Underrated Suspense and Horror Films

The Mirror Has Two Faces

End Of The Line

"Eye of the Devil", starring David Niven, Deborah Kerr, Donald Pleasance, David hemmings and Sharon Tate and Flora Robson. It's kind of a precursor to the much more famous "Wicker Man".

Wait Until Dark. Audrey Hepburn's finest performance, and much more terrifying than a straightforward horror movie.

Nightwatch (1997). A student gets a job as a night watchman in a morgue...

I don't know, OP. A movie about the Dyatlov Pass incident doesn't seem like it would be appealing to posters on this board.

HUSH

I loved Devil's Pass. Cheesy but enjoyable.

[quote] Hahaha

I'll say.

I heard of something called Election 2016: The Aftermath. Currently in production. Sounds terrifying. It's supposed to feel so real despite having circumstances that couldn't possibly occur in our dimension.

1967 Russian film VIY - it's scary, funny, folksy and full of bizarre imagery (like witch surfing aboard a coffin around the church). Loosely based on Nikolai Gogol's story.

From the recent ones I'd mention THE DEN - it's a bit gimmicky (the entire film is shown through webcams) but I thought it was very suspensful and well made.

[quote] A movie about the Dyatlov Pass incident doesn't seem like it would be appealing to posters on this board.

What's the Dyatlov Pass incident?

Do not take r5's recommendation. Nightwatch was a stupid movie, ie: McGregor's supposed to be a law student yet hands over his DNA to Sutherland when he demands it.

You guys know Nighwatch was a remake, right?! The original 1994 Danish version was much better and Nikolai Costau Waldau even shows his ding-a-ling in it.

Don't Breathe

The Autopsy of Jane Doe

That one where that mannish old woman played a mannish old woman pretending to be a man.

It still gives me shivers. The most frightening fifteen minutes of my life, until I walked out.

Knob? Something like that.

I'll just throw this in here, but I really enjoyed "Blue Ruin" recently. The director (maybe writer?) of the film had made one of my other favorite films in recent years - "Murder Party". I saw Murder Party first and only more recently found out about Blue Ruin, but was really surprised at the change in tone. MP was a full on horror themed dark comedy. but BR was much more serious. The reviews on Blue Ruin on Rotten Tomatoes frequently compare it to a Cohen Brothers film, but I felt it steered more towards a suspense/drama relative to something like Fargo.

Maybe it was lauded when released, but Dreamcatcher seemed like a creepy grade B movie of King's story. I had never heard about it before I stumbled across it on cable a couple of years ago. It probably got press I saw in the 60s but I didn't tune into it at the time. It felt like a successful realization of vivid but vague origin creepiness throughout.

Umm, I didn't type "in the 60s" in my post at R18. WTF is going on with spellcheck after proofreading text prior to posting on DL? Too many people are posting about these errors.

R18 ............ you're talking about the shit weasel movie ? I saw it with a friend when it was released and it was shit.

The Changeling, with George C. Scott.

"Oxygen," starring the excellent Maura Tierney on the hunt for Adrien Brody.

[quote] What's the Dyatlov Pass incident?

I'm not sure, R12, but I think someone should start a thread about it. Maybe you?

"Dark Water" with Jennifer Connelly. Involves a creepy old apartment building seemingly devoid of tenants (save for Connelly's character), paranormal activities in the elevator, and a dead body in the building's rooftop water tank. No, this wasn't inspired by the Elisa Lam incident -- this was released eight years before that.

I've always loved House of Games.

The Strangers with Liv Tyler of all people. Scary as shit!

R24, I loved the American remake of Dark Water. It had a rather strong cast considering it wasn't released in theaters (not to my knowledge at least). Jennifer Connelley already had a soft spot in my horror fan heart for being in one of Dario Aregnto's films. But the young actress that played Ceci (Ariel Gade) was particularly outstanding. I usually cant stand token spooky or spooked kids in horror movies, but she was really mature for her age in the film. It's also one of the few horror films in the past decade or so, that had me crying at the end. I'm referring to the elevator scene at the end, for those of you who have seen it.

Dark Water WAS released to U.S. theaters and I don't think it did well. Probably because it's not terribly scary at all, but the story and acting are top notch. It's a great movie if you're not going in looking for scares. That final elevator scene really is a tear jerker.

Absentia was pretty spooky. I also really dug It Follows. The French films Inside and Martyrs (do NOT watch the shitty American remake). are both super intense, suspenseful, and surprising.

House of the Devil was creepy as all hell.

The Possession Of Michael King. It's about a documentary filmmaker who tries to disprove possession by going to different satanists and witches etc. and asked and then for spells and incantations to get possessed.

Slowly, he becomes possessed and he tries to get rid of the demons inside him. It gave me the creeps. It was really good .

[quote] I'm not sure, R12, but I think someone should start a thread about it. Maybe you?

I'm not sure whether I'm interested enough about it, but if someone else did I'd certainly peruse it.

