The 15 Greatest Teen Horror Films Ever, Ordered

 

Teen horror usually deals with topics that are specific to teenagers. Teen-focused movies focus on coming-of-age in the contemporary world, whether the subject be drugs, sex, or bullies in high school. Filmmakers lavishly employ all the typical genre cliches, thrills, and deadly scenes in addition to these topics. Teen horror spans a wide variety of genres and is frequently unrestricted by them, ranging from sci-fi and dark comedies to witches and overt slashers. Teen horror films mainly center on the themes of puberty and the changes that occur in relationships during this time. Monsters are typically representations of personal traumas and metamorphoses.

This list illustrates the evolution of teen stories by spanning multiple horror classics from the 1970s and 1980s to modern works. It also celebrates a plethora of subgenres, such as werewolf films, slashers, supernatural horror, and whodunits. It's not by accident that several of the entries on this list have similar themes running through them. Teen horror is mostly centered around themes of sexual awakening and puberty. This list is a fantastic place to start if you need a crash lesson.

15. Halloween

"Halloween" by John Carpenter, which ushered in the era of slasher films, established the basis for both the last girl stereotype and genre standards. While co-writer Debra Hill developed the characters of Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her friends Annie (Nancy Keyes) and Lynda (P.J. Soles), Carpenter concentrated on developing the mystery and mania around Michael Myers.

The girls are just the neighbors next door. They have boyfriends (actually, Laurie is the only one who is too bashful to ask people out), they have sex, and they babysit. In addition to becoming the girl scout MVP for making popcorn, carving a pumpkin, and letting Tommy watch a horror marathon, Laurie looks after Tommy Doyle (Brian Andrews) on Halloween night. Annie is watching Lindsey Wallace (Kyle Richards) across the street using a new babysitting strategy, until her boyfriend Paul (Carpenter) calls and requests a ride. She doesn't exactly survive, as we all know, and is mercilessly murdered by The Shape, who is hidden in the backseat of her car.

The whole point of "Halloween" is Michael's gory antics, but without the character development that Carpenter and (mainly) Hill accomplished in the screenplay, his murderous mayhem would not be quite the same. You would so much rather be BFFs with Laurie, Annie, and Lynda, which makes the third act even more brutal to witness.

14. I Know What You Did Last Summer

"I Know What You Did Last Summer" borrows ideas from "Scream," which makes sense given that Kevin Williamson penned both songs, but it also establishes a unique identity in the late 1990s teen horror genre. Following an automobile accident that leaves one person presumed dead, Julie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and her companions get caught up in a murderous web of deception.

The group has essentially gone on with their lives a year later. They are plagued by the bad night's memory at all times, as if it were a dark cloud hanging over them. And someone goes on a violent rampage after discovering their filthy little secret. "I Know What You Did Last Summer" embraces adolescent recklessness as well as the thrill of limitless possibilities. Teenagers' incapacity to distinguish between good and wrong provokes what should have been prevented entirely, and the exciting part is seeing how they handle the chaotic aftermath. Their futures are not nearly as costly as a near-fatal error.

13. It Follows

In the 2014 film "It Follows," writer-director David Robert Mitchell combines a tale of sex and lost innocence with a supernatural element. After Maika Monroe's character Jay meets up with Hugh (Jake Weary), he gives her a chloroform medication, straps her to a wheelchair, and tells her what's coming up next. She will now be followed about by a creature that she had sex with, trying to kill her. She needs to sleep with someone else in order to get free.

Every character is shrouded in the entity. It is even more terrifying because of its ability to shape-shift into many shapes based on the target it is aiming for. This is an example of psychological horror. According to the movie, having sex permanently alters your perspective on the world. With trepidation, Jay and her pals negotiate their sexual awakening and relationships while battling an overwhelming, all-consuming force. Despite their best efforts, they eventually discover that they can only eradicate it by passing it on to the next individual. It's an endless nightmare, and "It Follows" does a superb job of capturing the horrors of childhood.

