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ohn Carpenter, Wes Craven, James Wong – these are some of the most renowned and celebrated horror movie directors in history. However, there are numerous other talented directors who have made significant contributions to the genre but often go unnoticed. Directors like Takashi Miike, Sam Raimi, and Jordan Peele also deserve recognition. In the annals of cinematic history, there are many directors known for their expertise in creating terrifying experiences, yet they don’t receive the recognition they should. Some of these directors may still be early in their careers, but it’s worth exploring their work because they have promising futures ahead. In conclusion, here are ten horror directors who should receive more appreciation and recognition for their outstanding contributions to the genre.
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10 Horror Directors Who Deserve More Credit
Hideo Nakata
While hardcore horror enthusiasts may recognize some names on the list, such as Hideo Nakata, it’s worth noting that Nakata still doesn’t receive the recognition he truly deserves for his significant contribution to the Ring franchise. In contrast to the sequel Ring 2 (1999), which is widely regarded as one of the weaker entries in the genre, Nakata’s original Ring (1998) stands out as a high-quality horror film. While these movies are reasonably well-known, it’s essential to emphasize Nakata’s influence, especially for Western audiences.
Another noteworthy work by Nakata that underwent an English-language remake is Dark Water (2002). While this director enjoys a reasonable level of fame worldwide, it’s crucial for Western viewers, in particular, to acknowledge his exceptional talent. Both The Ring and Dark Water (the remakes) simply can’t compare to the excellence of their original counterparts, which should be recognized as among the finest horror films of their respective decades.
Bob Clark
Certainly, Bob Clark is highly regarded by horror enthusiasts and movie buffs in general as one of Canada’s most esteemed directors. However, despite delivering two groundbreaking horror films within just one year, he somehow didn’t gain the widespread recognition he deserved in the world of cinematic scares. The most renowned and significant of these two films is “Black Christmas” (1974), which is often considered one of the earliest slasher films to come out of Hollywood.
The story revolves around a group of sorority girls who find themselves relentlessly pursued and terrorized by a masked killer. The cast includes notable performers like Olivia Hussey and Margot Kidder. Remarkably, “Black Christmas” remains highly regarded even today and is frequently mentioned as one of the finest examples of its genre. When you also take into account Clark’s release of “Dead of Night” (1974), it becomes evident that he accomplished something that very few directors of his era even attempted—releasing two critically acclaimed horror films within a single year. It’s an impressive feat, to say the least.
Patrick Brice
American director Patrick Brice has directed five feature films, with three of them falling into the horror genre. His initial venture into horror was “Creep” (2014), a found footage film starring Mark Duplass. Notably, Brice also appears in the film and co-wrote the script with Duplass. “Creep” is regarded as one of the most captivating movies on his filmography and played a significant role in reviving interest in found footage films after “Paranormal Activity” (2007).
Brice wisely followed up with a sequel, “Creep 2” (2017), both of which received widespread acclaim upon their release and remain highly regarded today. However, Brice’s repertoire doesn’t end there. He also ventured into the slasher subgenre with “There’s Someone Inside Your House” (2021). While not the most exceptional film you’ll come across, it does contribute to Brice’s reputation as an underappreciated maestro of horror.
Gary Sherman
While Poltergeist III (1988) negatively affected Gary Sherman’s reputation as a horror director, it’s worth noting that he had two well-received films before that disappointment. Despite the Poltergeist franchise’s overall popularity, this particular entry is often considered the weakest in Sherman’s filmography, regardless of genre. However, his earlier works, such as Death Line (1972), managed to surprise and impress both critics and audiences.
In Death Line, the story revolves around two university students who become entangled in an investigation after a man disappears in the London Underground. The plot unfolds with increasing thrills, and the film boasts an impressive 91% approval rating on the critical consensus website Rotten Tomatoes. While Dead & Buried (1981) may not shine quite as brightly in comparison, both of these films continue to stand the test of time. It’s important that Gary Sherman’s legacy is not defined solely by the disappointment of Poltergeist III; instead, he should be remembered more fondly for these earlier works.
Mike Flanagan
In just a span of nine years within a single decade, Mike Flanagan managed to release a total of seven horror films, which is quite an impressive feat in itself. What’s even more remarkable is that each of these films is of high quality. While movies like “Absentia” (2011), “Oculus” (2013), and “Before I Wake” (2016) may vary in their overall effectiveness, it’s with “Hush” (2016) that Flanagan truly demonstrated his directorial talent and cemented his place among the best in the horror genre.
