Anya Taylor-Joy’s 5 Best Horror Movies, Ranked

Anya Taylor-Joy

has emerged in recent years as one of the most talented actresses of her generation. The role of Beth Harmon in the acclaimed TV show The Queen’s Gambit helped her rise to fame, but before then, the young artist had already been on the scene for over a decade. Among the different projects she participated in, one of her specialties is certainly horror movies.

From psychological thrillers to folklore horrors, Taylor-Joy possesses an innate ability to capture the uneasiness of the most upsetting stories, conveying an intense sense of fear through her penetrating gaze. She consistently chooses projects that demonstrate her emotional range and memorable screen presence. From a designated victim who rises to become a hero to an outsider on her way to becoming the villain, she can play many roles with the same raw authenticity.

5

Marrowbone (2017)

As Allie

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Marrowbone

R

Thriller

Horror

Mystery

Release Date

October 27, 2017

Runtime

111 Minutes

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  • Cast Placeholder Image

    George MacKay

  • Anya Taylor-Joy Profile Picture

    Anya Taylor-Joy

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    Charlie Heaton

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    Mia Goth

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Written and directed by Sergio G. Sánchez, previously known for his work for the internationally recognized The Orphanage, Marrowbone is a haunting horror blending gothic undertones with psychological drama. The film focuses on the Marrowbone siblings who move to their dead mother’s ancestral home in Maine, only to come face to face with a chilling presence in the house. Anya Taylor-Joy is Allie, a young woman who begins a relationship with Jack, the eldest brother.

Marrowbone thrives on a slow-burn pacing and tense atmosphere instead of jump-scares. Nevertheless, it is not short on plot twists. Although Marrowbone received mixed reactions, it is a compelling story, with intriguing mysteries and excellent acting. Even if her role is not the most important, Taylor-Joy still manages to shine — just not enough for the movie to overtake her lead horror roles.

4

Split (2016)

As Casey

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Split

PG-13

Horror

Thriller

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7/10

8.5/10

Release Date

September 26, 2016

Runtime

1h 57m

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  • Headshot Of Kim Director

    Kim Director

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    Betty Buckley

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Another psychological thriller, Split is a suspense-filled and masterfully acted drama that is likely to plague the viewer’s nightmares for a long time. The story features a man with dissociative identity disorder (James McCavoy) who kidnaps three teenagers and keeps them trapped in a secluded basement. Taylor-Joy plays Casey, one of his victims.

anya-taylor-joy-the-menu-furiosa-mad-max

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Although the most memorable part of the film is James McAvoy, whose multi-faceted portrayal of his character’s different personalities is an emotional tour de force, Taylor-Joy also emerges as a star. Her magnetic chemistry with McAvoy is a compelling addition. Unsurprisingly, Split, with its intense characterization and Hitchcock-like atmosphere, was a commercial success when it premiered and led to two more installments. Despite some controversies about its depiction of mental illness, the movie is a must-watch as well as one of Taylor-Joy’s finest works.

3

Last Night In Soho (2021)

As Sandie

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Last Night in Soho

R

Drama

Horror

Thriller

ScreenRant logo

8/10

7.5/10

Release Date

October 29, 2021

Runtime

116 minutes

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  • Anya Taylor-Joy Profile Picture

    Anya Taylor-Joy

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    Lisa McGrillis

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Although she is again not the strict protagonist of the story, Taylor-Joy is a scene-stealing presence in the ingenious movie Last Night in Soho. The role of Sandie seems to be tailor-made for her. The movie revisits the glamorous yet tragic life of Taylor-Joy’s character through the vivid dreams of Eloise, a young fashion student in the British capital. The film alternates between the stunning visuals of the lively 1960s and the stylish allure of contemporary London.

Last Night in Soho is a cleverly executed and aesthetically significant horror set to become a cult. Taylor-Joy’s mysterious charm and dramatic mannerisms match the beautifully saddening nature of her character. The nostalgic allure of this non-sci-fi time-travel movie and the amazingly written characters more than earn the movie a place among Taylor-Joy’s best horrors.

2

The Witch (2015)

As Thomasin

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The Witch

R

Horror

ScreenRant logo

7/10

15

9.3/10

Release Date

February 19, 2016

Runtime

92minutes

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    Kate Dickie

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    Wahab Chaudhry

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Before achieving international success with The Queen’s Gambit, Taylor-Joy’s breakout role was Thomasin in the folk horror The Witch. Set in 17th-century New England, the movie depicts a young Puritan girl whose family plunges into chaos after some mysterious and sinister events start occurring once they settle in their new home. Taylor-Joy portrays Thomasin’s journey from innocence to a darker path in a disturbingly poetic way.

Director Robert Eggers touches upon religious fanaticism and manipulation in a thoughtful and captivating manner. Instead of exaggerated jump-scares, the movie thrives on its slow-burn and tension-fueling pacing. One of the best horrors of the 2010s, The Witch delivers a chilling and immersive experience into another dreamy century. Taylor-Joy also earned an Empire Award as Best Female Newcomer for her portrayal in the movie.

1

The Menu (2022)

As Margot

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The Menu

R

Comedy

Horror

Thriller

ScreenRant logo

7/10

19

8.8/10

Release Date

November 18, 2022

Runtime

106 minutes

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  • Headshot Of Ralph Fiennes

    Ralph Fiennes

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    Anya Taylor-Joy

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A witty combination of satire and drama, The Menu is an excellently performed horror movie that does not shy away from exploring uncomfortable truths and sending bold messages. Taylor-Joy plays Margot, the intelligent heroine of the story. Margot comes from a modest background and unexpectedly joins her cuisine enthusiast date and other rich people in an exclusive restaurant on a remote island. There, the acclaimed chef (Ralph Fiennes) prepares their last dinner.

Anya Taylor-Joy as Margot against silver background with question marks

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5

Fiennes’ performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, portraying a villainous character with endless sympathy. However, Taylor-Joy is not far behind. The Menu is an ingenious horror that delivers well-reasoned social commentary in a deeply ironic way, even during its most disturbing scenes. The movie stirs many emotions, from fear to shock, anger to sadness, and Anya Taylor-Joy is always at the heart of it, turning Margot from an unaware victim to a quick-witted survivor. Thus, this film featuring Taylor-Joy is among the best horror comedies in years.

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