Underrated Horror Movies Worth Watching During This Spooky Season

TV & Film

Oct 30

Horror Collage — mage Source: Seattle Magazine

When it’s October, movie buffs recommend horror movies, including the classics like “A Nightmare on Elm Street”, “Halloween” (Original), and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (Original).

However, for every popular horror movie released, there are a dozen left in the dust, even if they are good or not that bad. I’ll be discussing these kinds of horror movies, especially since it’s the spooky season.

5. 'May'

The best horror films are the ones that explore the theme of loneliness and how it can drive the main character to do unforgivable things and culminate in a tragic end for them.

May is a movie that fits that kind of horror subgenre, although what makes it stand out is its recurring use of a doll and the main character’s lazy eye. The titular protagonist is a lonely woman who wants to be loved and connect with others, while being protective of a doll given to her from her childhood, which she also views as her only friend due to being bullied and ostracized thanks to having a lazy eye.

Thanks to a great performance from Angela Bettis, an interesting story, and creepy scenes, especially the ending, May is worth watching.

RELATED:

Featured

Bela Lugosi: The Face (And Voice) Of 'Dracula'

4. 'Willard'

What if I told you that some of the best horror films are remakes/reboots or even a new adaptation of a horror story? These include John Carpenter’s The Thing, Chuck Russell’s The Blob, and David Cronenberg’s The Fly.

But one remake I feel doesn’t get talked about and deserves more attention is Glen Morgan’s Willard from 2003.

I’m going to be honest: I never liked the original Willard. Despite good performances from Bruce Davison and Ernest Borgnine, along with some creepy scenes, including a disturbing ending, I thought it was boring.

The remake is one of those remakes I thought improved everything from the original, and I’m not just talking about the movie having more creepy scenes, like the final scene, but also having a creepy atmosphere and making Ben the rat more terrifying.

I also have to give major props to Crispin Glover’s performance in the film. He really stole the show as the titular protagonist.

If you’re looking for a good film to watch involving animals, especially rats, Willard (2003) is worth watching.

Side note: The music video released with the movie is also worth watching due to how bizarre it is.

3. 'Bug'

William Fichtner was a legend in the world of filmmaking due to directing films like The Exorcist (1973), Sorcerer, and The French Connection.

There’s one film that I feel has been left out of the discussion that I’m glad seems to be getting its due, especially since it’s currently on The Criterion Channel.

Bug is one of those films set in mostly one setting, in this case, a hotel room. Luckily, William does a great job of directing the movie and creates a claustrophobic setting that left me creeped out and filled with anxiety.

The film also does a great job of showing how scary paranoia and loneliness can descend into madness and even body horror, but not the kind you would see in something like John Carpenter’s The Thing.

If you love William’s films, especially The Exorcist, you’ll love Bug.

2. 'Apollo 18'

Over the years, I’ve seen many horror flicks that were derided by critics and fans for being bad. But I’ve also seen my share of those that I didn’t like, but after watching a reviewer I like explain why they think it’s not that bad, I would go back to the movie, then find myself liking it.

Apollo 18 is one of those films where I didn’t like it when it first came out digitally a decade ago, but many years later, after watching Ryan O’Hollinger’s video on it, I find the film to be underrated.

While the film doesn’t have the most groundbreaking plot and can get predictable, it’s helped by some characters you feel bad for and creepy moments. I also love the look of the film due to its giving the movie a creepy atmosphere.

If you’re in the mood for a decent found footage flick, especially one about conspiracy theories, Apollo 18 is worth watching.

1. 'Exhibit A'

Going back to found footage, I’ve noticed that the best ones are the ones that use it to tell a story about the downfall of the main character, especially when they go insane due to things they caused or a case of wrong place at the wrong time.

Exhibit A is one of those films that explores the downfall of a family thanks to the father making poor decisions involving the family home, and eventually goes insane to the point of harming his family, not just financially, but even mentally and physically.

The film also has moments that not just creeped me out, but made me cringe due to the scenes where Andy, the father, tries to lighten the mood and attempts to calm the family down despite the fact that he is ruining not just his life, but those around him. This all culminates in a final scene that left me grossed out.

If you’re looking for a good found footage film that focuses on psychological horror and not the supernatural kind, Exhibit A is perfect for you.

Side note: I’d like to thank Tubi for streaming this film for free. Seriously, though, Tubi has a good amount of underrated gems.

I hope you all enjoyed reading this list and check out these overlooked gems. Kick back, eat some Halloween candy, and have a fun Halloween night.

READ NEXT:

Featured