Martin (1978) [Written & Directed by George A. Romero]

"George Romero does for vampires what he has already done to zombies - an intense and realistic treatment that follows the exploits of Martin, who claims to be 84 years old, and who certainly drinks human blood. The boy arrives in Pittsburg to stay with his uncle, who promises to save Martin's soul and destroy him once he is finished, but Martin's loneliness finds other means of release" - IMDB

so authentically, late 1970's psycho-sexually creepy

The Divide with Mio Ventimiglia, Courtney B Vance....post-apocalyptic horror...motley crew of survivors locked inside of an apartment basement. It gave me nightmares for days.

Milo

The Loved Ones

R10: Good one! I am still watching it now!

R29 House of the Devil and The Innkeepers (also by Ti West) were both terrific. Old fashion, slow burn scares.

Joy Ride is one of my fave underrated / under appreciated thrillers. And you get to see Paul Walker's ass!

Session 9 (2001). Don't let the fact that it stars David Caruso put you off.

"Gui si" / "Silk" (2006)

Eden Lake

THEM. A French suspense film. Quite atmospheric and good.

ALICE SWEET ALICE. One of Brooke Shields' first films (late 70s?). A low budget thriller that hit all of the right marks.

I believe that both are currently on Amazon Prime.

I barely ever get scared, but 'Eden Lake' was terrifying. I second 'The Loved Ones' too.

Lake Mungo was super creepy.

THE SEVENTH VICTIM. One of the Val Lewton "bloodless" horror films, along with CAT PEOPLE and CURSE OF THE CAT PEOPLE . All are really great.

CARNIVAL OF SOULS. I wish I could visit the Pavilion.

I never understood Carnival of souls.

The Hitchcock film I Confess is underrated.

.....

Lake Mungo was shit. I don't remember enough about it to offer my reasoning. It was recommended on another message board I follow that's populated by people who think of themselves as having impeccable taste, and I was really disappointed in it.

Alice Sweet Alice is fantastic.

See No Evil (1971, Mia Farrow) is great and is coming out on blu ray soon.

Let's Scare Jessica To Death is extremely well made and creepy.

Brian De Palma's Sisters (1973) is crazy, and also exceptionally well done, and although it's recently gotten the high-definition treatment and streaming services distribution that it deserves, it hasn't really gotten the recognition it ought to get from horror/suspense fans.

OP, your suggestion looks like one of those ubiquitous, shitty, newfangled Netflix horror movies that no one would ever have heard of if it weren't for Netflix—a straight to video affair. I refuse to even consider it. Been burned too many times by those.

Newer thrillers are bound to disappoint because the people writing, directing, and editing them do not have the sophistication of filmmakers from previous decades, especially the 70s. I know I sound like an old fuddy duddy saying that, but it's true. There are a couple exceptions—House Of The Devil is one. The Innkeepers, that director's followup, is terrible. I always bristle when I see them mentioned as a pair, as if they're equals. I was also disappointed by The Babadook, Paranormal Activity, The Strangers (yeesh, what an ugly movie with no payoff or explanation for what transpired), and The Invitation.

As dumb as the compiler of the list @ R46 comes off (and, seriously: hire a proofreader, maybe?), I have to say I am now intrigued by Eden Lake (Fassy? That's all you needed to say) and The Loved Ones. Will check them out, keeping my expectations low.

Orphan (2009).

The Other, based on the Tom Tryon novel

Blackout, which I believe was the first ever made-for-HBO movie.

Nightwatch...The Strangers...Joy Ride. You people don't know what a good horror is at all.

I saw a short film called The Jigsaw on YouTube this weekend. Very well done.

Creep is a really good movie with one of those 'Oh FUCK' endings. I think there will be a sequel

R51, that guy has the eyes of a playful kitten

Send links people where we can stream these films for free. Especially Dark Water with Jennifer Connally. Was hoping she'd have a bigger career and she's so pretty in an odd way to boot.

R49, Orphan was kind of good but then they ruined it by going after a Hollywood ending cliché. Don't take a page from them, ever. Could have been a less dramatic ending with a mystery left on the ending.

That Dyatolov pass thing mentioned above, what was the final outcome? Anyone know?

I thought the Daylatov debacle was about that bridge crushing in America because of moth men or whatever. What was the name of that little incident?

R54, send us a free link to view it. Thx.

So much discussion about that incident.

I liked Devil's Candy on Netflix.

R58 It's called GOOGLE you idiot!!

Along the line of The Changeling mentioned upthread, I suggest The Haunting of Julia AKA Full Circle (1977), with Mia Farrow, based on a novel by Peter Straub. Beautifully melancholy and creepy at the same time. Criminally underrated as it was difficult to find for years. Now available on iTunes.

Eyes Without a Face (1960) is a great French horror film with a unique (somewhat poetic) atmosphere (although it's not exactly underrated, but since it's not mainstream either, I thought I should include it).

Death Line AKA Raw Meat (1972) is a fairly obscure British horror movie by Gary Sherman, with Donald Pleasance, about cannibals living in the subway. The director also made Dead and Buried (1981), a fun flick penned by Dan O'Bannon that also deserves greater recognition.

