The Oscar-Winning Body Horror John Carpenter Hated Is 1 of the Most Popular Films in the World

Despite John Carpenter‘s dislike of it, the 2024 body horror film is proving popular with viewers on Paramount+. The movie is currently gaining traction on the streaming service worldwide.

The movie The Substance is currently the No. 10 most popular movie on Paramount+ worldwide, according to data from FlixPatrol. It’s been gaining traction globally over the past week, reaching as high as No. 2 in countries like Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. Released in 2024, the film—written and directed by Coralie Fargeat—received strong positive reviews, earning an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and being designated “Certified Fresh.”

John Carpenter, a highly respected director known for classic horror films like Halloween, The Fog, and The Thing in the late 1970s and early 1980s, recently shared his strong dislike for the film The Substance. He revealed this during a question-and-answer session at Fan Expo in late 2025.

John Carpenter didn’t hold back when asked about the film The Substance. He stated bluntly that he liked ‘ZERO’ of it, and when asked what specifically he disliked, he answered simply, ‘Everything.’

Corinne Fargeat, director of The Substance, probably wasn’t pleased with John Carpenter’s recent remarks. She’s previously expressed admiration for Carpenter and his films, even saying The Thing greatly influenced her work. In a 2024 interview with Inverse, Fargeat acknowledged the impact of filmmakers like Carpenter and David Cronenberg, stating she intentionally pays homage to those she loves and respects when she writes.

The Substance Has Left Its Mark on the Horror Genre

Despite mixed reactions from some, The Substance has made a significant impact on the horror film landscape. The movie received five nominations at the 97th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. It ultimately won the award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, beating out strong contenders like A Different Man, Wicked, Emilia Perez, and Nosferatu.

I was so thrilled to see horror films like The Substance and Nosferatu finally get some Oscar attention last year! It feels like things are really changing. Everyone’s already talking about which 2025 releases might be nominated when the announcements come out at the end of January, and I’m personally keeping an eye on titles like Longlegs, Speak No Evil, and Weapons. I have a good feeling about them!

She recently received recognition for her role as Gladys in Weapons, earning a Best Supporting Actress award. If nominated for an Oscar, she could be the first actor since Natalie Portman (Black Swan) to win an Academy Award for a performance in a horror film. However, awards aren’t guaranteed – last year, Demi Moore won a Critics’ Choice Award for The Substance but ultimately lost the Oscar to Mikey Madison for Anora.

The Substance is available to stream on Paramount+ in select countries.

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2026-01-05 22:37