Best obscure horror movies
For those who revel in the shadows of the movie world, the appeal of horror films extends far beyond what mainstream cinema has to offer.
This guide of obscure (yet still awesome!) horror movies is meant for fans of the genre — especially those or you who haven’t discovered these hidden gems yet, but appreciate the peculiar charm of obscure 80s horror movies and other creepy surprises from different eras and corners of the globe.
No matter whether you’re a seasoned horror buff or a newcomer to the scene, these less well-known frights are sure to offer a thrilling experience!
🎬 The golden era — obscure 80s horror movies
The 1980s were a golden era for horror cinema, bringing us some of the most iconic and chilling films in the genre. This period saw a mix of psychological terror, supernatural elements, and groundbreaking special effects that left lasting impressions on viewers.
🍿 Possession (1981)
In Possession, the story revolves around a woman who begins to exhibit increasingly bizarre and disturbing behavior after asking her husband for a divorce.
This behavior soon spirals into a series of events that blur the lines between reality and supernatural terror, leading to a sinister and shocking revelation.
The film masterfully combines elements of psychological horror with intense drama, creating an unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.
Possession stars Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neill. Directed by Andrzej Zulawski. (Rated R)
Amazon: Possession (1981)
🍿 Near Dark (1987)
Near Dark offers a unique mix of horror and western elements, following the story of a young farmer’s son who becomes entangled in the nocturnal world of nomadic vampires.
The film is known for its atmospheric cinematography and its fresh take on vampire lore, mixing traditional horror with the grit of a western setting. It explores themes of love, loyalty, and the struggle for redemption.
Near Dark stars Adrian Pasdar and Jenny Wright. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow. (Rated R)
Amazon: Near Dark (1987)
🍿 The Burning (1981)
Set in the seemingly idyllic setting of a summer camp, The Burning tells a harrowing tale of revenge. A caretaker, horribly disfigured due to a cruel prank gone wrong, returns to the camp to seek vengeance on the new batch of unsuspecting teenagers.
This classic slasher film is known for its suspenseful build-up and gruesome special effects, which have made it a cult favorite among horror enthusiasts.
The Burning stars Brian Matthews and Leah Ayres. Directed by Tony Maylam. (Rated R)
Amazon: The Burning (1981)
🍿 Lifeforce (1985)
In Lifeforce, a space exploration mission to Halley’s Comet brings back a trio of humanoid vampires to Earth, setting off a series of events that could lead to the end of humanity.
The film combines science fiction with horror, creating a unique narrative that explores the intersection of human desires and cosmic horrors. Known for its special effects and apocalyptic imagery, Lifeforce offers a thrilling ride.
Lifeforce stars Steve Railsback and Mathilda May. Directed by Tobe Hooper. (Rated R)
Amazon: Lifeforce (1985)
🍿 Phenomena (1985)
Phenomena revolves around a young girl with the extraordinary ability to communicate with insects. Sent to a boarding school in Switzerland, she finds herself in the midst of a series of gruesome murders.
With her unique ability, she becomes integral to uncovering the mystery behind the killings. The film is a blend of mystery, horror, and the supernatural, featuring Dario Argento’s signature style of storytelling and visual flair.
Phenomena stars Jennifer Connelly and Donald Pleasence. Directed by Dario Argento. (Rated R)
Amazon: Phenomena (1985)
🎬 Global horrors — lesser-known frights from around the world
Horror is a universal language, and these films from around the world remind us that horror knows no borders.
🍿 The Man Who Laughs (1928)
The Man Who Laughs is a poignant tale set in the 17th century, focusing on the life of a nobleman’s son who is grotesquely disfigured by a despotic king as punishment for his father’s defiance.
The film is a mix of drama and horror, showcasing the young man’s journey through life as a carnival freak and his eventual rise to nobility. It’s a story rich with themes of love and societal perception.
The Man Who Laughs stars Conrad Veidt and Mary Philbin. Directed by Paul Leni. (Not Rated)
Amazon: The Man Who Laughs (1928)
🍿 Beast in the Shadows (1977)
Beast in the Shadows follows a suspenseful narrative revolving around a famous mystery author who finds himself embroiled in a real-life murder case.