Another vote for Eden Lake!

Also, Inside, with Beatrice Dalle.

I thought Kill Theory was pretty good.

Thanks, R2, for "End of the Line". Just watched it and it was great.

The Keep.

[quote]Creep is a really good movie with one of those 'Oh FUCK' endings. I think there will be a sequel

Which one? There are more than one.

I watched this a few years ago and thought it was pretty good, though I picked up on "it" immediately.

House (Hausu), 1977 The Japanese horror, has moments of off-the-wall comedy and how the fuck did they do it that special effects? Dripping with atmosphere in the same way as Suspiria or The Evil Dead.

R69 ................... this 'Creep' .......... I think it is the most recent 'Creep' made.

Similar movies, different takes .............. The Pact (and The Pact 2) and Housebound.

IRIP Tobe Hooper,

Thanks, R72

The only thing I have liked that started someone with the name Duplass is The League.

Has anyone seen this Australian - made slasher film called RED CHRISTMAS, starring Dee Wallace? I saw a poster for it at the IFC Center in NYC. According to IMDB, the premise begins with the bombing of an abortion clinic, and then moves to a family gathering at the holidays.

[quote]The Possession Of Michael King. It's about a documentary filmmaker who tries to disprove possession by going to different satanists and witches etc. and asked and then for spells and incantations to get possessed.

Seconding this recommendation. The movie has one of the creepiest scenes I can think of in recent years: when the now-possessed Michael King passes by a mirror, the demon stops and gazes for a while, as if in wonder at seeing itself in a corporeal form...and then ever-so-slowly smiles. It sent chills down my very-difficult-to-chill spine.

I really enjoyed a film called Starry Eyes (2014) - it's filmed in black and white, and in the early going seems to be a satire of the typical Hollywood wannabe's experience - grinding away as a waitress, surrounded by other vapid wannabes, going on endless auditions with no luck. But then our would-be starlet catches the eye of a mysterious production company, which promises her stardom if she'll jump through some VERY disturbing hoops. A really unusual horror film with a great performance by its lead actress.

Another pair of recommendations I've made her on DL before, but will do so again...Delivery (2013, aka Delivery: The Beast Within) is about a couple whose pregnancy is being documented for a TLC-type reality show. Let's put it this way: something ain't right with that baby. There are a number of horror films with this basic premise, but this one stood out for me - It just has a genuinely unnerving atmosphere once it gets going, and I loved that it WENT THERE in the end (you'll know what I mean if you see it). Also, The Conspiracy (2012) is about a pair of documentary filmmakers who are trying to make a film about a local streetcorner conspiracy nut...which leads to them going undercover at Bohemian Grove. It is disturbing as fuck, and the last few minutes creeped me out for days afterward. It's really intelligently made, and will make you wonder about all sorts of things.

Wake in Fright, Aussie film, w. scary Donald Pleasence.

[quote]Dark Water" with Jennifer Connelly

This remake is very good and Jennifer Connelly was great in it but I still prefer the Japanese original--even more creepy and grim and the woman who played the mother was outstanding, imo.

"Audrey Rose" starring Marsha Mason, Anthony Hopkins and John Beck. Reincarnation freaks me out.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016) A scary film with a great twist at the end.

The 2009 remake of Sorority Row. It's like Mean Girls meets Scream. A great bitchy slasher also starting DL fave Rumer Willis.

R17, I watched Blue Ruin after reading your post. Great movie, thanks for recommending it.

Religions mixing...puke!!

THE LAST BROADCAST. Pre-BLAIR WITCH and so much better.

R78, I like your taste. I'm watching Starry Eyes right now. Got any more recs, horror or non-horror?

R71 : I love you. Now bend over and give me a taste!

MARTYRS. It's almost transcendental horror. Starry Eyes, mentioned above, borrows heavily from it. It's probably my favorite horror film.

[R78], I like your taste. I'm watching Starry Eyes right now. Got any more recs, horror or non-horror?

Got all day? ;)

Contracted (2013) - Has a similar premise to It Follows, but I feel it's a stronger film, with a MUCH better lead actress. A great, ascending feeling of dread throughout.

Chariot (2013) - A group of strangers wake up on an airplane in mid-flight - and none of them know how they wound up there. No contact from the cockpit, no way to contact the outside world except for a rapidly dwindling smartphone. The US is under attack - or is it? This had great suspense, and kept me guessing till the end.

Estranged (2015) - A young woman is forced to move back home after a devastating motorcycle accident that has not only robbed her of her mobility but also a good deal of her long-term memory. She apparently hadn't talked to her family in years - why? Are they sincere about wanting to heal the apparent breach, or is something more sinister going on?

The Atticus Institute (2015) - A government experiment to find people with genuine psychic abilities like ESP receives a promising subject in the form of a troubled woman named Judith. She displays powerful psychic abilities in every area, but is she really psychic, or is it something else?

