Female Directors Are Making Their Mark in Horror and Fantasy Streaming

New data from JustWatch reveals that audiences in the United States are increasingly streaming horror and fantasy films directed by women—genres that have historically been dominated by male filmmakers.

According to the streaming guide’s latest analysis, viewers are actively seeking out genre films created by female directors across major platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and AMC+. The ranking is based on streaming activity from JustWatch users in the U.S. between January 2025 and March 2026, tracking which titles audiences are most frequently trying to watch online.

The results highlight the growing influence of women directors in horror, thriller, and fantasy storytelling, with several high-profile releases and indie hits making the list.

Top 10 Most Streamed Horror & Fantasy Films Directed by Women (U.S.)

1. The Substance (2024)
Directed by Coralie Fargeat
Available on HBO Max and MUBI, this body-horror film tops the list as the most sought-after female-directed genre movie among U.S. streamers.

2. Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023)
Directed by Emma Tammi
The film adaptation of the popular video game franchise remains a major streaming draw.

3. Venom: The Last Dance (2024)
Directed by Kelly Marcel
The Marvel antihero franchise installment rounds out the top three.

4. The Ugly Stepsister (2025)
Directed by Emilie Kristine Blichfeldt

5. Nightbitch (2024)
Directed by Marielle Heller

6. I Know What You Did Last Summer
Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson

7. Bone Lake (2025)
Directed by Mercedes Bryce Morgan

8. House on Eden (2025)
Directed by Kris Collins

9. I Saw the TV Glow (2024)
Directed by Jane Schoenbrun

10. Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (2024)
Directed by Ariane Louis‑Seize

A Shift in Genre Filmmaking

The data suggests that audiences are embracing a wider range of voices in horror and fantasy. From experimental indie films like I Saw the TV Glow to blockbuster franchises like Venom, women directors are increasingly shaping the tone and storytelling of modern genre cinema.

Streaming platforms have also played a significant role in expanding visibility for these films, allowing viewers to discover titles from both major studios and emerging filmmakers.

For audiences, the trend signals something larger than just viewing numbers—it reflects a changing industry where female filmmakers are gaining more opportunities to lead projects in genres long associated with male directors.

As streaming continues to dominate film discovery, data from JustWatch indicates that viewers are not only open to these perspectives—they are actively searching for them.