Top 10 Underrated Horror Movies to watch (or rewatch)
- Date of Release: 11 April 2014
- Director: Mike Flanagan
- Language: English
- Watch On: Amazon Prime Video
Mike Flanagan is a master of this genre. This 2014 gem revolves around an antique mirror, which the protagonist (Kaylie played by Karen Gillan ) feels is responsible for the death of her family members. With minimal characters and settings, Flanagan proved that it doesn’t take much to create genuine horror. And yes, after watching this we don’t trust mirrors anymore !
- Date of Release: 27 March 2015
- Director: David Robert Mitchell
- Language: English
- Watch On: Amazon Prime Video
It Follows tells a story of a monster which will follow and kill you unless you pass the curse to someone else. But here’s the catch — the monster will appear as any other normal person. This constant fear of getting caught and having trust issues, drives the story forward. A must watch for anyone who wants some unique horror experience.
- Date of Release: 27 March 2015
- Director: John Erick Dowdle
- Language: English
- Watch On: Hulu
The movie revolves around five strangers who accidentally got stuck in an elevator. Soon they start experiencing haunting incidents that will change their lives forever. The main strength of the movie is the sharp suspense that it maintains throughout. Even after many re-watches, it remains fresh and claustrophobic.
- Date of Release: 24 July 2009
- Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
- Language: English
- Watch On: Amazon Prime Video
This may not be a paranormal entry in the list, but definitely a brilliant venture towards a less explored territory. Director Jaume Collet-Serra tells a story of a couple who decide to adopt a 9-year-old girl, Esther, from the local orphanage. Soon they would regret this seemingly harmless decision. The on-point acting by the cast only adds up to the bone-chilling twist waiting towards the end. If you’re tired of constant jump scares, this may be the movie for you.
- Date of Release: 21 November 2007
- Director: Frank Darabont
- Language: English
- Watch On: YouTube
Based on Stephen King’s work with the same name, this tells a story of an alien invasion that forces many locals to take shelter in a supermarket. Besides telling a story of the apocalypse, this shows how people tend to show their true colours in the face of death. The movie leaves you with a powerful ending and that alone makes it unforgettable.
- Date of Release: 21 November 2007
- Director: Mike Flanagan
- Language: English
- Watch On: Apple TV
Another film from Flanagan’s hat. Let’s face it, 2014’s Ouija was a disaster. So for the follow-up, Flanagan had a tough task in hand. In Origin of Evil, he uses many of the cliche horror tropes. Yet this movie terrifies you. A family uses fake Ouija board tricks to help people move on. One day they buy a new Ouija board that will soon turn their lives upside down. Check out this movie to find beauty in jump scares !
- Date of Release: 20 July 2016
- Director: Yeon Sang-ho
- Language: Korean
- Watch On: Amazon Prime Video
A straight up Zombie apocalypse movie ? Not really. Besides telling the story of a father-daughter duo stuck in the midst of a Zombie attack, the movie explores some of the most beautiful aspects of human relationships. The cinematography is stunning, the emotions felt real. Maybe the best movie to start worrying about social distancing again.
- Date of Release: 12 October 2012
- Director: Scott Derrickson
- Language: English
- Watch On: Netflix
Sinister is both downright gory and horrifying. Writer moves into a house with a violent history. Soon he finds some gruesome videotapes and that leads to the ultimate jump scare fest. The movie remains fan-favourite and inspired a not-so-great follow-up in 2015. Just in case you’re planning to watch Sinister, you’ve been warned.
- Date of Release: 18 October 2015
- Director: Robert Eggers
- Language: English
- Watch On: Hulu
Debutant director Robert Eggers stormed the genre with his 17th century tale of a family that gets banished from a colony over religious dispute. It’s a dark slow-burn film that tries to explore different shades of remorse while staying loyal to the genre. An example of exquisite filmmaking.
- Date of Release: 27 May 2016
- Director: Na Hong-jin
- Language: Korean / Japanese
- Watch On: Amazon Prime Video
A true masterpiece from director Na Hong-jin. Horrific incidents start happening in a village when a stranger comes in to stay there. Horror, Mystery, Zombie, Black Magic, Psychological thriller- you name it; this movie has covered it. The constant twists and turns with that nerve-racking intensity is enough to give you some sleepless nights. A would-be horror classic for sure.