Lesbian film critic Sofia De Vera merges academic expertise with a heartfelt focus on queer cinema, advocating for meaningful LGBTQIA+ narratives through 15 years of reflective and celebratory film criticism.
Movies are one of our favorite weekend activities, especially once the cooler weather starts drawing in. There’s nothing better than snuggling up on the couch with some popcorn and a glass of wine to enjoy a good horror movie -especially if it is one of the best lesbian horror movies!
Horror films have always been a reflection of our collective anxieties and desires, and in recent years, there has been a growing trend of lesbian representation in this genre. From creepy suspense to gory slasher films, lesbian characters are now playing lead roles in some of the most hair-raising horror movies ever produced.
These films challenge conventional norms and are offering a unique and diverse perspective to the genre. So, if you are a horror aficionado who is looking to explore the scariest films featuring lesbian characters, look no further and embark on a journey filled with terror and unease.
No more tokenism! So slip out of those sandals, log out of the dating apps, and get comfy with your favorite t-shirt on the couch for these lesbian horror movies… This is going to be good!
Wondering where to watch? It depends on where you live in the world and which streaming services you have. We link to the streaming service we watch on in each case - be it Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apply TV+, or elsewhere.
You can get one month free of Amazon Pride (or a 6-month trial for students) of Amazon Prime and also get immediate access to FREE Two Day shipping, Amazon Video, and Music. While you won't be charged for your free trial, you'll be upgraded to a paid membership plan automatically at the end of the trial period - though if you have already binged all these, you could just cancel before the trial ends.
Apple TV+ also has a one-week trial, and Hulu has a one-month trial (which can be bundled with Disney!). Another option might be using a VPN to access Netflix titles locked to other regions. Netflix is now available in more than 190 countries worldwide and each country has a different library and availability. US Netflix is (understandably) one of the best.
While we wish everything could just be in one place - for now, it seems these are the best streaming platforms to watch on.
In this article we will cover...
The Craft (1996)
The Craft is an American supernatural horror film directed by Andrew Fleming considered by those in the know to be one of the best lesbian horror movies. Fleming is best known for his work in the comedy-drama genre and for his work in the horror-thriller genre. He is a native of New York, and his other notable works include the film Threesome, and the film Bad Dreams.
The film follows a group of four high school outcast girls who form a coven of witches and use their newly acquired powers for personal gain. The main characters include Sarah Bailey, a transfer student who is trying to start a new life; Nancy Downs, a popular girl who becomes the leader of the coven; Bonnie Harper, a shy and overweight girl who wants to be popular; and Rochelle, an African American girl who is tired of being bullied.
The film features a gay character named Lirio, who is a student at the high school and is a friend of Sarah. Lirio’s sexual orientation is not the central focus of the film and serves as a background detail.
The Craft is a highly suspenseful film that uses supernatural elements to create a sense of fear and unease. The film’s portrayal of witches and magic is both captivating and creepy, and the girls’ use of their powers to get what they want is both empowering and terrifying. The film’s themes of high school bullying, female friendship, and personal empowerment are also relevant and well done.
The Craft features a well-crafted story, strong female lead characters, and its ability to create a haunting and suspenseful atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan of horror or just looking for a good story, this film is definitely worth watching. It’s a classic of the 90s and still holds up today as a fun, frightening and thought-provoking film.
The Hunger (1983)
The Hunger is a 1983 horror-romance film directed by Tony Scott, a British film director known for his stylish and visually stunning films such as Top Gun, Crimson Tide, and Man on Fire.
The film stars Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, and Susan Sarandon as the main characters. The story revolves around a vampire couple, Miriam (Deneuve) and John (Bowie), who have been together for centuries. However, John begins to rapidly age and deteriorate, leading Miriam to seek the help of a scientist (Sarandon) to save him.
One of the notable aspects of the film is its depiction of a homosexual relationship between the two vampires, a topic that was not often explored in films of the time. The relationship between Miriam and John is sensual, intimate, and tragic, adding a deeper layer to the film’s horror elements.
The Hunger is a frightening and captivating film that explores themes of mortality, immortality, and the consequences of eternal life. The cinematography is hauntingly beautiful, featuring dark and moody imagery that creates a tense and unsettling atmosphere. The film also features a pulsating and eerie soundtrack that contributes to the film’s overall haunting effect.
The film’s unique blend of these two genres creates a truly unforgettable experience that is both beautiful and terrifying. The strong performances from the lead actors and the film’s visually stunning style make it a must-watch for fans of horror, romance, and art-house cinema.
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Jennifer’s Body is a horror-comedy directed by Karyn Kusama. Kusama is an American film director born in Hawaii. She is known for her film Girlfight, which was her feature film debut, and for Aeon Flux.
The film revolves around a high school student named Jennifer (Megan Fox), who is possessed by a demon and begins feeding on her male classmates. Her best friend, Needy (Amanda Seyfried), is the only one who suspects that something is wrong with Jennifer and tries to stop her. The film also features Adam Brody as a nihilistic rock star who becomes the target of Jennifer’s attacks.
One of the characters in the film, Collin, is a gay student who is ostracized and bullied by his classmates. The film addresses the theme of prejudice and the struggle of the LGBTQ+ community in a unique and interesting way.
What makes Jennifer’s Body truly scary is the way it combines horror and comedy in a seamless and effective way. The film is both frightening and humorous, with a twisted sense of humor that is bound to leave you both amused and disturbed. The cinematography is fantastic, and the visual effects are top-notch.
The film is a roller coaster ride of emotions that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Kusama has done a fantastic job of blending horror and comedy, and the film is a must-watch for fans of both genres. Whether you’re looking for a good scare or just a good laugh, Jennifer’s Body has got you covered.
Lyle (2014)
Lyle, directed by Stewart Thorndike, is a horror film that centers around a lesbian couple and their experiences in a mysterious and haunted apartment building. Thorndike is an independent film director and producer, who has made a name for herself in the horror genre.
The film’s main characters are Leah and Amanda, a young lesbian couple who move into a new apartment building. They soon realize that the building is haunted and that the ghosts of previous residents are tormenting them. The film explores themes of loss, trauma, and the power of memory, as Leah and Amanda struggle to survive in the haunted building.
One of the key elements of the film is the portrayal of its gay characters. Thorndike does an excellent job of portraying Leah and Amanda as complex and relatable characters, who are not defined solely by their sexuality. The film also tackles the issue of discrimination against LGBTQ individuals and the fear that comes with being openly gay.
What makes the film scary is its intense and haunting atmosphere. Thorndike creates a sense of dread and unease that permeates throughout the film, using jump scares, eerie sound effects, and strong visuals to heighten the horror. The film’s use of lighting, particularly in its darker moments, also adds to its scare factor.
The film offers a unique and compelling look at the experiences of LGBTQ individuals and the fear and trauma that come with discrimination. The strong performances from its lead actresses and Thorndike’s masterful direction make for a truly frightening and memorable film. Whether you’re a fan of horror or simply looking for a well-made film with a unique perspective, Lyle is definitely worth watching.
Thelma (2017)
Thelma is a captivating psychological thriller film by Norwegian director Joachim Trier. The director is known for his works, such as Reprise and Oslo, August 31st, which have received widespread critical acclaim.
The film’s story revolves around Thelma, a young woman who has recently left her strict religious family to attend university in Oslo. As she begins to discover herself and her desires, she begins to experience strange and frightening seizures that seem to be linked to her repressed powers. Alongside this, she also starts to develop feelings for a fellow student, Anja, which further exacerbates her confusion and fear.
What makes the film so suspenseful is the tension between Thelma’s religious background and her developing powers, which serve to create a feeling of eerie unease throughout the film. This sense of fear is heightened by Trier’s masterful direction and cinematography, which creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that perfectly captures the psychological turmoil that Thelma is going through.
Thelma is a deeply affecting film that combines elements of horror, romance, and drama to create a truly unique viewing experience. I highly recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers and those looking for a film that explores themes of desire, identity, and the supernatural. Whether you’re a fan of Trier’s previous works or new to his filmography, Thelma is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Knife + Heart (2018)
Knife + Heart is certainly worthy of the title ‘best lesbian horror movie’ and was directed by Yann Gonzalez, a filmmaker based in France. This is his second feature film, following his debut, You and the Night. Gonzalez is known for his visually stunning, sensual, and highly stylized films that often explore the intersection of desire and horror.
