It’s crucial to celebrity diversity in the horror world because it should always be inclusive. Therefore, celebrating Black horror directors will continue to be the mode. Even if there aren’t nearly as many Black horror directors in the genre in comparison to white directors, for instance, making note of those that do exist is a major thumbs up.
Thankfully, more Black directors have emerged over the years and have given us some of the best horror films across the decades. Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror is a solid documentary to watch to learn more about Black horror history. Jordan Peele comes to mind, and he is absolutely on this list, but what about other Black directors? Who else has made their mark on horror as a genre? We’ve got the answer to that question, just in time for Black History Month.
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Keep reading to learn about a few of the best Black horror directors and the horror films they’ve made.
William Crain
Film he’s best known for: Blacula
Despite having a short career, William Crain‘s influence on horror and blaxploitation horror with Blacula is of note. William Crain found success with Blacula and lit the match for more blaxploitation horror films like Scream Blacula Scream. Crain directed another blaxploitation horror film, Dr Black, Mr Hyde, but it hasn’t been active since 2016. The cult status of Blacula marks why Crain is an influential Black horror director. Horror fans looking to expand their horizons should check it out at least once.
Where to watch Blacula: Prime Video or VOD
Ernest Dickerson
Film he’s best known for: Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight
Since the late ’80s, Ernest Dickerson has made his mark in the film industry. Dickerson began as a cinematographer and moved into directing as well as screenwriting. In terms of horror, he directed two notable Black horror films, Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight and Bones. Dickerson also directed horror television series like Fear Itself, Masters of Horror, The Walking Dead, The Vampire Diaries, and The Purge. He also partially gave us the Black horror icon Jeryline (Jada Pinkett Smith).
Where to watch Demon Knight: Starz or VOD
Rusty Cundieff
Film he’s best known for: Tales from the Hood
Starting as a stand-up comedian, Rusty Cundieff carved out a space for himself in the horror canon. After acting in and helping make non-horror projects, Cundieff gave fans one of the best anthology horror films ever with Tales from the Hood in ’95. From there, he directed and wrote Tales from the Hood sequels and directed two episodes of the Creepshow television series. The first Tales from the Hood is a tremendous horror film and deserves all the accolades for being pure magic. Here’s to hoping Cundieff returns to the horror fold soon.
Where to watch Tales from the Hood: Starz or VOD.
Jordan Peele
Film he’s best known for: Get Out
When someone calls Jordan Peele an icon in the horror genre, they’re not exaggerating. After his success in the comedy world, Peele decided to take a chance and dive into the horror world with Get Out. The film is considered one of the best horror films of the 2010s. From there, Peele directed and/or wrote the horror films Us, Nope, Candyman (2021), Wendell & Wild, and Him, an upcoming sports horror film. His influence on the horror genre and Black horror is very grand and appreciated.
Where to watch Get Out: VOD
Nia DaCosta
Film she’s best known for: Candyman (2021)
Nia DaCosta boldly revived the world of a beloved horror film with Candyman (2021). Although she doesn’t have a vast filmography, her ability to play in the horror sandbox was proven with the sequel. It is very exciting to see a Black woman help revive horror franchises. Her next project is the highly anticipated 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Here’s hoping it is a smashing success upon its release.
Where to watch Candyman: VOD
Black filmmakers should be highlighted during any month of the year, and there are others to check out as far as horror screenwriters go. Fingers crossed that we see more Black women directing horror, especially Black queer women!
