As a Valentine, I’m celebrating this upcoming love-centered day by watching one of my favorite genres of film: horror. This isn’t surprising to my friends, as I watch the same movie almost every day at this point. But with it also being Black History Month, I want to highlight some of my favorite Black-led horror/thriller films.

#1 Sinners [2025]

Directed by Ryan Coogler / R / 2:17/ Supernatural horror / Action

Twin brothers return to their hometown to set up a juke joint, only to learn of something wicked surrounding them and their younger cousin as the first night of the party quickly turns south. But the music sure sounds nice.

I have been obsessed with this movie ever since it came out. I saw it 5 times in theaters and roughly 25 more times since. While I’m writing this article, it’s playing on my TV again. In my heart, it has already won all 16 Oscars it was nominated for. The cinematography, the lighting, the sound mixing, the acting, Michael A and B Jordan. Sinners is perfect for me.

#2 Candyman [2021]

Directed by Nia DaCosta / R / 1:31 / Body Horror / Psychological / Slasher

A painter within gentrified Chicago learns of the lore behind his apartment’s infamous boogeyman, leading him down a path of insanity and violence. Maybe don’t say a haunted name five times in a row.

This is a sequel to the 1992 original Candyman, which stars the beloved Tony Todd, a legend in the Horror and Sci-fi sphere. After watching both movies, I honestly prefer the newest version because of how it reflects on the first while being its own story. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Teyonah Parris worked great together in showcasing art and how it often profits more from Black pain rather than Black joy.

#3 Nope [2022]

Directed by Jordan Peele / R / 2:10 / Monster Horror

Don’t trust the sky. Or theme park owners. Two pieces of advice that could have been given to the newly orphaned owners of a horse training ranch for films. Though that couldn’t have prevented the clouds from rolling in.

This is honestly my favorite Jordan Peele film, though at this moment in time, I refuse to rewatch it. Keke Palmer and Daniel Kaluuya as the Haywood siblings were fantastic to see as two different sides of grieving children after losing their father. The pacing ofNope alongside the film score had me wary of clouds for a bit.

#1 They Cloned Tyrone [2023]

Directed by Juel Taylor / R / 2:02 / Dark comedy

After a drug dealer wakes up the morning after being shot dead, he tries to untangle the strands of the dark mystery weaving itself up underneath the neighborhood. What happens when he finds himself?

While this one is marketed as more of a dark comedy thriller, the subject matter leans itself more towards horror with the topic of experiments on the local Black population. So I’m counting it. Teyonah Parris and John Boyega are hilarious throughout this, which balances well with the dark themes.

#2 Blade II [2002]

Directed by Guillermo del Toro/ R / 1:57 / Action / Horror

With mutations happening within the vampire community, vampires are now considered prey by Reapers. The vampire council asks for Blade’s help to hunt them down. A temporary truce to deal with a darker enemy.
I was originally going to add the first Blade film, but upon rewatching it recently, it just doesn’t compare to the sequel for me. This one has my new favorite topic within vampire stories: odd medical plots. Blade mentioned sickle-cell disease, while Blade II has a really cool vampire autopsy.

#3 Us [2019]

Directed by Jordan Peele / 2019 / R / 1:56 / Slasher Horror

The Wilson family attempts to take a relaxing vacation, before having to deal with the strangers who break into the house where they’re staying. And the strangers are a cruel mirror to a strange past.

This was the first Peele movie I ever saw, and I had quite a fun time. I’ve been a fan of Lupita Nyong’o for a while, and just recently saw her role in A Quiet Place: Day One, which led me towards wanting to watch this again just to see her. 

Honestly, throughout making this mini list, I have now influenced myself into doing a movie marathon weekend. Happy Valentine’s day and here is a request: Watch or read literally anything done by a Black person, that’s the least that can be done this month.

Edited and Reviewed by Zoe Carter