Where there are horror films, there are queer horror films. Whether covertly or overtly queer, these horror films can be campy, terrifying, othering, and unifying in their othering-ness. The horror genre has become a haven for the weirdos, outsiders, and “villains.” But the irony is, the scariest thing of all is a world without queerness.
From classics to newer pictures, here are 11 of the best LGBTQ+ horror movies and where to watch them.
Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
This queer comedy-horror film is a hilariously good time. Amandla Stenberg and Maria Bakalova star as a queer couple amongst a cast of friends including Rachel Sennott (Bottoms), Chase Sui Wonders, Myha’la Herrold, Lee Pace, and Pete Davidson. It’s sort of like Clue but if all the suspects were coked out Gen Zers. Who wouldn’t want to watch that?
How to watch Bodies Bodies Bodies: Stream on Showtime, or stream on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, or Sling TV with a premium subscription.
Closet Monster (2015)
Closet Monster is a Canadian drama horror film that uses body horror (Hello, Cronenberg!) to speak to internalized homophobia. The film follows a closeted gay teen coming to terms with his sexuality.
How to watch Closet Monster: Stream on Amazon Prime Video with a premium subscription, or rent on YouTube, Google Play Movies, or Vudu.
Ginger Snaps (2000)
This Canadian horror film follows two sisters, Ginger and Brigitte in their run-of-the-mill suburban town. On the night that Ginger gets her first period, she is attacked by a werewolf-like creature. Following the attack, Ginger undergoes some pretty intense transformations like hair growth, heavy menstruation, and even sprouting a tail. Some have interpreted the film to be about the relationship people have with their bodies, and the queer experience of feeling like your body is not your own.
How to watch Ginger Snaps: Watch for free on Tubi, Pluto TV, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, Crackle, Vudu, and Sling TV.
Hellraiser (1987)
Written and directed by Clive Barker, Hellraiser is a sadomasochistic horror thriller. Based on Barker’s novella The Hellbound Heart, Hellraiser (and its primary source material) were inspired by Barker’s experience in the BDSM scene. An openly gay man himself, many suspect that Barker drew from his experiences with S&M sex practices and drug-fueled parties, where the threat of danger lurks behind the pursuit of pleasure.
How to watch Hellraiser: Watch for free on Tubi and Pluto TV, or stream on AMC+ and Amazon Prime Video.
Hereditary (2018)
When the matriarch of a family passes away, her surviving relatives mourn her loss in their own ways. It’s a film about loss, grief, and the inheritance of emotional trauma. Some critics also view the film as an inherently transgender story. Them said, “Hereditary‘s transition allegory involves not only the violent death of a girl, but also the torture and eventual evacuation of a cis male body.”
How to watch Hereditary: Stream on Max, or with premium subscriptions on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
Interview with the Vampire (1994)
While it’s never made explicitly clear that Lestat (Tom Cruise) and Louis (Brad Pitt) are a gay vampire couple, the energy is palpable. Luckily, updated adaptations haven’t shied away from this queer vampire romance.
How to watch Interview with the Vampire: Watch for free on Sling TV or The Roku Channel, and stream on AMC+, or on Amazon Prime Video with a premium subscription.
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
The 2009 film, written by Juno’s Diablo Cody and directed by Karyn Kusama, has been credited with a lot of peoples’ queer awakenings. The Washington Post called it a “hallmark of queer film,” and while there are some crafty sexual references throughout the film (“going both ways”) and some same-sex kissing, it’s the takedown of heterosexual expectations that high school represents that has resonated with queer audiences worldwide.
How to watch Jennifer’s Body: Stream on Max, or stream on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video with a premium subscription.
Raw (2016)
This French horror film follows a vegetarian veterinary school student who gains a taste for human flesh. Her gay roommate, Adrien, becomes a pivotal part of the film.
How to watch Raw: Available for purchase on YouTube or Apple TV.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Rocky Horror may not be the scariest movie on this list, but the queer musical-horror film has earned a special place in the queer movie hall of fame. Rocky Horror gained a huge cult following of queer folks following its release as members of the LGBTQ+ community deeply identified with its themes of androgyny and sexual freedom.
How to watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Available for purchase on Apple TV, Vudu, and Amazon Prime Videos.
Stranger By The Lake (2013)
The French erotic thriller follows a young gay man, Franck, who is a regular at a nude beach and popular cruising spot for gay men. He meets a man named Michel and is instantly attracted to him. One evening, Franck witnesses Michel drown a man in the lake. While terrified, he can’t resist his attraction and tries to make sense of it.
How to watch Stranger By The Lake: Stream on Amazon Prime Video with a premium subscription, or purchase on Vudu.
They/Them (2022)
They/Them tackles one of the scariest topics of all: conversion camps. The film follows a group of LGBTQ+ campers who endure disturbing psychological techniques to turn them straight. Meanwhile, a mysterious killer stalks the camp…
How to watch They/Them: Stream on Peacock.
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