Scream Queens: Ranking the Top 7 Modern-day Women of Horror

It’s spooky-season which means it’s time for chilly weather, falling leaves and, of course, horror movies. We’re celebrating the genre by honoring those that make it so special with a countdown of the greatest scream queens working today.

7. Anya Taylor-Joy

Robert Eggers hates his debut film The Witch starring Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy took over the high-octane, adrenaline-fueled world of Mad Max with this year’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, but its her work in the terrifying world of horror that gets her on this list. Starting with Robert Eggers The Witch, the talented young actress went on to showcase her skillset in the genre through a wide range of films while working with some of the most talented filmmakers in the business. Split, Last Night in Soho and The Menu are prime examples of what makes Anya Taylor-Joy a true scream queen.

6. Maika Monroe

Maika Monroe may not be a household name yet, but her performance in the surprise hit Longlegs could soon change that. She first made a strong impression on fans with the excellent It Follows back in 2014, a role she’ll be reprising in the upcoming sequel They Follow. When you add in her roles in films like The Guest, Villains and Watcher its easy to see why she makes the list of greatest modern-day scream queens.

5. Kathryn Newton

Kathryn Newton as Sammy in Abigail

Kathryn Newton first dipped her toes in the horror realm with the fourth instalment of the popular Paranormal Activity franchise back in 2012. Since then she’s made a habit of returning to the genre with a mix of straight horror films and monster tinged comedies. With movies like Freaky, Lisa Frankenstein and Abigail under her belt, she’s proven herself worthy of the scream queen title.

4. Melissa Borrero

Melissa Barrera in Abigail (2024)

Melissa Barrera, along with another scream queen on our list, took over the reigns of the highly successful Scream franchise for Scream (2022) and Scream VI. Since first battling Ghostface Barrera has starred in the Tubi original horror film Bed Rest, as well as the vampire horror-comedy Abigail, and later this month the genre mashup film Your Monster. Its an impressive resume for an actress who spends most of her time onscreen covered in blood.

3. Samara Weaving

Perhaps best known as the hunted bride in the cult-classic horror Ready or Not, Samara Weaving has made herself comfortable in the genre of horror, including in the Netflix hit The Babysitter and its follow-up The Babysitter: Killer Queen. Add in her brief, yet memorable, appearance in Scream VI and her prominent role in the underrated Mayhem and she’s a certified scream queen. Not to mention the rumored follow-up to Ready or Not we may be seeing in the future. Fingers crossed.

2. Jenna Ortega

What would a list of scream queens be without Jenna Ortega? The young actress has skyrocketed to super-stardom and she’s done so primarily in the horror genre. Her gothic demeanor makes her a perfect fit for Tim Burton and her role as Wednesday Adams in the popular Netflix series, and as Lydia Deetz’s daughter in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice only cement her status. With additional roles in Insidious: Chapter 2, The Babysitter: Killer Queen, Scream (2022), Scream VI, Studio 666, X and American Carnage she seems destined to go down in history as one of the greatest scream queens of all time.

1. Mia Goth

Mia Goth proves she’s the greatest of the scream queens ( from Pearl) | A24

There is only one woman who could beat out Jenna Ortega for the number one slot and that’s Mia Goth. Since teaming up with horror auteur Ti West, Goth has shot to the forefront of the horror genre. With starring roles in X, Pearl and MaXXXine she’s made a household name for herself. But, Goth was deeply invested in the genre even before taking on the role of Maxine Minx. With appearances in A Cure for Wellness, Suspiria (2018), High Life, Infinity Pool and the upcoming Frankenstein from Guillermo del Toro, queen of the scream queens is a title she’s earned, and it’s one I don’t think she’ll be losing anytime soon.

Did your favorite scream queen make the list? Let us know in the comments.