Best Horror Movies About the Torments of Girlhood

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Many horror movies also explore the challenges of growing up, and for good reason. Puberty is a difficult and often frightening experience, and the transition from childhood to womanhood can be especially tough. This period involves significant biological and social changes, and young girls face intense pressure from all sides – from themselves, their friends, their families, the media, and even unwanted attention from adults. All of this contributes to a uniquely challenging time.

It’s easy to see why so many powerful horror films focus on the challenges of growing up as a girl. These movies realistically portray the journey from childhood innocence to the turbulence of teenage years, and they delve into the unique struggles and pressures that contribute to those difficult experiences.

10
‘Carrie’ (1976)


United Artists

Carrie is the original movie adaptation of Stephen King’s famous first novel, published in 1974. Sissy Spacek, known for her role in Coal Miner’s Daughter, plays Carrie White, a shy and sensitive teenager who is constantly bullied at school. Brian De Palma, who later directed Scarface, directed the film, and Lawrence D. Cohen, known for Ghost Story, wrote the screenplay. The movie also stars Amy Irving, Nancy Allen, P. J. Soles, William Katt, John Travolta, Betty Buckley, and Piper Laurie as Carrie’s harsh and deeply religious mother, Margaret White.

Public Humiliation

Whether Brian De Palma was the best choice to direct this film is open for discussion, but Sissy Spacek’s performance as Carrie is undeniably brilliant. The movie immediately plunges viewers into the painful experience of adolescence. The film opens with a shocking scene: Carrie gets her first period at school, and because her mother hasn’t prepared her, she believes she’s seriously ill. This traumatic event triggers the development of Carrie’s telekinetic abilities, which grow stronger as the bullying worsens and her mother’s extreme religious beliefs escalate. Carrie earned two Academy Award nominations: Sissy Spacek for Best Actress and Piper Laurie for Best Supporting Actress. Currently, the film boasts a 94% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating strong critical approval.

9
‘Poison for the Fairies’ (1986)


Colección IMCINE

I recently discovered this incredible Mexican horror film called Poison for the Fairies (originally Veneno para las hadas), and I’m completely blown away! It was written and directed by Carlos Enrique Taboada, who also made The Book of Stone. It’s a real critical darling – it received ten nominations at the Ariel Awards and actually won five, including Best Picture and Best Direction! And the young actress, Ana Patricia Rojo, was phenomenal; she won awards for her performance at both the Bogota Film Festival and from the Mexican Cinema Journalists. Plus, audiences love it – it has an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes! I highly recommend checking it out if you’re a fan of supernatural horror.

Bullying and Black Magic

Veronica, a lonely girl often lost in fantasy, pretends to be a witch to escape her difficult time at school. When a new student named Flavia arrives, Veronica becomes envious of her comfortable home life and possessions. Driven by this envy, Veronica tricks Flavia into believing she has magical powers and pressures her into playing increasingly risky games. Veronica enjoys the control this deception gives her – a stark contrast to the helplessness she felt when she was being bullied.

8
‘The Craft’ (1996)


Sony Pictures Releasing

Let me tell you about The Craft, a late ’90s flick directed by Andrew Fleming, who also penned the script alongside Peter Filardi. It stars Robin Tunney as Sarah, a new girl in Los Angeles who quickly falls in with a trio of fellow outsiders – Nancy, played with captivating intensity by Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True. They’re all a little different, a little…powerful, and they soon discover that together, they’re something truly magical. They form a coven, and initially, it’s all about empowerment and getting back at those who’ve made their lives difficult. But things quickly spiral out of control, and the girls find that wielding real power comes with a hefty price. It’s a fun, albeit cautionary, tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and revenge.

