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The 2010s saw the release of some truly terrifying horror films, with notable ones like “The Conjuring” (2013), “The Witch” (2015), “Get Out” (2017), and “Hereditary” (2018) gaining critical acclaim. However, amidst these well-known releases, there were many high-quality horror movies that didn’t receive much public attention. Some of these films might not have fared well with critics, but they still belong in the horror genre. While you might recognize a few titles in this list, there are several more that might be unfamiliar. Nevertheless, all of them are well-crafted works by talented directors. In summary, here are twenty underrated horror films from the 2010s, ranked.
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20 Underrated Horror Movies From the 2010s
Stake Land
One of the most notable vampire films, “Stake Land” (2010), unfortunately fell short in terms of worldwide box office earnings, only making $33,000 against a $625,000 budget. This was undoubtedly disappointing for IFC Films. However, despite its financial performance, “Stake Land” received favorable reviews from industry experts, achieving a 75% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, although some might consider this rating somewhat low.
The film’s inclusion on this list is primarily due to its financial struggles, as it remains a mystery why it didn’t attract larger audiences to witness a genuinely frightening vampire story on the big screen. The movie’s plot, driven by a compelling opening sequence where a young boy named Martin loses his family and is taken under the wing of an experienced vampire hunter, is commendable. Filmmaker Jim Mickle deserves admiration for his skillful execution of this story.
The Final Girls
The Final Girls, a meta slasher film released in 2015, is unique in that it doesn’t aim to terrify the audience with scary moments or eerie visuals. Instead, it leans more towards the comedic side of the horror genre, making it a distinctive hybrid that should receive more recognition solely for its innovative concept. The story revolves around “Camp Bloodbath,” an eighties cult classic, and its main star, Amanda Cartwright, portrayed by Malin Ackerman. Twenty years after the film’s release, Amanda tragically passes away in a car accident.
Her daughter, Max, survives the accident and, three years later, attends a screening of her mother’s iconic slasher film, only to find herself transported into its fictional world. This self-referential plot unfolds brilliantly, serving as a fantastic homage to American horror films of the eighties. While most critics appreciated the film, it’s somewhat surprising that The Final Girls isn’t discussed more frequently today as the well-crafted slasher that it is. Although horror enthusiasts acknowledge its quality, it certainly deserves more recognition.
Come to Daddy
While the quality of “Come to Daddy” (2019) may fluctuate, its peculiar premise keeps viewers intrigued until its bizarre conclusion. Starring Elijah Wood as the protagonist Norval Greenwood, who resides in a Beverly Hills mansion with his mother, the story takes an unexpected turn when he receives a letter from his estranged father, prompting a meeting at a remote Oregon cabin.
The film promises unexpected plot twists and intense moments of violence, with engaging character dynamics and entertaining dialogue throughout. While it may not be considered the best horror movie of the decade, “Come to Daddy” deserves recognition for its well-crafted script and the convincing performances of its entire cast. This film might not be on everyone’s radar, but much like Elijah Wood’s role in “The Faculty” (1998), it contributes to establishing him as a Hollywood scream king.
Happy Hunting
The 2016 Western horror film “Happy Hunting” was a project helmed by directors Joe Dietsch and Louie Gibson, who took an auteur’s approach by not only directing but also writing the script and being involved in the editing process. In the world of cinema, the term “auteur” hails from the French language and typically refers to a filmmaker who has a strong influence and creative control over their work. Such filmmakers often write their own scripts, and in some cases, they may take on multiple roles like cinematographers, composers, or editors. This approach allows them to bring a distinct and unadulterated vision to life, with minimal interference from studio executives.
In the case of “Happy Hunting,” Dietsch and Gibson’s imaginative storytelling brought forth a narrative centered on an alcoholic drifter named Warren Novak. He finds himself as the unwilling participant in a disturbing and dangerous sport, where he must confront hostile rednecks while also grappling with the throes of alcohol withdrawal. The plot is a creative one, and while the film may not be overtly terrifying, it certainly deserves more recognition than it has received.