Lovely Molly (2011) - I think I might be the only person who hated The Blair Witch Project but has loved most everything Eduardo Sanchez has done since. This has a fantastically eerie atmosphere, oozing with dread, and is truly disturbing at times. A young woman with a troubled past moves back into her father's house with her new husband, determined to build a new life, but it soon because clear that The Past - if that's what you want to call it - simply won't let her be.

The Cave (2005) - An unusual vampire film set in the Carpathian Mountains. A group of archaeologists exploring a 13th century abbey discover an underground river in the cave system beneath the ruins, and set off to explore. Hint: they should have paid attention to those murals of Knights Templar fighting winged creatures with fangs up above...

Willow Creek (2013) - I'm not really all that into Bigfoot movies, but I liked this one, A young couple set out on a trip to see if they can document the legendary creature, and well...these things don't usually work out, do they? It's worth watching if only for a twenty-minute sequence of the pair in their tent in the middle of the night, listening and listening...and hearing. Gulp.

Absentia (2011) - A woman whose husband disappeared seven years earlier is in the process of having him declared legally dead, and her younger sister, a recovering junkie, comes to live with her as she tries to move on to the next phase of her life. Unfortunately, it begins to seem as if a tunnel at the end of their street might be more than just a tunnel, and maybe her husband's not so disappeared after all.

Alien Abduction (2014) - A family goes on a camping vacation with their autistic son, who uses his video camera like a security blanket, filming EVERYTHING. On their first night, they see unexplained lights in the sky, and...it's all downhill from there. Has one of the creepiest sequences I can think of in recent horror films, in which the family, driving on an isolated backwoods road, come upon a trail of abandoned vehicles - doors open, lights on, contents still present...and follow it to a huge tunnel where they get up close and personal with shit you don't want to get up close with. Brilliant sequence.

Outcast (2010) - An Irish traveler woman and her teenage son are on the run, hiding out from apparent bounty hunters, who are determined to kill the boy. It soon becomes apparent that Mom is no ordinary woman but something supernatural, and she's broken with her powerful clan to protect her son...why? Really cool updating of ancient Celtic lore. Several actors from GOT, for fans of that show.

BTW, I just went and watched a clip from Starry Eyes, which I saw some time ago - why in the world did I remember it as being in black and white? Maybe part of it is in B&W?

I wish you people will post where you can watch these movies. I was torn between Starry and Martyrs. Starry has a higher RT score and M is a close splat and you read the reviews it is a either love it or hate it and it called torture porn. Starry is free on Netflix and I have to rent Martyrs on Amazon so it's Starry for me.

'Gidget Goes Hawaiian'

Did anyone say Hush? Netflix has it.

Pet Semetary. Yes it's cheesey in parts but it has some genuine terror and also is emotionally wrenching . It sticks with you.

Excorcist 3 is very creepy .

I just download everything by bittorrent. Presumably most of the posters do as well.

I want to watch Chariot, Estranged, Lovely Molly, Absentia and Alien Abduction from R90's list, they sound very intriguing - I just hope they're not too gory - I mainly like psychological thriller type movies that can scare without tons of bloodletting and gore. Willow Creek is already one of my favorites and although R90 is not a fan of the Blair Witch Project, the great 20 minute sequence near the end of Willow Creek really reminded me of Blair Witch, it contained much of the creepy atmosphere that made me love TBWP.

[quote]THEM. A French suspense film. Quite atmospheric and good.

Thanks, R41! I watched this yesterday and very much enjoyed it. It's included with Amazon Prime and it's one of those rare films that is exactly the right length. The couple is actually likable. The "based on true events" part is a dumb ruse, though.

[quote] I wish you people will post where you can watch these movies

What is wrong with you? How do the hell do we know where you can watch these? We've already seen these films.

The title of the thread is Underrated Suspense and Horror Films, Not Where Can I watch Underrated Suspense and Horror Films?

High Tension (2003)

You're Next (2011)

The Strangers (2008)

The Collector (2009). It's sequel THE COLLECTION isn't as good, but still a decent flick.

"Cube" - 1997

LOL, R98.

I agree that "Ils" (AKA "Them") is great. I did not think the same of "The Strangers" however.

I tried watching "Hush" but it's just too stupid.

There was a horror movie starring Jennifer Lawrence that I thought was okay until its denouement. "The House At the End Of The Street". It was at least entertaining.

Why is "Hush" supposedly good? The deaf actress is in one of those pharmaceutical commercials. I hate her face, and she's really mediocre as an actor.

The actress who plays the deaf girl, I meant.

Nightmare on elm street 2 with the gay boy As the scream queen, good for LOLs at least

I liked it I never sa the commercial so it didn't ruin it for me The director mike flannagan has made everlasting good movies ( I haven't seen Absentia or Before I Wake) Occulas ,Ouija the origin, and Hush. He is doing a remake of The Haunting of Hill House.

Tonight I saw Starry Eyes and I consider it a good horror film. Also saw the French Raw it was very well made even though it is considered one of the best horror films of 2017 I didn't find it scary.

[quote]I wish you people will post where you can watch these movies.

