10 Must-Watch Underrated Netflix Horror Gems

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Uncovering all of them might require some effort, but Netflix houses an array of high-quality original horror flicks. The critically acclaimed Fear Street Trilogy, a series of interconnected tales spanning various timelines, paved the way for the upcoming Fear Street: Prom Queen. Notable mentions include adaptations of Stephen King’s works such as Gerald’s Game, 1922, and In the Tall Grass. Henry Gayden’s novel There’s Someone Inside Your House was also adapted into a screenplay. Other popular choices among horror enthusiasts and subscribers include His House, The Platform, and Bird Box.

If you take a bit more time and delve deeper, you might discover some hidden treasures among Netflix’s original horror movies that haven’t received as much attention. This collection features 10 underrated gems, some of which are less well-known, others criticized less favorably, and several international productions that didn’t get the recognition they deserved.

10
‘The Ritual’ (2017)

The Ritual, from Adam Nevill’s 2011 novel and directed by David Bruckner, is a must-watch for enthusiasts of shows like Yellowjackets, folk horror, and The Blair Witch Project. Six months following the sad demise of their companion, four friends decide to go hiking in the Swedish wilderness as a tribute. However, as interpersonal conflicts intensify among them, they get lost and encounter an ominous entity lurking in the woods – an ancient evil force that seems determined to pursue them.

A Unique, Ominous Setting

This movie is packed with many commendable aspects such as its compelling dialogue, personal conflicts, genre blending, superb character development, and striking visuals. The chilling atmosphere of “The Ritual” is beautifully captured in its natural Scandinavian setting, enveloping the audience completely. From the instant the group steps into the forest, a sense of ominous presence lurking among the trees becomes almost tangible, following their every action. The horror begins subtly before suddenly escalating, taking viewers off guard with each shocking turn of events.

9
‘The Babysitter’ (2017)

In this darkly humorous horror film, the protagonist Cole (Judah Lewis) has just two companions: his neighbor Melanie (Emily Alyn Lynd), and his older babysitter Bee, portrayed by Scream Queen Samara Weaving, with whom he shares a strong bond. As his parents are absent one night, he stays awake past Bee’s bedtime, peering at her and the friends she entertains, uncovering a chilling revelation – that Bee is affiliated with a murderous Satanic cult, participating in rituals involving sacrifices and dark magic.

A Darkly, Funny Good Time

This film, titled “The Babysitter,” pays tribute to 80s horror flicks by skillfully incorporating the era’s familiar tropes. As a self-conscious horror-comedy, it maintains a playful, unapologetic approach, often veering towards exaggerated extremes. Its inspirations are evident from well-loved classics such as “Home Alone,” “Night of the Demons,” and “Fright Night.” If you’re seeking an entertaining evening filled with action, gore, and a nod to the past, this is definitely worth a watch.

8
‘I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House’ (2018)

Despite some less-than-favorable opinions, the movie “I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House” is a hidden treasure that’s been unfairly overlooked. In this chilling tale, Ruth Wilson portrays Lily Saylor, a nurse hired to care for Iris Blum (Paula Prentiss), a dying author with a home shrouded in mystery. Iris calls Lily by an unexpected name, Polly (Lucy Boynton), which turns out to be the title character from Iris’ most successful novel, “The Lady in the Walls“. As Lily becomes more entwined in the story, she starts to think that the house is indeed haunted.

A Fine Example of How Beautiful Horror Can Be

As a dedicated cinephile, I must admit that Oz Perkins’ second feature film is a slow-burning masterpiece that requires patience from its viewers. If you appreciate the nuances of subtle horror, this movie is worth your time. Despite its leisurely pace, it delivers one of the most gripping ghost stories in recent memory.

True to form, Perkins’ directorial style is a visual feast, with each scene artfully composed and cinematically stunning. The film is narrated through a poetic and atmospheric lens, leaving an eerie and haunting impression long after the credits have rolled. So, if you’re ready for a chilling tale that lingers in your mind like a ghostly presence, this film should be on your watchlist.

7
‘Cam’ (2018)

Cam switches between documentary-style and wide-angle perspectives to narrate a chilling story of tech-induced psychological terror. In this film, Madeline Brewer portrays Alice Ackerman, a driven cam girl who goes by the name Lola, striving to move up the ranks on a popular website that hosts her. With the top spot in sight, she tirelessly searches for increasingly extreme, boundary-breaking, and creative methods to cater to viewers’ desires and garner their backing. However, all her efforts are endangered when an imposter, who resembles her, takes over her online identity.

A Phenomenal Lead Performance

“The movie Cam” is a distinctly eerie production that skillfully combines elements of horror and mystery, leaving an unsettling impression on viewers. It garnered positive feedback from critics but didn’t quite gain widespread attention, primarily attracting enthusiasts of the horror genre. In her dual role, Brewer delivers a powerful performance, adding complexity to Alice while expertly portraying the chilling qualities of her replica.

6
‘Apostle’ (2018)

Previously, it was Abigail who played the leading role; instead, Dan Stevens starred in this 1905-set folk horror film. The story revolves around a man named Thomas Richardson, who embarks on a journey to a secluded Welsh island with the intention of rescuing his sister, who has been held captive by a malevolent cult of religious zealots. This group is led by a charismatic figure known as Malcolm (portrayed by Michael Sheen). In order to save her, Thomas infiltrates the ranks of this sinister cult, ultimately triggering a sequence of violent events that uncover shocking revelations.

A Stunning, Horrific Film

In simpler terms, the film titled “Apostle” is often compared to “The Wicker Man” and “Midsommar.” It leads viewers into some very strange and disturbing realms. The movie builds tension gradually, creating an eerie atmosphere that draws in its audience, before suddenly unleashing a torrent of terror. It earns its place among the best and most frightening cult-themed films ever made.

5
‘The Perfection’ (2018)

In this new role, Allison Williams portrays Charlotte Willmore, once a gifted cellist prodigy who set aside her aspirations at an elite Boston music institution to look after her ailing mother. After a span of over ten years following her mother’s passing, she rekindles ties with the academy’s head, who extends an invitation for her to travel with him and his rising star pupil, Lizzie Wells (Logan Browning), on a journey to unearth fresh talent in Shanghai. As they grow closer through their shared passion for music, they find themselves treading a surprisingly ominous path together.

A Deliciously Twisted Film

This movie is best enjoyed when you go in blind. It’s full of twists and turns, where nothing is as it initially appears. You might think you know where the story is going, but then it suddenly takes a different direction, leaving you off balance. It constantly challenges your assumptions until its very end. The film “The Perfection” skillfully blends elements of erotic thriller with horror, resulting in a truly distinctive and memorable original Netflix horror production.

4
‘The Call’ (2020)

The Call”

“The Call” is a South Korean film that blends science fiction, horror, and psychological suspense to narrate the tale of two women of similar age, residing in dissimilar time periods, and both experiencing strained and problematic relationships with their mothers. Upon her 28-year-old self, Seo-yeon (played by Park Shin-hye), returning to her rustic childhood abode to check on her ailing and distant mother, she accidentally uncovers an old cordless telephone. Subsequently, she starts receiving calls from Young-sook (portrayed by Jeon Jong-seo), who is inhabiting the same dwelling 20 years in the past.

A Unique, Deeply Disturbing Tale

As they continue their phone conversations, the two friends become increasingly connected and draw closer together. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Seo-yeon learns about her friend’s death years later and takes action to prevent it, thereby modifying her own timeline. The Call offers one of the most unique premises among movies streaming now, filled with unexpected twists and an antagonist that catches you off guard. This gripping film will keep you hooked from start to finish. Make sure to stay until the mid-credits for a final scene that completely changes the movie’s ending.

3
‘The Trip’ (2021)

The Journey”

This action-horror-comedy movie hailing from Norway is titled “The Journey,” directed by Tommy Wirkola, and stars Aksel Hennie and Noomi Rapace of Sweden. The story revolves around a poisonous and dysfunctional couple – Lars, a director in soap operas, and Lisa, an actress struggling to find her footing. In an attempt to salvage their marriage, they decide on a weekend getaway to the mountains, staying at a secluded lakeside cabin. Little do they know, each has secret plans to eliminate the other.

However, what they don’t realize is that there’s a more significant danger lurking close by – a group of criminal outlaws on the run. To escape this threat, they must put aside their differences and learn to rely on one another in order to stay alive.

A Dark Comedy Full of Mayhem

This unsung gem delivers everything a fan could ask for in a darkly humorous film. It’s brimming with gruesome scenes, unexpected plot twists, side-splitting humor, and excessive violence that borders on the absurd. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly wild and unpredictable, leaving viewers gripped by curiosity about what will happen next.

2
‘Incantation’ (2022)

Supporters of “The Ring” and “The Blair Witch Project” will likely find enjoyment in this Taiwanese horror film shot in a documentary style, revolving around a malevolent curse. Pregnant character Ronan (Tsai Hsuan-yen), along with her boyfriend and his cousin, violate a taboo by recording the secretive rituals of a secluded cult and exploring a prohibited tunnel. This leads to terrifying events, leaving Ronan requiring psychiatric assistance afterwards. After a long struggle, she manages to reclaim her daughter Dodo (Huang Sin-ting) from foster care, but their joy is fleeting. Shortly after welcoming Dodo home, they are beset by an ominous force and Dodo’s health deteriorates, pushing Ronan to frantically search for a way to save her child.

Watch With the Lights On

The highest-grossing horror film from Taiwan so far is called an “Incantation,” and this isn’t surprising given how original and chilling it is within its horror subcategories. From the opening moments, it keeps viewers on tenterhooks without ever letting up over its almost two-hour duration. Despite being filled with terror, jump scares, and high tension, it never strays from its emotional core.

1
‘Sister Death’ (2023)

Instead of being a direct sequel to the 2017 Spanish horror film “Verónica”, the movie “Sister Death” is designed to stand alone, focusing on Sister Narcisa, the blind nun from that film. Set in 1939 during the Spanish Civil War, we meet Sister Narcisa as a child, who was respected by the townsfolk for her divine visions. Fast-forwarding a decade, Sister Narcisa (played by Aria Bedmar) enters the convent as a novice and teacher. Here, a spectral presence lingers, and hidden darkness awaits to be unearthed.

A Slow-Burn Horror With a Great Reward

The story of Sister Death is a poignant, melancholic narrative that delves into themes of religion, faith struggles, and emotional turmoil. The gothic horror genre showcases breathtaking, chilling imagery, captivating viewers with its exceptional cinematography. While it effectively orchestrates numerous intense and unsettling jumpscares, it predominantly leans on psychological terror to scare the audience.

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2025-04-28 02:34