Neon has established itself as a formidable force in the realm of horror cinema, known for its unconventional and strikingly crafted films. Since its inception in 2017 by Tom Quinn and Tim League, Neon has deftly navigated a variety of sub-genres ranging from sci-fi and body horror to psychological terror, folk horror, and horror satire. Each production reflects a unique voice and approach, pushing the boundaries of the horror genre.
Neon’s catalog includes thought-provoking pieces like the visceral body horror in Titane and the psychological unease of The Lodge. The studio’s films are lauded for their innovative storytelling, which often incorporates social commentary, exemplified by the dark satire in Bad Hair and the eerie, post-pandemic tension of In the Earth.
16 The Bad Batch (2016)
Directed By Ana Lily Amirpour
The Bad Batch is an exhilarating yet uneven entry in Neon’s lineup. It centers on Arlen (Suki Waterhouse), a young woman cast into a harsh desert future. Her journey unveils a world fraught with dangers, including cannibals lurking in the sun-drenched wasteland.
Ana Lily Amirpour’s vision brings forth breathtaking visuals and performances from an ensemble cast featuring Jason Momoa, Jim Carrey, and Keanu Reeves. While the visuals captivate, the narrative can at times feel stretched too thin, veering into dullness during moments of anticipated excitement.
15 Bad Hair (2020)
Directed by Justin Simien
Bad Hair boldly explores the intersection of cultural identity and supernatural horror. Set against the backdrop of 1989, the film follows Anna (Elle Lorraine) as she navigates the competitive landscape of a music television company. A suggestion from her boss (Vanessa Williams) hints that a new hairstyle might accelerate her career path—unbeknownst to Anna, this new weave carries with it sinister undertones.
Simien adeptly weaves supernatural folklore, using witches and their folklore to create a darkly humorous narrative. Drawing parallels to Peter Strickland’s In Fabric, this film offers a satirical yet poignant commentary on the politics of black hair.
14 She Dies Tomorrow (2020)
Directed By Amy Seimetz
She Dies Tomorrow strikingly encapsulates an innate human dread, directed by Amy Seimetz. The narrative unfolds as Amy (Kate Lyn Sheil) becomes convinced she will perish the next day, despite lacking any justification for her fear. The unsettling nature of her certainty proves contagious, infecting her social circle.
Choosing a psychological rather than traditional horror route, this film emphasizes existential apprehension and the spread of paranoia, offering a different perspective on pandemic-related fears.
13 It Lives Inside (2023)
Directed by Bishal Dutta
The emerging trend of elevated horror has opened doors for diverse cultural narratives.It Lives Inside follows Sam (Megan Suri), an Indian-American teenager confronting her cultural identity. Upon reconnecting with an estranged friend, she inadvertently unleashes a dark force that her friend had kept at bay.
The exploration of Hindu folklore enriches the film, and while it may echo familiar teen horror tropes, its cultural nuances set it apart by contributing to the broader genre dialogue.
12 Longlegs (2024)
Directed By Oz Perkins
Longlegs brings viewers into the chilling world of an unsolved serial killer investigation through the eyes of FBI Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe).Director Oz Perkins dives deep into narrative influences from renowned thrillers including Se7en and Silence of the Lambs. The atmospheric sound design and intentional use of space heighten the suspense throughout the film.
The first two segments immerse the audience in a gripping and eerie plot, though a jarring twist in the final act diminishes its momentum, leading to a resolution that may leave viewers wanting. Nonetheless, its cinematography shines, with striking angles and compositions deepening the atmosphere of dread, solidifying it as another noteworthy contribution to Neon’s catalog.
11 Immaculate (2024)
Directed By Michael Mohan
Sydney Sweeney’s performance in Immaculate marks her best role yet, portraying Sister Cecilia, a nun who accepts a position at an Italian convent. Despite the convent’s beauty, she soon discovers disquieting secrets lurking beneath its surface.
While there are echoes of classics such as The Omen and Rosemary’s Baby, Mohan’s film possesses a gripping central mystery that enthralls audiences, buoyed by Sweeney’s compelling performance, even if the narrative sometimes feels disjointed.
10 Cuckoo (2024)
Directed By Tilman Singer
Cuckoo marries innovative storytelling with moments of chilling brutality. Driving the narrative is a cast that includes Schafer in a standout lead role alongside Stevens, who delivers a memorable performance. The film is a dynamic and thrilling ride characterized by a pace that balances tension with dark humor, despite a tendency for the humor to sometimes overshadow crucial elements.
9 The Lodge (2019)
Directed By Veronika Franz & Severin Fiala
The Lodge centers on siblings Aidan (Jaeden Martell) and Mia (Lia McHugh) during a Christmas retreat at an isolated lodge with their father Richard (Richard Armitage) and his new girlfriend Grace (Riley Keough).This ominous setting serves as the backdrop for deep psychological exploration.
