Top 25 Must-Watch Horror Films
Featuring Black Actors
Black actors have been an important part of the horror genre going back to the 1940s but have always been very unrepresented. For me, as a young black teen girl loving horror movies, over and over I would watch and not see people who looked like me. If I did, the person of color would be killed off very quickly or they would not play a pivotal part in the film. For Black History Month, I felt it was important for me to share this list of influential and classic horror films starting in the 40s and leading up to the mid-1990s to show the continuing evolution of roles that African Americans have in this particular genre of film.
Looking for more modern films? Check out The Evolution of Black Actors in the Horror Genre: Our Top 25 Horror Films to Watch. This list from the mid-90s leading up to 2017. Also check out The Black Renaissance of Horror: A Moden List of Films to Watch Starring Black Actors. This list is from 2017 and after, what I refer to as the Blackaissance Era of Horror, which postdates the release of Jordan Peele‘s Get Out which was a game-changer for the genre!
Films listed in chronological order by date of release.
Son of Ingagi (1940): A newlywed couple finds themselves the recipients of an impressive inheritance after the murder of an old family friend. There’s a mysterious stranger amongst them and the bodies just keep piling up…
This film was written by Spencer Williams based on his horror short story House of Horrors. He also acts in it. Son of Ingagi was the first horror/sci-fi to include an entirely black cast! Although a very important and influential film, there were a few problems with the story but are ultimately forgivable. There is also a good amount of humor and levity to it.
There isn’t really a trailer for this film but you can watch a preview clip here.
Streaming: Amazon prime, Flix Fling, and available for rent.
Night of the Living Dead (1968): A group of people find themselves being attacked by the living dead, barricade themselves in an old farmhouse, and fight to survive!
This is a George A. Romeo classic! There are very few that haven’t seen this film. It was a pivotal moment for the genre of zombie films. Romeo has said he didn’t hire Duane Jones because he was black but he was the best actor for the role. Ultimately, Jones got billed second in this movie after Judith O’Dea who played Barbara. Night of the Living Dead today is still a powerful statement on race relations and a commentary of its time.
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Amazon Prime, HBO Max, FUBO, STARZ, VUDU, and available for rent.
Blacula (1972): An African prince is turned into a vampire by the very own Dracula himself and his wife is murdered! Years later, he finds himself in modern-day Los Angeles with an insatiable thirst.
As the 70s decade arrived so did Blaxploitation films and Blacula was at the forefront! Directed by William Crain who also went on to direct Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde. Blacula initially got mixed reviews but has gone on to be one of the classic hits of its time and won Best Horror Film at the first Saturn awards!
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: PLUTO TV, Shudder with Amazon Prime, and available for rent.
Scream Blacula Scream (1973): Blacula is summoned by voodoo for someone’s ultimate bidding but the tables are turned and Blacula once again goes on a killing rampage.
This film introduces the incomparable Pam Grier (Foxy Brown, Mars Attacks, Jackie Brown) to the franchise! Grier went on to be a queen of the Blaxploitation era. Both Blacula films are a fun watch!
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Tubi, Shudder with Amazon, Flix Fling, and available for rent.
Blackenstein (1973) AKA Black Frankenstein: Eddie, a poor man that has lost his appendages during the Vietnam war is hospitalized but rescued by his girlfriend Dr. Winifred Walker for experimental procedures to give him the ability to walk again but things take an unexpected turn…
This film shows a black female as a doctor in a position of strength who also stands up for herself when cornered. Kudos! However, this movie poster…the only one that I could find. This woman is in the film for maybe 3 minutes but this is the best they could do…they were definitely appealing to a specific audience with this and I can guarantee anyone that came to see it for this purpose was not satisfied.
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Amazon Prime, Tubi, VUDU, and available for rent.
Ganja & Hess (1973): Starring Duane Jones (Night of the Living Dead) and Marlene Clark Ganja & Hess is an experimental film about a man, Dr. Hess, who becomes infected with a blood lust and falls in love with his assistant’s wife.
