50 Obscure and Underrated Horror Movies Worth Looking For

This Japanese horror was released while the manga of the same name was still being published, albeit with a different ending. This film makes great use of practical effects in combination with well executed early computer generated imagery. Like most J-horror films, it's best to go into it knowing your mind is going to be played with.

Possession is an allegory based film. It's easier to understand the film as a whole if that's known going in to it, but I'll forego the spoiler and leave it to you to guess at what the allegory is. Isabelle Adjani is amazing in this movie, portraying scenes of descent into madness that must be seen to be believed. Sam Neil does well also, though he does seem a little stilted at times. Lastly, it should be noted there is a very controversial scene in this film depicting a "demon" of sorts. Be warned that the scene in question may stay with you long after the movie has ended.

There's nothing I can really say to prepare someone for this film. Most of the conventional aspects of horror are there, just turned up to 11. The plot is riddled with mind-bending twists which culminate into a very unsettling payoff in the end. *Note: Some scenes depicting rape are difficult to watch.

The original title of this film, "Who can kill a child?", is a much more telling in regards to the plot. When the two adult protagonists find themselves surrounded by pint-sized sociopaths, that question begs to be answered, no matter how taboo. While not especially gory or tense compared to todays fare, the atmosphere and island locations in this film are very unique for the horror genre.

While the final twist of the film steals heavily from Hemingway's "The Snows of Mount Kilimanjaro", the rest of the film is a near masterpiece of terror and suspense. Keep an eye out for the head shaking special effect. For such a simple thing to put to film, it's extremely unnerving to say the least. There's much more I can say about this one, but it really should be watched to be appreciated.

The atmosphere surrounding the plot of Paperhouse is what really makes this a stand-out horror film. With only a mild sprinkling of jump scares and an antagonist who is really just ominous at best, this movie makes creative use of its sets and storyline to really convey a sense of dread throughout.

Gothic horror has become somewhat of a lost art. Audiences were once more easily immersed in dark atmospheres than those of today, who have lived through eras of slashers, exploitation, and unflinching gore fests. That said, "The Innocents" is one of the best in the gothic genre. Moody and plot heavy, it's really an experience film. *Note: The 2001 Nicole Kidman remake entitled "The Others" is decent with respect to how bad remakes often are. Still, "The Innocents", in all its vintage glory is more enjoyable in my opinion.

First and foremost, this film is based on true events. Within the horror genre, that adds a completely different layer of context when viewing that's absent from films based on fictional work. If you are a fan of films like "Audition", this one may appeal to you. Two lovers push the envelope from pleasure to pain with horrific results that will have every male viewer subconsciously guarding his crotch for days.

Eyes Without a Face [Les Yeux Sans Visage] is somewhat of a sleeper horror film. It's well known in film circles, but doesn't seem to get much attention elsewhere, even amongst avowed horror fans. The premise, how far someone will go for a loved one at all costs, is easily relatable. Other themes, such as vanity and megalomania, are also given their proper due here. The make-up effects are excellent for the time and the cinematography is well conceived in black and white. The only complaint I have is against the soundtrack. The score becomes oddly campy when victims are being stalked. I guess that can be chalked up to being a product of the 1960's.

While "The Blob" isn't an obscure title in it's own right, the original 1958 version always seems to get more fanfare, being a product of the 50s monster movie era. The '88 Blob is a much slicker movie and undoubtedly more terrifying. The creature effects work, using weather balloons and dyed silicone gel, create something truly horrific.

While not strictly a monster film, the "Demon" featured in this British horror flick is exceptionally terrifying for its day. Billowing smoke and charging through the night sky, it's a real spectacle. The plot is intriguing enough to keep a modern viewers attention as well when the titular monster isn't on screen through cross and double-cross elements between the cast. It really is a near-classic that will hopefully find a newer, wider audience in time.