Instead of listing the “scariest” horror movies, which would probably include cliche choices like “Friday the 13th”, “Nightmare on Elm St.”, “The Exorcist” and/or “Alien” we’ve all seen a hundred times, I’ve decided to go with something more obscure and… fun? Enjoy!
1. Idle Hands
Idle Hands is the very definition of an underrated horror movie. Sure, the critics hated it and the people didn’t seem to enjoy its quirky dark humor but you have to admit that the plot is freaking fantastic in this movie. It’s a delightfully disturbing story about Anton, who got himself a possessed hand, his friends, who decided to stay undead, young Jessica Alba and a crap-ton of guest stars like The Offspring, Tom Delonge from Blink 182 and even Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger himself), as the voice of the hand. Ignore the opinions of others and give this cult classic a chance!
2. What We Do in the Shadows
What would ancient bloodsucking vampires do in the 21st century? Would they need to pay rent, do the dishes and put on makeup to fit in? How about getting some virgin blood in the age where there are almost none? Not to mention they’d have to deal with their arch-enemies – the werewolves! This horror comedy/mockumentary follows the midnight escapades of 4 vampires Viago, Vladislav, Deacon and Petyr in their search for fresh blood. Lots of zingers from the “Flight of the Conchords” duo and countless quotable lines make this movie worth every minute of your time.
3. Tucker and Dale vs Evil
If you know who Alan Tudyk is (a leaf on the wind, that’s who), you have probably already seen this movie a couple of times, but if not, saddle up your gag reflex, if you’re squeamish, and warm up those laughing muscles, because you’re in for a treat! Not to give out any key plot details, it’s a masterpiece made of guts, gore and human stupidity, all neatly packed in a “killer psycho on the loose” story. 11/10 will watch again.
4. Cabin in the Woods
Critically acclaimed horror movie, directed by the Joss Whedon, with a twist so “twisted” nobody saw it coming. If you think it’s yet another typical slasher – nope, it is most definitely not. The title of the movie perfectly describes the premise, so no need to guess where the action takes place. An old cabin, a locked basement with cool artifacts and monsters. Lots of monsters. Trust me, if you haven’t seen “Cabin in the Woods” yet – Halloween is the perfect time to catch up.
5. Cooties
Continuing our horror-comedy trend, next up we have Cooties! A strange virus infected an elementary school, turning children into blood-thirsty savages. Where’s the comedy part? When the cast consists of Rainn Wilson, Jack McBrayer, Alison Pill and Elijah Wood you can bet there will be lots of laughs.
6. Splinter
This is one of those lesser known horror flicks that deserves so much more recognition. In a nutshell it’s about a parasitic “creature” (which is never even given a proper name, BTW) that causes black splinters to grow out of people’s bodies, turning them into mindless monsters. It’s has an original concept, the VFX are solid and there are quite a few scary parts, so better keep the lights on.
7. Slither
Slither is one of those “love it or leave it” horror comedies. Directed by the brilliant mastermind behind last year’s blockbuster “Guardians of the Galaxy”, James Gunn, and starring the best damn actor in the world – Nathan Fillion – “Slither” hits all the right spots with gory scenes and witty dialogue. In short the movie is about a small town being taken over by slimy slithering aliens, turning residents into undead zombies and all forms of nasty mutated creatures. In other words – it’s crazy good.
8. V/H/S and V/H/S/2
Some of the best “found footage” horror movies out there. V/H/S and it’s sequel V/H/S/2 are disturbing, twisted, shocking and, most importantly, fun! Sure some scenes are sloppy and could use a bit more time but overall this duology will scare you pants-less!
9. Let the Right One In (2008)
You may be saying “Ugh, not another vampire story!” but shush now, dear, this one’s different from Twilight, Dracula or any other story about the evil bloodsuckers. The unlikely friendship between a 12-year-old outcast Oscar and an ancient vampire locked in the body of a little girl, is a chilling but beautiful story to behold. The creepiness builds up on the minimalistic camera action and the dialogue, finishing with a mind-blowing conclusion you won’t see coming.
10. The Babadook
The final movie recommendation is easily one of the creepiest horror films of this decade. Give a creepy-ass kid a creepy-ass book that wants to kill everyone, what could go wrong? This movie has excellent acting, an original premise and a whole bunch of “creepy jump scares” where you come off the soft about 2 feet spilling all your popcorn and Coke and your heart stops for maybe 10 seconds. Did I mention how creepy it is? Good. If you have time for just one movie this Halloween – pick this one, you will not regret it.