Banshee Chapter
Journalist Anne Roland investigates the mysterious disappearance of her friend, drawing inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “From Beyond” and the U.S. government’s experiments with hallucinogenic drugs. This combination creates a terrifying narrative rooted in the imagination of a legendary genre writer.
H.P. Lovecraft’s stories have had a significant influence on many horror films, whether directly adapted or indirectly inspired. “Banshee Chapter” (2013), written and directed by Blair Erikson, is one of the most overlooked entries in this category. Despite its positive reception from critics, the film remained largely unnoticed by the general public. If there ever was a time to highlight “The Banshee Chapter,” it would be on a list of underrated horror films from the 2010s.
The Endless
This film was a collaborative effort by two individuals, Justin Benson and Aaron Moorehead, who may not be widely recognized but deserve recognition for their significant contributions. Justin Benson not only co-directed the movie but also wrote the script for “The Endless” (2017), while Aaron Moorehead handled the camera work during filming. What’s even more impressive is that both of them also appeared in the film and participated in the editing process alongside Michael Felker.
For those who may not be familiar with the film, “The Endless” follows the journey of two brothers who return to a cult they were once a part of. This seemingly simple premise is executed in a truly unsettling and skillful manner, thanks to the talents of everyone involved, including actors like Callie Hernandez and Lew Temple. Despite receiving widespread praise from critics, “The Endless” fell short at the global box office. Hopefully, it will find a larger audience when it becomes available on streaming platforms.
Nightmare Cinema
While Nightmare Cinema (2018) may not be widely recognized, it boasts a captivating visual style that greatly enhances its overall quality. The individual stories within the film are seamlessly connected, and it’s surprising how this project remained relatively under the radar, unlike some other films. It is undeniably a top-tier horror production, with each story featuring distinct characters and being helmed by different directors.
Alejandro Brugués, Mick Garris, Ryuhei Kitamura, David Slade, and Joe Dante are all well-established figures in the horror genre, with Joe Dante, in particular, being a legend known for classics like The Howling (1981) and Gremlins (1985). Additionally, the film boasts recognizable names in its cast, including Mickey Rourke, Patrick Wilson, and Elizabeth Reaser, which further cements its place as a noteworthy entry in the horror genre.
It Comes at Night
While the film “It Comes at Night” didn’t receive overwhelming praise from fans, writer-director Trey Edward Schults and the cast, including Joel Edgerton, Carmen Ejogo, and Kelvin Harrison Jr., deserve significant recognition for their work. The story follows Paul, who, along with his wife Sarah and son Travis, lives in the woods during a deadly disease outbreak and teams up with another family to survive.
From a production standpoint, the film is well-crafted in every possible way, and critics generally acknowledged its quality. Although it performed decently at the box office, “It Comes at Night” has somewhat faded from public consciousness since its release. It may not be considered one of the greatest horror films of the decade, but the film offers a unique viewing experience by delving into the characters’ psyches.
The Wind
“The Wind” (2018), a Western horror film, masterfully employs meticulous camera movements and eerie atmospherics right from its opening scene to create a palpable sense of suspense. The story is set in the late 19th century and follows Lizzy Macklin, portrayed by Caitlin Gerard, as she embarks on a journey to the American frontier with her husband Isaac, played by Ashley Zukerman, to establish a new settlement.
As the plot unfolds, Lizzy’s mental stability deteriorates due to the extreme isolation and harsh conditions of her new environment. While many films on this list received favorable reviews from critics, “The Wind” also included, it failed to connect with audiences, regardless of its critical acclaim. The film performed poorly at the box office and remains less well-known than it deserves, even to this day.
The Cleansing Hour
One of the standout aspects of the film “The Cleansing Hour” (2019), directed by Damien LeVeck and co-written with Aaron Horowitz, is its compelling premise. The story revolves around the behind-the-scenes production of a live stream show focused on an exorcism. However, when things deviate from the script, and the lead actress becomes genuinely possessed, “The Cleansing Hour” takes audiences on an exhilarating and unforgettable journey.