This movie is very stream of consciousness and takes interesting turns. It’s an important film of its time. Basically, if you like art house films you’ll enjoy this movie. Ganja & Hess is important because it depicts African Americans in a position of affluence and high culture. The film was later remade in 2014 as De Sweet Blood of Jesus by legendary filmmaker Spike Lee.
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Fubo, Showtime with Amazon, and for rent.
Sugar Hill (1974): Sugar’s boyfriend is murdered by mobsters and she enlists the help of a voodoo priestess to raise the dead to help her incite her revenge!
This film is incredibly fun! Starring the beautiful Marki Bey who went on to work on Starsky and Hutch and Charlies Angels but sadly stopped acting in 1979. This film is not to be confused with Wesley Snipe’s Sugar Hill. lol
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Available for rent only on Fandango and Vudu.
Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde (1976) AKA The Watts Monster: Dr. Henry Pride played by Bernie Casey (Cleopatra Jones, Revenge of the Nerds, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka) who develops a miracle serum to regenerate dying liver cells and the cure turns him into an albino killing machine with a taste for ladies of the night. Directed by William Crain who also directed Blacula!
This film is everything you want from a Blaxploitation film. It’s a lot of fun! “Don’t give him no sass or he’ll kick your ass!” LOL!
Watch the trailer here (NSFW). (You really should. It’s kind of everything.)
Streaming: Fandor with Amazon, The Film Detective, Flix Fling, and for rent.
J.D.’s Revenge (1976): Starring Glynn Turman (A Different World, Super 8, Fargo) and Louis Gossett Jr. (Jaws 3D, Watchmen). This film follows a young law student who gets possessed by the ghost of a hustler named J.D. Walker to avenge he and his sister’s death.
Loved J.D.’s Revenge! The film received mixed reviews but I thought Glynn Turman was incredible in it and should have received some type of accolade. The movie also highlights how the black community often mishandles mental illness. Watch and see! Highly recommend!
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Amazon Prime and available for rent.
Friday the 13th Part 3 (1982): Jason Voorhees survives the second film and takes refuge at a cabin near Crystal Lake. Meanwhile, a group of coeds arrive for their vacation that they’ll find anything but relaxing while Jason continues his killing rampage. Love this film! This is the one where Jason gets his famous hockey mask!
With the transition from the 1970s blaxploitation turned the 1980s spree of slasher films! People of color during this time were often killed off first or not pivotal. I listed this film because although she doesn’t last long in the film Gloria Charles who plays Fox is just so memorable and a badass! However, she and her biker gang buddies Ali and Loco don’t stand a chance against Jason.
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Starz, Starz with Amazon, and available for rent.
Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987): A psychiatrist tries to help teens at a mental hospital cope with their nightmares. Nancy Thompson arrives knowing Freddy Krueger is at the cause invading their dreams and wants to help them stop him!
SPOILER ALERT: This film is probably one of my favorites in the franchise outside the first nightmare. Growing up watching this I was excited to see that Kincaid, played by Ken Sagoes, who was not only an essential part of defeating Freddy but is one of the survivors! Also, fun note, Laurence Fishburne plays a small role in it as well.
“One, two, Freddy’s coming for you!”
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Available for rental only.
Vamp (1986): Two frat pledges go to a seedy bar looking for a stripper for their college buddies and get a little more than they bargained for.
This campy comedy/horror vampire film includes the legendary Grace Jones in a starring role in the movie. Although, it was a super bummer to me that they covered her beautiful dark skin by making her character “albino” and covered in makeup. The film garnered mixed reviews. However, many feel that the Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino venture From Dusk till Dawn was inspired by Vamp.
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Tubi and available for rent.
They Live (1988): They Live follows the story of Nada, (played by WWE Wrestling star Roddy Piper) a down on his luck man, who becomes a construction worker and inadvertently finds himself in the middle of a conspiracy to take over the world!
This sci-fi/horror classic includes Keith David in an essential role in the film. David is second-billed only to Roddy Piper! The film opened to mixed reviews and received minor success at the beginning but over the years has become a John Carpenter cult classic.
Check out “Does it Hold Up to the Hype: They Live“.
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Peacock and available for rent.
