15 Underrated Horror Movies That Deserve More Attention
Everyone has their favorite classic horror films, but there are a number of titles that often fly under the radar. These films may not be the first ones people mention, but they are no less deserving of attention. Often filled with interesting twists and compelling stories, they are a treat for horror enthusiasts. If you are seeking something different from the usual, these hidden gems will not disappoint.
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The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
This film offers a unique twist on the traditional haunted house story. A father and son team of coroners are tasked with examining the body of an unidentified woman, and as they work, strange things begin to happen. The mystery deepens as they uncover secrets tied to the woman’s death, leading to a terrifying revelation. It stands out for its eerie atmosphere and unexpected turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.
With its tight pacing and compelling performances, The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a must-see for horror fans. The film plays on your curiosity, blending supernatural horror with a slow-burning tension that builds throughout. The stunning cinematography and intense soundtrack amplify the chilling atmosphere. It is a hidden gem in the genre that often gets overlooked.
It Follows (2014)
It Follows is a modern horror film with an unsettling premise that taps into universal fears. The story revolves around a young woman who becomes the target of a supernatural entity after a disturbing encounter. The entity relentlessly pursues her in the form of different people, leading to an unpredictable and terrifying chase. It brings an old-school, tension-filled vibe with a sense of dread that lingers long after the film ends.
This film stands out because of its unique concept and disturbing atmosphere. The slow pace enhances the sense of impending doom, and the minimalist soundtrack adds to the growing unease. It Follows plays on psychological terror, keeping viewers in suspense throughout. Its thought-provoking themes and fresh take on horror deserve more attention than it currently gets.
The Witch (2015)
Set in 1630s New England, The Witch tells the unsettling tale of a Puritan family slowly unraveling due to an apparent witch’s curse. As paranoia takes hold, the family members start to turn on each other, creating an atmosphere of tension and dread. The film’s slow, methodical pace adds to its unsettling feeling, making every moment of tension feel like a slow burn. The film builds towards an eerie climax that lingers with the audience long after the credits roll.
The film’s period setting and authentic costumes help immerse you in the time, making the supernatural events feel all the more real. The Witch explores themes of religious fanaticism and fear of the unknown, adding depth to its horrific moments. It is not a film for those seeking immediate scares, but its psychological impact is deeply unsettling. This film is often overlooked but deserves more recognition for its terrifying atmosphere and haunting visuals.
The Invitation (2015)
This thriller revolves around a dinner party hosted by a former couple, where things quickly take a dark turn. As the night unfolds, the protagonist begins to suspect that there is more to the gathering than meets the eye. The film plays on the tension of social interactions, with each moment building suspense in subtle ways. The slow unraveling of the plot keeps you guessing, with a shocking and chilling finale.
What makes The Invitation so compelling is its ability to make ordinary settings seem sinister. The film is driven by strong performances and its smart use of atmosphere, making it both suspenseful and unsettling. The tension constantly builds as the characters’ intentions become more mysterious. The Invitation is an underrated thriller that deserves to be seen by more people who enjoy psychological horror.
The Babadook (2014)
The Babadook is an unsettling psychological horror film that blends grief with supernatural horror. It centers on a widowed mother and her young son, who are haunted by a mysterious creature from a children’s book. The film uses the Babadook as a metaphor for the mother’s repressed emotions and trauma. It is both a deeply emotional story and a terrifying horror movie that keeps you hooked.
The film is known for its psychological depth and subtle scares that focus on atmosphere rather than jump scares. The strong performances by Essie Davis and Noah Wiseman bring the characters’ struggle to life, making it an emotional and horrifying experience. The Babadook explores themes of motherhood, grief, and fear, offering a fresh take on the genre. It is often considered a hidden gem that deserves much more attention for its disturbing atmosphere and emotional resonance.
Session 9 (2001)
Session 9 is a psychological horror film set in an abandoned insane asylum. A group of workers is tasked with cleaning the building, but they begin to experience strange occurrences as they uncover disturbing details about the asylum’s history. The film uses its haunting setting to create a slow-burn atmosphere that feels increasingly claustrophobic. The tension builds as the characters’ sanity begins to unravel.
The movie thrives on its creepy setting and unnerving tone, slowly turning the abandoned building into a character itself. With its focus on mental deterioration and the supernatural, Session 9 stands out from other horror films. It is a slow-paced thriller that plays with the line between reality and madness. This film is underrated and deserves recognition for its effective use of tension and psychological terror.
The Loved Ones (2009)
This Australian horror film combines dark humor with disturbing violence in a unique way. The story follows a high school student who is abducted by a classmate and her twisted father, leading to a terrifying and gruesome ordeal. The Loved Ones blends a classic teen horror story with sadistic elements, creating a film that is both shocking and darkly comedic. The mix of genres gives it a unique feel in the horror world.
The film’s violent scenes are balanced by moments of dark humor, which helps relieve some of the tension while still making the horrific moments more impactful. The acting, especially by Robin McLeavy as the deranged Lola, is both terrifying and captivating. The Loved Ones is a lesser-known gem that deserves more attention for its twisted plot and its ability to shock audiences. Fans of horror with a mix of humor and terror should give it a watch.
The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007)
This found footage horror film takes a unique approach, telling the story through police footage and interviews about a serial killer’s disturbing crimes. The tapes, which the killer filmed, are discovered after his arrest and reveal a chilling glimpse into his mind. The film explores the horrors of voyeurism and human depravity, creating an atmosphere of dread and unease. The found footage style enhances the realism and emotional impact of the film.