The story masterfully combines elements of crime, mystery, and psychological thriller, capturing the essence of Japanese cinema’s ability to weave intricate plots. It’s a compelling exploration of obsession, guilt, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality.
Beast in the Shadows stars Teruhiko Aoi and Yoshiko Kayama. Directed by Tai Katô. (Not Rated)
SamuraiDVD: Beast in the Shadows (1977)
🍿 Who Can Kill a Child? (1976)
Set on a seemingly idyllic island, Who Can Kill a Child? is a Spanish horror film that turns into a chilling nightmare when a couple discovers that the children have turned homicidal against the adults.
The film cleverly uses suspense and ethical dilemmas, rather than overt gore, to create an atmosphere of true horror. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of innocence gone awry and the primal fear of a societal breakdown.
Who Can Kill a Child? stars Lewis Fiander and Prunella Ransome. Directed by Narciso Ibáñez Serrador. (Rated R)
Amazon: Who Can Kill a Child? (1976)
🍿 Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead (2014)
Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead is an Australian action-comedy horror that brings a fresh twist to the zombie genre. The story follows a talented mechanic who navigates a zombie apocalypse to rescue his kidnapped sister.
Known for its inventive approach to the well-trodden zombie narrative, the film combines humor, action-packed sequences, and unique twists on zombie lore.
Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead stars Jay Gallagher and Bianca Bradey. Directed by Kiah Roache-Turner. (Not Rated)
Amazon Prime Video: Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead (2014)
🍿 Strange Circus (2005)
In Strange Circus, a Japanese horror film, an erotic novelist’s life intertwines with her morbidly surreal narrative, leading both her and her assistant into a disturbing world of intrigue and twisted fantasies.
The film is a deep dive into psychological horror, known for its shocking plot twists and dark themes. It challenges viewers’ perceptions of reality and fiction, creating a unique, unsettling cinematic experience.
Strange Circus stars Masumi Miyazaki and Issei Ishida. Directed by Sion Sono. (Unrated)
Apple TV+: Strange Circus (2005)
🎬 Modern obscurities — post-2000 hidden horror treasures
The 21st century has continued the tradition of groundbreaking horror with its own set of hidden gems. These modern films continue to push the boundaries of the genre.
🍿 The Woods (2006)
In The Woods, a rebellious teenager named Heather is sent to a remote boarding school surrounded by dense forest. As she adjusts to her new environment, Heather uncovers a series of alarming secrets linked to the school’s past, with students mysteriously vanishing.
The film skillfully weaves suspense and supernatural elements, creating an atmosphere where the woods themselves feel alive with hidden threats.
The Woods stars Agnes Bruckner and Patricia Clarkson. Directed by Lucky McKee. (Rated R)
Amazon Prime Video: The Woods (2006)
🍿 The Signal (2007)
The Signal is a unique horror film that splits its narrative into three distinct segments, each directed by a different filmmaker. The story revolves around a mysterious signal transmitted via technology that causes people to become paranoid and violent.
Each segment offers a different perspective on the ensuing chaos, blending psychological horror with dark humor and poignant human drama.
The Signal stars Anessa Ramsey and Justin Welborn. Directed by David Bruckner, Dan Bush, and Jacob Gentry. (Rated R)
Amazon Prime Video: The Signal (2007)
🍿 The Violent Kind (2010)
The Violent Kind tells the story of a biker gang that encounters supernatural forces in a secluded cabin, reminiscent of the classic horror film Evil Dead.
The bikers, initially planning a rowdy party, are thrust into a night of terror when they face off against entities far more frightening than themselves. The film is known for its gritty realism combined with supernatural horror, creating a uniquely unsettling experience.
The Violent Kind stars Cory Knauf and Taylor Cole. Directed by The Butcher Brothers. (Rated R)
Amazon Prime Video: The Violent Kind (2010)
🍿 Behind The Mask: The Rise Of Leslie Vernon (2006)
Behind The Mask: The Rise Of Leslie Vernon is a refreshing take on the slasher genre, presented in a mockumentary style. The film follows a film crew documenting an aspiring serial killer, Leslie Vernon, as he prepares to join the ranks of infamous movie murderers.