While many names in the cast and crew may not be widely recognized, there is a notable talent worth mentioning: Kyle Gallner. Known as one of Hollywood’s top actors in horror films, he delivers an exceptional performance in “The Cleansing Hour,” making it one of his most frightening roles to date. Despite its lack of widespread recognition, this movie remains one of the most underappreciated horror films of the decade.
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1922
Rarely do we witness a Stephen King horror adaptation that doesn’t receive much public attention. In the past decade, we’ve seen films like “It” (2017) and “Pet Sematary” (2019) gain significant recognition at the global box office. While “1922” (2017) was a Netflix exclusive, it certainly didn’t generate the same level of buzz as these other King adaptations from the same period. It’s worth noting that King wrote the novella in 2010, and the script was adapted and directed by Zak Hilditch.
The movie features Thomas Jane, a well-known actor in the realm of horror and a frequent cast member in King adaptations. He plays the role of Wilfred, a farmer living with his son Henry and his wife Arlette. The story takes a dark turn when Wilfred and Henry decide to murder Arlette for financial gain. While “1922” may not deliver horror through atmospheric storytelling, it does contain moments that are deeply disturbing and should satisfy those seeking a chilling experience. In any case, “1922” deserves more recognition for its compelling performances and a well-crafted script.
Brightburn
One of the less appreciated films of the decade is “Brightburn” (2019), which stands out as a unique blend of genres, combining elements of both superhero and horror. Other movies in a similar vein include “Blade” (1998), “Hellboy” (2004), and “Constantine” (2005). Although “Brightburn” may not have gained the same level of recognition as these well-known films, its quality is on par with them.
The Lodge
Directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, who co-wrote the script with Sergio Casci, this film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring actors like Jaeden Martell, known for his role as Bill in the 2017 and 2019 adaptations of “It.” He’s just one example of the many talented actors who make appearances in this movie, contributing to its compelling character dynamics and engaging dialogue. Riley Keough, who also graces the list for the second time as a guaranteed scream queen, joins Martell as a co-star.
“The Lodge” from 2017 is undeniably eerie, filled with intense moments and unsettling imagery. However, the bulk of the film’s creepiness can be attributed to the exceptional performances of the aforementioned lead actors. They portray two siblings, Aidan (played by Martell) and Mia (portrayed by Lia McHugh), who find themselves trapped in the cabin mentioned in the title with their father’s girlfriend, played by Keough. As a snowstorm rages on, they become unable to leave, setting the stage for a storyline that delivers genuine thrills right up to the movie’s closing scene.
Exists
One of the most notable films centered around the enigma of Bigfoot is “Exists,” directed by the renowned horror filmmaker Eduardo Sánchez. Eduardo Sánchez is famous for co-directing “The Blair Witch Project” in 1999 alongside Daniel Myrick, which is considered a classic in the found-footage subgenre. “Exists,” released in 2014, represents Sánchez’s solo directorial effort in this genre.
The creature design in “Exists” is so compelling that it alone can send your heart racing. Coupled with Sánchez’s exceptional direction and the convincing performances of the cast, the film is often overlooked and underrated. Despite not achieving significant global box office success and facing criticism from some reviewers, it undeniably boasts high-quality elements. When you consider Sánchez’s contributions to “Blair Witch,” “Exists,” and his subsequent work, like “Butterfly Kisses” in 2018, it’s clear that Eduardo Sánchez is a true master of the found-footage style.
Green Room
Despite receiving praise from industry experts, the 2015 film “Green Room” fell short of expectations at the global box office, only earning $3 million against a $5 million budget. This is surprising, especially considering the presence of well-known actors like Anton Yelchin and Patrick Stewart in the cast. The movie, written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier, tells the story of a punk rock band who become the target of neo-Nazis in a private club after witnessing a horrifying crime.
While “Green Room” doesn’t rely on jump scares or supernatural elements to create fear, it effectively builds an eerie atmosphere through its thoughtfully chosen color palette and camera angles. It stands as one of the standout horror films produced by A24, featuring a compelling storyline and noteworthy performances from the actors. Although it’s gaining popularity on streaming platforms, it still has some way to go before it receives the recognition it deserves.
