10 Best Feminist Horror Films: Subverting the Genre's Tropes

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From The Babadook to Jennifer's Body: 10 Feminist Horror Films to Watch

Forget everything you know about horror’s “damsel in distress” or the tired “final girl” trope. The rise of feminist horror films is turning the genre on its head, giving women the power, complexity, and grit they’ve always deserved. These films go beyond cheap jump scares, using terror to tell stories of female autonomy, empowerment, and resistance. Whether it’s a grieving mother confronting a supernatural force, a teenager turning her werewolf transformation into a metaphor for puberty, or a vengeful demon reclaiming her body, these movies dive deep into the female experience with a chilling twist. In this list of 10 must-watch feminist horror films, women aren’t just surviving—they’re rewriting the rules of the genre. Ready for some thrills that are as empowering as they are terrifying? Get cozy, turn off the lights, and prepare to be empowered... and scared out of your mind!

1. The Babadook (2014)

Cast: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman
Director: Jennifer Kent
Duration: 1h 34m
Stream On: Shudder

The Babadook explores the psychological depths of motherhood, grief, and trauma. The story follows Amelia, a widowed mother struggling to care for her troubled son, Samuel. When a disturbing children’s book about a monster named "The Babadook" appears, their lives spiral into horror. However, at its core, the film is a metaphor for the struggles of mental health and suppressed emotions, with the titular monster representing Amelia’s unresolved grief. Director Jennifer Kent turns this horror into a feminist narrative by focusing on Amelia’s emotional and psychological journey, giving her agency and depth rarely afforded to women in the genre.

Fun Fact: Director Jennifer Kent turned down Hollywood offers to adapt the movie into a more mainstream horror, wanting to retain creative control.

2. Jennifer's Body (2009)

Cast: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried
Director: Karyn Kusama
Duration: 1h 42m
Stream On: Hulu

Jennifer’s Body was initially misunderstood but has since become a feminist cult classic. Megan Fox stars as Jennifer, a high school girl possessed by a demon who starts feeding on her male classmates. The film flips the script on horror tropes by exploring themes of female friendship, body autonomy, and sexual empowerment, with Jennifer reclaiming her sexuality in a twisted, supernatural way. Written by Diablo Cody, the movie critiques the way women’s bodies are often commodified, turning Jennifer from a typical “sexy victim” into a powerful, vengeful force.

Fun Fact: Megan Fox has said that Jennifer’s Body was ahead of its time and would have been better received in today's feminist climate.

3. Raw (2016)

Cast: Garance Marillier, Ella Rumpf
Director: Julia Ducournau
Duration: 1h 39m
Stream On: Netflix

In Raw, French director Julia Ducournau offers a grisly coming-of-age story about Justine, a vegetarian who develops a craving for human flesh after a bizarre hazing ritual at veterinary school. The film delves into themes of bodily autonomy, female desire, and the pressures placed on young women by society. Raw explores the primal instincts we all have and the ways women’s bodies are often controlled and policed, making it both a visceral and feminist take on the horror genre.

Fun Fact: During its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Raw reportedly caused fainting spells due to its graphic content.

4. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)

Cast: Sheila Vand, Arash Marandi
Director: Ana Lily Amirpour
Duration: 1h 41m
Stream On: Netflix

This Iranian vampire Western is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Set in the fictional ghost town of "Bad City," A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night follows a chador-wearing vampire who preys on abusive men. The film is both a subversion of traditional vampire tropes and a feminist statement, using the figure of the vampire to explore women’s empowerment and autonomy. Director Ana Lily Amirpour creates a moody, black-and-white masterpiece where the female vampire isn’t a victim but a predator, taking down men who mistreat women.

Fun Fact: The movie was filmed entirely in California, despite being set in Iran.

5. Ginger Snaps (2000)

Cast: Emily Perkins, Katharine Isabelle
Director: John Fawcett
Duration: 1h 48m
Stream On: Shudder

Ginger Snaps is a feminist horror film that links werewolf transformation with puberty, exploring the bodily changes and emotional turmoil that come with adolescence. The film focuses on sisters Ginger and Brigitte, whose lives spiral out of control when Ginger is bitten by a werewolf. The film is a sharp critique of how society views teenage girls, their bodies, and their sexuality, turning Ginger’s transformation into a metaphor for coming-of-age fears and the horror of growing up female.

