In the year 2026, it’s unfortunate that there is still a lack of representation for Black women in the horror genre. So little that even as an active fan you have to scrape up every memory from a lifetime of movies to discuss a few actresses in the film industry. That’s why it was important for me to put a spotlight on 10 Black actresses in horror movies throughout the years. Not all of the roles listed below are lead roles, but it was important to have some actors included who were still memorable despite the limited screen time in their respective films.
1. Octavia Spencer- Ma (2019)
Released in 2019, Octavia Spencer took on the lead role of Sue Ann in the thriller Ma. She plays a lonely middle-aged woman who befriends a group of rowdy teenagers that like to party. In this film we are able to see Octavia Spencers’ range as a sweet, comforting, caretaker, take a quick turn as Ma’s obsession with the attention from her teenage ‘friends’ begins to envelop her.
2. Lupita Nyong’o- Us
The film Us, was the breakout film for Lupita Nyong’o as a lead role. In the psychological horror hit, she doubles her role as the main character, Adelaide Wilson. Lupita is a well-known supermodel who was able to expand her carrer into Hollywood and has proven her skills as we’ve seen with her performances in Black Panther, A Quiet Place, Star Wars, and more. Despite the success of the film, it was disappointing we were not able to see Lupita even nominated for an Oscar for her performance in Us during the award season.
3. Aaliyah- Queen of the Damned (2002)
After her passing in 2001, fans were able to enjoy seeing Queen Akasha played by the icon Aaliyah. Outside of critical takes of the film in its entirety, being able to see this posthumous film is a must for gothic horror fans. With the resurrection of the fictional character Lestat in Interview with a Vampire and The Vampire Lestat it’ll be interesting to see if they give us a modern take of the bold performance that Aalyiah was able to take on.
4. Teyonah Parris- Candyman (2021)
This franchise is an integral part of the horror industry that has maintained its importance for decades. In the 2021 release, we were able to see Teyonah Parris take on the unapologetically Black role as Brianna Cartwright. Although Candyman focused on the generational effects of police brutality against Black men, it was refreshing to see Teyonah Parris set a reminder of how Black women are also effected and often forgotten as they forced to face and compartmentalize traumatic experiences on their own.
5. Keke Palmer- Nope (2022)
Although she’s not new to the industry, Keke Palmer was once again able to provide a refreshing take on her character in Nope. In this film, Keke plays Emerald Haywood, the sister of protagonist OJ Haywood. The best part of having Keke as a member of this film was seeing her visualized as young, funny, and rocking her natural hair all of which made the film lighter.
6. Antoinette Robertson- The Blackening (2023)
This movie was one of the few films that provided that visual representation that I seek in horror films. I would categorize this as a horror comedy not an actual thriller, but lots of light moments and comedic gags within the film. Outside of the plot or writing, I chose to highlight Antoinette Robertson for her acting in the film and I hope to see her in more serious roles in the future.
7. Vonette McGee- Blacula (1972)
If you haven’t seen this film it’s time to add it to your watchlist. This movie is a classic film in the Horror Noir category that isn’t given as many chances as it should. This film broke barriers for Black actors and gave the horror industry a new outlook on how they can be seen in future productions. Vonetta McGee’s role as Tina turned heads with her undeniable beauty, not only for Blacula himself, but for viewers too which is what drew so many people to see the film.
8. Carol Speed- Abby (1974)
This was a film I felt important to include due to it basically being erased after its infamous lawsuit. Regardless, I believed it was important for lovers of possession horrors to take their chance on Abby which gave Carol Speed a leading role in 1974. There are many hot takes on the delivery of this film, but nonetheless its creation in m eyes is still significant.
9. Wunmi Mosaku- Sinners (2025)
The diversity of the casting in this film is what stayed with me the most after my first watch. Although released in 2025, it is still rare to see a cast with a variety of backgrounds all while having different levels of Hollywood experience. Wunmi was able to capture the heart of viewers even though she did not have a lead role. Through her character Annie, Wunmi allowed the audience to laugh, cry, and empathize with her throughout the film.
10. Brandy - I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)
Brandy was one of the 90s it-girls so seeing her in I Still Know What You Did Last Summer is almost nostalgic. Remembering her role was even better after watching the 2025 release of I Know What You Did Last Summer that include a cameo from Brandy herself. It was disheartening to see the 2025 cast continue to limit the number of Black actors included, but having Brandy shown in the film felt like her legacy was being appropriately honored by the franchise.
As of today, you can see Zazie Beetz take on the lead role in They Will Kill Us, which is now in theaters. My hope is that the industry’s creatives and casting directors will look to black women in a more serious light to take on greater roles in the future. Limited representation limits the audience and the enjoyment. For me I have found it to be sickeningly repetitive to see the same people giving off the same performances in the same roles.
Let me know below which Black actresses you would like to see take on lead roles in horror films! If I didn’t name your favorite actor above, let me know below who you’d like to put a spotlight on and name their performance in the comments.
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