The documentary 1000 Women in Horror officially premieres today, March 20, 2026, on the horror-centric streaming platform Shudder. Directed by Donna Davies, the film provides an expansive look at the vital contributions women have made to the genre since the birth of cinema in 1895. The project arrives as a high-profile exploration of history, shifting the spotlight from the screen to the creative forces behind the camera.

The documentary is based on the comprehensive book 1000 Women in Horror, 1895-2018 written by film scholar Alexandra Heller-Nicholas. Rather than focusing solely on the well-known "final girl" trope, the film delves into the work of female writers, directors, and special effects artists. It aims to recontextualize the genre's history by highlighting 130 years of diverse perspectives and technical achievements that have often been overlooked in mainstream narratives.

Viewers can expect interviews with a wide array of prominent industry figures, including director Mary Harron (American Psycho), actress and writer Kate Siegel (The Haunting of Hill House), and screenwriter Akela Cooper (M3GAN). Before its digital debut today, the film was showcased at major international events, including the Sitges Film Festival and the Imagine Filmfestival Amsterdam, garnering praise for its depth and archival research.