2025 Marks a Significant Year for Horror Films at the Oscars, Rivaling the ‘80s

The horror genre frequently remains overlooked in critical discussions, yet the recent Oscar nominations spotlight a significant shift in this narrative. Notably, three standout horror films from 2024 have earned nominations, marking a historic achievement after decades of minimal recognition in major awards.

Content warning: This article includes brief mentions of sexual assault.

Horror’s Resurgence at the Oscars

This year, *The Substance*, *Alien: Romulus*, and *Nosferatu* have each been nominated, with *The Substance* leading with five nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Demi Moore. This is a groundbreaking moment as it marks the first time since 1987 that three horror films have been recognized in the same awards cycle. Interestingly, these contemporary nominees echo the themes and cultural narratives present in films acknowledged nearly thirty years prior.

Parallels Between 1987 and 2024

At the 59th Academy Awards in 1987, films like *Aliens*, *The Fly*, and *Poltergeist II: The Other Side* took the spotlight, with *Little Shop of Horrors* often thrown into the mix for good measure. The enduring legacy of the *Alien* franchise continues to be noteworthy, with directors such as Ridley Scott and James Cameron paving the way for newer films like *Alien: Romulus*.This resurgence of horror aligns with cultural fears prevalent in today’s society, particularly in a post-Roe v. Wade landscape.

Exploring Body Horror and Cultural Commentary

Body horror remains a significant element in *Alien: Romulus*, yet we cannot overlook the thematic connections between *The Substance* by Coralie Fargeat and David Cronenberg’s *The Fly*.Released during the latter years of the Reagan administration, *The Fly* was perceived as a metaphor for the AIDS crisis, despite Cronenberg’s insistence that it focused on broader themes of disease and aging. The existential fears explored in *The Substance* resonate with contemporary audiences, as it delves into the societal pressures surrounding beauty and youth.

In today’s world, anti-aging narratives and extreme beauty standards are pervasive. Fargeat’s film highlights these issues through the transformative experiences of characters Elisabeth (Demi Moore) and Sue (Margaret Qualley), who ultimately embody the very horror they seek to overcome. This recurring motif of monstrosity underscores a fundamental question: What defines a monster, and is it preferable to embrace this identity rather than resist transformation?

A Modern Lens on Timeless Issues

*Nosferatu*, directed by Robert Eggers, similarly examines the theme of monstrosity through the character of Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp), who grapples with her repressed desires and heavy shame, embodied by Count Orlok. The film’s exploration of women’s sexual autonomy reflects the ongoing societal repression seen since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, highlighting how these decisions have reshaped cultural narratives.

Eggers’ portrayal of Ellen’s struggles presents a compelling metaphor for how modern women navigate their sexuality within a culture that often vilifies it. Ellen sees herself as monstrous in light of the puritanical constraints imposed in her historical context. This aligns with today’s conservative climate that frequently dismisses the complexity of women’s individual experiences, punishing them for expressing their sexuality.

Drawing comparisons between Orlok’s pursuit of Ellen and the Beast’s abduction of Carol Anne in *Poltergeist II* exposes deeper themes of fear and control. Although these narratives differ significantly, they reflect the resurgence of specific cultural anxieties in the horror genre since the Trump era. The Academy’s recognition of these films signals a reawakening of horror’s critical cachet that should not be overlooked.

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