15 Must-Watch LGBTQ+ Horror Movies & TV Shows for Thrill Seekers

Summary

LGBTQ+ horror movies and TV shows provide entertainment, representation, and thrills, serving as an important part of queer culture.

There is now a growing number of directors and screenwriters who are breaking away from harmful tropes in horror and instead, offering queer horror stories that are not demonizing.

Within movies and TV shows, there are numerous examples of queer horror stories that feature diverse LGBTQ+ characters and storylines that extend beyond their queer identities.

Numerous exceptional LGBTQ+ horror movies and TV shows offer entertainment, representation, and exhilaration. The horror genre stands as a crucial pillar of queer culture, existing at the intersection of these identities for various significant reasons. Both queer culture and the horror genre frequently defy conventional societal norms, rejecting them outright. Furthermore, even in the absence of moving pictures, horror novels served as early pioneers in introducing queer representation. As the genre transitioned from the pages to the screens of movies and TV shows, horror continued to function as a vital outlet for queer expression, with many productions going so far as to directly address and comment on LGBTQ+ issues.

While horror unquestionably occupies a pivotal place within LGBTQ+ culture, it is important to acknowledge that not everything within the genre is beneficial or supportive of the community. Unfortunately, certain horror narratives reinforce harmful tropes, such as the portrayal of predatory transgender individuals, the "burying your gays" trope, and the depiction of overly obsessive Sapphic women. However, there has been noticeable progress in recent years, with an increasing number of directors and screenwriters offering queer horror stories that do not demonize LGBTQ+ characters. Consequently, a multitude of exceptional examples of queer horror stories can be found across various movies and TV shows.

13 Spiral (2019)

Kurtis David Harder’s Spiral — not to be confused with the 2021 Saw sequel of the same name — introduces a gay couple who relocate to a Chicago suburb to raise their teenage daughter. However, their idyllic surroundings soon unveil a haunting secret. This Shudder original movie effortlessly blends survivalist and psychological horror, intriguingly weaving a captivating narrative. Serving as a queer horror counterpart to Get Out, Spiral effectively explores the intertwining realms of racism and homophobia in the United States.

12 Chucky (2021-Present)

The television adaptation of the Child's Play franchise embraces the queerness of the character Glen/Glenda from Seed of Chucky. During the first season of the show, Chucky mentions his genderfluid child to Jake, underscoring his support for the LGBTQ+ community. Subsequently, Glen and Glenda appear as twin siblings with nonbinary identities and distinct gender expressions. A subtle tribute to their identity is portrayed through the license plate on their car, which reads "they/them." Adding to the authenticity of the nonbinary storyline, Chucky's creators cast nonbinary actor Lachlan Watson to portray the twins, thereby respecting the importance of trans actors in trans roles.

11 Los Espookys (2018-2022)

The horror series Los Espookys recounts the tale of a group of friends who establish a business dedicated to bringing terrifying experiences to life for their customers. Within this narrative, one of the main characters, Andres, a gay man, finds himself tormented by a demon. Additionally, the series subtly addresses the asexual identity of another character, Renaldo. This particular identity is often overlooked in television representation. Los Espookys serves as a noteworthy example of LGBTQ+ characters whose storylines extend beyond their queer identities.

10 Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

In the film Bodies Bodies Bodies, Maria Bakalova, Amandla Stenberg, Myha’la Herrold, and Rachel Sennott star as the main cast. The movie takes a satirical approach to the slasher genre, following a group of affluent youngsters who opt to throw a party at a mansion during a hurricane. To pass the time, they engage in a game where one individual becomes a murderer and attempts to eliminate everyone without exposing their true identity. Within this storyline, the focus lies on the lesbian couple, Sophie and Bee, whose adorable relationship captures attention. Notably, their sexual orientation is seamlessly integrated into the narrative without facing any adversity or complications. Amandla Stenberg, who identifies as nonbinary and bisexual, portrays the character Sophie.

9 The Haunting Of Bly Manor (2020)

The Haunting of Bly Manor, a miniseries, follows the journey of Dani, an American nanny, as she takes care of two children in the Bly estate. As she delves into her responsibilities, she begins encountering supernatural phenomena, prompting her to uncover the estate's sinister past. The heart of the series lies in the sublime love story between Dani and Jamie, two women. Although set in the '80s, their relationship transcends the constraints of time, presenting a utopia where an interracial lesbian couple can embrace an open and accepting bond without facing societal scrutiny.

