This curated selection of horror films delves into the dark themes of gender inequality, offering viewers not just scares but also a profound commentary on societal issues. These films use the horror genre to highlight the struggles, fears, and injustices faced by women, making them both terrifying and enlightening. Whether through supernatural elements or psychological terror, each film in this list provides a unique perspective on the pervasive issue of gender inequality, making them essential viewing for those interested in both horror and social critique.

The Descent (2005)
Description: This British horror film focuses on a group of women exploring a cave system, using the setting to metaphorically represent the societal pressures and dangers women face.
Fact: The film was shot in real caves, and the cast underwent spelunking training to perform their own stunts.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: This Australian horror film explores the psychological terror of a single mother dealing with grief, isolation, and the societal expectations of motherhood, making it a poignant commentary on gender roles.
Fact: The film was initially banned in some countries due to its intense themes, and the Babadook has become an internet meme symbolizing repressed feelings.


The Invitation (2015)
Description: This film uses the setting of a dinner party to delve into themes of trust, betrayal, and the psychological impact of domestic violence, focusing on a woman's experience.
Fact: The film was shot in a single location to increase tension, and the ending was kept secret from most of the cast to capture genuine reactions.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: While not explicitly about gender inequality, the film uses the body of a mysterious woman to explore themes of violence against women and the unknown horrors they face.
Fact: The film was shot in a real morgue to add authenticity, and the actress playing Jane Doe, Olwen Catherine Kelly, had to remain motionless for hours during filming.


The Love Witch (2016)
Description: A satirical take on gender roles, this film follows a modern-day witch who uses spells to find love, highlighting the absurdity of traditional gender expectations.
Fact: The film was shot on 35mm film to give it a retro look, and the director, Anna Biller, also designed the costumes and sets.


The Nightingale (2018)
Description: Set in 1825 Tasmania, this film uses historical horror to depict the brutal realities of colonial violence, focusing on a young Irish convict woman's quest for justice, highlighting gender and racial inequality.
Fact: The film was shot in Tasmania to maintain historical accuracy, and it was both praised and criticized for its graphic depiction of violence.


The Witch (2015)
Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film examines the witch hunts through the lens of a family's disintegration, highlighting the scapegoating of women as witches due to societal fears and misogyny.
Fact: The film was shot in a remote forest to maintain historical accuracy, and all dialogue was in period-appropriate English.


Under the Shadow (2016)
Description: Set during the Iran-Iraq war, this film intertwines supernatural horror with the real-life horrors of war and the societal constraints on women, making it a powerful narrative on gender roles.
Fact: It was the first Iranian film to be shot entirely in Jordan, and it was nominated for a BAFTA for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.


Raw (2016)
Description: A French-Belgian horror film where a vegetarian student discovers her taste for human flesh, exploring themes of female sexuality and societal repression.
Fact: The film was banned in Russia for its graphic content, and the director, Julia Ducournau, used real meat in some scenes to enhance the realism.


Prevenge (2016)
Description: Directed by and starring Alice Lowe, this film explores the dark side of pregnancy, using horror to comment on the pressures and expectations placed on pregnant women.
Fact: Lowe wrote and filmed the movie while actually pregnant, and it was shot in just 11 days.
