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The horror genre had an outstanding year in 2022, with a wave of exceptional films and unforgettable performances. While some actors and movies dominated conversations, others quietly delivered standout performances that didn’t get nearly enough credit.
From unsuspecting victims to terrifying villains and unexpected heroes, these performances added depth, emotion, and intensity to their films. Whether overshadowed by co-stars or flying under the radar due to a film’s limited release, these actors delivered incredible work that deserves another look.
Here are some of the most underrated horror performances of 2022 that deserve way more attention.
1. Daisy Edgar-Jones as Noa in Fresh
At first glance, Fresh looks like a quirky romantic comedy, with Daisy Edgar-Jones’s Noa meeting the charming Steve (Sebastian Stan) in a grocery store. But the film takes a horrifying turn when Noa finds herself drugged and trapped in a nightmare far worse than she could have imagined.
Edgar-Jones delivers an outstanding performance, balancing vulnerability with clever survival instincts. As she plays along with her captor while plotting her escape, she keeps audiences glued to her every move. Despite the film’s shocking twists, she remains the emotional core, proving her talent in a performance that deserved more praise.
2. Laura Galán as Sara in Piggy
Piggy is one of 2022’s most overlooked horror gems, and Laura Galán’s gripping performance is a huge reason why it stands out. Playing Sara, an overweight teen who endures relentless bullying, Galán conveys raw emotion through her expressions alone.
Her silent suffering, moments of heartbreak, and eventual turn toward something darker make her performance deeply compelling. Her work is reminiscent of Sissy Spacek’s legendary portrayal in Carrie, making Piggy a must-watch for horror fans who appreciate psychological depth.
3. Brittany Snow as Bobby Lynne in X
Ti West’s X paid homage to classic slashers like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and its ensemble cast was stacked with talent. While Mia Goth and Jenna Ortega received most of the spotlight, Brittany Snow’s performance as adult film star Bobby Lynne was just as impressive.
Sporting a Southern drawl and loads of charisma, Snow brought humor, confidence, and a surprising amount of heart to her character. Bobby Lynne wasn’t just another horror movie victim—she was a strong, self-assured woman who knew her worth. Her transformation from fun-loving performer to terrified survivor was captivating, making it a shame that her performance didn’t get more recognition.
4. Caitlin Stasey as Laura Weaver in Smile
While Smile became a viral horror hit, much of the praise went to lead actress Sosie Bacon. However, Caitlin Stasey’s chilling performance as Laura Weaver—the film’s first on-screen victim—was just as important in setting the tone.
Stasey’s desperate, manic terror in the opening sequence is unforgettable. Her wide, fearful eyes and trembling voice make her one of the film’s most haunting elements. Given that she also played the same character in the short film that inspired Smile, her performance deserved far more recognition.
5. Jeremy Davies as Terrence in The Black Phone
The Black Phone was one of 2022’s biggest horror surprises, with Ethan Hawke’s terrifying villain, “The Grabber,” getting most of the attention. However, Jeremy Davies’s role as Finney’s abusive father, Terrence, was just as impactful.
Davies brought a heartbreaking complexity to a character who could have been a one-note villain. As a grief-stricken, alcoholic father, he was both terrifying and tragic—unfit to protect his children from the real threat but still a major force of fear in their lives. His performance added emotional weight to the story, making him an unsung standout.
6. Dakota Beavers as Taabe in Prey
Amber Midthunder rightfully received acclaim for her lead role in Prey, the Predator prequel that surprised audiences with its fresh take. But Dakota Beavers, who played her older brother Taabe, delivered an equally strong performance that deserved more love.
As the fierce and highly skilled hunter of their Comanche tribe, Taabe represented both an obstacle and a mentor to his younger sister. Beavers brought warmth, strength, and a quiet emotional depth to the role, making Taabe’s journey just as compelling as Naru’s. His final battle with the Predator was breathtaking, cementing him as an underrated action-horror star.
7. Jessie Buckley as Harper in Men
In Men, Jessie Buckley played Harper, a grieving widow seeking peace in a remote countryside home—only to be met with surreal and terrifying encounters.
Though Men received mixed reviews, Buckley’s performance was a standout. She captured Harper’s exhaustion, fear, and defiance with subtlety and power. While the film’s abstract themes left some viewers divided, Buckley’s acting kept it grounded, making her one of the most underrated horror leads of the year.
8. Emma Jenkins-Purro as Mitsy in Pearl
Mia Goth dominated discussions about Pearl, delivering a career-defining performance. However, Emma Jenkins-Purro’s portrayal of Mitsy—Pearl’s sweet and well-meaning sister-in-law—was also worthy of praise.
Jenkins-Purro played Mitsy as genuinely kind, making her a stark contrast to the increasingly unhinged Pearl. Her performance added an extra layer of tension, especially during the film’s unforgettable monologue scene. The final chase sequence was all the more devastating because of how likable Mitsy was—thanks to Jenkins-Purro’s nuanced acting.
9. Michael Wincott as Antlers Holst in Nope
Jordan Peele’s Nope was filled with great performances, but one of the most overlooked was Michael Wincott’s portrayal of cinematographer Antlers Holst.
Wincott’s gravelly voice and intense presence made Antlers an intriguing character from the start. As a dedicated filmmaker willing to risk everything for the perfect shot, his descent into obsession was both fascinating and unsettling. His final moments were shocking, and Wincott made every second of his performance unforgettable.
10. Anna Chlumsky as Molly in They/Them
They/Them was a unique horror film set in a conversion camp, blending slasher thrills with real-life psychological horror. Anna Chlumsky’s performance as Molly, the camp’s empathetic nurse, stood out in a film filled with strong performances.
Unlike the other adults at the camp, Molly genuinely wanted to protect the teens. Chlumsky brought warmth and sincerity to the role, making her one of the film’s few truly sympathetic characters. Her performance added emotional depth to a movie that tackled heavy themes, making her one of 2022’s most underrated horror performances.
11. Sandra Oh as Amanda in Umma
Sandra Oh brought a powerful performance to Umma, a supernatural horror film that explored generational trauma and cultural identity.
As a mother trying to escape her painful past, Oh delivered a deeply emotional portrayal of someone haunted both by literal ghosts and psychological scars. Her ability to balance horror with genuine drama made Umma a unique and affecting film—one that deserved more attention.
12. Léa Seydoux as Caprice in Crimes of the Future
David Cronenberg’s Crimes of the Future was a deeply strange and unsettling film, and Léa Seydoux’s performance as Caprice was a key part of its eerie charm.
Playing a former doctor turned performance artist, Seydoux brought an intense physicality and emotional depth to the role. Her fascination with human evolution and body modification was portrayed with a mix of curiosity, passion, and fear, making her one of the film’s most compelling characters.