The Autopsy of Jane Doe
Emile Hirsch and Brian Cox lead the cast in this critically acclaimed film from the 2010s, “The Autopsy of Jane Doe” (2016). Despite its impressive reception among critics, the movie only managed to earn $6 million globally, which seems surprisingly low considering the success of other horror films from the same year and decade. The film revolves around Austin Tilden (played by Hirsch), a young coroner, and his father Tommy (portrayed by Cox). Their lives take a dark turn when they stumble upon a mysterious and gruesome discovery involving the body of a young woman. What follows is a tense and gripping narrative that garnered high praise, including a commendation from renowned author Stephen King, who dubbed it one of the best modern horror films. This endorsement alone highlights the movie’s exceptional quality.
Hush
One of the standout slasher films of the twenty-first century is “Hush” (2016), characterized by its palpable tension stemming from the intriguing premise. The movie follows the story of a deaf writer who relocates to a remote house deep in the woods in search of inspiration for her next novel. However, her peaceful retreat takes a terrifying turn when she becomes the target of a masked killer. Kate Siegel delivers a compelling performance as the protagonist, while John Gallagher Jr. plays the menacing antagonist.
Every aspect of the film, from acting to the haunting musical score by The Newton Brothers, demonstrates exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Critics unanimously praised the film for its excellence. Regrettably, “Hush” hasn’t received the widespread recognition it deserves among top-tier horror movies. In reality, it stands shoulder to shoulder with acclaimed titles like “Hereditary” and “The Conjuring” as one of the scariest films of its decade. It can be considered the crowning achievement of writer-director Mike Flanagan, and it merits more appreciation from audiences as a true masterpiece of the horror genre.
The Voices
A horror-comedy featuring Ryan Reynolds as the protagonist, “The Voices” (2014), is a film that deserves more recognition, especially considering Ryan’s strong comedic skills. The movie revolves around Jerry, played by Ryan, who works at a factory that manufactures plumbing fixtures while dealing with schizophrenia. Jerry’s mental state is quite fragile, and the voices he hears in his head actually come from his pets: Bosco, his dog, and Mr. Whiskers, his cat.
Bosco serves as the angelic voice, while Mr. Whiskers plays the devilish role, perched on Jerry’s shoulders. As Jerry attempts to expand his social circle by spending time with his co-workers, the movie takes an unconventional yet clever and well-crafted turn into unsettling territory. “The Voices” is a hidden gem in Ryan Reynolds’ filmography and one of his most underappreciated projects. The film’s unique and witty concept should have received more acclaim from critics upon its release, and hopefully, it will find its audience in the future.
Bone Tomahawk
Bone Tomahawk, a 2015 film written and directed by S. Craig Zahler, deserves more recognition as one of the best horror films of its decade, even though it’s more disturbing than outright scary. It can be considered the top horror western ever made, boasting a stellar cast that includes Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox, and Richard Jenkins.
Kurt Russell and Patrick Wilson, both known for their roles in quality horror films, contribute to the exceptional ensemble. The film also features David Arquette, another actor with a history in the horror genre, who plays a significant role, making this one of the most talented horror casts ever assembled. Alongside the clever behind-the-scenes filmmaking techniques, each actor played a crucial role in bringing Zahler’s brilliant screenplay to the underrated gem that it is.
Southbound
One of the most underappreciated movies of the entire decade has to be “Southbound” from 2015, a horror anthology film featuring five segments, each directed by talented horror filmmakers like Roxanne Benjamin, David Bruckner, and Patrick Horvath. The team at Radio Silence, an American production company consisting of filmmakers Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillet, and Chad Villella, directed the first segment called “The Way Out” and the final portion titled “The Way In.”
Each story in the film ends in an open-ended manner, smoothly transitioning to the next, and the segments are seamlessly woven together through skillful continuity editing. The stories are also exceptionally well-crafted, with intriguing character relationships, perfect pacing, engaging dialogue, and genuinely frightening sequences. The film rigorously adheres to the principles of screenwriting throughout, making it more than just an underrated horror offering. In fact, “Southbound” could very well be considered the greatest horror anthology film ever made, and it deserves more recognition for this achievement.
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