Black actors have always been known for their excellence in comedy and drama, but not horror movies.
Some may insist it’s down to the stereotypes that have been perpetuated against Black people over the years.
However, Black people have proven people wrong and produced excellent horror masterpieces.
Here are the top 8 iconic Black-led horror movies of the 21st Century.
Get Out (2017)
Get Out is an iconic Black-led horror movie because it shook the world upon its release.
It served as the directorial debut of Jordan Peele.
Daniel Kaluuya stars in this iconic horror film as a first-time Black boyfriend meeting with his white girlfriend’s family.
However, things quickly goes wrong.
This Black-led horror film takes the crown because it highlights modern racism.
The movie combines comedy and horror to convey modern societal themes.
It was critically acclaimed and led to Kaluuya getting an Oscar nomination while Jordan Peele took home an Oscar.
This movie also stands out as one of the very few horror movies (not just Black-led horror) to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars.
Candyman (2021)
The 1992 horror film is a classic, and its remake/sequel has all the hallmarks of being another cult hit.
So, it’s fitting that a Black director directed it.
The film is set years after the last one, with an artist moving into one of the apartments from 1992’s Candyman.
The artist finds inspiration from the Candyman for his painting, and this act leads him down a macabre road of insanity and violence.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and director Nia DaCosta’s efforts made Candyman a bona fide hit, grossing $77.4 million at the box office from a $25 million budget.
And horror maestro Jordan Peele produced the scary flick.
Us (2019)
Two years after his directorial debut, Jordan Peele made this bizarre Black-led horror movie Us, led by Lupita Nyong’o.
Nyong’o plays Adelaide Wilson, a mom who clashes with doppelgangers as she and her family are on vacation.
Peele’s inspiration comes from his massive phobia of doppelgangers.
He gave the film an injection of twists and turns that constantly kept us guessing (plus a shocking reveal at the end).
According to Peele, he believes in the idea that anyone can be a monster.
Black Box (2020)
Black Box is a Black-led horror film starring Mamoudou Athie and directed by Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr.
Athie plays the protagonist, Nolan, who struggles with amnesia after being involved in an accident.
He resorts to an experimental procedure to try and cure his amnesia.
However, things spiral out of control as he realizes he isn’t the only one sharing his mind and body.
This horror movie stands out because it addresses grief and sacrifice.
His House (2020)
His House is Remi Weeks’ directorial debut.
It follows Rial and Bol, who fled South Sudan with their daughter.
However, their daughter dies as they attempt to cross the border.
Rial and Bol are forced to settle in a suburb, where they are subjected to racist attitudes.
Despite their hurdles, Rial sticks to her culture whereas Bol tries his best to assimilate into the community.
Their struggle with their daughter’s death is apparent as they begin to see visions of her.
This horror movie is significant because, like all great movies, it attempts to incorporate social issues.
The family struggles to assimilate in a foreign nation, which is a jab at the immigrant issue.
Ma (2019)
If you’ve seen Ma, you know it’s a mind-bending thriller with a powerhouse performance from Octavia Butler.
The film follows Sue Ann, who becomes immensely popular after buying some kids alcohol.
Her attempt to fit in the new neighborhood makes her the “cool mom…” until she gets obsessed with the kids.
She fakes being sick and tries spending more time with them.
Her simple obsession spirals into violence, doping, tracking phones, and murder.
The film shows the lengths people will go to get what they want.
Escape Room (2019)
Escape Room is a unique Black-led horror movie with similarities to the Saw franchise.
It follows Zoey Davis (Taylor Russell) and five others who are offered the chance to participate in an escape room for a $10,000 prize.
However, the game takes a sinister turn when they learn that punishment for not completing an escape room is death.
If you’re into tense, ticking-clock horror flicks that will have you at the edge of your seat, Escape Room is a must-watch.
Nanny (2022)
Nikyatu Jusu plays Aisha in Nanny.
Asha moves from Senegal to New York to get a better life for herself and her son, and she lands a job as a nanny for an Upper East Side Family.
However, things soon take a surreal turn as she gets frightening visions that threaten to break her.
The film follows Aisha as she fights for her sanity and her son, making this an introspective, personal, and deeply disturbing horror film.
The Future Is Bright For Black-Led Horror Movies
While these black-led horror movies are undoubtedly in a league of their own, there is so much to offer.
Keep it here for more horror movies.
