If you’re a true lover of horror movies, you would know that some of the best ones out there are the independent, low-budget horror movies you’ve never heard of. The less popular horror films are incredibly unique, as they take a new spin on classic horror film tropes that are at times predictable, leaving us guessing and as terrified as ever. Here are the 10 best horror movies you’ve never heard of.
1. Thirst (2009)
A medical experiment gone wrong is everyone’s worst nightmare, which comes to life in Thirst. The movie draws on the vampire plot but twists it in a wacky and wonderful way through the main character, a priest, who accidentally realises his purpose of life- human flesh. The Korean film is truly one of a kind and includes flesh, blood, nudity and a whole heap of other gore, so our advice is to approach cautiously.
Director: Park Chan-Wook
Run time: 2h 14 mins
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
2. Pathology (2008)
Pathology is equally as gruesome as it is fascinating, making it one of the best horror movies you’ve never heard of. The movie also follows the medical industry gone-wrong theme, the film observes a group of medical students as they each try to conduct the perfect murder. Combined with sex, drugs and plenty of death, the deviance of the movie is enough to keep you entertained.
Director: Marck Scholermann
Run time: 1h 35 mins
IMDB Rating: 6.0/10
3. Dying Breed (2008)
If you live in Australia, Dying Breed is not for the faint-hearted. Set in the land down under, the plot is relatively basic as it follows the struggles of a group of young kids who get attacked in the dense wilderness of the Tasmanian bush. However, the sheer terror you will experience as you watch the movie sets it apart from other horror movies of the Australian genre.
Director: Jody Dwyer
Run time: 1h 32 mins
IMDB Rating: 5.3/10
4. Inside (2007)
If you’re about to be a new mother, maybe skip this one. One of the best horror movies you’ve never heard of that explores unborn life, Inside is as thrilling as it gets. Every mother’s worst nightmare- a pregnant woman is tormented by a strange woman who wants her baby. Set in a typical, unassuming home, this movie is authentic and terrifyingly believable.
Director: Alexandre Bustillo, Julien Maury
Run time: 1h 22 mins
IMDB Rating: 6.7/10
5. The Host (2006)
Another Korean film to make the list, The Host is a thrilling movie directed by Bong Joon Ho, who also directed the internationally acclaimed film, Parasite. If this is any indication of what to expect, prepare to be amazed. It tells the bizarre but engaging story of a mutant squid monster who attacks people near Seoul’s Han River.
Director: Bong Joon Ho
Run time: 2h
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
6. Audition (1999)
Based on a novel by Ryu Murakami, Audition is a surprising mix of horror, drama and even a bit of romance. The movie depicts a widower who takes an offer to screen girls at an audition, and the one he fancies takes him on a wild, disturbing ride. The movie plays on themes such as the mystery of the individual in dating culture, trust, lust and deceit.
Director: Takashi Miike
Run time: 1h 55 mins
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
7. Pontypool (2008)
Pontypool hits close to home, as a deadly virus begins to take over a small Ontario town. However, unlike COVID, this virus makes people go insane for no apparent reason. They begin to attack themselves and each other, as is reported by callers to an innocent radio host. Follow his journey as the world falls apart, terrifyingly, in front of him in this popular unknown horror movie.
Director: Bruce McDonald
Run time: 1 h 33 mins
IMDB Rating: 6.6/10
8. Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010)
By far one of the best horror movies you’ve never heard of that manages to combine horror and comedy, Tucker and Dale vs Evil is bound to take you on a wild ride. The movie documents the horrors faced by hillbillies Tucker and Dale as they embark on vacation at their dilapidated mountain cabin and are mistaken as murderers. It has a nuanced seriousness tied within as it overturns cliches about hillbillies in the Southern parts of America.
Director: Eli Craig
Run time: 1h 29 mins
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
9. Behind The Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)
One of the few horror mockumentaries out there, Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon is a must-watch for all lovers of the criminal mind. It follows the inner workings of Leslie Vernon, as a film crew follow his progress. The movie shines in its unsettling nature through the protagonist, who is equally funny, charming and terrifying.
Director: Scott Glosserman
Run time: 1h 32 mins
IMDB Rating: 6.7/10
10. The Hamiltons (2006)
The final one of the best unknown horror movies is The Hamiltons, an eerie and terrifying horror classic. The movie details the journey of four adult siblings who each conceal some dark secrets as they attempt to navigate the world around them after the confusing events of their parent’s death. The rest, as they say, is history.
Director: Mitchell Altieri, Phil Flores
Run time: 1h 26 mins
IMDB Rating: 5.1/10
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General FAQs
Pyscho (1960) is the best horror movie of all time according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Action, suspense and surprise are what makes a good horror movie.
Some good horror movies on Netflix are Jaws, The Babysitter, The Conjuring and Bird Box.
