Horror movies stand as one of the most beloved and widely watched genres in the entertainment industry.
Ranging from psychological thrillers to spine-chilling horror dramas, the genre has undergone significant evolution, employing innovative storytelling techniques to delve into the mysteries of the otherworldly. This evolution has resulted in a diverse array of horror anthologies, providing viewers with a vast spectrum of narratives that linger in the mind, capable of inducing hallucinations long into the night.
Even for avid followers who diligently keep track of major releases, many exceptional films often slip through the cracks.
Regardless of your cinematic preferences, if you find yourself enamored with the allure of paranormal scenes and possess a love for delving into the mysterious, we bring to you a curated list of some of the most underrated horror movies boasting spine-chilling storylines.
Here are the 5 underrated horror movies to watch
- Shutter (2004): Released in 2004 in Thailand, “Shutter” stands as a captivating horror film with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes, earning a commendable score of 7.8 from over a thousand viewers.
This cinematic gem achieved significant success at the box office, solidifying its status as one of the most renowned Thai horror films with global recognition.
The narrative commences with the lead male’s fiancée accidentally striking a woman with her car. A sinister turn of events follows when they discover a shadowy figure haunting the background of a photograph taken by the male lead, a photographer.
As the story unfolds, it reveals deep-seated secrets from the photographer’s past, entwined with the fates of three of his friends. What sets “Shutter” apart from the vast array of Asian horror movies lies in its meticulous attention to tiny details, weaving a tale that lingers with viewers long after the credits roll.
- The autopsy of Jane Doe (2016): One of the creepiest movies ever made. With a run time of 1 hour and 26 minutes the film was rated 8.6 by rotten tomatoes.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2016, and was eventually released on December 21, 2016, by IFC Midnight. It earned $6 million at the box office. The critical concord at Rotten Tomatoes called it “a smart, suggestively creepy thriller”.
The movie shows the corpse of an unidentified young woman which was found at the scene of an inexplicable multiple homicide in the initial scene by a duo of father and son.
- The Witch (2015): Released in 2015, the Witch is a 2015 folk horror film written and directed by Robert Eggers in his feature directorial debut. The age old concept of Witch craft, black magic and posession are brought together in the plot to picturize the life of a frightful family.
The Witch premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2015, and was widely released by A24 on February 19, 2016, to critical and financial success, grossing USD 40 million against a USD 4 million budget. It is considered by some to be one of the best horror films of 2016.
Critics said that the film’s impact is delivered not through scares, but by the effect of ambience and scenography.
- Tourist Trap (1979): Dive into a chilling slasher horror that will redefine your perception of mannequin models. In this unsettling film, a group of teenagers becomes ensnared in a sinister museum governed by a disturbed proprietor and, to make matters worse, haunted by a legion of homicidal mannequins. Get ready for a spine-tingling experience as the lines blur between reality and nightmare in this suspenseful tale of terror.
- Invitation (2015): When Will receives an unexpected invitation from his ex-wife, Eden, for a dinner party with her new husband, he reluctantly decides to attend alongside his girlfriend, Kira (Emayatzy Corinealdi). However, as he arrives, the ambiance of their old home triggers haunting memories, and a creeping suspicion takes hold – perhaps Eden’s invitation goes beyond a friendly gathering. This psychological thriller makes you reconsider the wisdom of meeting up with an ex, as dark secrets and hidden motives come to light during the course of the evening. “The Invitation” invites viewers to question the true nature of the gathering, creating an atmosphere of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
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