If you're a Laurie Strode or Sidney Prescott fan, you know there's nothing more harrowing than being stalked by a killer. It's the stuff of nightmares and the perfect fodder for a good horror story.
Laurie Strode appears in the "Halloween" franchise, and she's the ultimate final girl. She's been stalked by Michael Myers for decades and always manages to stay one step ahead of him. Meanwhile, Sidney Prescott appears in the "Scream" franchise — she's also been stalked by a killer. But unlike Laurie, Sidney doesn't always come out on top.
Laurie and Sidney are strong, kickass female leads who aren't just the stars of our favorite horror movies. They inspire some of the best horror books, TV shows, and podcasts.
These 15 amazing horror books, movies, TV shows, and podcasts feature some of the genre's strongest and most iconic female characters. So, curl up with a blanket, turn off the lights, and get ready to be entertained.
If you want to READ horror books with kickass females:
When Charlie decides to hitch a ride to Ohio with Josh Baxter, she's desperate to get away. She's still in grief, and some guilt, over her best friend's murder by the Campus Killer. Ohio is calling, but the journey might not be as straightforward as she thinks. Why won't her campus ride let her see what's
inside his vehicle's trunk? And why doesn't his story about his father add up? If you want to find out how or whether our female lead makes it through the night, this is the book for you!. Read here.
The Girl Who Survived by Lisa Jackson is a diabolically volatile, deliciously creepy book that will have you on the edge of your seat! It is the perfect summer read for anyone who loves a good mystery with a twist. Jackson is a master of suspense, and this novel does not disappoint. The Girl Who Survived will keep
you guessing until the end with twists and turns at every corner. Read here.
The Thicket is a final girl book for the new generation. If you love kickass females in horror movies, then you'll love Norah in The Thicket. When she tries to solve the murder of her brother, Norah finds herself trying to survive amongst other unsuspecting targets of a serial killer. It's a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat
read that will keep you up all night. Read here.
If you are a true Laurie Strode and Sidney Prescott fan, you will love reading The Final Girl Support Group. It's a frightening horror that pays tribute to and slyly subverts our most popular horror films. Lynnette Tarkington is our heroine, and she's every bit as resourceful and self-reliant as Laurie and Sidney. But The
Final Girl Support Group is more than just a good horror story. It's a searing commentary on the ways we treat trauma and survivors. Hendrix doesn't shy away from the hard questions, and he doesn't offer easy answers. This is a complex and nuanced novel, one that will keep you thinking long after you've turned the last page. Read here.
In this chilling novel, Stephen Graham Jones breaks all the rules to tell a story that is both gut-wrenching and heartbreaking. My Heart Is a Chainsaw is a must-read story as it has an unforgettable, out-of-the-box protagonist. It's the story about an outcast, Jade Daniels, who turns to horror movies for protection and
revenge. Like Sidney Prescott and Laurie Strode, Jade finds herself starring in a real-life horror movie, pretty much like the slasher films she finds comfort in. The novel is full of references to classic horror movies, and Daniels is a complex and fascinating lead character. Read here.
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If you want to WATCH horror TV shows and movies with kickass females:
Elisabeth Moss portrays a strong and resourceful woman determined to take down the man who haunts her despite being doubted by those closest to her.
The film is full of suspense and scares and will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. You'll definitely love The Invisible Man if you're a
Laurie Strode and Sidney Prescott fan. Watch here.
If you're a kick-ass female lead fan, you'll enjoy watching Janelle Monáe in Antebellum. She gives an electrifying performance as Veronica, a successful author forced to confront her past, present, and future when thrust into a horrifying reality. With a fantastic cast that includes Gabourey Sidibe, Jack
Huston, and Jena Malone, Antebellum is a must-watch horror that keeps you guessing until the end. Watch here.
Fans of Laurie Strode and Sidney Prescott will enjoy watching The Hunt.
This film portrays a group of people taken hostage by ruthless elitists who must survive to avoid being slaughtered for sport. You'll root for Crystal, a strong female heroine, as she takes on her pursuers, and you'll appreciate the nods to
the Halloween franchise. Watch here.
This movie has everything a Laurie Strode and Sidney Prescott fan could want: a kickass female star, suspense, and plenty of scares. When an old couple in rural Texas finds out that their youthful visitors are making an adult film right under their noses, the cast is forced to battle for their lives. So if you're looking
for a good horror movie to watch, X (II) 2022 is one to check out. Watch here.
5. A Classic Horror Story 2021
This classic horror story has been updated for 2021 audiences – only this time, it has a strong female lead. Ella is the only one who can leave the cottage alive, but only if she is willing to sacrifice her unborn child. Will she make the ultimate sacrifice to save herself? It is a story of suspense, mystery, and terror that will
keep you on the edge of your seat.
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If you want to LISTEN to horror podcasts with kickass females like Laurie Strode and Sidney Prescott:
Anna Bogutskaya and Olivia Howe are passionate about horror films and their impact on society, and they're not afraid to get personal when it comes to their favorite topics. The podcast is packed with analysis of classic and contemporary horror films and interviews with some of the genre's leading lights. It's the perfect
way to stay up-to-date with all things horror, including those with kickass females, and you're guaranteed to learn something new with every episode. Fans of slasher horror films will love this podcast! Listen here.
The hosts of this podcast, Juliet and Theresa, are self-proclaimed horror nerds, and they make no apologies for it. Their love of the genre is evident in every episode, as they explore all things horror, including those that feature kickass females. So put on your headphones, settle in for some scares, and join them for
Attack of the Final Girls! Listen here.
In each episode, the hosts discuss how a particular film depicts women and explore the real-life implications of its representations. In addition to being funny and insightful, Leiby and Kiefer are experts in the horror genre, so you can trust that they know what they're talking about. If you're looking for a podcast that will
make you think about the films you love in a whole new way, Ruined is the show for you. Listen here.
Kim and Ket Stay Alive… Maybe is the perfect podcast for horror movie fans who want to laugh along with two friends as they figure out how not to die. In some of the most popular – and not so popular – horror movies, Kim and Ket discuss what they would do to make sure they are the ones who come out
alive… or maybe not. Listeners will enjoy the chemistry between the two best friends as they navigate their way through some of the most intense – and sometimes ridiculous – scenes in horror movie history. Whether you're a fan of final girls horrors or not, you'll enjoy this podcast. Listen here.
5. Scream Addicts Podcast | Horror, Horror Movies & Movie reviews
Horror fanatic Jinx has seen every horror movie worth watching and some that aren't. He's also read all the classic horror novels and a few hidden gems. He loves to discuss the works that have influenced the genre throughout the years, diving deeper into the best of the best. So whether you're a skin-crawling newbie
looking to ease into the world of fear, or a gore-guzzling ghoul with a taste for the macabre, join the Scream Addicts podcast for your fix of horror!
