still terrifying audiences.

Opinion

Looking back, Variety’s list is both accurate and controversial. While Longlegs and Nosferatu undeniably shaped horror in 2024, the omission of fan-favorites reveals how subjective “best” lists can be. What’s fascinating is not which titles won, but how these debates expose the evolving identity of horror—a genre straddling both cinema-as-art and cinema-as-entertainment.

By 2025, horror has positioned itself as more than just “scary movies.” It’s now a cultural mirror, reflecting anxieties about faith, technology, identity, and mortality. Whether one agrees with Variety or not, the discussion itself is proof that horror remains one of the most vital genres in modern storytelling.