There has been a recent spike in original horror stories in horror cinema. Putting aside all of the remakes and prequel stories that could count as original, but have they played out? Horror is such a classic genre of entertainment beloved by many—a genre filled with monsters, suspense, thrills, and chills. Lately, however, there has been a good rise in horror movies with original stories without relying on remakes. Much love to the remakes, but nothing truly beats an original horror story to create a new horror icon to spread fear and terror within us. It’s time to change up the stories from masked slashers and killer dolls to create something even more terrifyingly innovative for screens. 

As we all know, the movie industry can sometimes lack originality, or it just continues to pump out the same type of movies. Whether it be a remake of a classic story or just another superhero movie, it can be exhausting seeing the same style and story remade to hit the theatres. Meanwhile, tons of original stories are waiting to be picked up. Kshitij Mohan Rawat spoke out on this from their article titled “Is originality dead in Hollywood? Why studios are ditching original movies for reboots and sequels.”, “The trend may be seeing an encouraging reversal, but for the most part, movies based on original ideas are becoming rare, and it is now unheard of an original movie not backed by a major director or star being financed by any of the big studios.” This quote speaks volumes on how studios aren’t willing to take a “risk” to help fund an original story as they think it will lack success. Like many who love horror movies, I would like to see more original stories or a dragged-out franchise with just brand new characters and the same plot lines overall. Rawat also shined light on A24, an entertainment company primarily known for having the most original stories turned into huge production films due to their reputation for helping bring more original stories to life. As we all know, A24 is stellar at making these stories come to life and potentially getting some new directors’ names out there.

As for 2024 and 2025, I have seen a good amount of more original horror stories coming into play which I am very much enjoying with some honorable mentions being, Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, The Substance directed by Coralie Fargeat, Lisa Frankenstein directed by Zelda Williams., Smile directed by Parker Finn. Bodies, bodies, bodies directed by Halina Reijn. Abigail, directed by Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Terrifier, directed by Damien Leone, and many more amazing titles. I honestly believe that original stories are sometimes better than all these sequels and prequels being spewed out, as it adds something different and much more variety to the movie industry itself. Also, seeing more creative visions from either beloved directors or those just starting in the directing chair. Creative original stories also seem to do better at the box office than a reboot, sequel, or prequel, as it grabs others’ attention for trying something new within the horror genre. As much as we love our classic horror movies and classic horror icons, it’s time to pass the torch with some more original stories instead of trying to put out a reboot that does poorly at the box office and to the audiences, as originality can’t be killed.