2010s marked a groundbreaking era for the horror genre, with movies such as “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” (2014), “The VVitch”, “Get Out” (2017), and “Midsommar” (2019) leading the revolution. Filmmakers during this time dared to defy tradition, pushing boundaries and exploring diverse creative avenues. Moreover, several timeless horror tales found their way back onto the big screen through remakes like “The Crazies” (2010), “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (2010), and “It” (2017).
Despite an abundance of popular genre films grabbing attention online and in theaters worldwide, many lesser-known horror movies from the past decade have been overlooked. This list highlights ten underrated horror films that are equally captivating and deserving of recognition as their more famous counterparts.
10
‘YellowBrickRoad’ (2010)
Following a 1940 showing of the movie “The Wizard of Oz”, the entire populace of Friar, New Hampshire inexplicably trekked along a twisting forest path into the wilderness. The remains of just 200 individuals were discovered later on. Some succumbed to the cold, others met a strange and deadly fate, while many more vanished without a trace. In modern times, when the U.S. military discloses the trail’s location, a film crew ventures there in hopes of uncovering the truth behind the mystery. However, they soon find themselves lost and tormented by enigmatic forces.
A Cerebral Descent Into Madness With a Hell of an Ending
Under the joint direction of Jesse Holland (of 2016’s “We Go On”) and Andy Mitton (from 2022’s “The Harbinger”), the movie YellowBrickRoad cleverly uses elements such as found footage and being lost in nature, but these are merely devices to explore the expansive realm of cosmic horror. The film masterfully immerses spectators within the thoughts of its characters, creating an overwhelming feeling of fear that seems impossible to escape. The movie’s most captivating and terrifying aspect lies in its conclusion, which will linger in viewers’ minds long after they finish watching, making them ponder what their own personal nightmare might resemble.
9
‘Livid’ (2011)
For more than ten years, Dimension Films left the French horror masterpiece untouched on their shelves. However, in 2022, Shudder acquired the rights and made it available in the U.S. for the first time. The movie was directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo, who are also known for “Inside” (2007). Lucie, played by Chloé Coulloud, is a young nursing student living at home. On Halloween night, Lucie, her boyfriend, and her boyfriend’s brother decide to break into the house of one of Lucie’s patients, a former ballet teacher, in search of a legendary treasure. Unfortunately, they get trapped inside the spooky mansion, and all kinds of supernatural chaos ensue.
A Bizarre, Beautiful Nightmare
Livid is a movie best enjoyed without much prior knowledge. Horror aficionados, particularly those with a penchant for gothic horror, will find its dense ambiance and gruesome visuals captivating. The film serves as a tribute to various influences that impacted its creators, ranging from Hammer horror productions to the early works of Dario Argento, and even the dark folklore of Guillermo del Toro. There’s a little something for everyone in this genre, making it a delightful experience for fans across the board.
8
‘Absentia’ (2011)
The movie “Absentia” focuses on two sisters, Tricia (played by Courtney Bell) and Callie (Katie Parker). Tricia’s husband has been missing for seven years, and she is about to have him declared dead in absentia. Meanwhile, Callie, having recently overcome a drug addiction, moves in with her sister. However, just as Tricia prepares this legal step, her husband mysteriously returns home, emaciated, battered, and covered in blood. It is then revealed that his case is connected to a series of other disappearances, all linked to a puzzling underground tunnel. This revelation sets the sisters on a harrowing journey through a Faustian nightmare.
A Haunting Meditation of Grief
In terms of budget, Mike Flanagan’s initial directorial venture is his least-viewed production thus far, yet it remains one of his most underestimated. Similar to many of his other productions, “Absentia” is a deeply emotional narrative that explores themes of grief and loss, leaving an impact on viewers long after they’ve watched it. Despite being filled with intense emotional strain, the film is constructed around raw, unadulterated fear, guiding audiences to some of the most surprising and uncomfortable psychological territories.
7
‘Antiviral’ (2012)
Syd March, portrayed by Caleb Landry Jones, is employed at the Lucas Clinic, a firm specializing in obtaining viruses from ailing famous personalities. In his spare time, he clandestinely purloins these pathogens from the clinic, utilizing his body as a host to incubate them before peddling them on the illicit market. Following an injection of a sample taken from Hannah Geist (Sarah Gadon), the clinic’s most sought-after and elite celebrity, the next day brings news of her demise. To preserve his own life, Syd is compelled to unravel the enigma surrounding the virus that claimed her life.
A Dystopian Satire of Celebrity Worship Culture
In the not-so-distant future, I found myself immersed in the gripping saga of Brandon Cronenberg’s directorial debut, Antiviral. This riveting sci-fi body horror masterfully delves into the perils of parasocial relationships, a topic that resonates deeply in our celebrity-obsessed world. The film is as stylish as it is terrifying, and I firmly believe it deserves equal recognition to Cronenberg’s other works, such as Possessor (2020) and Infinity Pool (2023). Jones’s chilling performance culminates in one of the most harrowing endings horror fans will ever witness.
6
‘The Borderlands’ (2013)
Titled “Final Prayer” in the U.S., this British horror film focuses on a group of three Vatican investigators who journey to an isolated 13th-century church nestled within the Devon countryside. Their mission: to investigate claims of bizarre supernatural occurrences, which the locals have dubbed miracles. However, they quickly discover that the reality is far more sinister than anyone could have anticipated. It becomes apparent that no one is exempt from danger within the sacred confines of a church.
