Top 20 Underrated Horror Movies of All Time

True to its title, this story revolves around an assassin named Tasya Vos who possesses people. After controlling their bodies to kill her targets, Vos forces them to take their own lives to return to her own. However, her latest host refuses to comply, trapping Vos in his body as their lives collide. “Possessor” would have been a great action film. But it chooses to convey the horrors of losing control instead. Whether it’s Vos’ point of view or her host’s, there’s always a sense of terror brewing in each scene. By its conclusion, this psychological thriller will have you feeling paranoid about everything around you.

It wouldn’t be a Nic Cage film if his character didn’t go off the rails. If that’s your thing, then watching his “Mandy” character, Red Miller, go absolutely nuts will be a welcome sight. After a demonic cult sacrifices his girlfriend, Red goes on a roaring rampage of revenge. Filled with gory visuals and so much blood that you might forget what other colors look like, it’s a violent experience from start to finish. “Mandy”’s no-holds-barred content is hard to stomach, and the film knows it. Although the brutality is unrelenting, the antagonists’ twisted minds have a scary quality of their own. “Mandy” is loud and proud of its premise, and there’s a definite thrill in buckling up for this ride.

This part comedy, part horror is as messed up as it is funny. Ryan Reynolds plays Jerry, a man with schizophrenia whose hallucinations get the best of him. Convinced that his pet dog and cat talk to him, Jerry is motivated to kill. Weirdly enough, you can’t help but feel bad for the character, as his list of crimes is a result of severe loneliness and bad luck. Added to the horror aspect is the deliberately happy and optimistic tone of the movie. The filmmakers seem to want you to feel uncomfortable, as Jerry’s fragile state of mind threatens to wreak havoc.

Getting trapped anywhere is awful. But what if you’re trapped with a gang of murderous neo-Nazis out to get you? “Green Room” follows the harrowing experience of a rock band in this situation. After witnessing a murder, the main characters have to figure out a way to escape. That’s easier said than done since the place is crawling with men with savage intentions. Although there are several action sequences, it largely leans toward a horror setting. “Green Room” combines a stifling feeling of claustrophobia with a foreboding sense of doom. With a story that moves at a quick pace and racks up a notable kill count, it’s a film that never lifts its foot off the gas.

Whoever says you shouldn’t fear the unknown clearly hasn’t seen this movie. In “The Entity,” Carla Moran is terrorized by an invisible being. Haunted by something she can’t explain, Carla begins to lose her grip on reality. Why this entity latched onto her isn’t explained. However, this adds to the film’s fear factor, as Carla’s relentless torment has an additional layer of mystery. The film leaves us in a constant state of paranoia just like the protagonist. It’s a devastating and painful portrayal of suffering that hits much harder than anticipated.

1987’s “Predator” remains popular for blending sci-fi with survival horror. “Dog Soldiers” is in the same vein – but instead of a killer alien, we get a pack of werewolves. A squad of soldiers is in for the fight of their lives when hunted by a group of lycans. As their numbers dwindle, the possibility of a complete bloodbath looks inevitable. And while it’s mainly on the scary side, some moments of dark comedy diversify “Dog Soldiers’” appeal. The movie is also effective at making us care enough for the characters to root for them. Of course, being the gore fest it is, we recommend you don’t get too attached.

Fans have seen Ethan Hawke in romances like “Before Sunrise,” and gritty action thrillers like “Training Day.” But the actor arguably shows better range as hapless writer Ellison Oswalt. The character lands himself way over his head, getting on the wrong side of a terrifying pagan god called Bughuul. “Sinister” is a wonderful throwback to classic “haunted house” horror films, complete with a creepy backstory that unravels over time. Much like Ellison, we watch with bated breath as Bughuul’s plans come to light. The movie contains both subtle imagery and shots that will have you shrieking, as certain scenes dole out jump scares like there’s no tomorrow. “Sinister” isn’t revolutionary, but it gives horror fans exactly what they want with heart-thumping effect.

For a franchise's third entry, few films get as original as this. The first “Exorcist” remains a staple of the genre, so it was always difficult to follow in its footsteps. Here, Lieutenant Kinderman investigates a series of murders that connect to the Gemini Killer. What’s the catch? Said killer is supposed to be dead. The film blends the original’s paranormal outline with elements from the whodunit genre, as the characters face off against an otherworldly villain. Along with the mystery, the use of freaky visuals and consistent scares makes it a well-rounded experience. “The Exorcist III” dares to be different, crafting a unique identity that still acknowledges its legacy.

Contemporary viewers are aware of films like “Don’t Breathe” that deal with the consequences of ill-considered break-ins. However, “The People Under the Stairs” delivered this premise decades earlier. When a boy and two burglars trespass into a house, they’re trapped with people who have resorted to feasting on humans. Leaving isn’t an option when there’s no place to run. On the face of it, this film might seem a bit out there. But when you learn it’s directed by Wes Craven, things make more sense. Similar to his other works, Craven injects realism, comedy, and social commentary into a movie that still scares up a storm. From unhinged characters to macabre humor, it’s a wild trip into the darkest layers of humanity.

Found-footage films are often associated with blockbusters like “Paranormal Activity” and “The Blair Witch Project.” In terms of tapping into its full potential, though, few can compete with “Creep.” Unlike the aforementioned films, this one doesn’t have a supernatural spin. Instead, the creep factor comes from how easy it is to imagine yourself in the protagonist’s shoes. We follow videographer Aaron as he records Josef, a strange man with increasingly erratic behavior. What begins as a casual arrangement turns into a harrowing ordeal for Aaron, as Josef gradually reveals his true nature. Despite a cast of only two actors, “Creep” is as riveting as it gets. The film shows just how twisted a person can be – in more ways than one.

