Absolutely nothing beats the experience of enjoying horror films during the fall season, especially around Halloween. Although it’s wonderful to indulge in any horror flick, there’s a unique charm in discovering those hidden gems that often fly under the radar.
With that in mind, let’s dive into a selection of lesser-known horror movies to add to your Halloween watchlist. It’s worth noting that this list won’t encompass every obscure, independent, or non-mainstream film–though it’ll still offer a diverse range of options. So, without further ado, let’s explore what we’ve got!
Possessor (2020)
Logline – An agent works for a secretive organization that uses brain-implant technology to inhabit other people’s bodies – ultimately driving them to commit assassinations for high-paying clients.
I’m a huge David Cronenberg fan and, as a result, have been following his son, Brandon Cronenberg, since his debut feature Antiviral from 2012. Expanding upon his daring creative vision, Cronenberg leverages Possessor’s potentially extravagant concept to deliver a dose of stylishly unsettling excitement. I can’t recommend it enough.
The Invitation (2015)
Logline – When a man accepts an invitation to a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, the unsettling past reopens old wounds and creates new tensions.
While more on the thriller side, The Invitation is an excellent film that blew away the first time I watched it. The film skillfully exploits its tension-laden premise to provide a compelling, surprisingly ingenious, slow-burn thriller.
The Wailing (2016)
Logline – Soon after a stranger arrives in a little village, a mysterious sickness starts spreading. A policeman, drawn into the incident, is forced to solve the mystery in order to save his daughter.
Most film fanatics are aware of The Wailing, but if you’ve neglected foreign films, you’re missing out. The Wailing presents an atmospheric and intricately crafted mystery with supernatural thrills that convincingly validate its substantial duration.
Lake Mungo (2008)
Logline – Strange things start happening after a girl is found drowned in a lake.
Few films are as unique as Lake Mungo. The documentary-style story focuses on the classic trope of a family’s reaction to the death of their daughter. The mystery and intrigue slowly build until we have its haunting conclusion.
Creep (2014)
Logline – A young videographer answers an online ad for a one-day job in a remote town to record the last messages of a dying man. When he notices the man’s odd behavior, he starts to question his intentions.
I hope they make a third installment in the Creep franchise, but for now, where would this franchise be without its 2014 debut? Though found footage movies aren’t as popular as they once were, I’d Creep is one of the best.
A Page Of Madness (1926)
Logline – A man works at an asylum hoping to free his imprisoned wife.
Nearing 100 years of age, A Page Of Madness has some of the most haunting imagery I’ve seen in a film. All this time since, it holds up, and its short runtime makes it a must-watch.
Eyes Without a Face (1960)
Logline – A surgeon causes an accident that leaves his daughter disfigured and goes to extreme lengths to give her a new face.
Besides having a great name, Eyes Without a Face is a clever film that touches on themes of identity, scientific ethics, isolation, tragic love, and much more.
Cure (1997)
Logline – A frustrated detective deals with the case of several gruesome murders committed by people who have no recollection of what they’ve done.
Cure is one of those films that grows on you over time, and that’s saying a lot because I enjoyed it the first time I saw it. I haven’t seen anything like it–a film that combines elements of an atmospheric crime film with a philosophical contemplation.
Share:
You may also like:
