12 Underrated Horror Films That Are Surprisingly Good

There are countless horror films out there, but many of the best ones often slip under the radar. Some of these forgotten gems are just as chilling and atmospheric as the classics, offering unique stories and unsettling moments that linger long after the credits roll. Whether you’re a longtime horror fan or looking for something new, these overlooked films are worth revisiting. Each one brings its own twist to the genre, proving that even lesser-known titles can deliver plenty of scares. Dive into this list and discover horror films that deserve more recognition.

Dead of Night (1945)

An anthology of eerie stories, Dead of Night weaves its narrative around a group of strangers sharing their most haunting encounters. Each tale is unique, with supernatural elements ranging from haunted mirrors to creepy ventriloquist dummies. Despite being from the 1940s, the film’s atmosphere and tension are timeless, building an uneasy feeling throughout. The film’s unsettling ending leaves viewers questioning reality itself. Often overshadowed by later anthologies, this classic deserves more attention.

The Changeling (1980)

The Changeling tells the story of a grief-stricken composer who moves into a secluded mansion, only to find it haunted by a restless spirit. The film expertly blends psychological horror with supernatural elements, relying on atmosphere over cheap scares. George C. Scott’s compelling performance grounds the ghostly occurrences in emotional realism. As the mystery of the haunting unfolds, the film becomes a tense exploration of loss, revenge, and justice. Despite its initial acclaim, it often gets overlooked among ’80s horror films.

Eyes Without a Face (1960)

This French-Italian horror masterpiece delves into themes of identity, vanity, and science gone awry. The story follows a surgeon desperate to restore his daughter’s disfigured face, leading him down a dark path of kidnapping and murder. With its dreamlike cinematography and haunting score, the film creates an atmosphere of both beauty and terror. Its slow, methodical pacing allows the tension to simmer, making the shocking moments even more impactful. Though influential in the genre, it remains lesser-known to mainstream audiences.

The Wicker Man (1973)

The Wicker Man takes viewers to a secluded Scottish island where a police officer investigates a missing child. What he finds is a pagan society with sinister secrets lurking beneath their seemingly joyful rituals. The contrast between the officer’s devout Christianity and the islanders’ paganism adds a philosophical layer to the unfolding horror. The chilling climax, with its shocking revelation, cements the film as an unsettling exploration of belief and sacrifice. Often overshadowed by its 2006 remake, this original remains a unique and gripping experience.

The Innocents (1961)

Based on the novella The Turn of the Screw, The Innocents is a gothic horror that builds its terror through ambiguity. The story revolves around a governess who believes the children in her care are being possessed by malevolent spirits. The film’s chilling atmosphere is amplified by its use of shadow and light, leaving the viewer questioning what’s real and what’s imagined. Deborah Kerr’s performance adds depth to the psychological horror, as her character’s mind begins to unravel. Despite its subtlety, it’s a haunting film that has slipped under many horror fans’ radar.

The Entity (1982)

The Entity tells the horrifying story of a woman tormented by an unseen force that invades her home and body. What sets this film apart is its grounding in reality, as it’s based on actual events. Barbara Hershey’s powerful performance adds emotional weight to the terrifying experiences her character endures. The film’s depiction of psychological and physical horror is disturbing, yet it never feels exploitative. Despite its chilling concept, The Entity remains one of the most overlooked horror films from the 1980s.

Near Dark (1987)

This stylish vampire-western hybrid follows a young man who gets caught up with a family of nomadic vampires. With its unique blend of horror and Western elements, Near Dark stands out as one of the most innovative takes on vampire lore. The film’s gritty, sun-drenched aesthetic contrasts beautifully with its moments of bloody horror. While it lacks the flashy effects of more mainstream horror films, its moody atmosphere and strong performances create a haunting experience. Unfortunately, it’s been largely forgotten in the shadow of other ’80s vampire films like The Lost Boys.

The Reflecting Skin (1990)

Set in a rural, sun-bleached landscape, The Reflecting Skin explores the horrors of childhood in a surreal and disturbing way. The story centers around a young boy who becomes convinced that his mysterious neighbor is a vampire. The film’s dreamlike imagery and nightmarish themes create a strange, unsettling experience that’s difficult to shake. Its exploration of innocence lost and the grotesque side of small-town life makes it a chilling yet underappreciated piece of horror cinema. Despite its unique style, it has been largely forgotten over time.

The Keep (1983)

The Keep is an atmospheric World War II horror film where a group of Nazi soldiers occupy a fortress that harbors an ancient evil. Directed by Michael Mann, the film blends war, the supernatural, and philosophical musings in an eerie, visually striking way. The moody score by Tangerine Dream and the haunting set design create a sense of impending dread. As the evil entity begins to awaken, the soldiers are drawn into a nightmare that none of them are prepared for. Though it didn’t receive much attention upon release, it has garnered a small cult following in recent years.

Black Christmas (1974)

Often considered the precursor to the slasher genre, Black Christmas tells the story of a group of sorority sisters being stalked by a deranged killer during the holiday season. The film’s slow-building suspense, paired with chilling phone calls from the killer, creates an atmosphere of paranoia and dread. Director Bob Clark keeps the tension high by never fully revealing the killer’s identity, leaving the audience in the dark. Its use of POV shots became a signature technique in later slasher films. Despite its influence, it’s not as widely remembered as other horror classics.

Carnival of Souls (1962)

After surviving a car accident, a woman becomes haunted by eerie visions and ghostly figures. Carnival of Souls is a low-budget film that excels in creating an atmosphere of dread through its unsettling visuals and haunting score. The eerie carnival scenes, in particular, stand out for their surreal and nightmarish quality. As the protagonist’s grip on reality starts to fray, the film builds toward an ambiguous and chilling conclusion. Though it was initially ignored, it has since gained recognition as an influential cult horror film.

Session 9 (2001)

Set in an abandoned mental asylum, Session 9 follows a group of asbestos removal workers who slowly unravel under the building’s sinister influence. The film’s oppressive atmosphere and eerie setting make for a deeply unsettling experience. Rather than relying on overt scares, it builds tension through psychological horror and the characters’ deteriorating mental states. The discovery of old therapy tapes hints at a dark past, leading to an unnerving climax. Despite its chilling execution, Session 9 hasn’t received the widespread attention it deserves.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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