For some queer people, the horror genre is a source of comfort.
After all, queerness has been relegated to the periphery of society, similar to the monsters you see in horror films.
I found myself rooting for the monster in most of the horror films I watched growing up. I felt an empathy for them, seeing them ridiculed, or worse, by the mobs who represented the status quo.
Queer horror has emerged as a sub genre that not only terrifies but also delves into the complexities of queer identity, often blending social commentary with spine-chilling narratives.
Over time, many classic horror films have been reinterpreted through a queer lens, revealing deeper layers of meaning related to identity, desire, and societal norms.
Here are the top 10 classic horror movies that are now considered queer horror.
The Haunting (1963)
The Haunting from 1963 is considered a trailblazer in the realm of queer horror. Photo Courtesy of IMDB
Directed by Robert Wise, “The Haunting” is a masterclass in psychological horror. The film centres on a group of people investigating a haunted mansion, with Theo, played by Claire Bloom, being one of the most memorable characters. Theo’s implied lesbianism and her complex relationship with the protagonist Eleanor add a significant queer subtext to the film. The subtle exploration of Theo’s sexuality makes “The Haunting” a pioneering work in queer horror.
Dracula’s Daughter (1936)
Dracula’s Daughter is among the earliest examples of a film with queer themes in horror cinema. Photo Courtesy of IMDB
As a direct sequel to the 1931 “Dracula,” this film directed by Lambert Hillyer stands out for its queer undertones. Countess Marya Zaleska, the titular character, seeks to free herself from her father’s influence and her vampiric urges. Her relationship with a female model she seduces and then kills is filled with homoerotic tension, making it one of the earliest examples of queer themes in horror cinema.
Frankenstein (1931) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
The relationship between Dr. Frankenstein and his creation can be interpreted as a metaphor for forbidden desire. Photo Courtesy of IMDB
James Whale, an openly gay director, infused his adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic with a subtle but undeniable queer sensibility. The relationship between Dr. Frankenstein and his creation can be interpreted as a metaphor for forbidden desire. This subtext is more pronounced in the sequel, “Bride of Frankenstein,” where the monster’s search for companionship and the portrayal of Dr. Pretorius introduce more overt queer elements.
Cat People (1942)
Cat People from 1942 does a great job of exploring themes of forbidden desire, which is something many queer folks grapple with at a young age. Photo Courtesy of IMDB
Directed by Jacques Tourneur and produced by Val Lewton, “Cat People” tells the story of Irena, a woman who believes she transforms into a panther when aroused. The film’s exploration of Irena’s fear of her own sexuality and her struggle with her identity can be seen as a metaphor for queer repression. The underlying themes of forbidden desire and transformation resonate deeply with queer audiences.
Rebecca (1940)
Mrs. Danvers’ fixation on the deceased Rebecca adds to the film’s eerie atmosphere and its exploration of hidden desires. Photo Courtesy of IMDB
Alfred Hitchcock’s adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s novel “Rebecca” is a gothic thriller rich with queer subtext. The relationship between the second Mrs. de Winter and the housekeeper Mrs. Danvers is loaded with obsessive and possessive lesbian undertones. Mrs. Danvers’ fixation on the deceased Rebecca adds to the film’s eerie atmosphere and its exploration of hidden desires.
The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)
Dorian Gray’s relationship with his portrait and the film’s depiction of his hedonistic lifestyle carry significant queer subtext. Photo Courtesy of IMDB
Based on Oscar Wilde’s novel, this film directed by Albert Lewin delves into themes of vanity, decadence, and moral corruption. Dorian Gray’s relationship with his portrait and the film’s depiction of his hedonistic lifestyle carry significant queer subtext, reflecting Wilde’s own life and the coded ways queerness was often portrayed in literature and film of the time.
Rope (1948)
The relationship between the two protagonists, played by Farley Granger and John Dall, is tinged with homoerotic tension. Photo Courtesy of IMDB
Another Alfred Hitchcock classic, “Rope” is based on the real-life Leopold and Loeb murder case. The film centres on two young men who commit a murder to prove their intellectual superiority. The relationship between the two protagonists, played by Farley Granger and John Dall, is tinged with homoerotic tension, making “Rope” one of Hitchcock’s most overtly queer works.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show film’s playful subversion of gender norms and sexual mores have made it a beloved queer icon and a staple of midnight movie screenings. Photo Courtesy of IMDB
Jim Sharman’s cult classic musical horror film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is an exuberant celebration of queer identity and sexuality. The character of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a self-proclaimed “sweet transvestite,” and the film’s playful subversion of gender norms and sexual mores have made it a beloved queer icon and a staple of midnight movie screenings.
A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985)
The homoerotic elements in A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge make it a fascinating study in queer horror. Photo Courtesy of IMDB
Directed by Jack Sholder, this sequel to Wes Craven’s original film has been reinterpreted as a queer horror classic. The film follows Jesse, a teenage boy whose body becomes the vessel for Freddy Krueger. The homoerotic subtext, including Jesse’s interactions with his best friend and his struggle with his identity, resonate strongly with queer themes, making it a fascinating study in queer horror.
Interview with the Vampire (1994)
Interview With The Vampire’s gothic atmosphere and exploration of immortal desire adds to its status as a queer horror classic. Photo Courtesy of IMDB
Based on Anne Rice’s novel and directed by Neil Jordan, “Interview with the Vampire” explores the intimate and often homoerotic relationships between its vampire characters. The bond between Lestat (Tom Cruise) and Louis (Brad Pitt) is depicted with a depth and complexity that suggests more than mere companionship. The film’s lush, gothic atmosphere and exploration of immortal desire add to its status as a queer horror classic.
Final Thoughts
These classic horror films, reinterpreted through a queer lens, reveal the genre’s ability to explore complex themes of identity, desire, and societal norms.
By pushing boundaries and challenging conventions, these movies have not only terrified audiences but also provided a rich tapestry of queer subtext and representation.
Whether through subtle implications or overt themes, these films continue to resonate with and inspire queer viewers, cementing their place in the canon of queer horror.