R90 here. Most everything from my list, I watched either via dvd or cable/VOD. But I just checked YouTube, and Chariot, Willow Creek and Contracted have all been uploaded there in very watchable form (as opposed to those weird distorted versions people post to keep their uploads from getting pulled down). So those at least can be seen for free with little effort.

R96, I don't like torture porn or anything Saw or Hostel-like, though I can put up with a bit of slasherness in the course of things, if everything else about the film works for me. My favorite horror films are always heavy on atmosphere and dread rather than blood - Ils/Them and The Strangers, mentioned upthread, are two favorites of mine. None of the films on my list are gory.

My main issue with The Blair Witch Project isn't the plot, or the execution of it - it's Heather Donohue's performance, which among the most fucking annoying ever committed to film, and how irritating the group is overall. That's a real problem in horror, IMO - unlikable lead characters.

Has anyone mentioned TOURIST TRAP (1979)?

It's thought of as B-movie, and I guess it is? But it's incredibly scary and creepy. Mannequins and murders. It came out rated PG, but it's very grim and full of violence and murder. The PG rating actually hurt it when it was released.

Depends on your personal preference. I like a creepy buildup of suspense and fear of the unknown.

So:

In Fear

Kill List

House of the Devil

The Conjuring

The Blood Lands

Insidious (first 2/3rds)

Willow Creek

Right at your Door

Backcountry

Audition

Hidden

A Dark Song (this is *very* slowburn)

The Devil's Candy

The Canal

Drag me to Hell

Creep

Paranormal Activity

The Crazies (remake)

The Loved Ones

Splinter

REC

VHS (segment: Amateur Hour)

VHS2 (segment: Safe Haven)

The Sacrament

[quote]My main issue with The Blair Witch Project isn't the plot, or the execution of it - it's Heather Donohue's performance, which among the most fucking annoying ever committed to film, and how irritating the group is overall. That's a real problem in horror, IMO - unlikable lead characters.

I totally agree that most horror films have lead characters that make you want to tear your hair out, but I thought TBWP cast was pretty good and realistic. I thought Heather played her role of the obnoxious, arrogant know-it-all micro-manager who ultimately screws everyone over well. I know the bickering and fussing was annoying to most folks, but for me, it just made the movie more real.

R107, might I ask your age?

The Ninth Gate... I rather liked it, though many think it's one of Roman Polanski's lesser films.

Roman Polanski's "The Tenant". Loved the ending!!

Martyrs (both versions) made me want to die. Way too dark for me.

Maybe someone can identify this movie for me. Probably from the 70s, a woman moves into a kind of creepy apartment that actually turns out to be a gateway to hell. I remember her standing in a room when a really weird looking guy steps out of the darkness behind a door and walks past her. It doesn't sound like much, but it was something I was interested in seeing.

It was on a list of great horror movies I saw a few years back.

"Dark City," 1997

The art direction and production design are awesome!

"You're Next" is filled with suspense.

R113, you are thinking of "The Sentinel".

A lot of great stars in that, R113, such as Ava Gardner, Jose Ferrer and Arthur Kennedy among others.

The Sentinel is a lot of fun.

Eyes of a Stranger is worth a look, although...it might not be underrated. It might just be pretty mediocre.

What about...

PRIVATE PARTS (1972)

and

THE BABY (1973)

Both utterly demented and meet the qualifications set by the OP.

Thanks R117. I was sure that was it. It has a similar theme, but the one I saw had more of a run down, New York kind of feel to it and less Southern charm.

Black Christmas 1974

Wait, R119. You're saying the movie you're thinking of isn't The Sentinel? The Sentinel is set in Brooklyn.

R121, ha, jokes on me then. I thought from the style it was set somewhere Southern. I'll see if I can find it to watch and report back.

The Sentinel trailer (1977)

R121, you were 100% correct. This is the exact scene I was thinking of. It was a little different in my memory, but this is it.

The 70s Don't Look Now should be mentioned in the same breath as Psycho.

DL icon Sandy Dennis in Altman's A COLD DAY IN THE PARK

Thank for mentioning A Dark Song R107. It is a slow burn but it delivers in spades.

I love the original Martyrs, while some put it in the torture porn category I personally think it transcend beyond that. The remake was a joke.

Yes, good choice R126!!

Get the blu ray. Or at least rent it in high def on Amazon Instant Video if it's there.

Another vote for The Ninth Gate

R120, Black Christmas (74) is a GREAT mention. It's got Olivia Hussy and Margot Kidder!

"The Girl In Black Stockings" is a fun, cheesy whodunit from the late 50's. Just don't take any of it seriously.

The recent release "Jackals" may turn out to be such a film. There is a thread on it.

Jackals has a bad RT score and comments at IMDB aren't much better.

I watched Jackals last night - I was formulaic, not scary and generally all-round shit.

[quote]Jackals has a bad RT score and comments at IMDB aren't much better.

Honestly, when it comes to horror films, I don't give two fucks about user reviews. I've seen too many films I've enjoyed get completely trashed by people who want all the answers RIGHT NOW, who were too busy eating/tweeting//texting/licking windows to catch plot points, or who go in thinking every film is going to be a disappointment and refuse to be open to what unfolds, so they can maintain their too cool for school attitude. At this point, I know what appeals to me, so I go with that and it works most of the time.