The film takes place in Paris during the summer of 1979 and follows a gay pornographic film producer named Anne (played by Vanessa Paradis) as she struggles to keep her company afloat. The film is set in a vivid, dreamlike world where Anne’s reality is constantly being blurred by her fantasies and nightmares.
The film features a colorful cast of characters, including the actors who star in Anne’s films, her loyal editor and lover Loïs (Kate Moran), and the mysterious masked killer who begins to stalk and murder Anne’s cast and crew.
One of the film’s central themes is the exploration of gay sexuality. The film’s main characters are all members of the LGBTQ+ community, and the film presents their sexuality as an integral part of who they are and their experiences. Through its depictions of gay life in 1979 Paris, the film provides a snapshot of a moment in LGBTQ+ history.
What makes this film particularly terrifying is its combination of psychological horror and Giallo-inspired murder mystery elements. The film’s use of vivid, otherworldly visuals, dreamlike pace, and surreal imagery create a sense of unease and dread that permeates the film. The film’s brutal, graphic violence is also a key component of its horror, as the masked killer dispatches Anne’s cast and crew in increasingly violent and imaginative ways.
Knife+Heart is a visually stunning, highly stylized horror film that explores themes of sexuality, desire, and violence. If you are a fan of horror films that are both thrilling and thought-provoking, then this film is definitely worth watching. The film’s combination of surreal imagery, vivid atmosphere, and brutal violence make it a standout horror film, and its exploration of gay sexuality and desire adds a unique and important perspective to the genre.
Bit (2019)
Bit is a horror film directed by Brad Michael Elmore, a filmmaker from Los Angeles. This is his feature film debut, and it is a captivating and unsettling tale about the dangers of online identity and the lengths people will go to in order to protect their own.
The film’s main character is a teenage girl named Lauren who, along with her friends, joins a mysterious all-female group called The Sisterhood. The group, led by an enigmatic leader known only as The Mother, is made up of members who are seeking escape from their unhappy lives and who hope to find solace and sisterhood in the group.
However, as the group becomes more entrenched in their online personas, they begin to realize that their identities are being threatened, and they must fight to protect themselves and each other.
The gay character in the film is a girl named Mercy, who is one of Lauren’s friends and fellow members of The Sisterhood. Mercy is a complex character who struggles with her own identity and the rejection she experiences from those around her because of her sexuality. She is a standout in the film, and her journey is both poignant and powerful.
What makes Bit so scary is its exploration of the dark underbelly of the internet and the lengths that people will go to protect their own identities. The film is shot in a stylish and atmospheric way, and the tension builds steadily throughout the film, culminating in a final act that is both thrilling and terrifying.
The film is both scary and thought-provoking, and the performances, particularly from the lead actress Nicole Maines, are top-notch. Bit is a film that will stay with you long after you’ve watched it, and it is a must-watch for anyone looking for a horror film that is both haunting and relevant.
Fear Street (2021)
Fear Street is a horror film directed by Leigh Janiak, an up-and-coming filmmaker from the United States. This film marks her second feature-length film following her film Honeymoon.
Fear Street is set in the 1990s and follows a group of teenagers who are plagued by supernatural occurrences in their town, which is rumored to be cursed by a notorious and sinister figure known as the Fear family. The film follows three interconnected stories, each focusing on a different set of characters as they uncover the horrifying truth behind the curse and fight to survive.
The main characters are played by a talented young cast, including Kiana Madeira, Olivia Welch, and Benjamin Flores Jr. The film also features a gay character, adding to the diverse representation in the cast. This character is portrayed in a positive light, and their sexual orientation is not the focus of the film, but rather an aspect of their character.
What makes Fear Street scary is its suspenseful and creepy atmosphere, and its use of jump scares and supernatural elements. The film effectively builds a sense of unease and dread, and keeps the audience on the edge of their seat with its fast-paced and thrilling plot.
The film delivers on scares, suspense, and thrilling action, and is a must-see for anyone looking for a good fright. With its talented cast, well-crafted story, and creepy atmosphere, Fear Street is a standout entry in the horror genre and is sure to be a hit with audiences.
The Perfection (2019)
The Perfection is a psychological thriller film directed by Richard Shepard, known for his work on the TV series Criminal Minds and Ugly Betty. The film stars Allison Williams and Logan Browning as the main characters, Charlotte and Lizzie.
