The horror genre is one of the most diverse and imaginative in film. From blood-soaked slashers to mind-bending psychological thrillers, horror movies aim to terrify and unsettle audiences using everything from jump scares and gore to slow-building dread. The best scary movies are immersive, sensory experiences that tap into our deepest fears.
With countless horror films released each year—many with small budgets and limited marketing—some of the most underrated horror movies slip through the cracks. If you’re looking for hidden horror gems and unique horror thrillers, here are seven must-watch titles from recent years that you might have missed.
Strange Darling (2023) – A Twisted Cat-and-Mouse Indie Horror
Directed by: JT Mollner
Keywords: indie horror movie, psychological horror thriller, 2023 horror films
A one-night stand spirals into a bloody nightmare in Strange Darling, an arthouse horror film packed with shocking twists and nerve-shredding tension. Shot on 35mm film with a bold visual style, this psychological thriller keeps you guessing until the final scene. If you love indie horror movies with bold storytelling, this one’s a must-watch.
Oddity (2024) – A Creepy Clairvoyant Tale of Revenge
Directed by: Damian Mc Carthy
Keywords: supernatural horror movie, best horror movies 2024, ghost stories
Blind clairvoyant Darcy investigates her twin sister’s murder, uncovering dark secrets in Oddity. With eerie atmosphere, spine-chilling suspense, and a haunting performance by Carolyn Bracken, it’s one of the best overlooked horror films of 2024. Bonus points for its disturbing wooden doll—a new horror icon in the making.
Sick (2022) – A COVID-Era Slasher with Real Bite
Directed by: John Hyams
Keywords: slasher horror movie, pandemic horror, home invasion thriller
Set during the early COVID-19 pandemic, Sick blends real-world tension with classic slasher tropes. With smart direction, tightly choreographed chase scenes, and a few clever twists, it’s a thrilling modern horror movie that doesn’t rely on gore alone to keep you on edge.
Deadstream (2022) – Found Footage Meets Social Media Satire
Directed by: Joseph & Vanessa Winter
Keywords: found footage horror, haunted house movie, horror livestream
In Deadstream, a disgraced content creator livestreams from a haunted house in a desperate bid for clout—only to uncover a very real nightmare. This found footage horror comedy brilliantly satirizes influencer culture while delivering legitimately scary moments, making it a standout for fans of modern, digital-age horror.
Incantation (2022) – Taiwanese Found Footage Terror
Directed by: Kevin Ko
Keywords: foreign horror film, cursed footage, Asian horror movies
One of the scariest Asian horror films in years, Incantation is a Taiwanese found footage movie that explores curses and superstition through a deeply immersive lens. Blending folklore with emotional stakes, its chilling realism and clever fourth-wall break make it a must-see for fans of international horror.
No One Will Save You (2023) – Sci-Fi Horror at Its Best
Directed by: Brian Duffield
Keywords: alien invasion horror, sci-fi horror thriller, home invasion
Kaitlyn Dever delivers a near-wordless, powerhouse performance in No One Will Save You, a sci-fi horror film that feels like Signs meets A Quiet Place. A solo battle against aliens unfolds in an isolated home, with a blend of eerie stillness and action-packed terror. It’s one of the most original alien horror movies in recent memory.
Watcher (2022) – Psychological Horror with a Paranoia Punch
Directed by: Chloe Okuno
Keywords: stalker thriller, suspense horror movie, psychological horror
In Watcher, a woman new to Bucharest suspects a mysterious man is stalking her—and possibly worse. Starring horror favorite Maika Monroe, this slow-burn psychological thriller excels at building tension. It’s a stylish, smartly crafted film that proves realistic horror can be just as terrifying as the supernatural.
Final Thoughts: Hidden Horror Gems Worth Watching
Whether you’re a seasoned horror fanatic or looking for something new beyond the mainstream, these underrated horror films are packed with originality, suspense, and chills. From found footage horror to international thrillers and psychological slow burns, there’s something here for every horror fan.