12. Carrie

Sissy Spacek's character, Carrie White, leads an exceedingly private life. The religious fanatic who is her mother, Piper Laurie, is steadfast in her views on fire and brimstone. She even abuses her kid physically and psychologically in an attempt to control her. Carrie simply wants to have a typical adolescent life and be like everyone else. She has a difficult home life and is shunned by everyone at school.

Nobody knows that Carrie is capable of magical abilities, which appear to be related to the delayed onset of her menstrual cycle. For half the population, it's a natural transition, and the bullying she receives from those around her makes it even worse. But Chris (Nancy Allen) and the others will soon discover the true meaning of sweet revenge.

The 1976 feature film, which was directed by Brian De Palma, illustrates how difficult high school is and how society frequently demonizes women. When it comes to trying to figure out who they are, teenage girls can be the most acerbic. "Carrie" is a coming-of-age story as much as a popcorn horror movie. In either case, a fantastic time is assured.

11. Bodies Bodies Bodies

Halina Reijn's "Bodies Bodies Bodies" employs a structure reminiscent of "Clue" to critique online culture. It's like throwing water into a boiling, greasy saucepan when Sophie (Amandla Stenberg) brings her new lover Bee (Maria Bakalova) to her best friend David's (Pete Davidson) opulent estate. A bunch of pals come together to survive the approaching hurricane and engage in all the typical sleepover activities, such as getting wasted, drinking too much, and slapping one other. What follows is unexpected by everyone.

A traditional whodunit concludes with a murder, inciting indignation and a frantic hunt for the genuine culprit. Screenwriter Sarah DeLappe continuously infuses the story with a wealth of knowledge about Generation Z, including their complicated interpersonal dynamics, online habits, and phone addictions. In addition, the movie breaks out phrases like "gaslighting" and examines other harmful internet practices. It's a dog-eat-dog world, as they say, particularly online.

10. A Nightmare on Elm Street

Enter Nancy Thompson's (Heather Langenkamp) universe as Wes Craven urges you to do so. "A Nightmare on Elm Streets" mostly examines how lonely it is to be a teenager facing a sleep demon, with very little emphasis on high school life. Adults are untrustworthy, and the cops are not very helpful. With nothing to help her save a fresh pot of coffee and her book on makeshift personal devices, Nancy is squarely in the center of a terrifying cyclone.

Tina (Amanda Wyss), Nancy's closest friend, has a turbulent relationship with Rod (Nick Corri), the bad boy. They go from being all hot and heavy to arguing the next minute. Tina extends an invitation to the group for a sleepover at her house because she is having horrible dreams. She is too afraid to take care of herself; she just needs to sleep. Her time is finally up, even with this safeguard. The rest of the movie is shadowed by the horrific murder of her. It's the turning point that prompts Freddy to carry on his terrifying rampage.

Nancy, the only one left, must overcome Freddy Krueger because she was raised by an alcoholic mother and a police officer father. She musters all of her fortitude and resiliency, and in the end, she is able to banish Fredy from her dreams. Nancy is an incredible force, with smart thinking at every turn. Her ultimate success is all the more delightful because she is only a teenager.

9. Ginger Snaps

Like "Carrie," John Fawcett's "Ginger Snaps" explores the challenges of adjusting to a new phase of life and the emergence of womanhood. The 2000 film, which was written by Karen Walton, centers on two sisters, Brigitte (Emily Perkins) and Ginger (Katharine Isabelle), as they approach the onset of menstruation. It is, of course, a very confused time.

Ginger experiences a completely new kind of transformation after being bitten by a big, hairy beast that has been frightening the neighborhood one evening when she is out in the woods. Her wounds mend rapidly, and she starts behaving out in all facets of her life. In fact, she grows a tail. In addition to being a werewolf narrative in the true sense, the change represents the passage from childhood to young adulthood. Growing hostility and uncontrollable conduct accompany the mutation, resulting in mayhem and multiple killings in the community. It's true that growing up can be fatal.