Fun Fact: Ginger Snaps was one of the first werewolf films to star female leads, shifting the traditionally male-dominated narrative.

6. The Witch (2015)

Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson
Director: Robert Eggers
Duration: 1h 32m
Stream On: HBO Max

Set in 17th-century New England, The Witch is a chilling period horror that doubles as a feminist tale of female empowerment. The story follows a Puritan family falling apart after their newborn son mysteriously disappears. The film centers on Thomasin, the eldest daughter, who is blamed for the family’s misfortunes. As the film progresses, Thomasin’s journey from oppressed girl to powerful witch becomes a story of liberation, breaking free from the strict, patriarchal norms of her society.

Fun Fact: The film’s accuracy in using 17th-century dialogue and customs adds an eerie authenticity to its atmosphere.

7. Midsommar (2019)

Cast: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor
Director: Ari Aster
Duration: 2h 28m
Stream On: Amazon Prime

Midsommar follows Dani, a grieving woman who travels to Sweden with her boyfriend and friends for a once-in-a-lifetime midsummer festival. What starts as a bright, pastoral retreat quickly turns into a nightmare as the group becomes involved in the rituals of a pagan cult. Unlike most horror films, Midsommar uses daylight to its advantage, subverting the typical darkness associated with fear. The film’s feminist undertones shine through Dani’s journey from victim to empowered, independent woman, shedding her toxic relationship and embracing her newfound strength.

Fun Fact: The Swedish village depicted in the film is actually located in Hungary.

8. Revenge (2017)

Cast: Matilda Lutz, Kevin Janssens
Director: Coralie Fargeat
Duration: 1h 48m
Stream On: Shudder

Revenge is a brutal feminist take on the rape-revenge genre. The film follows Jen, a woman who is assaulted and left for dead in the desert by three men. She miraculously survives and embarks on a violent quest for revenge. What sets Revenge apart from other films in its genre is how it reclaims the narrative, shifting the focus from male pleasure to female power. Jen’s transformation from victim to avenger is a powerful feminist statement about reclaiming agency and control over one’s body.

Fun Fact: The movie’s extreme gore and violence were intentional, with the director wanting to highlight the often-exploited genre in a new way.

9. Saint Maud (2019)

Cast: Morfydd Clark, Jennifer Ehle
Director: Rose Glass
Duration: 1h 24m
Stream On: Amazon Prime

Saint Maud tells the unsettling story of Maud, a deeply religious hospice nurse who becomes obsessed with saving the soul of her terminally ill patient. The film explores themes of mental illness, religious fanaticism, and female isolation. What makes Saint Maud a feminist horror film is its focus on the inner struggles of a complex, flawed woman who is both vulnerable and terrifying in her unwavering faith. The movie portrays the dangers of repressing female desires and emotions in a society that pressures women into submission.

Fun Fact: The film was director Rose Glass’s debut feature and earned her critical acclaim for its chilling atmosphere and bold narrative.

10. The Invitation (2015)

Cast: Logan Marshall-Green, Tammy Blanchard
Director: Karyn Kusama
Duration: 1h 40m
Stream On: Netflix

Directed by Karyn Kusama, The Invitation is a slow-burn psychological thriller that turns a dinner party into a chilling exploration of grief, control, and manipulation. The film follows Will, who attends a gathering at his ex-wife’s house, only to realize something sinister is at play. Kusama subtly critiques gender dynamics and power struggles, with the female characters offering an empowered counterpoint to the typical horror fare. The Invitation challenges the notion of trust and social niceties, delivering a deeply unsettling film with feminist undertones.

Fun Fact: The Invitation was partially inspired by Kusama’s own experience with Los Angeles dinner party culture.

These 10 feminist horror films are proof that women in horror can do more than just scream and run—they fight back, they own their power, and they change the narrative. Whether they’re battling inner demons, supernatural monsters, or real-world oppressors, the women in these movies are complex, fierce, and unforgettable. They’re here to show that horror can be both thrilling and thought-provoking, all while flipping traditional genre expectations on their head.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a scary movie that gives you more than just jump scares, dive into this list. You’ll get a perfect blend of chills and a healthy dose of female empowerment. Horror is evolving, and these films are leading the way.

Stay connected with Woke Waves Magazine for more deep dives into the world of feminist cinema, where stories of empowerment continue to rise.

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