We’re the Weirdos, Mister

When The Craft first came out, it wasn’t a hit with most critics, but it was recognized by horror fans, earning five nominations for Fangoria’s Chainsaw Awards and two Saturn Award nominations. Today, it’s a beloved cult classic, even though reviews were just okay back in the 90s. The line “We Are the Weirdos, Mister” has become incredibly famous, and modern women in horror often use it as a statement of pride and a call to action. The film’s themes of bullying, racism, and unfair treatment of women still connect with viewers today.

7
‘Ginger Snaps’ (2000)


Motion International

Ginger Snaps is a beloved Canadian horror film about werewolves, directed by John Fawcett, who also co-created the show Orphan Black. The screenplay was written by Karen Walton, another Orphan Black writer. The movie stars Emily Perkins and Katharine Isabelle as sisters Brigitte and Ginger Fitzgerald, two teenagers fascinated by death who desperately want to escape their boring town. After Ginger is bitten by a mysterious animal, Brigitte begins to notice strange and unsettling changes in her sister – changes that could be incredibly dangerous.

Shades of David Cronenberg

When people discuss horror films and growing up as a girl, Ginger Snaps is a title that always comes up. It’s a popular choice for college courses on women in horror, and it deserves a place on any list of essential films. When it was released, critics praised Ginger Snaps, comparing it to the work of David Cronenberg and the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The film received seven nominations for the Fangoria Chainsaw Award, winning for Best Screenplay and Best Limited Release/Direct-to-Video film. It also won Best Canadian Feature Film at the Toronto International Film Festival and Best Movie at the International Horror Guild Awards. Currently, it has a 90% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on reviews from critics.

6
‘Teeth’ (2007)


Roadside Attractions

Mitchell Lichtenstein, the director of Angelica, brings a unique mix of dark humor and body horror to his film Teeth. The story centers on Dawn O’Keefe, a high school student played by Jess Weixler (known for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story), who makes a shocking discovery about her body after being assaulted. She has a rare and terrifying condition: teeth inside her vagina that physically harm her attacker.

An Unexpected Adaptation

The film Teeth received critical acclaim for its unique take on the connection between horror and virginity. It earned top honors at the Sundance Film Festival, with director Mitchell Lichtenstein winning the Grand Jury Prize and Jess Weixler receiving a Special Jury Prize for her acting. The film also garnered three Fangoria Chainsaw Awards and a nomination for Best Feature Film at the Berlin International Film Festival. Critics gave it a fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 81% approval score. In 2024, Teeth was successfully adapted into an off-Broadway musical in New York by Anna K. Jacobs and Michael R. Jackson.

5
‘Jennifer’s Body’ (2009)

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Karyn Kusama (known for The Invitation) and written by Diablo Cody (Lisa Frankenstein), Jennifer’s Body is a horror film that, like Ginger Snaps, uses monsters to explore the challenges of growing up and becoming a woman. The movie stars Megan Fox (Night Teeth) as the popular Jennifer Check and Amanda Seyfried (Things Heard & Seen) as her bookish best friend, Anita “Needy” Lesnicki. The supporting cast includes well-known actors like Adam Brody (Ready or Not), Kyle Gallner (Strange Darling), Johnny Simmons (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), Amy Sedaris (At Home with Amy Sedaris), and J. K. Simmons (Spider-Man).

How the Movie was Misunderstood

The movie Jennifer’s Body initially received harsh criticism, but over time, it’s gained a devoted following and is now considered a cult classic. This confusing reception was evident at the time of its release – the lead actress was nominated for a ‘Worst Actress’ Razzie award, yet also won ‘Choice Movie Actress’ at the Teen Choice Awards. This highlights how a film’s marketing and public expectations can overshadow its true quality and intentions. In just ten years, Jennifer’s Body went from being widely disliked to celebrated, and it tackles complex issues like revenge, sexuality, and what it means to be a person.

