Anya Taylor-Joy has become one of the most captivating faces in modern horror cinema. With her distinctive look and emotionally layered performances, she has anchored some of the most daring genre films of the last decade. From indie psychological thrillers to superhero-infused horror, her filmography showcases both variety and consistency. In this list, we rank all 8 of her horror roles in reverse order, from the least celebrated to the most iconic.
8The New Mutants (2020)
Taylor-Joy steps into the Marvel universe as Illyana Rasputin/Magik, a sword-wielding mutant haunted by childhood trauma. Her blend of sarcasm and strength made her a standout in an otherwise troubled production marred by reshoots and delays.
Fun Fact: Taylor-Joy trained with stunt teams for months to perform sword fights and teleportation stunts. Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, the film earned $49 million worldwide—a modest result but one where Anya’s performance was widely praised.
7Morgan (2016)
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In Morgan, Taylor-Joy plays a synthetic human designed in a lab, who grows increasingly volatile. The film explores corporate ethics and AI morality. Her controlled, emotionally distant performance is chilling, hinting at humanity behind artificial behavior.
Fun Fact: Directed by Luke Scott (son of Ridley Scott), this was Taylor-Joy’s first major studio sci-fi project. She studied real-world AI behavior and body language for the role. Despite the pedigree, the film barely broke even with its $8 million budget.
6Marrowbone (2017)
Taylor-Joy stars as Allie, a warm-hearted friend of four siblings who are hiding the death of their mother—and a disturbing secret. This gothic psychological horror focuses on grief, guilt, and buried trauma. Her grounded performance stands out amid the film’s eerie tone and dark twists.
Fun Fact: The film was shot in northern Spain but was dressed to resemble New England, blending Spanish horror aesthetics with American storytelling. It earned $12.5 million, performing best in European markets where psychological horror has a stronger foothold.
5The Menu (2022)
In this dark satire with horror undertones, Taylor-Joy plays Margot, the outsider in a meticulously planned culinary event gone wrong. Her skeptical attitude and street-smart instincts clash with the snobbery of other guests, creating tension and dark humor.
Fun Fact: None of the actors, including Anya, were allowed to taste the food prior to filming—ensuring genuine, often awkward, on-camera reactions. Made on a $30 million budget, the film’s $79 million worldwide gross was a win for original horror-comedy storytelling.
4Last Night in Soho (2021)
Taylor-Joy plays Sandie, an enchanting yet tragic singer in 1960s London whose dreams curdle into a surreal nightmare. The film explores obsession, abuse, and the darker sides of nostalgia, blending psychological horror with stylized visuals. Taylor-Joy’s chilling transformation left a lasting impression.
Fun Fact: Director Edgar Wright let Taylor-Joy perform her own vocals in the haunting version of “Downtown.” Despite a budget of $43 million, the film earned just $23 million—but it quickly developed a cult following for its visual style and bold storytelling.
3Glass (2019)
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In the sequel to Split and Unbreakable, Taylor-Joy returns as Casey, now sympathetic to Kevin Wendell Crumb’s inner turmoil. Her role bridges the emotional thread of the trilogy, offering compassion in a story full of superhuman conflict and psychological tension.
Fun Fact: Taylor-Joy’s return wasn’t part of the original plan—her inclusion came after positive fan reception to Split. Though reviews were mixed, the film grossed $247 million on a $20 million budget, affirming the trilogy’s loyal audience.
2Split (2016)
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Taylor-Joy plays Casey Cooke, one of three kidnapped girls trying to outwit James McAvoy’s terrifying character with multiple personalities. Her performance as a trauma survivor lent the story emotional weight, balancing the psychological chaos of M. Night Shyamalan’s comeback thriller. Split was praised for its tension, performances, and slow-reveal twists.
Fun Fact: McAvoy improvised many of his transitions between personalities, which Taylor-Joy had to react to in real time—making their scenes even more intense. With a $9 million budget and $278 million gross, it became one of Blumhouse’s most successful films to date.
1The Witch (2015)
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Robert Eggers’ chilling period horror marked Anya Taylor-Joy’s breakout role as Thomasin, a Puritan teenager banished with her family to the edge of the wilderness. Her emotionally nuanced performance elevated the slow-burning dread of the film and helped redefine modern indie horror. The unsettling atmosphere, minimalist score, and historical accuracy drew praise from critics and audiences alike, setting a new standard for arthouse horror.
Fun Fact: The script was crafted from 17th-century Puritan writings, and Eggers insisted on authentic props and lighting—scenes were shot using only candlelight. With just a $4 million budget, the film earned over $40 million worldwide, launching both Eggers and Taylor-Joy into international stardom.
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Conclusion
Anya Taylor-Joy’s career is proof that horror is more than just jump scares—it’s a canvas for rich, emotionally complex characters. Whether she’s surviving a mutant facility, navigating a ghost-infested London, or unraveling family trauma in colonial America, Taylor-Joy brings vulnerability, strength, and magnetism to every frame. As she continues to explore bold new roles, her legacy in the horror genre is already legendary—and still growing.
