5 Underrated Black Horror Films

By: Myriam Akbar

I was raised on Black Cinema. I’m grateful that my father immersed me in culture through film, because it showed me at an early age that storytelling could be done through various mediums. He was a “film buff,” with a passion for horror which was critical to the development of who I am today. I’m not exaggerating when I say, “I’ve loved horror since diapers.” Every year in celebration of Black History Month, I rewatch my favorite horror films showcasing black actors and storytelling. Although I’m always on the hunt for new ones, there’s nothing better than a comfort movie. From 1995’s Vampire in Brooklyn, to 2019’s Us. However in this article, I highlight five recent Black Horror films that I believe are underrated and need to be added to your watchlist. 

1.) His House is a unique 2020 horror drama film that I often recommend to lovers of the genre, due to its refreshing concept, exceptional acting performances, and stunning aesthetic. The plot follows Bol and Rial, who are fleeing South Sudan with their daughter Nyagak. Although the couple manages to survive the journey, like many their daughter did not. While facing deportation and racism in Europe where they found asylum, they attempt to adjust to the house assigned to them by the government. As if that isn’t already an abundance of stress, the couple begins to encounter supernatural occurrences including visions of Nyagak. I don’t want to give away anymore details, due to the plot twist that I feel was cleverly executed. The themes of assimilation, sacrifice, redemption, and compassion create an introspective, emotionally charged experience. The visual imagery is both gorgeous and haunting, making it almost impossible to look away. Within the horror community, ghost stories that lean into drama is a current topic of conversation. His House is a stand-out example of deep and heart-warming storytelling that still manages to give you a scare. It’s currently on Netflix if you want to watch!

2.) Sissy is a fun and gory 2022 psychological horror film that I personally find slasher-esque. The plot follows Cecilia (Sissy), a lifestyle content creator who focuses on positivity and breathing exercises. While out on a shopping trip, she runs into a childhood friend Emma. First she invites Cecilia to her engagement party and then to her bachelorette celebration, which is at her fiancee Fran’s house. My favorite aspect of this film is the juxtaposition used to demonstrate Cecilia’s mental health and false representation online. This is shown through a hyper-feminine and organized aesthetic, only used to create an illusion in her videos. However, it is shown that her apartment is in fact an unadorned mess. At this moment there’s whimsical, fairytale music playing as the title card appears. The contrast is intentional as it's revealed through flashbacks that there’s a traumatic history between Cecilia and Emma. When Fran attempts to expose this, things take a dark turn. The film tackles themes of bullying, obsession, toxic positivity, and the reality behind social media. This isn’t a jump-scare or plot-twist driven experience, which is why I compare it to a slasher. The plot involves a group of people and an ironically (you’ll understand when you watch) masked killer, for example. There’s also chase scenes and intense kill-scenes. Regardless of the box it fits into, Sissy is a must-watch Black Horror film to celebrate the month of February. It’s streaming on AMC+ right now!

3.) The Angry Black Girl & Her Monster is a 2023 sci-fi horror film that serves as an innovative and culturally significant entry in the Frankenstein-like monster category. Vicaria is a passionate and intelligent teenage scientist, who attempts to bring her brother back to life after he’s killed due to violence. Like you can imagine, what begins as a successful experiment turns into a nightmare. I won’t give away anymore, but suggest going into the experience with the intention of being entertained rather than shocked. While it has violence and elements of suspense, there isn’t necessarily a mystery to be solved. I would describe this film as dark rather than scary, although conceptually it’s quite chilling. Don’t expect a mind-blowing plot-twist, but you can expect a fantastic performance by Laya DeLeon Hayes (Vicaria), as her character navigates a world of anger but chooses to embrace love. You can stream The Angry Black Girl & Her Monster right now on Hulu!

4.) Black Box is an inventive and mind-bending sci-fi horror film that's part of Prime’s “Welcome To Blumhouse” series. It follows a man named Nolan who lost his wife in a car accident, leaving him both a single father and with memory loss. His compassionate and resourceful daughter, Ava helps him keep up with daily tasks but a warning from her teacher pushes him to seek further assistance. Returning to the neurologist he had after the accident, he allows her to hypnotize him in order to see if he’s a candidate for her experimental treatment “Black Box.” All that I will say about his experience is that he encounters frightening figures, as well as daunting mysteries involving his past and identity. Both his past and identity essentially are the mystery that unfolds throughout the film. I will say, I did not see the twist coming and I think that’s due to the overall unique nature of the film. Expect some spooky, perplexing moments and convincing acting performances. Amanda Christine’s (Ava) performance particularly is a stand-out, both powerful and nuanced. Black Box is on Prime, where you can stream right now!

5.) Sweetheart is a fun and intense 2019 horror film that follows the survival journey of a young woman Jennifer, who ends up on an island after a boat crash. Simultaneously as she explores the land and tries to stay alive, she encounters a humanoid sea creature. While I can’t promise you an ingenious concept and execution, one can expect aspects of a classic creature feature: exciting imagery, a little gore, and a final showdown. I personally like the way it doesn’t lean into exploring thematic concerns but rather tells a story. With one central character and little-to-no dialogue, a lot is accomplished. Sweetheart is currently streaming on AMC+ and Philo if you’re interested in watching! 

Photo Creds: Wikipedia.com