The Witch is a good example. I loved it - but so many of the online user reviews and discussion I saw bitched about the language or got hung up on small details and the whole thing just whizzed right past them. And those same people sit around and complain that there aren't any good horror movies!

R135, The VVitch is vastly overrated. The language and the hammy delivery of it was one of its biggest problems.

I also found the ending jarring and not properly foreshadowed. Which, if you're a good storyteller, you know to do your foreshadowing. It just isn't that good a movie. It's overrated like The Babadook.

If you're complaining about people who don't think there are many good horror films recently and your example of a good one is 'The Witch', you have no business complaining.

The Witch was an excellent film!

The Witch had a very high RT score but personally I didn't care for it. It is true though about film reviews can be misleading. Just like a friend telling you how good a movie Is but you hate it.

Tryon was apparently unhappy with the movie adaptation of The Other (though he wrote the script as well as the novel, I think). I wonder if it was because the movie ended up falling more into the parapsychology/psychic horror genre blooming at the time, with movies like Carrie and The Fury -- the book's focus isn't really there. The book has one of the great twists of any genre, though if you've seen the movie you'll know what it is.

The Hive was has an extremely unique concept and was very well done. Gabriel Basso makes a fine lead. Why isn't he a bigger star? The special effects hold up quite well despite the limited budget and the film contributes scares, sexiness, and some intellectual food for thought.

I really liked 'Goodnight Mommy'

Have I mentioned EYES OF A STRANGER (1981) yet? God damn is it suspenseful!

It's kind of a weird mix of mystery/suspense and straight up gory slasher, because they decided halfway through production that they wanted to lean into the slasher territory which was popular at the time. Unfortunately Warner Bros. didn't get the memo and didn't promote it as a slasher.

It features Jennifer Jason Leigh's debut performance in a movie as an inexplicably blind, deaf, and dumb girl—somehow her kidnapping and molestation as a small child caused this Helen Keller/Tommy-type affliction. Her older sister is played by The Love Boat's Lauren Tewes, who's gorgeous and really hams it up in some scenes.

Anyway, you can rent it online from various platforms for $2.00-2.99 or get the DVD for a few bucks more. I've been trying to watch it through to the end for the past week but keep falling asleep! But that's no slight against the movie, I've just been tired.

I originally bought it in high school 20 years ago on VHS but didn't remember a damn thing.

The Last Winter. Liked this one better than The Thing Remake.

Teeth. Watched this one several times. It's refreshing to see hot guys as the victims and/or objects of objectification.

Killer Party (1986) - campy fun.

Hidden, starring Alexander Skarsgard...from the guys behind Stranger Things.

Black Water

Curtains, another campy 80s flick.

Carriers, starring Chris Pine.

[quote] A movie about the Dyatlov Pass incident doesn't seem like it would be appealing to posters on this board.

Sigh.

OP must be Poo Shoes...

I found Jeepers Creepers II frightening. The monster hopping in the grass was creepy as hell.

The Legacy with Sam Elliott was creepy as well.

I would classify the original Straw Dogs as a horror film.

Oculus, starring alt-white Brenton Thwaites and Amy Pond.

Jonathan Demme's 'Last Embrace' - suspense not horror.

Last Shift is available on Netflix.

Dead of Winter, with Mary Steamvirgin and the old guy from Witness.

I mentioned Oculus starring hot piece of ass Brenton and Karen Gillian and directed by good director Mike Flannigan.

This was a fun movie.

Thanks to everyone who mentioned "The Sentinel" (1977). It is a very underrated horror film. I highly recommend it.

And watch out for Sylvia Miles and Beverly D'Angelo playing a creepy lesbian couple who just happen to be ghosts!

Oculus--The Mirror that [italic]KILLS!!![/italic]

There is a bizarre scene in The Sentinel (1977) where Beverly D'Angelo starts to masturbate right in front of her new neighbor Cristina Raines. Once you see it, you will never forget it!

I loved The Witch. The creepy twins and their relationship with the family goat (who may or not be the devil), "Black Philip," was both funny and scary.

[quote]The VVitch is vastly overrated. The language and the hammy delivery of it was one of its biggest problems.

In YOUR opinion it was. That was my whole point - some people aren't going to enjoy what I enjoy, so why give undue weight to user reviews or RT? If something sounds like it would appeal to me, I check it out. If other people don't like it, different strokes. But I'm not going to pass over something that sounds like it would be up my alley just because people on RT are trashing it.

R109, I'm R107. I'm 53. Sorry it took me so long to respond -- it's been a while since I revisited this thread.

I loved The Witch but don't really rate it as a horror movie, as it seems more to me like a supernatural drama. I adore Anya Taylor Joy in the movie, her big wideset eyes fascinate me.

Oculus created a really nice creepy atmosphere but as is often the case it didn't know how to end.