8 M3GAN (2022)

In the horror film M3GAN, the AI doll, who serves her prime directive of safeguarding a girl named Cady from any emotional or physical harm, transforms into a murderous entity. Prior to the movie's release, M3GAN gained online popularity, with certain memes celebrating the main character as a revered symbol of queerness. The doll exhibits a fierce and protective nature towards Cady, and both individuals consider each other as chosen family—a significant concept within the LGBTQ+ community, which frequently witnesses individuals being estranged from their original families. While the movie doesn't explicitly feature any queer characters, it unequivocally deserves a spot in any LGBTQ+ horror marathon as a must-watch.

7 Dracula’s Daughter (1936)

The film Dracula’s Daughter, shot in black-and-white, stands as an early portrayal of LGBTQ+ representation within the horror genre. The storyline revolves around Countess Marya Zaleska, a vampire seeking a remedy for her condition. Although Dracula’s Daughter may initially appear to reinforce harmful stereotypes, it holds the potential for reclamation. When viewed through a contemporary lens, Zaleska emerges as a multifaceted anti-heroine grappling with her own Sapphic identity. Trapped in a society that pathologizes LGBTQ+ orientations, she confronts the need for a cure. Nevertheless, by the film's conclusion, Zaleska embraces her true identity, no longer yearning for its eradication.

6 Hellbent (2004)

Hellbent, a slasher horror film, centers around a group of gay men in West Hollywood as they desperately attempt to evade a masked killer armed with a sickle. This movie not only kickstarted a wave of gay slasher films, but it also remains one of the greatest of its genre. With its captivating storyline and well-crafted dialogue, Hellbent has acquired a devoted cult following. The humor hits the mark perfectly, providing a much-needed respite while simultaneously heightening the suspense. Each actor delivers an outstanding performance, breathing life into their characters and creating a truly immersive experience.

5 The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

The Rocky Horror Picture Show revolves around a couple whose car breaks down near a castle where they encounter a group of extraterrestrials led by Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite mad scientist hailing from the planet Transsexual in the Transylvania galaxy. Considered as the quintessential LGBTQ+ horror, The Rocky Horror Picture Show sees Dr. Frank-N-Furter embracing cross-dressing and engaging in sexual relationships with both of the main characters. Rather than stigmatizing or shaming queerness, The Rocky Horror Picture Show joyfully celebrates it.

4 Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Jennifer's Body, a teen horror movie, depicts the story of Jennifer Check, a cheerleader who, after being possessed by a demon, starts murdering boys in her school. Despite its initial failure at the box office in 2009, Jennifer's Body has now gained recognition as an influential queer film. While not explicitly confirmed in the narrative, the portrayal of Jennifer, the movie's protagonist, undeniably represents bisexuality. The profoundly Sapphic relationship between Jennifer and Needy is exemplified through their shared kiss. Additionally, the LGBTQ+ representation in Jennifer's Body is strengthened by the fact that the character of Jennifer is portrayed by Megan Fox, a bisexual actress.

3 Nope (2022)

Nope, just like other compelling narratives by Jordan Peele, delves into meaningful social commentary, shedding light on the mistreatment of queer Black women. The story revolves around OJ Haywood and his sister, Emerald, who stumble upon something extraterrestrial and perilous in the skies above their horse ranch. Portrayed by the talented and queer actress Keke Palmer, Emerald, an openly lesbian Black woman, triumphs over the tropes that often confine queer characters – particularly those who are Black – experiencing a genuine presence at the core of Nope's narrative.

2 Interview With The Vampire (2022-Present)

1 Scream (2022)

Interview with the Vampire commences in the present day as Louis de Pointe du Lac recounts his life in the early 20th century to journalist Daniel Molloy. AMC's TV adaptation of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire initially explored homoeroticism, but it gradually evolved into a gripping horror series brimming with gay sexual encounters and romantic entanglements. The connection between Louis de Pointe du Lac and Lestat de Lioncourt develops into a tender and sensuous relationship with each encounter. Unlike many LGBTQ+ narratives that sensationalize the central relationship, the miniseries of Interview with the Vampire is crafted with a queer audience in mind, prioritizing authentic representation over spectacle.

1 Scream (2022)

The Scream franchise centers around the notorious serial killer known as Ghostface, who sets out to target a group of friends. Throughout the series, there have always been underlying themes of queerness, and Scream 2022 takes a progressive step by introducing Mindy Meeks-Martin as the franchise's first explicitly LGBTQ+ main character. Mindy is a horror enthusiast and is portrayed as being romantically involved with women. In Scream VI, it is revealed that Mindy prefers they/she pronouns, suggesting a possible nonbinary identity.

Importantly, Mindy's relationships are portrayed without any emphasis on her sexual orientation, deviating from traditional narratives of struggle and adversity. This refreshing departure from the conventional coming-out stories adds a layer of inclusiveness to the franchise. Moreover, the character of Mindy is portrayed by Jasmin Savoy Brown, an openly pansexual actor, further enhancing the authenticity and representation within the horror genre.