Ethan Hawke’s journey through Hollywood has spanned four decades, during which he has dabbled in numerous film genres. It wasn’t until the 2000s that he ventured into the Ethan Hawke horror movies category, a move that has since defined a significant part of his recent career. Known for his intense performances, Hawke’s horror roles have ranged from psychological thrillers to supernatural terrors, culminating in critically acclaimed films like The Black Phone and its sequel, Black Phone 2.
7. Regression (2015) – A Mystery That Loses Its Grip
Set in 1990 in the small town of Hoyer, Minnesota, Regression follows Detective Bruce Kenner (Ethan Hawke) as he investigates a case involving a man accused by his daughter of sexual abuse—an event the man cannot recall. The investigation takes a dark turn when detectives begin linking the crime to a satanic cult, leading Kenner into disturbing nightmares and uncertain realities. While the premise promises an unsettling exploration of occult themes and injustice, the story ultimately falls short due to a weak final act and scarce genuine scares, relying instead on eerie atmospheres and dream sequences.
Hawke delivers a compelling performance as a conflicted detective who wishes for a different path in life, but even his efforts cannot fully salvage the film’s unresolved narrative and lack of suspense.
6. Taking Lives (2004) – Strong Performances Overshadowed by a Flawed Script
Taking Lives centers on FBI profiler Illeana Scott (Angelina Jolie) as she investigates a serial killer who assumes the identities of his victims. James Costa (Ethan Hawke), an art dealer and witness to one of the murders, becomes deeply involved in the case and develops a relationship with Scott. The movie attempts to blend procedural elements with a thriller’s tension but falters due to an inconsistent tone and an underwhelming villain.
Despite Hawke and Jolie’s effective performances, the film fails to deliver on its potential, with the killer’s menace fading into predictability and the narrative favoring style over depth.
5. Daybreakers (2009) – Vampire Horror with a Sci-Fi Twist
Set in 2019, Daybreakers unfolds in a dystopian future where a plague has transformed most of the population into vampires, creating a critical shortage of blood supplies. Hawke plays Edward Dalton, a vampire hematologist working for a corporation that farms humans for blood. Disgusted by the system’s cruelty, Dalton allies with human survivors seeking to reverse vampirism.
The film stands out for its creative concept and vivid visual style, combining horror and sci-fi effectively with colorful, graphic scenes. However, its impact is diluted by repetitive jump scares and lackluster acting, including from Hawke himself, leaving it more entertaining than profoundly frightening.
4. The Purge (2013) – Intense Social Commentary Meets Home-Invasion Horror
The Purge presents a dystopian America where an annual 12-hour “Purge” permits all crimes, except those committed with large weapons. The story focuses on James Sandin (Ethan Hawke), a salesman who believes his family is safe from the chaos that primarily targets the poor. Their world shatters when their son Charlie admits a fleeing stranger into their home, igniting a violent sequence of events.
Hawke excels as the protective father, delivering a grounded performance amidst the film’s brutal and unpredictable violence. The Purge’s unsettling concept about lawlessness and societal disparity resonated with audiences, sparking a franchise that includes five films and a television series. Director James DeMonaco confirmed that a sixth movie’s script was completed in July 2025, with production expected to begin later that year.
3. Sinister (2012) – A Creepy Exploration of Evil’s Shadows
In Sinister, Ellison Oswalt (Ethan Hawke) is a crime writer struggling to regain fame who moves his family into a house previously belonging to a family that was gruesomely murdered. As Ellison begins researching the case, a sinister supernatural presence emerges from the attic, threatening his family’s safety.
Directed by Scott Derrickson, Sinister is notable for its creative use of shadows, sound, and innovative jump scares that keep viewers on edge. Hawke’s portrayal of a desperate writer adds depth to the film’s eerie atmosphere. The movie’s restrained yet effective horror buildup serves as a masterclass for aspiring filmmakers, balancing subtlety with moments of intense fright.
2. The Black Phone (2021) – A Supernatural Thriller Elevated by Strong Performances
Adapted from Joe Hill’s short story, The Black Phone takes place in the late 1970s, telling the story of 13-year-old Finney Shaw (Mason Thames), who is abducted by a sadistic masked killer known as The Grabber (Ethan Hawke). While confined to a basement, Finney discovers a disconnected black phone that allows him to communicate with the killer’s previous victims, offering a possible path to escape.
Director Scott Derrickson and Hawke immerse the audience in a chilling tale that combines supernatural horror with psychological tension. Hawke’s rare turn as a villain is widely praised for its intensity, complemented by Thames’ luminous performance. The film received critical acclaim, winning the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in Screenwriting and earning multiple Saturn Award nominations.
1. Black Phone 2 (2025) – A Worthy Successor Deepening the Darkness
Set four years after Finney Blake’s escape from The Grabber, Black Phone 2 explores Finney’s ongoing trauma and his sister Gwen’s (Madeleine McGraw) psychic nightmares of mutilated boys at a winter camp. The eerie ringing of the black phone resurfaces, signaling that terror has not ended.
Premiering in America on October 17, 2025, Black Phone 2 has been met with widespread praise from critics, many considering it even stronger than its predecessor. The performances of Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw received particular attention, alongside Hawke’s continued portrayal of chilling menace. The film’s cinematography, pacing, and tone skillfully balance suspense and scares, marking it as a standout horror sequel.
This installment confirms Hawke’s evolving status as a horror icon, and the movie’s success indicates the franchise’s potential for further exploration of its dark, supernatural themes.
