Good horror terrifies you, but great horror makes you think…while you’re terrified. Social commentary is often present in the horror genre, forcing us to take a long, hard look at ourselves and the society we have built.
Here are 15 horror films with important commentary that you can watch on HBO Max right now:
Arguably one of the best horror movies of the century, director Jordan Peele’s nightmareish vision subverts expectations of what a horror movie about racism in modern society could be. The film delves into the appropriation of Black people and tackles “passive” racism among white people.
Director Ryan Coogler shares his vision of what music creatures of the night make. The film does such a great job of hitting so many topics like assimilation, appropriation, and Black identity, all while set in the Jim Crow South. With so many heavy themes, the movie still manages to be a bloody entertaining flick.
Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods present a horror film with an anti-religious antagonist, and it is executed flawlessly. The social commentary revolves around “belief” and how someone approaches those beliefs, and even forces them upon others. It’s a twisted game of ideology and power that will grip you the second you step through his door.
4.
Carnival of Souls (1962)
An oldie but a goodie. To be expected, its gender politics now feel a bit dated, but the film still presents itself as a masterful work of its time. It shows the distance between men and women in a male-dominated society, especially the trope of not believing or listening to women. This is a delightful psychological terror with a convincing leading woman.
5.
Eyes Without a Face (1960)
Have beauty standards changed in the past sixty years? No. They have evolved. This film provides commentary on the obsession with appearance and fitting in for the sake of others’ approval. It’s another O.G. of horror, but a must-see (pun intended).
Beau is Afraid is almost too deep to dive into in one blurb. It places anxiety under a microscope and the effect is both claustrophobic and illuminating. From parental manipulation to how the world presses those battling severe anxiety down, it has a lot to say in its three-hour runtime.
One of the best horror films of the past decade, Midsommar tackles grief and trauma in a way that shows how others take advantage of those in such a vulnerable state. Toxic relationships for women are also at the forefront, and it does it in such a brilliant way from start to finish.
8.
I Saw the TV Glow (2024)
I’ve watched 40 horror movies so far this year. I Saw the TV Glow has the most horrifying scene of them all. Although I have my gripes about the runtime, the story is a brilliant commentary on trans identity, repressing identity, and just overall life choices being determined by norms. MUST-WATCH.
Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse out of the gate warms my “isolation horror” heart, but the unexpected social commentary lies in the topic of masculinity. The film explores this commentary through the relationship between these two men, which is marked by numerous sexual undertones.
A coming-of-age story like no other. Sex. Sex. Sex. This movie does not shy away from the topic, the pressure of social expectations related to sex, and the anxieties that come with it for teenagers. It’s an unnerving and wild ride that will make you want to run from adulthood.
11.
It Comes at Night (2017)
Isolation and paranoia. Those two words best describe this movie, and what comes off as a survival film is really a character study between people trying to stay alive. Does “community” even exist when the world goes to hell? This film is one of the grittiest to answer that question.
I cannot recommend this movie enough. Maybe one of the best class-disparity films in the horror genre. The film works perfectly as it descends into a horrific third act, and the commentary is in your face and executed perfectly. I, mean, it’s literally a Best Picture winner.
Another classic! And, yes, more isolation. The film presents how we as people as just another spoke on the wheel and carries great themes about life in a story that feels surreal.
14.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Night of the Living Dead is simply masterful with its social commentary. It deals with social order in the face of flesh-eating ghouls. Although not done purposely by director George A. Romero, the fate of the Black male lead also reflects 1968 America.
While this film is layered with feminist commentary, the standout theme is “control.” Control in the form of men controlling women in toxic and abusive relationships.
Watch all these horrors and more on HBO Max.