The film’s story revolves around Charlotte, a former musical prodigy, who reconnects with her former mentor and teacher, Anton, and the new star pupil, Lizzie. As the two women bond over their love for music, a series of events unravel that lead to a dark and twisted outcome. The film features a gay relationship between Lizzie and Anton, adding another layer to the already complex story.
One of the reasons the film is so scary is the way it subverts expectations and keeps the audience on edge. The film expertly blends horror, suspense, and psychological thriller elements to create a truly unforgettable experience. The use of music as a central theme adds to the film’s haunting and eerie atmosphere.
The Perfection is a well-crafted and thought-provoking film that will keep audiences engaged from start to finish. The film’s excellent direction, strong performances from the cast, and engaging story make it a must-see for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a film that will leave you on the edge of your seat and keep you guessing until the very end, watch this film!
Scream (2022)
Scream is a horror film directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, known for their work on the films Ready or Not and Southbound. The film is a fresh take on the popular Scream franchise and features an all-new cast, including Marley Shelton, Kyle Gallner, and Jasmin Savoy Brown.
The film follows a group of high school students who find themselves being stalked by a masked killer, known as Ghostface. The main characters are Sidney Prescott, a journalist, and her friends, who are all targeted by the killer. The film also features a gay character, TJ, who is one of the main characters and provides some comic relief amidst the intense horror.
One of the reasons the film is so scary is the way it subverts horror movie conventions. The killer, Ghostface, is not a one-dimensional slasher, but instead is a complex and cunning antagonist. The film also builds suspense and tension, with several scenes that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
Scream is a well-made and highly entertaining horror film that pays homage to the original movie while also introducing fresh and exciting new elements. If you’re a fan of horror movies or just looking for a good thrill, you should totally watch this film.
Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
Bodies Bodies Bodies is a Dutch film directed by Halina Reijn. Reijn is a talented director hailing from the Netherlands, known for her work on films such as Instinct and I Don’t Wanna Dance. The film tells the story of a group of people who are trapped in a room and forced to confront their deepest fears and desires.
The film’s main characters are a diverse group of individuals, each with their own unique personalities and background. One character, in particular, stands out as the film’s gay character. This character is portrayed as confident and unapologetic, offering a refreshing representation of the LGBTQ+ community.
What makes Bodies Bodies Bodies particularly scary is its unrelenting sense of tension and its exploration of the human psyche. The film masterfully blends elements of psychological horror with a suspenseful storyline, leaving the viewer on the edge of their seat from start to finish. The use of jump scares and intense musical scores also add to the film’s eerie atmosphere.
Bodies Bodies Bodies is a must-watch for fans of psychological horror. The film’s talented director, Halina Reijn, has created a tense and thought-provoking masterpiece that will leave audiences on the edge of their seat. With its diverse cast of characters, including a well-portrayed gay character, and its exploration of the human psyche, Bodies Bodies Bodies is a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. I highly recommend this film to anyone looking for a good scare.
As the night deepens and the shadows lengthen, it’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in a world where the chilling meets the thrilling, particularly through the lens of lesbian and gay horror and mystery narratives. This isn’t just about jump scares or eerie soundtracks; it’s about stories that resonate with our deepest fears and fascinations, seamlessly interwoven with the experiences of gay and lesbian characters.
The richness of these stories is not confined to the silver screen. For those who find their curiosity piqued, the realms of gay and lesbian horror books offer an equally spine-tingling experience. These books delve deeper into the psyche, allowing a more intimate encounter with the fears and desires that drive their characters. Similarly, gay mystery books provide a captivating blend of suspense and intrigue, with plots that twist and turn through the complexities of love, identity, and danger.
These books, like their cinematic counterparts, are more than mere entertainment. They are a bold statement against the tokenism that often marginalizes LGBTQ+ narratives in mainstream media. They offer a window into experiences that are both uniquely gay or lesbian and universally human, transcending stereotypes to reveal the multifaceted nature of these identities.
So, as you settle in for a night of film-induced adrenaline, consider also diving into the richly textured worlds of gay horror books and mystery literature. Let these stories envelop you, challenge you, and transport you to places where the only thing more thrilling than the unknown is the journey of discovery itself. Whether through the flicker of a screen or the turn of a page, these narratives promise an adventure that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.