Top 30 Most Underrated Horror Movies of All Time

#30: Late Night with the Devil (2023)

If youre a horror aficionado looking for something to truly surprise you, check this one out. Late Night with the Devil is a found footage-style film that follows talk show host Jack Delroy through an unhinged Halloween episode of his Night Owls program. The show has been struggling with ratings, and Delroy will do whatever it takes to boost it, even if that means exploiting a possessed young woman on live TV. The audience watches on as a terrifying conjuring leads to an even more devilish reckoning, all in the name of showbiz. David Dastmalchian is a master of his craft as Jack, getting under viewers skin and leaving them sleepless. This film will have a grip on you longer than youd expect it to.

#29: House (1977)

Who said horror has to be serious in order to be great? Director Nobuhiko Obayashi takes the absurd route for his cult classic film House, which sees a group of young women haunted by a murderous home. Most of the brainstorming for it was done by the directors young daughter, which explains a lot about how outrageous the story gets. However, its not just pure campy fun, but artfully surreal almost like youve been pulled into a nightmare without rhyme or reason. That said, it does justice to the horror genre with some pretty gory turns of events, too. Even if you just watch this for the giggles, youll never forget it. Besides, its Bill Hader-approved!

#28: Overlord (2018)

If alternate history is your jam, you cant miss this movie. It portrays a version of World War II where Operation Overlord spirals into a zombie apocalypse. It has the high-stakes drama of a war story, and the familiar thrill of fighting the undead. Science fiction has its moment in the film too, by way of human experiments conducted by the Nazis. All these converge to create a classic good versus evil narrative, powered by adrenaline, grit, and some fantastic cinematography. The visuals are threatening enough to haunt your dreams, but the acting will leave you floored.

#27: Saint Maud (2019)

A24 does not play when it comes to horror. Saint Maud dives into the dark side of religion, painting a bleak portrait of a nurse, Maud, whose holier-than-thou attitude takes a literal dimension. Convinced she has a divine mission to save the soul of her patient, Amanda, a non-believer, she makes desperate attempts to redeem her. Her efforts are mocked, earning her the patronizing nickname Saint. With her faith challenged, her loneliness triggers a descent into madness that ends with blood on her hands. Shes too far gone to recognize the ungodliness of her actions, mistaking delusion for devotion. By the time the films done with you, youll be unable to move, staring at the screen in terror. Fun, right?

#26: Under the Shadow (2016)

What could be scarier than political oppression and the patriarchy? Well, this film has both and then some. Under the Shadow is an Iranian supernatural horror film that throws us into the turmoil of war-struck Tehran in the eighties. Mother and daughter, Shideh and Dorsa, are left to fend for themselves, not only amid the tangible atrocities of war, but also the torment of the malevolent Djinn it brought along. This folkloric being is dread incarnate, causing Shideh to lose her grip on reality as she struggles to protect her little girl. Babak Anvari is masterful in his direction here, capturing an endless sense of suffocation on film. No matter your age, this movie will have you checking under your bed.

#25: The Innocents (1961)

A sixties gothic scream fest in black and white starring none other than Deborah Kerr? Sign us up! The Innocents was ahead of its time and continues to be a blueprint for horror movies to this day. Based on Henry Jamess famed novella The Turn of the Screw, it revolves around a governess who suspects a pair of deceased lovers may have possessed the siblings she is taking care of. Things quickly take a disturbing psychosexual turn in a way that probably wouldnt fly today, but the movie steers clear of gratuitousness. The Innocents is proof that simple is best, because even without flashy effects, it creeps up on you and leaves you unnerved.

#24: The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)

André Øvredals foray into English-language cinema checks all the boxes for a fulfilling horror movie mysterious deaths, necromancy, witches you name it! It all starts with coroner Tommy Tilden, played by Brian Cox, who is training his son, Austin, in his line of work. The duo comes across an unidentified cadaver and must now perform an autopsy. As they peel back the layers of Jane Does body, a chilling mystery unfolds, tracing back to the Salem Witch Trials. The cruelty of the past and its lasting consequences in the present speak to the generational trauma women have had to bear, giving the film a deeper dimension. It is food for thought that leaves you nauseous.

#23: The Haunting (1963)

When it comes to psychological horror, few titles can outdo this one. With source material as potent as Shirley Jacksons The Haunting of Hill House, we wouldnt expect anything less. The tension in Robert Wises adaptation, both cerebral and visceral, is dialed to ten. It sets the viewers imagination running, holding off on stereotypical horror payoff. Instead, we join our tortured protagonist, Eleanor Vance, as her mental state collapses under the pressure of a house that feels dangerously alive and lifeless at the same time. Add to that the undercurrent of her loneliness and complex relationship with fellow housemate Theodora, and you have a layered masterpiece thats hard to forget.