“Hush” is an underrated gem, telling the story of a deaf writer who isolates herself in a remote woodland home only to become the target of a masked killer. This unique premise makes it one of the standout horror films of recent years. Additionally, in the same year, Flanagan also released “Ouija: Origin of Evil” (2016), which is another solid addition to his filmography. Moreover, with successful adaptations of Stephen King novels like “Gerald’s Game” (2017) and “Doctor Sleep” (2019), Flanagan should be well on his way to gaining worldwide recognition in the horror film industry.
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Jennifer Kent
After directing the short film “Monster” in 2005, the talented writer-director went on to expand upon the same concept in her first full-length feature film, “The Babadook” (2014). This project showcased exceptional screenwriting throughout its plot. The movie’s title might sound familiar even if you haven’t seen it. It tells the story of Amelia, a widowed mother portrayed by Essie Davis, whose son is plagued by an overwhelming fear of a mysterious presence in their house.
“The Babadook” remains her standout work, although she followed it up admirably with “The Nightingale” in 2018. While having just two horror films in her portfolio might not seem like a lot, when you consider the recognition and acclaim these films received from critics, Jennifer Kent should unquestionably be recognized as one of the most prominent directors in the industry today. We eagerly anticipate her next venture in the horror genre, hoping it matches the caliber of her initial couple of projects.
Lee Cronin
Lee Cronin, a relatively new director with just two feature films to his name, has primarily focused on the horror genre. His directorial debut was “The Hole in the Ground” in 2019, a supernatural horror film. The story revolves around Sarah, whose son mysteriously disappears into the woods and returns exhibiting strange behavior. What sets this film apart is its thrilling narrative, devoid of cheap jump scares or excessive gore.
For those who may not have connected with “The Hole in the Ground,” Cronin’s second film, “Evil Dead Rise” (2023), is likely to be more appealing. This installment in the beloved “Evil Dead” franchise received the highest ratings since the original two films directed by Sam Raimi in the 1980s. While the earlier entries in the series are considered higher quality overall, “Evil Dead Rise” is possibly the most terrifying film in the franchise. These accomplishments alone establish Cronin as a noteworthy talent in the world of horror cinema.
Karyn Kusama
One of the standout films in the list is “Jennifer’s Body” from 2009, starring Megan Fox. This movie boasts an impressive cast, including Amanda Seyfried, J.K. Simmons, Amy Sedaris, and Adam Brody, all of whom contributed to its outstanding quality. However, when it comes to American director Karyn Kusama’s best work in the horror genre, “The Invitation” from 2015 takes the top spot.
In “The Invitation,” the story revolves around the protagonist, Will, played by Logan Marshall-Green, who receives an invitation from his ex-wife, Eden, to attend a dinner party at their former home. As the evening unfolds, Will begins to suspect that Eden and her new husband, David, have sinister intentions for their guests. This thrilling narrative evolves into an unforgettable cinematic experience, solidifying Karyn Kusama’s position as a prominent filmmaker in the genre. It’s safe to say that she’s on her way to being recognized as one of the greats in the industry.
Christopher Landon
Christopher Landon’s involvement in the Paranormal Activity franchise includes either full or partial screenwriting credits for four out of five sequels, although this may not necessarily enhance his reputation as a director. However, he did direct one installment, titled “The Marked Ones” in 2014, which received mixed reviews.
Landon’s true strengths as an underrated horror director lie in his comedy-infused horror films, with “Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse” (2015) being a notable example. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, the movie consistently delivers laughs and keeps the audience entertained until the very end, making it an underrated gem.
What truly sets Landon apart are his more recent horror-comedy projects: “Happy Death Day” (2017), “Happy Death Day 2U” (2019), and “Freaky” (2020). These three films are among the greatest horror comedies of the 21st century, and Landon deserves more recognition for each of them individually, let alone for his collective work on them.
Julia Ducournau
French director Julia Ducournau made her directorial debut with the 2016 film “Raw,” a coming-of-age body horror story. The film revolves around a young vegetarian woman who, during her first semester at veterinary school, is compelled to taste meat for the first time. After a hazing ritual involving the consumption of a raw rabbit kidney, she develops an unusual affinity for flesh. The film explores the unsettling consequences that follow.
Ducournau’s subsequent work, “Titane,” released in 2021, surpassed her earlier film in terms of critical and audience acclaim. This body horror film received widespread recognition and should be recognized as one of the standout horror films of the past decade. Even if international horror cinema isn’t typically your preference, it’s worth venturing into this realm to appreciate Ducournau’s exceptional talent, which deserves more recognition.
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