The Sentinal is a great movie too, sort of a trashy, pulpy Rosemary's Baby. Not in exact storyline, the whole horror-in-a-new-york-apartment thing.

I'm disappointed to see there's been such a backlash against The Babadook. Very tight storytelling and I loved the psychological horror told from a woman's/mother's perspective.

I'm racking my brain trying to think of the name of a Spanish language film that was quasi-horror -- it might have been Latin American rather than Spanish. Maybe someone can help.

To be honest I don't remember much about the plot but definitely remember how it made me feel.

It's about an affluent family who own a large house in a rural area and the father and the family has to go away for a while. But for some reason the father has to return to the house before planned and when he does he discovers something's been stolen from the house by the locals. They find out that he found out and they kill him. There's also a very creepy scene at the end in the kitchen, where the shadow of a demon is seen creeping through the deserted room.

There's also this weird ecstatic scene in the beginning with the family running through the woods at night (I think) perhaps looking for a lost child?

Sorry I'm sure that all sounds insane!

I cannot find The Hive anywhere. Amazon has one that stars Tom Wopat.

I cant add any new or recent films to this list but both versions of The Woman in Black - the 1989 TV film which is on you tube and the remake with Daniel Radcliffe - are both very creepy ghost/curse stories. And ever since I was a teenager growing up on Hammer horror I've had a soft spot for vampires and really like the Swedish original of Let the Right One In and the American remake Let Me In. It's good these days to find a vampire movie that respects classic movie 'vampire lore' while adding a few new ideas.

Also, the New Zealand film What We Do in the Shadows is a very funny take on reality shows with a film crew following and filming a group of vampires who live in a shared house in Auckland and are mortal enemies with the local, and prissy, lycanthropes: 'We're werewolves, not swearwolves'.

A Dark Song was highly rated at RT. I wouldn't care it scary and it was not satisfying. Right now I'm watching Contracted 2 but I don't think it is as good as the first. Contracted was good mainly because the lead gave a very good performance ( agree much better than the lead of It Follows who remained of a long lost untalented Streep daughter) but the performance of the lesbian girl friend was so bad almost ruined the whole movie.

R166 Damn, you're right. It's not even on ITunes anymore. The film deserves better.

The Hive can be free-streamed at the following location. I use it all the time.

Breathe, a French psychological thriller on Netflix

I used one of those free movie sites to watch The Hive and it almost murdered my iPhone it completely went black with a circle in the middle I couldn't use any of the controls. Finally when the battery was dead it was okay.

When those sites ask me to register I leave. I got a warning when I went to the site r170 site it was infected.

That's odd R172, registering is optional only to get emails when a better higher HD version of a film comes in.

I'm watching the Hive now from the site, no problems, no virus alert. I'm on a desk top, though.

Just finished Devil's Pass. It was okay up until the last 20 minutes or so.

Just watched Nocturama on Netflix. Not really horror but it does have suspense but we shouldn't care that terrorist bombers might be killed. If anyone has seen the film why do they kill the ones that surrender?

"Ruby" (1977)

Starring Piper Laurie. Released one year after "Carrie".

The movie's tagline: PIPER LAURIE - Frightening in "Carrie"! Now...Terrifying as "RUBY"!

Trivia section on IMDb states: This was reportedly the highest grossing independent film prior to "Halloween" (1978) which was released the following year.

That looks like a real camp fest, r176!

Roger Davis - wasn't he one of Jaclyn Smith's conquests?

Highest grossing independent until Halloween? God, that's weird. I've never even heard of this 'Ruby'!

"Race With the Devil" -- camping buddies Peter Fonda, Warren Oates, and their old ladies stumble upon a group of devil worshipers performing a blood sacrifice, and spend the rest of the movie being stalked by them.

The Children

One of the greatest slow burn horrors I've ever seen.

"The Children" co-stars openly gay Jeremy Sheffield.

"Turistas", starring hot-as-fuck Josh Duhamel.

"The Perfect Getaway" starring hot-as-fuck Timothy Olyphant.

Yes, Turistas is very very good!

Too many inconsiderates giving away plot twists on this thread.

I tried one of those illegal sites but I left as soon as they wanted a credit car number.

"The Signal" (2007) - horror film and not the Brenton Thwaites sci-fi film of the same name.

"Within" starring Michael Vartan.

Ginger Snaps

Excision. Great, subversive horror film that's ruined by a terrible ending. Still recommended if you liked Teeth..

You made me laugh, r177! I posted "Ruby" at r176. I remember watching it at the drive-in back in 1977. I was 8-years-old, and it terrified me. I haven't seen "Ruby" since then, but the trailer does look dated and campy!

And you're right about DL fave Jaclyn Smith: Roger Davis and Jaclyn Smith were married from 1968-1975. They divorced one year before she hit it big with "Charlie's Angels".

"Ruby" (1977) is available on DVD, r178. Hurry and get your copy!

Just got halfway through 'Eden Lake' and had to turn it off because it's too scary.

Scary because you can imagine it happening to you.

