The horror genre has never lived in the spotlight of mainstream cinema. As a consequence, it is normal that some of its entries might end up being slightly overlooked even among the most devoted movie enthusiasts. However, while horror fans are usually eager to sing the praises of the most terrifying masterpieces of the genre, certain films remain curiously under-discussed —even within the horror community itself.

Perhaps some of these films lacked the heavy commercial backing that guarantees worldwide attention. Or maybe they chose subtlety over spectacle, insinuating themselves into the mind of the viewer in a less dramatic, more silent manner. They never screamed for attention, and because of this, they quickly faded from everyone’s conversation. Nevertheless, their value to the genre is indisputable, and I’m genuinely shocked that no one ever brings them up.

10

The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)

Directed By Oz Perkins

The Blackcoat’s Daughter is a profoundly touching film with a complex production history. Perhaps, this is the reason why it has been overlooked when it comes to praising other horror gems in the last few years. According to Oz Perkins, due to the precarious success of the horror genre in the 2010s and its relatively unknown name at the time, financing the story has apparently been difficult. Nevertheless, the project came out incredibly well, especially considering it was Perkins’ directorial debut.

The Blackcoat’s Daughter follows three young women, two of whom are students, who find themselves connected by the dark events occurring at a secluded boarding school. The hidden, isolated setting, shadowy atmosphere, and haunting score all combine to create a creeping sense of dread. The director was able to evoke deep emotional resonance and sheer terror. This movie deserves more attention.

9

The Orphanage (2007)

Directed By J.A. Bayona

One of the most terrifying horror movies of the last twenty years, The Orphanage deserves way more credit than it has recently been given. The film centers on Laura, a young mother who returns to the mysterious orphanage where she had been raised, only to learn that her son has gone missing. As the woman embarks on a desperate quest to find her child, the older, dark secrets that haunt the place emerge, giving life to a slow-burn and atmospheric emotional journey.

The Orphanage received critical acclaim when it first premiered. However, despite its widespread recognition in Spain, where production took place, it never earned its place among other unforgettable horror gems. The fact seems absurd, especially considering how well the movie blends its whimsical elements with a terror-driven plot and visuals. Had the story been sH๏τ in the United States, it would probably now be considered a cult. Without a doubt, the film is a haunting must-watch horror masterpiece.

8

The Devil’s Backbone (2001)

Directed By Guillermo Del Toro

Perhaps, in the long and prolific filmography of Guillermo del Toro, The Devil’s Backbone might have taken a backseat, but that does not take away from its cinematic value. Produced in 2001, this horror is a gothic tale that takes place during the Spanish Civil War and features Carlos, a boy sent to a Republic loyalist orphanage after his father’s death. There, he finds himself haunted by a recently deceased child, Santi.

“What is a ghost? A tragedy condemned to repeat itself time and again? An instant of pain, perhaps. Something ᴅᴇᴀᴅ which still seems to be alive. An emotion suspended in time. Like a blurred pH๏τograph. Like an insect trapped in amber.”

As usual, Del Toro is able to blend the eerie beauty of gothic horror with a poignant, human-centric story, crafting a film that is simultaneously devastating, disturbing, and socially aware. The movie is a testament to the director’s ability to understand and manipulate the eerie world of ghost tales and the macabre to explore uncomfortable and difficult themes of loss, trauma, and the impact of war.

7

May (2002)

Directed By Lucky McKee

A 2000s horror you probably haven’t seen, May is so distinctively chilling that I am still shocked to this day at how it has been repeatedly ignored when it comes to celebrating the best scary movies of the last twenty years. Directed by Lucky McKee, the story follows a socially awkward and isolated young woman whose only friend is a glᴀss-enclosed doll she has had since childhood. Unfortunately, what appears to be an originally sad quirk from a difficult youth devolves into obsessive behavior with tragic consequences.

Despite receiving critical praise, May was unsuccessful at the box office when it first came out. Nevertheless, over the years, it grew to become quite a significant hidden gem of the genre. Yet horror enthusiasts often fail to mention it when discussing the greatest scary stories of the 2000s, undervaluing its depth and worth.

6

The Woods (2006)

Directed By Lucky McKee

After May, Lucky McKee proved once more to be a masterful cinematic storyteller. And, again, his ability has been sadly overlooked. The Woods is one of the most terrifying supernatural tales of the 2000s. The film creates an increasingly disturbing atmosphere utilizing secluded spaces far away from society and rustic, albeit mesmerizing, visuals. The plot follows a troubled girl forced to go to a female private high school that conceals dark secrets tied to its surrounding woods and the staff.