The film cleverly deconstructs classic horror tropes, offering both satire and homage to the genre, while delivering its own thrilling and darkly comedic narrative.
Behind The Mask: The Rise Of Leslie Vernon stars Nathan Baesel and Angela Goethals. Directed by Scott Glosserman. (Rated R)
Amazon Prime Video: Behind The Mask: The Rise Of Leslie Vernon (2006)
🍿 Hausu (1977)
Hausu is a cult classic Japanese horror film that stands out for its surreal and avant-garde style. The story follows a group of schoolgirls visiting an aunt’s house, only to encounter bizarre and terrifying supernatural occurrences.
The film’s use of wildly imaginative visuals, including ghostly cats and sentient household objects, creates a dreamlike and nightmarish experience that is both whimsical and horrifying.
Hausu stars Kimiko Ikegami and Miki Jinbo. Directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi. (Not Rated)
Amazon Prime Video: Hausu (1977)
🎬 Genre-benders — horror films that defy traditional categories
Some films refuse to be pigeonholed into a single genre, blending elements from various genres to create unique cinematic experiences.
These films demonstrate the versatility and boundless creativity within the horror genre, offering narratives that are as unconventional as they are captivating.
🍿 Cemetery Man (1994)
Cemetery Man is set in a small Italian town where Francesco Dellamorte, a cemetery caretaker, faces a bizarre problem — the dead in his cemetery don’t stay dead. His daily routine includes re-killing the ‘returners.’
The film dives into a surreal narrative when Francesco encounters a mysterious woman who changes his mundane existence. Combining black comedy with elements of horror, the film explores themes of love, death, and the absurdity of life in a style that’s both macabre and whimsically philosophical.
Cemetery Man stars Rupert Everett and François Hadji-Lazaro. Directed by Michele Soavi. (Rated R)
Amazon: Cemetery Man (1994)
🍿 The Visitor (1979)
The Visitor is a mix of horror, science fiction, and mystical elements. The film revolves around a young girl with telekinetic powers, who becomes the focal point of a cosmic battle between good and evil.
The story is a unique concoction of biblical and extraterrestrial themes, creating a surreal and visually striking experience. As the forces of good and evil converge, the film takes its audience on a strange and unexpected journey.
The Visitor stars John Huston, Mel Ferrer, and Glenn Ford. Directed by Giulio Paradisi. (Rated R)
Amazon Prime Video: The Visitor (1979)
🍿 Slashers (2001)
In Slashers, three female reporters embark on a dare to spend a night in a house reputed for paranormal activities, only to find themselves in the presence of a malevolent entity.
The film cleverly combines elements of horror and mystery, as the characters navigate through the night’s terrifying events. It’s a suspenseful tale that keeps viewers guessing while effectively building a sense of dread and suspense.
Slashers stars Barbara Bach, Sydney Lassick, and Karen Lamm. Directed by Danny Steinmann. (Rated R)
Amazon: Slashers (2001)
🎬 The hidden classics — rediscovered and appreciated
There’s a special place in the horror genre for films that, over time, have been rediscovered and given their due recognition. These hidden classics remind us that great horror often lies waiting to be rediscovered.
🍿 Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971)
Let’s Scare Jessica to Death is a haunting psychological horror film that centers on Jessica, a woman recovering from a recent mental breakdown. She relocates to a farmhouse with her husband, only to find herself engulfed in a nightmarish reality.
The film is lauded for its emphasis on atmospheric tension over explicit gore, as Jessica’s experiences blur the lines between reality and hallucination. The eerie setting and unsettling events lead to an ambiguous and chilling climax.
Let’s Scare Jessica to Death stars Zohra Lampert and Barton Heyman. Directed by John D. Hancock. (Rated PG-13)
Amazon Prime Video: Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971)
🍿 Theater of Blood (1973)
In Theater of Blood, Vincent Price delivers a memorable performance as Edward Lionheart, a vengeful Shakespearean actor. After being snubbed by critics, Lionheart stages a series of elaborate and gruesome murders inspired by Shakespeare’s plays to seek his revenge.