After dealing with a painful loss, Kate and John adopt a girl named Esther. Sounds like your average feel-good movie, doesn’t it? That would be the case if Esther wasn’t a deranged killer – and if she were a little girl in the first place. “Orphan” works as a slow-burn psychological horror. The character’s streak of sadism takes several forms, whether it’s killing people with hammers or tormenting her adoptive siblings. The film sprinkles several hints about Esther’s identity before the huge reveal, when its climactic moments kick into overdrive. Its eventual cult success led to a prequel a decade later, where we watch Esther’s backstory unfold.

A 156-minute runtime is ambitious for a horror film. And while “The Wailing” does make us wait for the payoff, the tension always remains at its peak. In this folk horror, the arrival of an unknown person triggers calamity in a small village. The resulting panic leads to further problems for its inhabitants as the shadow of a great evil lurks over them. The chilling cinematography, set design, and consistent thrills are all one of a kind. When it doesn’t have you chewing on your fingernails, you’ll be contemplating its themes. It didn’t reach as large an audience as it deserved, but not many films have received such glowing reviews as “The Wailing.”

Zombie horror is a tried-and-tested subgenre that usually delivers. But sometimes the best ones can slip under the radar. Here, anthropologist Dennis Alan investigates a drug in Haiti that’s turning corpses into zombies. Unlike films like “World War Z” and “28 Days Later,” the path of destruction in “The Serpent and the Rainbow” is more self-contained. This smaller scale works to its advantage, as we get a better taste of its atmospheric thrills. While audiences are more equipped to handle scary material since its release, the film still has the capacity for shock value. Some scenes might not be for the faint-hearted, so be prepared before you check out this little-known gem.

Speaking of flesh-eating villains, the bad guys here are still alive when they do it. Starring Kurt Russell as Sheriff Franklin Hunt, “Bone Tomahawk” is a Western horror. Hunt leads a rescue mission against cave dwellers with a taste for human flesh. The film takes its time getting to its action-packed premise. Viewers won’t feel any traces of boredom, though, as Hunt’s journey has a palpable sense of suspense. By the time it really gets kicking, the movie morphs into survival horror that will have you at the edge of your seat. “Bone Tomahawk” didn’t make a dent at the box office, but many have since come to appreciate it as an undiscovered classic.

When you think of Sam Raimi, you probably think of the “Evil Dead” series or the “Spider-Man” trilogy. Nestled within his filmography is this supernatural horror that ranks among the director’s best. Loan officer Christine is cursed by a disgruntled woman, setting her on a path to damnation. With limited time in hand, Christine tries to figure out a way to save her soul. “Drag Me to Hell” cuts a bleak outlook for the main character, although there are entertaining moments of dark comedy. In classic Sam Raimi fashion, grotesque visuals and ghastly faces are featured in abundance. It’s an all-around weird, trippy journey about Christine’s descent into the deepest pits of torture, and it doesn't skimp on the entertainment value.

There are more dinner party horror movies than you probably realize. While films like “Ready or Not” and “You’re Next” are lauded, “The Invitation” deserves to be mentioned in the same breath. Initially starting off as a drama, it quickly switches tone to more sinister avenues. A party seemingly about sharing grief is revealed to be a set-up for murder. Having been brainwashed by the twisted philosophy of a cult, the hosts plan to eliminate their guests. Even before this revelation comes to light, the film lands its scares through heightened tension that inches toward the surface. It tackles its material with a deeply unsettling touch that will have you reconsidering your own dinner plans in the future.

Mike Flanagan has helmed popular features like “Doctor Sleep” and “The Haunting” series. Before they reached big-time success, Flanagan achieved critical acclaim with 2016’s “Hush.” Taking place over a single night, protagonist Maddie is stalked by a masked killer. Preying on Maddie’s deafness, the villain hunts her for his demented pleasure. “Hush”’s creative direction enables us to perceive its events through Maddie’s point of view. The distinct atmosphere it creates connects us to both Maddie’s struggles and her eventual decision to fight back. In many ways thrilling, and other ways empowering, “Hush” is a gripping tale of survival against impossible odds.

Insurance investigator John Trent begins to doubt his own existence after a series of bizarre incidents. At the center of it all is a horror novel called “In the Mouth of Madness,” which alludes to the destruction of the world. The premise is hard to believe but that’s exactly the point. With an unreliable narrator and framing device, everything that happens onscreen is a giant question mark. Surreal and terrifying in equal measures, “In the Mouth of Madness” plays with audience perception to leave us as hysterical as Trent is by the end of its run.

There are more zombie apocalypse movies than we can probably count. But how many take place on a speeding train? At the onset of the outbreak, we meet several characters with various backstories. By the end, we’ve grown to care for all of them even though we know most probably won’t make it. Thanks to these well-rounded characterizations, “Train to Busan” gets audiences invested in its journey. The real-time setting adds a degree of urgency. While not as action-based as certain other zombie features, it does go full throttle in places. With fast-paced sequences, multi-dimensional characters, and pure brutality, it turns the genre’s best elements into a winning formula of high-energy entertainment.

Sometimes, horror movies should just be about scaring people. “Trick ‘r Treat” understands the assignment, using an anthology format that pays tribute to Halloween. A demonic entity named Sam connects multiple stories taking place on the night in question. Each deals with urban myths around the festivities, including werewolves, ghosts, and murderers. Without a worldwide premiere, the film went mostly unnoticed upon release. However, it’s become a favorite for fans who have discovered it since. So, if you’re in the mood for a delightfully spooky film that hits all the right notes, look no further than Sam and his trusty lollipop. And remember to keep the Halloween spirit alive if you don’t want Sam to come knocking.