There’s no time like now to rewatch or finally watch some 2000s horror films. It’s always a good time to revisit these films and see how each decade shifted horror in a specific direction. Where the 2000s are concerned, horror was in a very nihilistic place (due to the political landscape), and that means there were more than a few bleak horror films. But there were also quite a number of them with great final girls and the like.
If you haven’t returned to older horror or have seldom browsed the 2000s horror catalog, you’re in luck. We’ve got you covered, and this time, there’s a bit of a twist as these films have women at the forefront. From villains to final girls, you won’t be without an option to be reminded of. Keep scrolling to see some of the best throwback horror films from the 2000s era.
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Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Director: Karyn Kusama
Writer: Diablo Cody
Synopsis: A teen girl is possessed by a demon and goes on a killing spree that her best friend is hellbent on stopping.
It’s been discussed endlessly and likely will be for years to come. However, there’s a reason that Jennifer’s Body has the legacy it does. People have analyzed its depiction of best friendship, queer longing and desire, and so on throughout the years. Not to mention, Megan Fox was praised for her performance long after the film came out. Jennifer’s Body is one of those throwback horror films that, while it’s very of the time, still holds up in other ways and remains a queer and feminist cult classic.
Where to watch: VOD
Martyrs (2008)
Director: Pascal Laugier
Writer: Pascal Laugier
Synopsis: A young woman and her best friend embark on a journey of revenge against abusers and later suffering.
There’s virtually no point in which Martyrs allows its viewers to breathe a sigh of relief. Martyrs isn’t just one of the best throwback horror films of all time; it also profoundly affects its viewers. Women are a massive part of the film at its core, and Morjana Alaoui and Mylène Jampanoï do a tremendous job. It’s also crucial to mention that they are both women of color, which adds a layer to their characters’ journeys. However, Martyrs shouldn’t be recommended to just anyone because of how intense it is. Keep that in mind!
Where to watch: Plex and VOD in the US
Hostel Part II (2007)
Director: Eli Roth
Writer: Eli Roth
Synopsis: Three art students find themselves in a disturbing nightmare when they are kidnapped in Slovakia by an organization that facilitates paid torture and murder.
First and foremost, the critiques of Eli Roth’s films aren’t invalid. However, it can be argued that Hostel Part II is his best film. Hostel Part II takes the general premise of the first film and does it better with likable characters like Beth (Lauren German). Naturally, this isn’t a film for people who don’t like heavy gore, nerve-wracking scenes, or blood, for that matter. But if you can deal with all of that, watch it if not for the better setup and Lauren German.
Where to watch: Starz, Plex, AMC Theatres on Demand, and VOD
Inside (2007)
Director: Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury
Writer: Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury
Synopsis: A pregnant woman is attacked in her home on Christmas Eve by a woman who wants to take her baby.
Regarding New French Extremity, Inside is one of the best entries. There’s no shortage of gore, blood, or chaos in Inside, and that’s part of why it’s so memorable. Not only that, but the two women are also the focal point of the entire film. Sarah (Alysson Paradis) isn’t saved by a man at the last minute, and La Femme (Béatrice Dalle) is a force alone. Fair warning that there isn’t a happy ending to this film, and that’s mostly the point because home invasion doesn’t always end well.
Where to watch: VOD
The Descent (2005)
Director: Neil Marshall
Writer: Neil Marshall
Synopsis: A group of friends go on a cave expedition, and when things take a horrible turn, they soon realize they’re not alone.
Labeling The Descent as one of the best throwback horror films of the 2000s is not an exaggeration. The Descent‘s main cast consists entirely of women, and the connections the characters have come across are genuine. The film is well-executed, frightening even before the creatures appear, and tackles grief in a particular way. And when shit hits the fan, it really does. On another note, how Juno (Natalie Mendoza) and Sarah (Shauna Macdonald) become badasses is always exciting to watch.
