You’ve seen the classics already, everyone has.
Every film fan worth their salt knows the old favourites – your ANightmare on Elm Streets, Halloweens Exorcists – but finding hidden gems can be difficult.
For starters, there’s so many of them. They’re often pretty cheap to make, and horror films get pumped out all the time and released in cinemas without much fanfare.
But sift through the pile and there’s endless gold to be found, with obscure and often esoteric would-be classics just waiting to be discovered.
These are our top picks for the best horror movies, and you can watch them online.
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His House (2020).
Official Trailer | Official Trailer | Netflixwww.youtube.com
There aren’t many films that impart biting social commentary while managing to be genuinely creepy at the same time, but His HouseIt is.
This 2020 film features a young couple from war-torn South Sudan, who find a new place in north England. Their home is haunted by a sinister force, and they also have to deal with the loss of their daughter due to an accident at sea. This makes for one of the most interesting takes on haunted houses in recent years. It’s claustrophobic, chilling and thought-provoking, with brilliant performances from Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and Wunmi Mosaku.
Netflix: Where to Watch
The Vanishing (1988).
The Vanishing Trailerwww.youtube.com
Dutch film is the kind of movie that sticks with you. The Vanishing features one of the most terrifying final reveals you’re likely to see, plus an unsettling central villain who will leave a mark.
It’s a film about obsession and depravity, following a young man who spends years searching for his girlfriend after she goes missing following a routine stop at a rest area during a road trip through France. There are many things to be concerned about, so avoid the English-language remake and look for the original 1988 film.
Apple TV: Watch it on the go
Creep (2015)
Official Trailer for CREEP (2015) by Patrick Brice and Mark Duplass – Blumhouse Horror!www.youtube.com
The story of a videographer who goes into the sticks to help a mysterious client with a strange brief is a unique one. This 2014 cult film featured Mark Duplass taking a bold departure from his comedy roles to play the creepy character in this psychological horror. The results were fascinating.
It’ll take you by surprise with its unusual pacing and atmosphere, with the off-beat, found footage film getting under your skin and playing with your expectations. Desiree Akhavan’s sequel is also available on Netflix. It is worth checking out.
Netflix: Where to watch
Gerald’s Game (2017)
GERALD’S GAME Trailer (2017) Netflixwww.youtube.com
Hollywood experienced a wave Stephen King hysteria several years back. While the likes ITIt may have been the most talked about story, but it was not. Gerald’s GameThis film arrived packed with disturbing and disturbing imagery that rivals any King adaptation.
Bruce Greenwood and Carla Gugino portray Jessie and Gerald. They are desperate for a fresh start so they go to a lake house for a romantic weekend. Only, after tying Gugino’s to the bed in a bid to spice up their marriage, Gerald suffers a seizure. Jessie is left alone to manage her own affairs as her mind takes over and ghostly apparitions start to appear. This film has been watched millions of times and is gaining more recognition than it did in 2017.
Netflix: Where to watch
Drag Me to Hell (2009)
Drag Me To Hell (2009) Official Trailer HDwww.youtube.com
Sam Raimi followed up on the immensely popular Spider-ManThis twisted little horror film was released in 2009. It features a Gypsy who curses a loan officer for failing to approve her application. You will be greeted with poltergeist hauntings and horrific nightmares.
It witnessed the Evil DeadThe director returns to the schlocky horrors with which he made his debut, with bombastic images, pleasingly gross moments, and a nasty edge, making for addictive viewing in 2009.
BBC iPlayer – Where to watch
In the Earth (2011)
IN THE EARTH – Official Trailerwww.youtube.com
Unearth this Ben Wheatley gem which didn’t get the love it deserved when it came out in 2021. This low-budget folk horror tells the story Joel Fry plays as a researcher who embarks on a journey to find answers. Heart of DarknessYou will be taking a journey in a traditional style towards an outpost in a deserted rainforest. It’s both trippy and brutal in equal measure, matched with visceral body horror and frenzied, psychedelic direction.
The film was released in lockdown. A mysterious pandemic also hangs over the events. Although the timing of its release might have hurt its chances of success, it is now available for streaming on streaming services.
Watch Now TV
Saint Maud (2019)
Saint Maud | Official Trailer HD | A24www.youtube.com
As much as a horror film about trauma and mental illness, it also depicts profound loneliness. Saint MaudOne of the most disturbing British films of recent times. Rose Glass’s debut film follows Morfydd Clark (excellent hospice nurse) as she converts to Catholicism to believe that she is possessed.
It’s a must-see. Bubbling dread, Clark’s powerful central performance and the dramatic finale make it worth your time.
Amazon Prime Video: Watch it Now
Near Dark (1987).
Near Dark – Official Trailer [HD]www.youtube.com
Kathryn Bigelow’s back catalogue is full of underrated films – not least the superb, underappreciated Detroit – and Near DarkIt might be one the greatest cult movies of all time. This 1987 film is a delightful blend of neowestern and bloodthirsty terror. It stars Bill Paxton, Jenny Wright, and Adrian Pasdar in a story about a small American town that is being stalked by vampires. If you’re a vampire fan and you’ve not seen this yet, treat yourself to a viewing – it’s worth it to relive one of the finest performances of the late, great Paxton alone.
Amazon Prime Video: Watch it Now
The Ritual (2017)
Official Trailer for The Ritual|NetflixOfficial Trailer [HD] | Netflixwww.youtube.com
Another folk-horror that is worth revisiting: The Ritual is a smart take on the lads’-trip-gone-wrong subgenre with a host of strong performances.
Rafe Spall and Rob James-Collier along with Arsher Ali (and Sam Troughton) are four of their friends who will be heading to remote Sweden for a hiking trip in memory of their late friend. They were entrapped in a robbery that took place after a night out.
The film’s spine is filled with guilt and grief. It takes unexpected turns and presents enough disturbingly dark visuals to keep viewers awake for quite some time afterwards. Enjoy a huge scoop of Blair Witch Project into the mix and you’re on to a winner.
Netflix: Where to watch
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