Angel Heart (1987): A private investigator is hired by a mysterious man named Louis Cyphre to find the missing singer Johnny Favorite. Little does the P.I. know he’s landed himself in the middle of a disturbing spiral of events.
Lisa Bonet plays the part of Epiphany Proudfoot. A Southern powerful voodoo princess which is a huge departure from her Cosby Show fame leading up to this movie. Bonet’s performance in Angel Heart is so grounded and earnest. The film takes you through New York and New Orleans where there is a strong representation of African American actors. The film almost received an X-rating and had to be edited down to receive its theatrical R rating during release. That ending…wow!
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: DirecTV, HBO Max, and for rent.
The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988): An anthropologist goes to Haiti to investigate rumors about a drug used in black magic to turn people into zombies.
This terrifying Wes Craven classic stars a bevy of incredible black actors including, Cathy Tyson, Zakes Mokae, Paul Winfield, Brent Jennings, Conrad Roberts, and more. In the 1980s Wes Craven and John Carpenter were at the forefront of giving people of color opportunity and including diversity in their films contributing to the horror genre.
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: MAX Go, DirecTV, Cinemax with Amazon, and available for rent.
Def by Temptation (1990): A malicious succubus is preying on black men in New York City, and the only thing standing in her way is a group of young men, a minister-in-training, an aspiring actor, and a policeman who specializes in investigating the supernatural.
It’s the 90s! This horror film features a black cast, is produced by Troma films, and it’s a hilariously fun ride! Kadeem Hardison (A Different World, White Men Can’t Jump), Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction, Snakes on a Plane, everything cool you’ve ever seen), and more star in this demonic cult classic!
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Available for rental only.
Night of the Living Dead (1990): Siblings Barbara and Johnny go to visit their mother’s grave and they’re attacked by zombies! Barbara flees to an abandoned farmhouse where she and others fight to survive.
This modern remake of the 1968 classic is directed by Tom Savini, produced by George A. Romero, and stars legendary Tony Todd as Ben. The initial reception of the film was mostly negative because it was such a close remake but some critics felt that there was further development of some of the relationships in the film. However, the current reception of the movie has been much more positive. Like most cult classics sometimes they are a slow burn.
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: PLUTO TV and available for rent.
The People Under the Stairs (1991): Two thieves and a young boy break into a house, occupied by a brother and sister, to heist a rare coin collection. What they find is true darkness that lies in the house…they must fight for their own lives!
This Wes Craven classic was inspired by a true-life news story! Brandon Quintin Adams stars in this film alongside Ving Rhames (Pulp Fiction), and Bill Cobbs. This was a huge breakthrough to have a young black child leading in a Wes Craven film.
The People Under the Stairs also stars Wendy Robie and Everette McGill of Twin Peaks fame and A.J. Langer from My So-Called Life.
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Available only for rental.
Candyman (1992): Candyman follows the story of a man who was wrongfully murdered in his time and has since taken his revenge as a murderous soul with a hook for a hand. Years later, Candyman is unintentionally called up to modern times by a graduate student investigating the myth.
I remember seeing Candyman when I was a young girl and was TERRIFIED! I was afraid to look in the mirror for weeks! Tony Todd’s performance left a lasting impression on me and many others as it remains a cult classic hit! However, look at this movie poster. Who’s name is missing? Tony Todd is Candyman and yet his name isn’t on the theatrical poster…but times are a-changing. Jordan Peele has a reenvision of Candyman coming out this year!
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Available for rental only.
Seven (1995): Directed by David Fincher Seven follows the story of two detectives, a rookie (Brad Pitt) and a retiring veteran (Morgan Freeman), who are in pursuit of a twisted serial killer (Kevin Spacey) who uses the seven deadly sins as themes for his slaying.
Freeman gets top billing in this David Fincher classic over Brad Pitt, as he should, at that time Brad Pitt’s only big leading hit was Interview with a Vampire while Morgan Freeman was an established and seasoned actor. Many consider this movie more suspense/thriller but for me, it’s truly disturbing enough to fit in the horror genre. Seven remains an incredible film! I STILL find myself saying, “What’s in the box!?”
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: HBO Max and available for rent.
Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (1995): A man on the run is hunted by a demon known as The Collector. Jeryline is added by an ancient group of hunters bound by duty to prevent a demon uprising.
SPOILER ALERT: In the first Tales from the Crypt feature film Jada Pinkett Smith (A Different World, Girls Trip, Set It Off) plays the pivotal role of Jeryline. The film received mixed reviews but Smith was the first Black final girl I’d ever seen. That left a lasting impression on me for sure! The film has gained some love over the years and now is known to be one of the most underrated hits of its time. Also starring: Billy Zane (Twin Peaks, Titanic) and William Sadler (Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, The Mist).
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Available only for rental.
Tales from the Hood (1995): An eccentric funeral director relays four terrifying tales of horror with an African American focus to three gangsters he traps in his mortuary.
I love this film! With a mostly black cast Tales from the Hood is still so relevant even today 26 years later. This anthology film has a powerful message. It keeps you thinking about it days after you’ve watched it. Also, you’ll see David Allan Grier in a way you’ve never seen him and OMG Clarence Williams III as the funeral director is everything! I could listen to him read the phone book.
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Available for rental only.
Vampire in Brooklyn (1995): A mysterious ship that docks in Brooklyn, New York arrives with all its crew dead. Unfortunately, the killing continues on land. A Caribbean vampire (Eddie Murphy) is seeking a woman, half-human half-vampire. Rita (Angela Bassett) is the detective in charge of the investigation into the nefarious murders. Directed by Wes Craven.
I was so excited when this horror/comedy came out! I loved Eddie Murphy and it was such a momentous moment for me as a big horror fan to see a black leading cast in such a high-budget horror picture. Eddie does his thang and plays multiple characters but it also stars Kadeem Hardison, John Witherspoon (R.I.P!), and Zakes Mokae. However, the film was met with mostly negative reviews initially it has since become a cult classic.
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Amazon Prime, Hulu, DirecTV, and available for rent.
The Craft (1996): Robin Tunney plays Sarah Bailey who has moved and is the new girl at a Catholic prep high school. Feeling like an outsider herself she connects with three outcast girls who are aspiring witches. Once Sarah joins the group their powers together start to emerge and take form in a dangerous way.
OMG, let me just say how much I love Rachel True. Between The Craft and Half Baked, I wanted to be her. Her story in the film is so important. It shows that no matter what, stooping down to a bully’s level never makes you feel good in the end and it’s important to find other ways to combat marginalization and bullying. The Craft is still so good today!
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Fubo, DirecTV, and for rent.
From Dusk till Dawn (1996): Two criminal brothers (George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino) and their hostages seek temporary refuge at a truck stop/bikini bar unbeknownst to them inhabited by vampires. As day turns into night, they’re all taken on a wild ride and fight to make it to dawn.
Directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Quentin Tarantino From Dusk till Dawn is a super fun, thrilling vampire horror classic! This film is full of diversity and Fred Williamson is a super badass mofo in it! Unforgettable moments also from the beautiful Salma Hayek. Rodriguez gave Hayek her first lead role in Desperado!
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: CBS All-Access, PLUTO TV, and for rent.
MTH Reader Recommendation:
The Thing (1982): In this classic John Carpenter film, a research team in Antarctica is stalked by a shape-shifting alien entity that materializes as its victims.
Reader Christopher Scollard recommended The Thing and how could I forget this one! I haven’t seen it in years and it’s definitely time for a reprise. Keith David and T.K. Carter star in this alien terror classic with Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, David Clennon, and more! Again, John Carpenter paving the way for diversity in horror even back in the 80s!
Watch the trailer here.
Streaming: Available for rental only.
Looking for more? Go to the Black History in Horror section where you’ll find recommendations, independent horror shorts, and more movie and television lists coming soon!
Did I miss any of your favorites? Comment below or email us at contact@marriedtohorror.com! You can also follow our Facebook group Married to Horror and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @marriedtohorror.
Find more general Married to Horror selections by checking out our recommendations and take a peek at our Master Watch List where you can find an array of horror films sorted by title, platform, rating, and more!