What makes The Poughkeepsie Tapes stand out is its raw, unsettling portrayal of a serial killer’s actions. The film never shies away from the gruesome details, which makes it even more horrifying. While it received limited attention upon its release, it has gained a cult following for its chilling premise. This movie deserves more recognition for its disturbing take on true crime horror.
Pontypool (2008)
Set in a small radio station in rural Canada, Pontypool is a unique take on the zombie genre. A mysterious virus spreads through the local town, turning people into violent, zombie-like creatures. However, the virus spreads through language, creating an eerie and thought-provoking premise. The film’s setting, confined to a radio station, amplifies the tension as the characters try to understand what is happening outside.
What sets Pontypool apart is its use of language as a weapon, creating a horror film that is both intellectual and terrifying. The dialogue-driven story keeps the suspense high, with characters trying to make sense of the madness around them. It is a fresh and innovative approach to a genre that often relies on the same old tropes. Pontypool is an underrated film that challenges the usual conventions of horror and deserves more recognition.
The Void (2016)
The Void is a blend of cosmic horror and body horror that pays homage to 1980s horror films. The story follows a group of people trapped in a hospital as they face off against monstrous creatures from another dimension. The film’s practical effects, which include grotesque body transformations, add to the disturbing nature of the story. The chilling atmosphere and tension build throughout, making it a terrifying experience.
The film is known for its nightmarish visuals and its ability to create a sense of hopelessness and terror. The plot takes unexpected turns, combining traditional horror with existential dread. While it may not have gained mainstream attention, The Void stands out for its bold and disturbing take on horror. Fans of body horror and cosmic dread will find much to appreciate in this underrated gem.
The Innkeepers (2011)
This supernatural horror film follows two hotel employees who work the graveyard shift at a haunted hotel. They become obsessed with uncovering the mysteries of the hotel’s past, but their curiosity leads them into dangerous territory. The film expertly blends humor and horror, with a slow-building tension that culminates in a truly terrifying climax. Its subtle approach makes the scares all the more effective.
What makes The Innkeepers so captivating is its focus on character development and the slow, creeping sense of dread. It is a film that takes its time to set the mood, making the eventual horror feel earned. The performances, especially by Sara Paxton and Pat Healy, help ground the supernatural elements in reality. The Innkeepers is an underrated horror film that combines genuine scares with a fun, relatable cast of characters.
The House of the Devil (2009)
Set in 1983, The House of the Devil is a slow-burn horror film about a college student who takes a babysitting job at a creepy mansion. As the night unfolds, she discovers that the job is not what it seems, leading to terrifying consequences. The film channels classic horror from the ’70s and ’80s, with its focus on atmosphere, tension, and suspense. The vintage feel adds a layer of authenticity that makes it stand out.
The film’s pacing is deliberate, creating an almost unbearable sense of dread that keeps you hooked. The minimalist soundtrack and the 1980s setting immerse you in the time period, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. The House of the Devil builds towards a horrifying climax that leaves a lasting impact. It is a true hidden gem for horror fans looking for a slow-burn experience.
The Skeleton Key (2005)
This supernatural thriller takes place in New Orleans and follows a hospice nurse who becomes involved in the mystery surrounding an elderly couple. The nurse uncovers secrets tied to an ancient form of voodoo, and the film’s setting plays a big role in creating a tense and eerie atmosphere. The plot twists and turns, keeping the audience guessing right until the very end. It is a smart, suspenseful film with a chilling payoff.
The film stands out because of its unique take on voodoo and its dark, atmospheric setting. The performances by Kate Hudson and John Hurt help bring the story to life, making the supernatural elements feel grounded. The intricate storyline and clever twist at the end make The Skeleton Key a film that will keep you thinking long after the credits roll. Despite its underrated status, this film deserves more attention for its compelling storytelling and spine-chilling moments.
The Others (2001)
This gothic horror film stars Nicole Kidman as a mother who lives with her two children in a remote house, where strange things begin to happen. The film builds suspense with its eerie atmosphere and slowly reveals a terrifying truth. The twist at the end is both unexpected and unsettling, making this film a standout in supernatural horror. The film’s slow pace only adds to the tension, keeping viewers on edge throughout.
The use of light and shadow plays a significant role in creating the film’s haunting atmosphere. The performances, especially by Kidman, are haunting and emotional, adding depth to the story. The Others is a horror film that focuses more on psychological terror than physical scares, making it a unique and often overlooked gem. It deserves more attention for its ability to create tension and fear without relying on gore.
The Empty Man (2020)
The Empty Man is a slow-burning horror film that blends mystery with supernatural terror. The story follows an ex-cop investigating a cult linked to strange deaths, but the investigation takes him into a world of horror that feels all too real. The film’s complex narrative weaves themes of isolation, despair, and the search for meaning. It is a unique film that tackles deep existential questions while delivering effective scares.
Despite its unusual plot and slow pacing, The Empty Man offers a chilling experience that sticks with you. The atmosphere is haunting, with a sense of impending doom that never fully dissipates. It is a film that invites multiple interpretations, making it worth watching more than once. This underrated gem deserves attention for its original take on the genre and its ability to create psychological horror without relying on traditional tropes.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.