8. Tragedy Girls

"Tragedy Girls" deconstructs internet addiction and the never-ending need for approval. This horror film, which was directed by Tyler MacIntyre, centers on two would-be serial killers who are determined to become well-known: Sadie (Brianna Hildebrand) and McKayla (Alexandra Shipp). They have completed all the research and have examined the distinctions between serial and spree killers. They are now prepared for the spotlight, but the authorities have classified their killings as suicides or mishaps.

Kevin Durand's character, serial killer Lowell Orson Lehmann, is kidnapped by Sadie and McKayla, who then take him hostage. Although they've learned a lot from Lowell's misdeeds, they would still welcome more specific direction. Lehmann refuses to comply. Rather, the pair continues to kill and produce YouTube videos, stepping it up to the point where the police are eventually called. Sadie and McKayla are the closest of friends throughout the whole movie. They work together on everything.

Their friendship starts to show signs of strain as their internet celebrity increases. However, it is how a close connection operates. There are highs and lows, and communication is nearly always the key. In the end, the murderous adventures of our two favorite serial killers come to a satisfying conclusion that perhaps teases a suspenseful "Thelma & Louise" spin-off. We have yet to witness that occur.

7. Final Destination 3

The third installment in the series, "Final Destination 3," adds an interesting twist to the mythos of the game. Wendy (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a recent high school graduate, has a vision that a roller coaster will crash and murder everyone on board. She soon discovers that the images in her digital camera depict the deaths of persons who are close to her. Wendy sets out to avert as many deaths as she can with her classmate Kevin (Ryan Merriman), but death is unavoidable and there are no mishaps.

Only fate exists. They are destined to perish. With creative, surprising kills, "Final Destination 3" raises the stakes, from the nail gun to the tanning bed sequence. The movie, which was directed by James Wong from a screenplay he co-wrote with Glen Morgan, explores the complex nature of puberty and makes an effort to separate sexual and platonic connections. Of all, despite having compelling character interactions and an incredibly spectacular third act, "Final Destination 3" is just an enjoyable ride on the surface.

6. The Craft

Growing up as a witch can be quite difficult. Navigating through prejudice and harassment during high school is challenging enough without adding eerie anomalies to the mix. The goddess Manon is worshipped by Bonnie (Neve Campbel), Nancy (Fairuza Balk), and Rochelle (Rachel True), but they are missing one female to complete their coven. It is revealed that Sarah (Robin Tunney) has magical abilities when she moves to the town and joins the group.

As they develop their abilities (recall the famous "light as a feather" moment), their friendship is put to the test in addition to high school becoming more difficult to handle. The film "The Craft," helmed by Andrew Fleming, posits that the relationships you value most in life may be the price you pay for power, and ultimately, it might not be worthwhile.

Nancy calls upon the spirit in a ritual out of a hunger for power and then starts abusing her abilities. Her friends must intervene to save her from the brink as her desire to hurt her almost consumes her. "The Craft" continuously evokes creepy while delving into the strength of sisters and the boundless nature of friendships.

5. Freaky

In Christopher Landon's 2020 film "Freaky," Kathryn Newton plays the lead role. In a screenplay he co-wrote with Michael Kennedy, Landon delves into grief, loss, and a little girl's quest for identity. After her father passed away tragically the previous year, Milly Kessler, portrayed by Newton, withdrew herself and her wood shop instructor seemed to be resentful.

But that's not the only thing on her mind. It looks that the Blissfield Butcher, a serial killer, has returned, killing a number of teenagers after a night of "underage debauchery," as one character quips. In addition to the gore typical of a slasher inspired by "Scream," "Freaky" delves deeper issues beneath the gore, like Milly's inner torment at being stuck in the body of a serial murderer, her alcoholic mother's struggle to keep everything together, and a poignant lesson about living in the moment.

Milly, Nyla (Celeste O'Connor), and Josh (Misha Osherovich) have a solid and enduring relationship. There's no doubting their unwavering commitment to one another when circumstances eventually grow worse. Milly has the support of Nyla, Josh, and themselves. It really is the pinnacle of friendship.

