Underrated horror movies
in no particular order |
| 1 | JACOB'S LADDER
While it has become a cult with time, this movie flopped hard when it came out.
Jacob's ladder was the main inspiration for Silent hill saga, being incredibly influential both for it's disturbing imagery like the iconic asylum scene and the twitching head creatures, Lynn studied near death experience and paranoia to fully embrace the atmosphere. Avoid the remake. |
| 2 | MARTYRS
In my top 3 horror movies of all times. In 2008 the critics bashed martyrs for being too extreme and disturbing without understanding the subtlety of it's horror and the anthropological/theological commentary. Luckily enough this movie became a cult in recent times for it's unique approach and for being one of the hardest to watch movies ever. Avoid the american remake. |
| 3 | SHUTTER
I usually don't like the "rancorous spirit" subgenre, after ju-on and ringu it became a still genre lacking substance and innovation. And then i sae this thai movie. Honestly one of the scariest movies ever. This time the tormentor feels truly dangerous, her backstory is great and the ending is downright terrific. Once again, avoid the shitty american remake. |
| 4 | EYES WITHOUT A FACE
Surreal, creepy, way ahead of it's time. The mask from this movie inspired Michael Myers and the weird atmosphere inspired Lynch for some of his works. For 1964 the effect were terrific. |
| 5 | INTO THE MOUTH OF MADNESS
Carpenter is one of the most beloved directors ever, both in the horror genre and in cinema in general.
Still ITMOM should be more recognized for being one of the rare cases where a movie captured Lovecraft's atmosphere. Sam Neill's performance is great and the slow descent into insanity is perfectly depicted. That Spider woman scene is creepier than the exorcist's one |
| 6 | THE INNOCENTS
While the haunting was a great movie i think this is the best 60s haunted house story ever. The ethereal atmosphere surrounding the mansion is unimitable. |
| 7 | THIRST
Korean movies are awesome, so are Korean horrors. The first K-horror that comes to mind may be Train to Busan, the host and the wailing, but more people should check this vampire flick from oldboy's director. Dark comedy, Inner struggles, drama and horror are perfectly combined in one of the best and most original takes on vampires in recent memories. Tae-ju may be one of the best female characters in any horror. |
| 8 | POUGHKEEPSIE TAPES
The most disturbing found footage ever. The tapes are some of the most realistic, rough, vile scenes ever filmed. Not for the weak of heart. |
| 9 | CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST
While this movie is popular for it's controversies almost no one remembers that Cannibal Holocaust is the first Found footage in horror, almost 20 years before the overrated Blair witch project. |
| 10 | GERALD'S GAME
Sure a risky choice trying to adapt this novel but Flanagan made a terrific job exceeding King's already great work. A woman handcuffed to a bed for a whole movie may sound boring but trust me, it's not. The Tall man is creepy and the glass scene is gory at best, the social commentary is pretty good too. |
| 11 | SLEEP TIGHT
If you are paranoid of scared by home invasion just avoid this. The plot follows a disillusioned doorman that hates his life and all that makes him happy is to ruin other's life. Don't expect gory scenes, the horror here is subtle and tangible, that's why is scary. |
| 12 | CARNIVAL OF SOULS
Another black and white movie with terrific surreal atmosphere surrounded by a weird sense of dread. |
| 13 | BONE TOMAHAWK
Basically western green inferno. |
| 14 | CHAIN REACTION
Halloween is the masterpiece that made slasher movies famous, but it's not the first one.
Chain reaction is the unspoken king of the slasher genre. |
| 15 | STARRY EYES
A huge critic towards hollywood in this odd low budget movie |
| 16 | SANTA SANGRE
Jodorowski's trippy style combined to a strange circus atmosphere contributed to create one of the most unique movies in the genre |
| 17 | THE TAKING OF DEBORAH LOGAN
I'm sick and tired of possession in horror movies and even more tired of found footage about possessions. But holy shit, this one is surprisingly good. The Alzheimer incipit is pretty original too. Jill Larson is terrific as Deborah Logan, she manage to be terrifying at times. Oh and THAT scene. |
| 18 | ANGUSTIA
A movie about a movie that becomes a reality, or reality becoming a movie, not sure. |
| 19 | THE VOID
A huge tribute to 80s, Carpenter and Lovecraft. While it has it's flaws like not so developed characters and some predictable choices, it's a shame to see such a low rating on imdb. The pratical effects works very well and the ending is very good. |
| 20 | HAXAN
Seriously, for 1922 this movie is outstanding. The make up and visual effects are at least 30 years ahead of their times. The witchcraft vibes are perfect. |
| 21 | THE HOUSE WITH LAUGHING WINDOWS
In Italy this movie is pretty well received. However other countries may have missed this little creepy gem. |
| 22 | THE ENDLESS
An original take on Cosmic horror, this movie blends sci-fi, cults, time lapses and brotherhood very well, despite the lack of budget the effect are not bad. The writers/directors playing the main characters are maybe not the best choice and the photography is not very good but still the writing, the originality and the atmosphere are very good. |
| 23 | THE EYES OF MY MOTHER
Very few dialogues, lots of uneasy imagery. Not for everyone. |
| 24 | KILL LIST
A great english hitman story blended with uncomfortable atmosphere and a weird second act |
| 25 | WHO CAN KILL A CHILD?
Underrated spanish flick about a community of children killing every adult they meet. May sound cheesy but it's actually pretty intense. |
| 26 | MALEFIQUE
This one is totally overlooked, entirely set in a prison cellar this movie about an evil book is surprisingly original and has lots of weird imagery that will stuck in your mind. |
| 27 | THE INVITATION
Have you ever being invited to a party when you feel uncomfortable for some reason without even knowing why? This movie perfectly captures those feelings. |
| 28 | THE RITUAL
That creature design is marvelous |
| 29 | THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE
Another very good Stephen king's adaptation that needs mors recognition. |
| 30 | NOROI:THE CURSE
A Japanese mockumentary about Kagutaba. While it may be a bit slow at times is very well made with well made filmmaking and most of all the last 20 minutes may be some.of the most intense in modern horror. |
| 31 | MANIAC (2012)
Frodo became a stalker. This remake of the classic 80s flick is even better with terrific direction and photography, surreal visionary style and a good use of POV |
| 32 | OCULUS
Another work by Flanagan that needs more respect. The story about a supposed evil mirror that slowly becomes psychologically gruesome |
| 33 | ZOMBI 2
Fulci's zombie movie has nothing to do with Romero's Dawn of the dead (which is called zombi in Italy). Lucio Fulci's living dead are rooted in voodoo, the soundtrack is awesome and the splatter scenes still holds up today. Oh and there's a shark vs zombie scene. |
| 34 | CREEP
This movie terrorized my girlfriend. This zero budget found footage is very subtle with it's scare factor. Mark Duplas gave us a flawless performance, if you lack trust towards strangers this movie will sure uphold it. |
| 35 | GOODNIGHT MOMMY
Independent psychological horror without soundtrack and with dense atmosphere. The story is about a disfigured mother and two very suspicious kids. |
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