A good scary flick can make us hide our eyes and throw our popcorn bowls in the air. Horror flicks aren’t always catered to the Black community—and when we do appear, we can be the first to die. But when they are made by and star us, it’s always a thrilling experience.
Horror films created by Black filmmakers serve as a powerful platform to address real issues like racism, social injustice and historical trauma. Processing these thoughts through a fictional story can be a welcomed cathartic experience.
We also get to revel in the work of great actors, like the late Tony Todd, an icon in the horror genre. He appeared in every Final Destination movie, including Final Destination: Bloodlines, his last film before his death, coming out May 16.
So peek through your fingers as you check out this list of these movies that are scary AF.
The Woman in the Yard (2025)
A woman shrouded in black appears in the yard of an injured widowed mom (Danielle Deadwyler) and her two kids. She’s creeping closer, and her intentions are far more sinister than borrowing some sugar. The movie opens March 28.
Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele took us to the place as a man (Daniel K) visits his white girlfriend’s seemingly accepting family, only to learn they’ve been harboring devious plans for people of color.
Us (2019)
We’d barely left the sunken place when Peele brought us this creepy thriller. Four masked strangers show up at Adelaide Wilson’s childhood home, and it becomes even more xxxx when they remove their mask, and each is a twin to a family members.
The Deliverance (2024)
In this Lee Daniels flick is based on a true story, EBONY cover star Andra Day plays Ebony, a woman whose home is possessed by demons that want to take the family to the dark side.
Tales From the Hood (1995)
What’s scarier than one movie? Several tales under one umbrella. This horror anthology stars Clarence Williams III leading four spooky vignettes that tap into cultural themes of police corruption, abuse, racism and gang violence.
Ma (2019)
Octavia Spencer makes our baby hairs stand on end as Sue Ann “Ma” Ellington, a seemingly lonely woman who invites a bunch of teens to party at her house. It seems like a dream—until her truly evil intentions become clear.
Candyman (1992, 2021)
In the housing projects of Chicago’s Cabrini-Green, a terrifying urban legend comes to life, played by the late great Tony Todd. As he terrorizes, his backstory, deeply embedded in America’s painful past, is unveiled. Todd also appeared in the 2021 Candyman reboot.
Bones (2001)
Jimmy Bones (Snoop Dogg) was a legendary protector of his thriving neighborhood 20 years ago. Now, even death won’t stop him from returning to take care of the bad seeds who have taken over his old hood.
His House (2020)
A young South Sudanese couple is placed in asylum housing as they seek citizenship in England. But the home’s walls and floorboards harbor a whole lot of evil in this directorial debut by writer Remi Weekes.
