A List Of Overlooked/Underrated Horror Movies To Watch

The best underrated and overlooked horror movies

Noroi: The Curse

Noroi: The Curse is a Japanese horror movie and a film I really like and more people should watch it, but it won't be for everyone, as it has a very slow pacing but for me the film builds suspense quite masterfully. 

It blends documentary-style storytelling with an intricate web of supernatural horror with some very unsettling moments thrown in for good measure. [Noroi: The Curse on IMDB] [Where To Watch Noroi]

Lake Mungo

Lake Mungo is a deeply haunting film that feels all too real as it follows a family's grief after their daughter dies, and that is when strange things start to happen and secrets are exposed.

Shot in a mockumentary style, Lake Mungo will leave you guessing until the end as the mystery unravels with twists and turns. [Lake Mungo on IMDB] [Where To Watch Lake Mungo]

Incantation

A highly underrated found footage movie, Incantation grips you with its raw, realistic style and makes you feel like you're right there with the characters, experiencing the fear and suspense firsthand.

It blends different sub genres and while it probably goes on too long, it it well worth a watch. [Incantation on IMDB] [Where To Watch Incantation]

Session 9

I think Session 9 is the only film or TV program I can actually stomach watching David Caruso in. 

The film has supernatural elements but falls into the psychological thriller genre as well where a group of asbestos removal workers encounter an abandoned mental asylum.

Get ready to watch this one a few times as it is a bit confusing. 

The Wailing

The Wailing is a Korean movie with strong psychological thriller elements, but boy is it good, one of the best Korean movies in any genre of all time. 

It has a very haunting atmosphere and is full of twists and turns and you will be pulled into its very gripping story. 

It's probably what LongLegs should have been. [The Wailing on IMDB] [Where To Watch The Wailing]

Goodnight Mommy

This film has an american remake, but I am recommending the original Austrian version from 2014. 

It is is quite an unsettling psychological horror film with a strong atmosphere and has a decent twist ending as well, but it is a bit of a slow burner though. [Goodnight Mommy on IMDB] [Where To Watch Goodnight Mommy]

Green Room

A brutal and intense horror thriller that will trap you in its claustrophobic nightmare with its tension and violence.

It has raw realism and unflinching brutality as you watch a bunch of punk rockers fight off against a Neo-Nazi gang. 

Some great performances in this one too! [Green Room on IMDB] [Where To Watch Green Room]

Terrified

From the team behind When Evil Lurks, Terrified is genuinely one of the most creepy horror experiences I have had in recent years.

Not many jump scares but it builds the suspense really well from the beginning and is an unsettling one to watch, and one where the visuals stick with you for days. [Terrified on IMDB] [Where To Watch Terrified]

Ghostwatch

I rewatched Ghostwatch this year after watching Late Night With The Devil, and it seems to have been forgotten a bit but is 100% worth watching.

Ghostwatch was heavily controversial at the time of release and one of the most innovative horror experiences ever created, and with some fantastic gradual build up at play and convincing performances.

It all leads to an unforgettable finale that gripped Britain at the time and ended up resulting in Ghostwatch being banned for many years. [Ghostwatch on IMDB] [Where To Watch Ghostwatch]

Summer of 84

Summer of 84 brilliantly blends the 80's vibe with a serial killer story, and what starts off as a fun retro adventure soon turns into something much darker.

The film keeps you hooked from the beginning and if you'te a fan of 80's inspired movies, this one is definitely one you need to watch and turns more suspenseful the longer the film goes on. [Summer of 84 on IMDB] [Where To Watch Summer of 84]

Stir of Echoes

An underrated gem released in 1999 that that combines psychological tension with ghostly encounters.

The film is packed with suspense and keeps you hooked and guessing with its mystery elements, and If you're into ghost stories that are as emotionally engaging as they are creepy, Stir of Echoes should be on your watch list. [Stir of Echoes on IMDB] [Where To Watch Stir of Echoes]

Martyrs

Martyrs is one of the most intense movies I have ever seen, part of the French new wave horror movement, this movie is an unsettling watch for sure.

It pushes the boundaries to the max and delivers a powerful story about pain, suffering, and the search for meaning.

It's gory, but it isn't just about the gore and while it will challenge your stomach, it will also challenge your mind.

Creep

Creep is a masterclass in minimalist film making.

The film features two characters only and while it has a very slow burn approach, you can't take your eyes of this film when you are watching it.

The finale is one of my favorites of all time and the sense of dread is all too real. [Creep on IMDB] [Where To Watch Creep]

Thirst

Thirst is a bold and provocative take on the vampire genre with some striking visuals, dark comedy and horror elements all rolled into one.

It's uniquely captivating, fresh and daring that challenges conventions while still being wildly entertaining and will keep you on your toes until the very end. [Thirst on IMDB] [Where To Watch Thirst]

Ginger Snaps

Ginger Snaps has a cult following, and for good reason.

It's a clever and darkly comedic film that puts its own spin on the werewolves genre, where the writing is brilliant and the film just wonderfully captures the struggles of growing up and the bond between sisters in a truly memorable way.

It's both an entertaining but thought provoking film with some sharp social commentary and  if you're looking for a horror film that offers a fresh take on your usual werewolves films, Ginger Snaps is a must-see, and while it has a cult following,  more people still need to watch and appreciate it. [Ginger Snaps on IMDB] [Where To Watch Ginger Snaps]

The Medium

The Medium is a film that is best not knowing much before watching it.

Pisanthanakun's direction plunges you into a nightmarish landscape, where rituals and possession intertwine, from handheld shots to chilling CCTV footage, every frame is crafted to evoke a sense of fear into you.

It can be a slow burn but The Medium has a hell of a lot going for it. [The Medium on IMDB] [Where To Watch The Medium]

Falling Stars

A hidden horror gem of 2024, Falling Stars deserves to be on more 2024 best of lists. (As does Lowlifes, BTW)

The film isn’t about the jump scares, instead, it’s a story of curiosity and the consequences that follow, as the movie creates a steady sense of dread for those watching.

It’s a fairly fresh take on supernatural horror, and packs plenty of suspense. [Falling Stars on IMDB] [Where To Watch Falling Stars]

Frailty

This one is criminally underrated and completely fell under the radar when it was released.

It avoids usual clichés and overt scares, and instead, it opts for a slow burn approach and uses the characters psychological unraveling and moral ambiguity to keep you engaged.

Brilliant acting performances and some very thought provoking themes, this psychological horror will keep you gripped, I promise. [Frailty on IMDB] [Where To Watch Frailty]

So, those are some of my recommendations, and I will update this page when I watch a film that I think deserves to be in this list, or I remember one that does.

What are some of your favorite overlooked horror films?

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