Where to watch: Plex, AMC Theatres on Demand, and VOD
Wrong Turn (2003)
Director: Rob Schmidt
Writer: Alan B. McElroy
Synopsis: A group of friends end up stranded in the woods and find themselves in a world of trouble when a deranged family hunts them.
In terms of early 2000s throwback horror films, Wrong Turn is one of the best examples of how horror looked at the time, from the badass final girl (Eliza Dushku) to the white tank tops that should be dirtier by the end of the film. Eliza Dushku does help carry the film and is part of why Wrong Turn is so memorable. It could be due to her holding some of Faith’s (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) energy into the film with her. Either way, she’s a delight and is effortlessly cool in her performances.
Where to watch: VOD
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
Director: Marcus Nispel
Writer: Marcus Nispel
Synopsis: After a tragic hitchhiking incident, five friends find themselves fighting for their lives against a cannibal family.
Regarding throwback horror and remakes, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of the best. Instead of being a carbon copy of the original, it amps up the bleakness and has more violence throughout. On top of that, Erin (Jessica Biel) is one of those final girls who are often overlooked, which is a shame. As soon as the other characters start being killed off, she becomes the focus, and the film becomes even better. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) is the right slasher to throw on if you want to sit in a bleak atmosphere.
Where to watch: VOD
Underworld (2003)
Director: Len Wiseman
Writer: Kevin Grevioux, Len Wiseman, and Danny McBride
Synopsis: A vampire warrior falls in love with a human and is forced to deal with the ongoing battle between vampires and werewolves.
It wouldn’t be a list of 2000s throwback horror without Underworld, not just because of Kate Beckinsale. The opening is iconic; Selene (Kate Beckinsale) is a badass with a wicked outfit, and the atmosphere is so delightfully gothic. There’s so much to appreciate in Selene as a character and a vampire woman who is strong and refuses to play by the rules, especially when it pertains to her falling in love and trying to hide it. Therefore, Underworld gets a major thumbs up for how goth it is, Selene’s character trajectory, and how action-packed her fight scenes are.
Where to watch: VOD
Ginger Snaps (2000)
Director: John Fawcett
Writer: Karen Walton and John Fawcett
Synopsis: A tight-knit pair of sisters are thrust into an unfortunate situation when one of them is bitten by a werewolf.
People don’t always discuss Canadian horror, but Ginger Snaps seems to be one of the exceptions. A story of lycanthropy and having it be a metaphor for womanhood and menstruation is precisely what Ginger Snaps is. Even though the ending might be rough and bleak, there’s a lot to celebrate about the film, especially Katharine Isabelle’s performance as Ginger. As far as coming-of-age horror goes, this is also one of the quintessential entries of that. Ginger Snaps is absolutely the throwback horror film for you if you want quotable lines, a focus on women, cool goths, and a wicked werewolf transformation.
Where to watch: Peacock, AMC+, Shudder, Plex, and VOD
Scream 3 (2000)
Director: Wes Craven
Writer: Kevin Williamson and Ehren Kruger
Synopsis: A new Ghostface arises during the filming of Stab 3, and Sidney (Neve Campbell), Gale (Courteney Cox), and Dewey (David Arquette) are terrorized once again.
As far as Scream entries go, Scream 3 doesn’t always get much praise, primarily due to the comedic tonal shift. However, it’s always been a genre led by memorable female characters, and Scream 3 is no exception. Gale and Jennifer Jolie (Parker Posey) effectively carry the film when Sidney isn’t on the screen, and they are some of the best parts of Scream 3 in general. Their performances make for a delightful time and hilarious line deliveries, and the film allows Gale to be more of a focus, and she absolutely deserves that. Therefore, Scream 3 earns its spot on this list of throwback horror films.
Where to watch: Max and VOD
We’ve come a long way in horror since the 2000s, and revisiting throwback horror films is sometimes helpful to see how much has changed. Women will always be an important part of the genre, and that much will hopefully never change. Enjoy the films listed and celebrate the ladies in horror that you adore.