4. Scream

"Scream," a 1996 film, opens with Sidney (Neve Campbell) and her pals gathering around a fountain outside their high school. They are talking about the horrific killings of Drew Barrymore's character Casey Becker and her boyfriend. Everyone has nothing else to talk about, and with good cause. Woodsboro is a typical rural town—it's peaceful and beautiful—but Sidney and her friends' lives are going to take a drastic turn.

Sidney is still in the aftermath of her mother's murder from a year ago. Although she appears to be doing fairly well, the coverage of her anniversary undermines all of her accomplishments. You have one devastated high school student when you combine that with the impending book that reporter Gale Weathers (Courtney Cox) is writing about the incident. To give the movie a genuine feel, Wes Craven and screenwriter Kevin Williamson intercut their action-packed horror sequences with poignant human moments.

As Sidney's pals start dying one after another, the plot progresses naturally because of the weight of each loss. In relation to friendships, Sidney's relationship with Tatum (Rose McGowan) is a prime example of what a friendship ought to be like. Everybody needs a Tatum who is there for them through good times and bad.

3. The Faculty

Robert Rodriguez's "The Faculty" places "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" in a more contemporary context during the late 1990s teen horror revival. Written by "Scream" scriptwriter Kevin Williamson, the science fiction film centers on a group of high school students as they battle an apocalyptic scenario in addition to their hormonal adolescence. If they are to survive, they will need to put aside their differences and the social structure.

Josh Hartnett plays the resident bad boy Zeke, Jordana Brewster plays the attractive popular girl Delilah, and Elijah Wood plays the geeky school paper photographer Casey. Then there's Stokely (Clea DuVall), the goth girl, and the new girl, Marybeth (Laura Harris). Stan is a typical jock. With the possible exception of music nerds, every high school clique is covered, yet the characters don't always feel like cliches. These are actual students navigating peer pressure and the challenges of approaching adulthood. Set the aliens aside. They have plenty to be concerned about.

2. Fear Street Part One: 1994

The horror phenomenon of 2021 was Leigh Janiak's "Fear Street" trilogy. Using the standard slasher tropes, Janiak—who co-wrote the screenplay for "Fear Street Part One: 1994" with Phil Graziadei—gives the LGBTQ+ community a representation that avoids any form of pain. Sam (Olivia Scott Welch) and Deena (Kiana Madeira) are just people. The plot is only fueled by their breakup. They become inadvertently involved in the centuries-old Shadyside curse while suffering from heartsickness.

"Fear Street: 1994," which was heavily influenced by "Scream" and other late '90s slashers, thrusts viewers right into the heart of what it was like to grow up in that decade: Kids grudgingly go to band class, Radiohead's "Creep" blares on the air, and narcotics are readily available in the hallways. There are fights and reconciliations, hook-ups and break-ups, and the growing fear of adulthood, just like in any other high school.

Deena and Sam navigate all of this throughout the movie, along with a scheme to permanently lift the witch's curse. Deena must find her inner warrior alongside her companions Josh (Benjamin Flores Jr.) and Kate (Julia Rehwald). "Fear Street: 1994" establishes its flag in the annals of slasher cinema while paying respect to earlier horror flicks. As good as it gets, this is it.

1. Jennifer's Body

"Jennifer's Body" uses a supernatural perspective to look at female relationships and sex. Starring as Needy, a bookish bookworm who is the best friend of well-known cheerleader Jennifer Check (Megan Fox), is Amanda Seyfried. They navigate the typical terrain of puberty, guys, and the social ladder while their connection is subtly queer.

They appear to be closer than ever before one of them turns into a succubus. After Low Shoulder's performance, Jennifer leaves with the band in their van and comes back later that evening, transformed beyond recognition. Needy discovers her companion vomiting a black substance onto the kitchen floor and tearing into a roasted chicken. According to succubus mythology, Jennifer can only be killed when she is frail and malnourished. She depends on the flesh of males to stay robust and healthy. The bond between Jennifer and Needy is put to the test when Jennifer brutally kills off their classmates.

Director Karyn Kusama and writer Diablo Cody offer a shrewd female viewpoint on screen. "Jennifer's Body" makes a strong message on female power, maturing femininity, and the resilience of female relationships.