This horror-comedy cleverly combines dark humor with macabre killings, making it a unique and entertaining watch. The film is a delightful treat for fans of Price and those who appreciate a theatrical twist on the horror genre.
Theater of Blood stars Vincent Price and Diana Rigg. Directed by Douglas Hickox. (Rated R)
Amazon Prime Video: Theater of Blood (1973)
🍿 Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (1973)
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark is a TV movie that has garnered a cult following for its genuinely creepy atmosphere. The story revolves around a young couple who inherit an old mansion, only to discover it’s infested with sinister, whispering, demon-like creatures intent on claiming one of them.
The film excels in building suspense and a sense of dread, relying on psychological horror rather than special effects. It’s a classic example of how less can be more in creating a lasting horror experience.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark stars Kim Darby and Jim Hutton. Directed by John Newland. (Not Rated)
🎬 Bonus picks — a few more obscure titles for the avid horror fan
For those who dig deeper into the horror archives, there are always more treasures to be found. These bonus picks are perfect for horror fans looking to explore beyond the mainstream.
🍿 Magic (1978)
Magic is a psychological horror-drama that delves into the troubled mind of a ventriloquist, Corky Withers. Corky’s success is overshadowed by his increasing dependence on his dummy, Fats, who begins to exert a malevolent influence over him.
As Corky’s mental state deteriorates, the line between reality and delusion blurs, leading to terrifying consequences. This film is a chilling exploration of a fractured psyche, where the dummy becomes a sinister embodiment of Corky’s darkest impulses.
Magic stars Anthony Hopkins and Ann-Margret. Directed by Richard Attenborough. (Rated R)
Amazon Prime Video: Magic (1978)
🍿 Tourist Trap (1979)
In Tourist Trap, a group of friends find themselves stranded at a secluded roadside museum with a collection of lifelike mannequins. The situation turns sinister when they encounter a mysterious, masked assailant with telekinetic powers who manipulates the mannequins to terrorize them.
This horror film uniquely mixes slasher elements with supernatural suspense, creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere that plays on the fear of inanimate objects coming to life.
Tourist Trap stars Chuck Connors and Jocelyn Jones. Directed by David Schmoeller. (Rated PG)
Amazon Prime Video: Tourist Trap (1979)
🍿 Shock (1977)
Shock is a gripping Italian horror film that follows a couple who move into a new house, only to find it haunted by the vengeful ghost of the wife’s former husband. The haunting escalates as their young son begins to exhibit strange, disturbing behavior, suggesting he is under the ghost’s influence.
The film masterfully builds tension and a sense of dread, culminating in a series of nightmarish events that blur the line between the supernatural and psychological horror.
Shock stars Daria Nicolodi and John Steiner. Directed by Mario Bava and Lamberto Bava. (Rated R)
Amazon Prime Video: Shock (1977)
🍿 Jacob’s Ladder (1990)
Jacob’s Ladder follows Jacob Singer, a Vietnam War veteran who experiences disturbing hallucinations and flashbacks, leading him to question his sanity. Jacob uncovers horrifying truths about his military service and confronts the demons of his trauma.
The film is a profound exploration of post-traumatic stress and the human psyche, with a combination of psychological horror and surreal imagery that creates an intensely haunting experience.
Jacob’s Ladder stars Tim Robbins and Elizabeth Peña. Directed by Adrian Lyne. (Rated R)
Amazon Prime Video: Jacob’s Ladder (1990)
🍿 Spiral (2000)
Spiral is a Japanese horror film that intertwines reality and illusion in a mind-bending narrative. The story revolves around a police officer investigating a series of bizarre deaths linked to a cursed video.
As he learns more about the mystery, the line between the real world and a nightmarish alternate reality becomes increasingly blurred, leading to chilling revelations.
The film is noted for its inventive use of practical and CGI effects, creating an unsettling and surreal atmosphere.
Spiral stars Eriko Hatsune. Directed by Higuchinsky. (Rated R)
Amazon Prime Video: Spiral (2000)
What obscure horror movies did we miss?
We must have missed a few! Please feel free to share your favorite less-than-mainstream obscure horror movies in the comments below. 👻
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