A Smart, Terrifying Addition to the Found Footage Subgenre
Director Elliot Goldner skillfully employs handheld cameras and CCTV to create an incredibly realistic atmosphere for viewers. The script and actors expertly develop characters that resonate deeply with the audience, which is not common in found-footage subgenres. Just like the characters, viewers are trapped within the horrors of a sinister church and its surrounding landscape. The film effectively generates chills and suspense through the use of darkness, shadows, and emptiness. Remarkably, this is Goldner’s directorial debut.
5
‘Jug Face’ (2013)
Jug Face essentially tells a rite-of-passage tale, with Lauren Ashley Carter portraying Ada, a teenage girl expecting a child, living in an isolated, cultish community that reveres a mysterious entity dwelled within a pit, believed to possess healing abilities. They sacrifice their own for this creature’s satisfaction, choosing the victims based on a seer’s divination through carving their faces onto jugs during trances. When Ada discovers her destined sacrifice, she conceals the jug, which initiates a chilling sequence of unsettling events.
An Impressive Low-Budget Horror Movie
The film presents an extraordinary, albeit strange and unconventional, narrative. On a shoestring budget, writer-director Chad Crawford Kinkle surpasses all assumptions, introducing a fresh perspective to the realm of folk horror. This powerful and intense story is skillfully crafted with exceptional writing and a compelling lead performance. Key topics it explores are extremist religious beliefs, societal pressures to adhere to your role, and coming to terms with destiny.
4
‘Spring’ (2014)
As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to delve into the fourth joint venture by long-standing friends and cinematic partners, Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead – the creators behind “Spring.” In this captivating tale, I find myself immersed in the story of Evan, a grieving soul who seeks solace in Italy following the demise of his mother. There, he encounters Louise (played by Nadia Hilter), a vibrant woman whose charm wins my heart almost instantly. Unbeknownst to him, the genetics student he admires deeply holds a chilling secret that unveils her true essence.
A Unique Blend of Horror and Romance
As a devoted admirer, I wholeheartedly concur with Guillermo del Toro’s sentiments: “Just to clarify, Spring stands out as one of the most exceptional horror films this decade has offered. Among all Lovecraftian films, it’s only surpassed by Possession and Alien in my book.” This indie masterpiece is a shining beacon of independent cinema, weaving a heartfelt love story around its core. Spring cleverly redefines the monster narrative by portraying Louise as a profoundly complex and layered character. Upon viewing, one can’t help but be astonished by the relative obscurity surrounding this remarkable film.
3
‘Starry Eyes’ (2014)
Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer, who collaborated on this film, partially financed it through a Kickstarter campaign for an independent project. These two directors are primarily recognized for their work on the 2019 version of Pet Sematary. In their joint production titled Starry Eyes, Alex Essoe (known from Midnight Mass and The Haunting of Bly Manor) plays the role of Sarah, a struggling woman yearning to make it big in Hollywood. After encountering an exceptional opportunity, Sarah plunges into the shadowy, malevolent side of the entertainment industry and experiences a grotesque, startling metamorphosis.
The Price of Fame and Fortune
Starry Eyes offers a harsh depiction of the trials and tribulations endured by hopeful actors in the world of cinema. The movie powerfully conveys the notion that to achieve stardom in Hollywood, one must relinquish their genuine self and transform into the persona desired by industry elites. There are numerous aspects of the film that are worthy of praise, such as Essoe’s captivating acting, its symbolic undertones, and stunning visuals.
2
‘The Similars’ (2015)
The Similars is a Mexican sci-fi horror movie by Isaac Ezban, inspired by the classic series The Twilight Zone. The story unfolds in 1968 at a secluded bus station, where eight individuals find themselves stranded during a stormy night. They encounter peculiar occurrences as some of them mysteriously have seizures. With communication lines down and the weather preventing any contact with the outside world, they find themselves trapped in a chilling, dreamlike psychological horror scenario.
An Exceptionally Bizarre Film With Plenty to Say
As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you that “The Similars” isn’t just about unleashing chaos, it skillfully weaves a political allegory involving government authorities and activists. It subtly echoes the tragic event known as the Tlatelolco Massacre, where Mexican military forces brutally suppressed hundreds of student protesters who were rallying against the 1968 Summer Olympics. With a captivating retro atmosphere and a masterful use of tone, Ezban’s desaturated masterpiece is a horror gem that every fan should experience.
1
‘The Dark’ (2018)
The Dark” is a chilling horror film in English, hailing from Austria. It’s both written and directed by Justin P. Lange. The movie delves into an unusual friendship between two deeply troubled adolescents. Mina (Nadia Alexander), a homicidal undead girl, endured immense suffering at the hands of her mother’s abusive partner before she died. Now, she haunts those who dare to enter her former home and the woods around it. Alex (Toby Nichols) is a kidnapped, abused, blind boy whom Mina rescues and befriends.
A Sweet But Melancholy Film
This film, titled “The Dark,” is more than just a zombie movie; it’s a profound exploration of maturity cloaked within the horror genre. The story delves into the question of what transforms us into monsters, and offers a poignant message that redemption and reclaiming our humanity are always possible, no matter the circumstances. This movie is ideal for fans of the genre who enjoy a complex emotional layer in their horror. The film captivates with its haunting soundtrack, engrossing plotline, and evocative visuals. However, be advised that it tackles heavy themes like sexual violence and abuse, both physical and psychological.
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2025-03-10 00:03