4
‘The Witch’ (2015)


A24

Robert Eggers’ first feature film was The Witch, a chilling horror drama set in 1630s New England. Anya Taylor-Joy, known for her role in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, plays Thomasin, a teenage girl whose family experiences a terrifying ordeal involving witchcraft and possible possession after her young brother goes missing. The film also stars Ralph Ineson (known from Nosferatu), Kate Dickie (Dept. Q), Harvey Scrimshaw (The School for Good and Evil), and Julian Richings (Supernatural).

A Chilling Slow-Burn

Often praised for its chilling and deliberate pace, The Witch was a breakout role for Anya Taylor-Joy. The film earned accolades including Best First Feature and Best First Screenplay at the Independent Spirit Awards. Taylor-Joy herself won a Breakthrough Actor award from the Gotham Awards and received a nomination from the Saturn Awards. The Witch also garnered five nominations at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, ultimately winning for Best Film and Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance as Best Actress. Critics have overwhelmingly praised the film, giving it a ‘Fresh’ rating of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.

3
‘Raw’ (2016)


Wild Bunch

Julia Ducournau, the director of Titane, first gained recognition with her film Raw. This French coming-of-age horror movie features Garance Marillier as a vegetarian veterinary student who unexpectedly develops a craving for human meat. The film also stars Ella Rumpf, Rabah Naït Oufella, Joana Preiss, and Laurent Lucas.

‘Suspiria’ Meets ‘Ginger Snaps’

I was completely blown away by Raw! It’s a really powerful film that digs into what it’s like to grow up, especially as a woman, and the intense bonds of sisterhood. What makes it even more fascinating is how it uses cannibalism not as gore, but as a way to explore these themes. Critics seem to agree – Variety compared it to a mix of Suspiria and Ginger Snaps, which gives you a sense of its unique vibe! It’s been a huge hit with awards too, winning prizes at Cannes, Sitges, and the London Film Festival. Plus, it’s ‘Certified Fresh’ on Rotten Tomatoes with an amazing 93% rating – seriously, you need to check this one out!

2
‘Piggy’ (2022)


Filmax

I was really excited to see Piggy because I loved Carlota Pereda’s The Chapel. It turns out she wrote and directed this one too, and it’s actually based on a short film she did back in 2019! I was happy to see Laura Galán, who was in that short, playing Sara. The movie follows Sara, a teenager who’s being relentlessly bullied at the pool during her summer vacation. Things escalate when the bullies steal her stuff, leaving her to walk home in just her swimsuit. But then, a really strange thing happens – Sara finds out they’ve been kidnapped, and she just… doesn’t say anything about it!

Sharp Social Commentary

The film Piggy is a tense and violent thriller that offers a powerful message about the consequences of bullying. It earned significant recognition in Spain, including four nominations and a win for actress Pilar Galán at the Cinema Writers Circle Awards, and six Goya Award nominations with another win for Galán. She was also honored with the Newcomer Award from the Spanish Actors Union. Critics have praised the film, giving it a ‘Fresh’ rating of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.

1
‘Hatching’ (2022)


Nordisk Film

Hatching, also known as Pahanhautoja, is a Finnish horror film marking the feature film debut of director Hanna Bergholm (known for Helsinki Crimes). The movie, written by Ilja Rautsi (Fleak), stars Siiri Solalinna as Tinja, a 12-year-old gymnast pressured by her mother (Sophia Heikkilä) to maintain a flawless family image. When Tinja discovers an egg she believes belongs to a crow, she secretly brings it home and cares for it. However, when the egg hatches, a bizarre, human-sized bird-like creature emerges. Tinja names the creature Alli, but as Alli grows, the situation quickly turns into a terrifying ordeal.

Creepy Creature Effects

The unsettling animatronics in Hatching helped the film win Best Special Effects at the Sitges – Catalonian International Film Festival. Director Hanna Bergholm also received the Grand Prize for Best Film and the Youth Jury Grand Prize at the Gérardmer Film Festival. The movie was further recognized with nominations for Best International Movie and Best Creature FX at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. Critics overwhelmingly praised Hatching, giving it a fresh rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.

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2025-11-09 23:55