1. Enys Men 2022，IMDB Rating: 5.6, IMDB Votes: 3439, ID: 11698800 Photo by s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Enys Men is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of isolation and nature’s eerie tranquility. Set on a remote island, the film’s 16mm grainy visuals and disorienting edits create a mesmerizing, almost hypnotic experience. While its abstract narrative may leave some viewers puzzled, its atmospheric tension and visual artistry make it a standout in the folk horror genre.
2. Huesera 2022，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 6057, ID: 11718516 Photo by gijn.org, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Huesera: The Bone Woman delves into the dark side of motherhood with a fierce, artistic vision. The film’s disturbing imagery and bone-cracking sound design create an unsettling atmosphere, while its exploration of Mexican culture adds depth. Though it may not rely on traditional scares, its emotional intensity and unique perspective make it a compelling watch.
3. Bad Things 2023，IMDB Rating: 3.8, IMDB Votes: 961, ID: 27542845 Photo by images.coveralia.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Bad Things offers a queer reinterpretation of The Shining, set in a snowy, isolated hotel. Despite its intriguing premise and strong visual style, the film struggles with character chemistry and narrative coherence. However, its exploration of female rage and trauma provides a fresh, if uneven, take on the haunted hotel trope.
4. El conde 2023，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 13967, ID: 21113540 Photo by kakaocdn.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 El Conde is a visually striking satire that reimagines Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet as a vampire. The film’s black-and-white cinematography and dark humor create a unique blend of horror and political commentary. While its narrative may be confusing for those unfamiliar with Pinochet, its bold concept and execution make it a memorable experience.
5. Willy’s Wonderland 2021，IMDB Rating: 5.5, IMDB Votes: 39349, ID: 8114980 Photo by wp.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Willy’s Wonderland is a no-frills splatterfest featuring Nicolas Cage battling animatronic horrors in a deserted pizza parlor. Its simple, repetitive story is elevated by Cage’s committed performance and the film’s quirky, low-budget charm. Though it may not be for everyone, it’s a fun, bizarre ride for fans of offbeat horror.
6. Brooklyn 45 2023，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 2317, ID: 16431882 Photo by latelastnightbooks.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Brooklyn 45 is a unique, single-location thriller that combines themes of xenophobia and paranoia with supernatural elements. The film’s strong performances and atmospheric tension make it a compelling watch, despite some initial pacing issues. Its exploration of post-war trauma and human suspense adds depth to its ghostly narrative.
7. Saint Maud (2020) with writer/director Rose Glass 2020，IMDB Rating: 0.0, IMDB Votes: 0, ID: 30186497 Photo by i1.wp.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Saint Maud is a chilling psychological horror that delves into religious mania and personal salvation. The film’s tight narrative and Morfydd Clark’s intense performance create an unsettling atmosphere. Its blend of body horror and psychological tension makes it a standout debut for writer-director Rose Glass.
8. The Empty Man 2020，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 39652, ID: 5867314 Photo by generasia.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 The Empty Man is an ambitious horror film that blends real myths, philosophies, and cults into a disjointed but intriguing narrative. While its execution may falter, the film’s unique ideas and atmospheric tension make it a noteworthy entry in the genre. Its blend of thriller, horror, and crime drama keeps viewers on edge.
9. Resurrection 2022，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 12124, ID: 11540726 Photo by thefunstons.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Resurrection is a twisted thriller elevated by Rebecca Hall’s compelling performance. The film’s exploration of trauma and parental vigilante themes creates a gripping narrative, despite some script weaknesses. Its shocking moments and psychological depth make it a memorable, if flawed, experience.
10. Watcher 2022，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 45537, ID: 12004038 Photo by cazzulino.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Watcher is a stylish thriller that captures the paranoia of being watched in an unfamiliar city. Maika Monroe’s performance and Chloe Okuno’s direction create a simmering tension throughout. While the story may be formulaic, its atmospheric dread and elegant visuals make it a standout in the genre.
11. The Night House 2020，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 68497, ID: 9731534 Photo by peoplesdispatch.org, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Rebecca Hall’s performance in ‘The Night House’ is a masterclass in portraying grief and terror. The film’s atmospheric tension and beautiful cinematography make it a standout in the psychological horror genre. While it may not always deliver on its suspense, the emotional depth and haunting visuals create a memorable experience.
12. The Vigil 2019，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 9986, ID: 10793644 Photo by cantabria24horas.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 ‘The Vigil’ offers a unique blend of Jewish folklore and horror, creating a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere. Despite some narrative flaws, the film’s concept and execution are intriguing, making it a worthwhile watch for those seeking something different in the horror genre.
13. The Dark and the Wicked 2020，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 23314, ID: 10229558 Photo by zakreconybelfer.pl, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 ‘The Dark and the Wicked’ is a visceral and bleak horror film that delves into existential dread. Its chilling atmosphere and strong performances make it a standout, though its ambiguous narrative may leave some viewers wanting more.
14. The Burrowers 2008，IMDB Rating: 5.7, IMDB Votes: 9367, ID: 0445939 Photo by photobucket.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Burrowers is a chilling blend of Western and horror, set in the Old West where a rescue party faces subterranean creatures. Its atmospheric cinematography and period authenticity are commendable, though the CGI effects and pacing may falter. Despite its flaws, the film’s unique premise and eerie tension make it an underrated horror experience.
15. The Midnight Meat Train 2008，IMDB Rating: 6.0, IMDB Votes: 71745, ID: 0805570 Photo by islandinthenet.com, is licensed under CC BY 3.0 The Midnight Meat Train is a visually striking horror film that follows a photographer’s descent into madness as he uncovers a subway serial killer. Directed by Ryuhei Kitamura, the film’s stylish visuals and unrestrained gore create a memorable and disturbing experience. Bradley Cooper and Vinnie Jones deliver compelling performances, making this a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.
16. The Children 2008，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 19094, ID: 1172571 Photo by s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 The Children is a haunting British horror film that explores the terrifying transformation of children into bloodthirsty monsters during a winter vacation. Its unsettling atmosphere, effective scares, and strong performances make it a standout in the genre. The film’s ability to tap into primal fears and deliver genuine shocks ensures it remains a hidden gem.
16 Hidden Horror Gems You Probably Missed But Should Definitely Watch
