8 2010s-2020s Horror Movies with Notable Black Characters (Women Edition)

Discussing representation in horror should be incredibly commonplace by now, in fact it should be encouraged more and more. Seeing representation across genres, even in a paint-by-numbers slasher, for example, is crucial for marginalized fans. And when it comes to Black representation in horror, there can never be too much. Especially not when the genre hasn't always been kind to Black folks. 

As a Black horror fan, it's exciting when there are more noteworthy Black characters to add to the list. Though, what's especially exciting is seeing Black women take center stage or at least have a role that's important enough to their respective horror film's events. What we deserve to see is a different conversation altogether, so this list will merely focus on horror movies with Black women in notable roles. 

The focus of the list is only on 2010s-2020s horror, and this isn't nearly everyone. Keep reading if you want to know more. 

Sweetheart (2019)

When people see Blumhouse, they automatically have a misconception on what the film is going to be like. And while Blumhouse has a lot of hits as well as misses, Sweetheart falls into the former. The film follows Jenn (Kiersey Clemons), who survives a shipwreck and ends up on a deserted island, where she isn't alone. It's very much a creature feature and survival horror film that absolutely touches base on Jenn's Blackness. 

Sweetheart isn't filled to the brim with gore or madness, but instead it builds to the climax where we know Jenn is going to fight for her life. Especially after she's not believed, and her judgement isn't trusted. Kiersey Clemons does a great job in her role and holds tight to final girl energy. Though the film isn't technically going to blow you away, it will make you root for her, and that's all that matters. 
 

Doctor Sleep (2019)

Following up on the classic that people consider The Shining to be, didn't have disastrous results in this case. Doctor Sleep follows Danny Torrance (Ewan McGregor)'s life after the events of The Shining, all the way to his recovering alcoholic adulthood. When he becomes close to a young girl who also shines, they embark on a journey to battle energy vampires known as the True Knot. This isn't a sequel for everyone, but Mike Flanagan's love for Stephen King's work shines through Doctor Sleep.

It's a relatively long film, and that might be a deterrent for some movie viewers. Though if you can handle that, then it's absolutely worth the time you're spending. Danny is obviously a huge part of the film, but Abra (Kyliegh Curran) stands out incredibly and she's very powerful. Having young Black girls be able to stand out like that, and also be important to the film they're in, is fantastic. And it's safe to say Doctor Sleep wouldn't be the same without Kyliegh Curran's performance 

Us (2019)

Jordan Peele's classic continues to be Get Out, but that doesn't mean Us isn't any good. Us follows a family whose getaway turns deadly when they're attacked by their doppelgängers. The film is full of twists and turns for its audience, a top tier soundtrack, and a memorable performance from Lupita Nyong'o. She plays two separate characters and kills it in both performances. 

It's safe to say that Nyong'o helps make the film exactly what it is, she's the one person that fans think of when anyone mentions this film. Us' themes touch heavily upon classism, and inequality in terms of social standings. Other than the social themes, the film is visually striking, and you won't soon forget Lupita's characters. 

Candyman (2021)

Continuing the story of Candyman in a modern setting worked out better than anyone might've expected. Candyman follows Anthony (Yahya Adbul Mateen II) whose terrifying destiny unfolds when he starts to explore the history of Candyman. While the film primarily focuses on Anthony, what he's going through, and his connection to Candyman, his girlfriend Bri (Teyonah Parris) has a role to play throughout. 

Despite some criticism regarding Bri's trajectory in the film, primarily due to her being a Black woman who is forced to endure more trauma, she's able to reclaim her power and avoid a terrible fate for herself. Candyman doesn't have what one might describe as a happy ending, though it has a lot to say regarding social issues and how Bri's story folds into that. Overall, she's a character worth discussing. 

Barbarian (2022)

As far as horror movies that make you go “no, don't go down there”, this definitely makes the list. Barbarian follows Tess (Georgina Campbell) whose stay in a rental home becomes eerie and uncomfortable when she uncovers the truth of the house. Spoiling the film for yourself would be slightly silly, therefore it's best to go into it without looking up spoilers. And it also helps make the journey following Tess more rewarding. 

Barbarian received a lot of praise upon its released, and it deserves to be recognized, but not just for the twists. Tess is a capable and flawed Black woman in a horror film that focuses heavily on how some women move through the world. Her perspective being the one we follow offers a lot of layers to that reality. 
 

Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

A Gen Z aimed comedy horror film with a diverse cast? That's what you get here. Bodies Bodies Bodies follows a dysfunctional group of friends who begin to suspect one of them is a killer when someone dies mysteriously. This isn't a film for people who can't deal with Gen Zers, nor is it a film for people who don't understand the satirical nature of it. And for the film to primarily follow the point of view of Sophie (Amandla Stenberg), a very flawed Black woman, that makes it more unique.

Bodies Bodies Bodies is very self aware of the commentary its putting out, and it's not condemning being socially conscious. Though what it's doing is touching base on the weaponizing of language and inaccurate usage of terminology. Sophie isn't a perfect character either, she's got a lot of issues and might be unlikable to some. But having Black women in horror be complicated has an importance. 

 Sissy (2022)

It's hard not to mention this film, but considering how much I do (trust me on this), I'm going to keep it very short. Sissy follows an influencer who goes on a bachelorette party that goes entirely wrong. It's absolutely worth the watch and it's still quite underrated across the board. Not to mention Aisha Dee's performance isn't talked about, especially not where Black characters in horror are concerned. 

    
Takeout (2025)

Don't knock Tubi originals, they aren't all flops. Takeout follows Nova (N'kone Mametja) and her coworkers, who run into trouble when they suspect one of the diner patrons is a serial killer. There's a fair amount of blood, kills, and a lot of tension that's built up throughout the film. Not to mention, Nova is a very capable final girl, who fights back against any threat. 

Takeout doesn't have a huge budget, so it's best to curb your expectations about that. Though, it's a good time with characters you won't have an issue following. Nova in particular is one of the big standouts. And considering we don't have a lot of Black final girls, it's worthy of praise for that especially.