Winter Chill with Emily Blount..creepy scary

Hidden 2015 Starring Alex Skarsgard and Andrea Riseborough

One of my all time favorites [bold]Kaidan[/bold] (Kwaidan) (1964) Japanese anthology horror film directed by Masaki Kobayashi. It won the Special Jury Prize at the 1965 Cannes Film Festival

"Ruby" got a new Blu Ray release this week - featuring a glorious, brand new 2K transfer and a commentary track from Piper Laurie!

Krampus (2015), starring Toni Collette

[bold]The Awakening[/bold] 2011 starring [bold]Rebecca Hall[/bold], Dom West and Imelda Stanton. Another amazing performance by Rebecca Hall in this film.

R194, can you redefine that movie, Winter Chill, with Emily BLOUNT again? I can't find any record of it and would like to see it.

R200 It's Wind Chill 2007 film starring Emily Blunt

This popped up the other day on Buzzfeed .... scary coincidence?

Nurse 3d

I liked The Inivation.

Embryo. With rock Hudson and Babs carerra.

Patrick - which along with other titles like Lost Weekend, Soul Survivor and The Cars That Ate Paris was one of the 70s Aussie grindhouse movies, and It's quite scary.

an Italian thriller from the early 1970s -

Don't Torture a Duckling

another one:

Ravenous, starring Guy Pearce, Robert Carlyle & David Arquette

It begins with a Nietzsche quote, "He that fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster."

And then, after a brief moment, another quote: "Eat Me" - Anonymous

OCULUS is one of those films that is more interesting in concept than execution, though it does have some strong sequences. All of the past vs. present and real vs. not real is not hard to follow but you tend to focus more on keeping it straight rather than getting scared. And Thwaites is a lackluster male lead. Still it's worth seeing - Flanagan has made some good films including that OUIJA prequel.

EDEN LAKE is very unpleasant and depressing, but I agree that you can imagine it happening to anyone.

YAY, r197! That trailer looks so much better than the one I posted at r176. I ordered my Blu-ray copy from Amazon today , and I will be watching "Ruby" on Halloween night.

Yes, R207!!

"He Knows You're Alone" (1980)

This is one of the better slasher films of the early 1980s. The film's opening sequence is a must-see for horror fans. It takes place in a movie theater, and is an almost "shot-by-shot" influence on the opening scene of Wes Craven's "Scream 2" (1997).

Also, the movie is notable for being the first screen role of Oscar-winner Tom Hanks.

Tom Hanks in "He Knows You're Alone" (1980)

How about the made for TV? I was first scared by Trilogy of Terror. The first story of the trilogy was Karen Black chased by the little terror troll. Another made for TV that creeped me out was Don't Be Afraid of the Dark with Kim Darby of True Grit fame. Kim and hubby buy house with little creatures in the basement furnace. I use to love the scary movies my mom allowed us to watch. Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte and The Haunting with Julie Harris. Growing up, we had a show called The Dungeon with some Frankenstein host chained in a dungeon cell that would introduced quite a few inappropriate horror films for us little kids to be watching on a Saturday morning!

This is an interesting list. Does anyone have anything new to add?

r212, "He Knows You're Alone" will be on TCM Underground (Turner Classic Movies) tonight at 2:45 am ET (11:45 pm PT).

It will be followed by "Don't Open the Door!" (1974). (aka "Don't Hang Up")

R13 Do not take [R5]'s recommendation. Nightwatch was a stupid movie, ie: McGregor's supposed to be a law student yet hands over his DNA to Sutherland when he demands it.

Is it worse than Liz Taylor's boring "thriller" NIGHTWATCH (1973)

The only terrifying thing about it is the poster's warning [italic] "You'll be seeing this nightmare every night for the rest of your life!" [/italic]

The Posession of Joel Delaney

(shirley maclaine oddly enuf: voodoo, beheadings....)

Well, I just found out that The Poughkeepsie Tapes, which very briefly saw the light of day a decade ago, has FINALLY gotten an official video release. It's a found footage 'documentary' about a fictitious serial killer who rampaged through upstate New York for ten years without getting caught. The authorities discover a cache of videotapes in which he documented his crimes, and the premise of the movie is that the FBI using him and the tapes as a case study to teach FBI profiler students.

I first watched this as a bootleg a few years back - I'm generally not big on serial killer/slasher type horror films, but I do like found footage and this was recommended as a great example of the genre. It is very intense and has an incredibly disturbing vibe about it - so fucking creepy. It's not anywhere near Saw/Hostel-level gory but definitely a bit harder core than I generally watch - yet I do recommend it. Once you see it you won't forget it.

[quote] I also found the ending jarring and not properly foreshadowed. Which, if you're a good storyteller, you know to do your foreshadowing. It just isn't that good a movie. It's overrated like The Babadook.

Yes. The story is very drawn out, too, for what happens. I remember feeling unengaged.

Saw that film mentioned above, Martin, years ago at a special screening at some small artsy theatre ...G Romero was there to talk about it. creepy movie bout a teen vampire....romero was awesome. was in Frisco in the eightys..

How does the ending in the novel The Other differ from the film R140?