#22: Cronos (1992)

This Mexican movie was what ushered in the reign of Guillermo del Toro as the master of dark fantasy. Despite being his debut feature film, del Toros vision is grounded and self-assured, proving that he was always destined to be in a league of his own. Cronos is tragic horror at its best. It weaves a heartbreaking tale of an antiques trader who unwittingly becomes a victim of immortality after coming across a mysterious device. Rather than enjoying his rejuvenated physicality, he grapples with his deteriorating moral compass. Here, vampirism is not presented through a romanticized lens, but instead, as the inhumane curse it is. Although this trope is now considered overdone, Cronos continues to stand out as a seminal work.

#21: Raw (2016)

Do you like your horror unflinching, with a side of guts? Julia Ducournau serves it up perfectly in Raw. The story follows Justine, who has just started studying veterinary medicine, following in her sisters footsteps. This new chapter in her life is soon corrupted by cruel hazing rituals that force her to go against her lifelong vegetarianism by consuming uncooked meat. With that disturbing new taste on her tongue, Justine finds herself craving something more, something human. Thus begins her downward spiral as she comes to terms with her hunger, unveiling dark secrets about her true identity. The film boasts a primal sensuality and intelligent storytelling that draws us in before we know it. You will be disgusted, but itll be worth it.

#20: Possessor (2020)

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 its Vos point of view or her hosts, theres always a sense of terror brewing in each scene. By its conclusion, this psychological thriller will have you feeling paranoid about everything around you.

#19: Mandy (2018)

It wouldnt be a Nic Cage film if his character didnt go off the rails. If thats 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, its a violent experience from start to finish. Mandys 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 theres a definite thrill in buckling up for this ride.

#18: The Voices (2015)

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 cant 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 Jerrys fragile state of mind threatens to wreak havoc.

#17: Green Room (2016)

Getting trapped anywhere is awful. But what if youre 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. Thats 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, its a film that never lifts its foot off the gas.

#16: The Entity (1982)

Whoever says you shouldnt fear the unknown clearly hasnt seen this movie. In The Entity, Carla Moran is terrorized by an invisible being. Haunted by something she cant explain, Carla begins to lose her grip on reality. Why this entity latched onto her isnt explained. However, this adds to the films fear factor, as Carlas relentless torment has an additional layer of mystery. The film leaves us in a constant state of paranoia, just like the protagonist. Its a devastating and painful portrayal of suffering that hits much harder than anticipated.

#15: Dog Soldiers (2002)

1987s 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 its 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 dont get too attached.

#14: Sinister (2012)

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 Bughuuls 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 theres no tomorrow. Sinister isnt revolutionary, but it gives horror fans exactly what they want with heart-thumping effect.

#13: The Exorcist III (1990)

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. Whats the catch? Said killer is supposed to be dead. The film blends the originals 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.

#12: The People Under the Stairs (1991)

Contemporary viewers are aware of films like Dont 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, theyre trapped with people who have resorted to feasting on humans. Leaving isnt an option when theres no place to run. On the face of it, this film might seem a bit out there. But when you learn its 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, its a wild trip into the darkest layers of humanity.

#11: Creep (2014)

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 doesnt have a supernatural spin. Instead, the creep factor comes from how easy it is to imagine yourself in the protagonists 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.

#10: Orphan (2009)

After dealing with a painful loss, Kate and John adopt a girl named Esther. Sounds like your average feel-good movie, doesnt it? That would be the case if Esther wasnt a deranged killer and if she were a little girl in the first place. Orphan works as a slow-burn psychological horror. The characters streak of sadism takes several forms, whether its killing people with hammers or tormenting her adoptive siblings. The film sprinkles several hints about Esthers 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 Esthers backstory unfold.

#9: The Wailing (2016)

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 doesnt have you chewing on your fingernails, youll be contemplating its themes. It didnt reach as large an audience as it deserved, but not many films have received such glowing reviews as The Wailing.

#8: The Serpent and the Rainbow (1980)

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 thats 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.

#7: Bone Tomahawk (2015)

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 wont feel any traces of boredom, though, as Hunts 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 didnt make a dent at the box office, but many have since come to appreciate it as an undiscovered classic.

#6: Drag Me to Hell (2009)

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 directors 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. Its an all-around weird, trippy journey about Christines descent into the deepest pits of torture, and it doesn't skimp on the entertainment value.

#5: The Invitation (2015)

There are more dinner party horror movies than you probably realize. While films like Ready or Not and Youre 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.

#4: Hush (2016)

Mike Flanagan has helmed popular features like Doctor Sleep and The Haunting series. Before they reached big-time success, Flanagan achieved critical acclaim with 2016s Hush. Taking place over a single night, protagonist Maddie is stalked by a masked killer. Preying on Maddies deafness, the villain hunts her for his demented pleasure. Hushs creative direction enables us to perceive its events through Maddies point of view. The distinct atmosphere it creates connects us to both Maddies 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.

#3: In the Mouth of Madness (1994)

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 thats 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.

#2: Train to Busan (2016)

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, weve grown to care for all of them even though we know most probably wont 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 genres best elements into a winning formula of high-energy entertainment.

#1: Trick 'r Treat (2007)

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, its become a favorite for fans who have discovered it since. So, if youre 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 dont want Sam to come knocking.

Which horror movie is your guilty pleasure? Tell us in the comments down below!