The Woods might not be a groundbreaking production, but it certainly deserves to be remembered for its uniquely haunting visuals and how cleverly it honors one of Dario Argento’s most acknowledged terrifying masterpieces, Suspiria. There is a nightmarish, spooky element that easily appeals to fans of witchcraft tales and supernatural horror. The film is a must-watch and, if given a second chance, it could become a cult.

5

The Reef (2010)

Directed By Andrew Traucki

Perhaps within the subgenre of shark horrors and its many fans, The Reef is rather well known. After all, the movie is a great, adrenaline-inducing journey of survival in the open sea. However, it seems that its notoriety is limited to a restricted niche, which is a shame considering how blood-curdling and entertaining the story is.

The Reef follows a group of friends who, after their boat capsizes while on a trip to Indonesia, must fight for survival in the treacherous waters of the Great Barrier Reef, relentlessly hunted by a great white shark. The film capitalizes on the primal, deep-rooted fear of helplessness—the idea of being hunted—while trapped in a merciless environment. It captures the sense of powerlessness in a hostile, human-adverse setting, crafting an immersive and terrifying experience. Without a doubt, the horror is an underrated shark movie.

4

Black Christmas (1974)

Directed By Bob Clark

Often overlooked when discussing the great scary movies that made history in the 20th century, Black Christmas is a classic horror slasher from the 1970s and is considered by many to be the forefather of the subgenre. The story follows a group of sorority sisters who, during the Christmas period, start receiving disturbing phone calls and are stalked and killed by an anonymous ᴀssailant. The film is inspired by the legend of “the babysitter and the man upstairs”.

The movie initially received mixed reviews, but over time, it has been re-evaluated and earned a cult following. Despite its growing respect within horror circles, Black Christmas still lacks the same level of recognition in popular culture as other iconic slashers. This is unfortunate, especially considering its significant influence on more famous cult classics like Halloween, proving its importance in shaping modern horror.

3

Lake Mungo (2008)

Directed By Joel Anderson

Perhaps the elusive figure of the director might have contributed to the mystery surrounding Lake Mungo. Nevertheless, many factors make this half-documentary and half-found-footage product the terrifying psychological horror film that turned out to be. The 2008 movie features a group of families who attempt to come to terms

Lake Mungo is Joel’s only project as a director, and it is a shame, given his extensive talent. The movie builds tension through slow-burning pacing and an unsettlingly realistic and emotional narrative. However, despite the critical acclaim it received, the film appears to have been forgotten in recent years. Perhaps Joel’s recent involvement as a scriptwriter and producer in the masterpiece Late Night With The Devil might help reignite interest in his work. Honestly, I still can’t believe the low watch rate of this greatly reviewed horror.

2

Cemetery Man (1996)

Directed By Michele Soavi

As we have already seen, foreign movies are commonly less likely to attract the same attention that Hollywood productions obtain. For this reason, aside from the widely recognized masterpieces of Dario Argento, not everyone might remember Cemetery Man. Starring Rupert Everett and Anna Falchi, the movie premiered in 1994 as the story of a cemetery caretaker who faces the bizarre task of burying the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ who repeatedly rise from their graves.

Cemetery Man is a brilliant and surreal blend of horror and humor, creating an engaging and intriguing experience for the viewer. Despite its B-movie appeal, it has an inner depth and intelligence that sets it apart. The film is a visually mesmerizing, absurdly gory, and emotionally compelling must-watch that deserves much more respect in the genre. Martin Scorsese deemed it one of the best Italian productions of the 1990s (Via Collider).

1

The Invitation (2022)

Directed By Jessica M. Thompson

Given its mixed-to-negative critical reception, most people might disagree here. But The Invitation is an absolute gem, and I am shocked that most of the public and horror community have dismissed it so quickly. Directed by Jessica M. Thompson, the film follows Evie, a young American woman who, after discovering distant relatives through a DNA test, is invited to a grand wedding in the posh English countryside. The story draws inspiration from Dracula by Bram Stoker.

Perhaps the plot might be vaguely predictable and follow traditional horror tropes, but it works perfectly for the classical gothic tale it aims to tell. The eerie visuals, gory elements, and almost fairytale-turned-nightmare-like setting match the beloved narrative of ancient vampires, cursed bloodlines, and sinister rituals. Nathalie Emmanuel delivers a powerful performance. Despite its current overlooked status, the film may one day be re-evaluated for its deeper social commentary and earn the recognition it truly deserves.

Source: Collider