Franz and Fiala’s film reflects on familial complexities and trauma, channeling themes from their earlier work, Goodnight Mommy. While it may not reach the same heights, it still delivers a gripping narrative filled with suspense and psychological tension, featuring a haunting atmosphere that captivates viewers, despite some plot inconsistencies.
8 Little Monsters (2019)
Directed By Abe Forsythe
Little Monsters uniquely balances comedy and horror, creating a meta-theatrical experience. It traces the story of Dave, a struggling musician fixated on his nephew’s teacher, Miss Caroline (Lupita Nyong’o), whose pursuits are thwarted by a sudden zombie outbreak.
This film excels within the sub-genre, with Nyong’o’s charismatic portrayal grounding the narrative despite its comedic approach. While it leans towards humor, those seeking terrifying scares may find it lacking in traditional horror tropes.
7 In The Earth (2021)
Directed By Ben Wheatley
In the Earth stands out as a rare folk horror entry in Neon’s collection. The plot follows a scientist (Joel Fry) and a park scout (Ellora Torchia) undertaking soil research amid a global pandemic, unwittingly encountering a sinister force lurking within the forest.
Post A Field in England, Wheatley’s foray into folk horror presents an unsettling experience, melding mythological elements with an overarching sense of dread that resonates throughout.
6 Infinity Pool (2023)
Directed By Brandon Cronenberg
Infinity Pool artfully critiques modern bourgeois society. Centered around author James Foster (Alexander Skarsgård), who grapples with writer’s block at an upscale resort, his life spirals when he meets Gabi (Mia Goth), leading him to confront the darker themes of privilege and consequence.
The narrative skillfully unravels the layers of wealth’s influence while maintaining a visually rich aesthetic that enhances its unsettling nature, resulting in a thought-provoking cinematic experience.
5 Crimes Of The Future (2022)
Directed By David Cronenberg
Crimes of the Future is a captivating dive into a dystopian world where human experiences are grotesquely altered. Under the direction of body horror maestro David Cronenberg, the film navigates through a narrative teeming with dark, sexual undertones, exploring the evolution of human existence in an increasingly artificial society.
Featuring stellar performances from Viggo Mortensen, Léa Seydoux, and Kristen Stewart, the film encapsulates dread while prompting discussions on the desensitization of humanity. It’s a compelling exploration by a master filmmaker that may not appeal to every viewer.
4 Presence (2025)
Directed By Steven Soderbergh
Steven Soderbergh’s Presence marks his venture into full-blown horror, crafting a ghost story from a refreshing perspective. The narrative unfolds as a family believes they are not alone after moving into a new home, revealing a ghostly entity’s presence.
The film innovatively uses cinematic techniques, allowing the invisibility of the ghost to introduce new storytelling dimensions, enriched by David Koepp’s sharp script that melds horror with unexpected humor, resulting in a unique cinematic experience.
3 Revenge (2017)
Directed By Coralie Fargeat
Revenge follows Jen (Matilda Lutz), who survives an assault during a desert outing and transforms into an embodiment of vengeance. This film not only serves up stunning visuals and intense storytelling but also offers profound commentary on resilience and retribution.
With body horror elements accentuating Jen’s transformation through her scars, it diverges from conventional rape-revenge narratives by empowering her, making for a refreshingly dynamic addition to Neon’s offerings.
2 Titanium (2021)
Directed By Julia Ducournau
Titane is a tour de force in body horror, following Alexia (Agathe Rousselle), a woman bearing a titanium plate from a childhood accident. Ducournau’s narrative brilliantly melds visceral horror with emotional complexity, exploring themes of identity and transformation.
Rousselle’s performance is mesmerizing as she navigates her character’s shifting identities, enhanced by Vincent Lindon’s poignant portrayal. The film’s vibrant visuals, meticulous sound design, and gripping story mark Ducournau’s triumph in contemporary horror, affirming Neon’s reputation for groundbreaking storytelling.
1 Possessor (2020)
Directed By Brandon Cronenberg
Possessor stands as a stunning highlight in Neon’s collection, exploring the unsettling intersection of identity and violence. Follow Tasya Vos, a corporate assassin who utilizes brain-implant technology for high-stakes assassinations, leading audiences through a chilling examination of self and consciousness.
The narrative effectively evokes questions of identity loss and fragmentation, paralleling the philosophical queries reminiscent of Blade Runner. With Cronenberg’s profound exploration of these themes, Possessor serves as both a visually striking and intellectually challenging journey that resonates well beyond its runtime.
Leave a Reply