10 Underrated Horror Movies From the 2020s Destined To Become Cult Classics

The 2020s have seen a surge of creative and boundary-pushing horror films. While movies like Talk to Me, Longlegs, and Sinners have become both critically acclaimed and popular with audiences, there’s a wealth of lesser-known horror films that are equally deserving of attention. These hidden gems may not have achieved widespread recognition, but they stand out with their unique stories, immersive settings, and compelling themes, solidifying their place as some of the decade’s best horror offerings.

A few of these films have everything it takes to become beloved cult classics. They’re daring, tell unusual stories, and have a very specific style and focus. While they might be strange, offbeat, or not widely known, that’s exactly what will likely make them influential within horror subcultures over time.

These ten horror films are sure to become fan favorites and stay with viewers for a long time.

‘The Mortuary Collection’ (2020)

Clancy Brown stars as Montgomery Dark, a quirky mortician who runs the funeral home in the quiet island town of Raven’s End. When a young woman named Sam (Caitlin Custer) responds to his help wanted sign, he shares chilling stories of the town’s unusual deaths during her interview. This horror anthology delivers a collection of spooky and twisted tales, filled with monsters and the darker side of humanity.

A Series of Bizarre and Eerie Vignettes

Originally released on Shudder in 2020, The Mortuary Collection has steadily gained a following. Though it hasn’t yet reached a wide audience, horror fans will love its distinctive style, which combines the darkly humorous tone of Tales from the Crypt with a genuinely creepy atmosphere reminiscent of classic horror stories. It has all the makings of a future cult classic and a yearly Halloween favorite.

‘Possessor’ (2020)

Brandon Cronenberg’s film, Possessor, features Andrea Riseborough as Tasya Vos, a highly skilled assassin who works for a corporation. She uses advanced technology – a brain implant – to take over other people’s bodies and commit her hits. However, her latest mission is challenging, and as Tasya fights to stay in control of her current host (Christopher Abbott), the lines between her own identity and reality start to become unclear.

A Wildly Innovative Sci-Fi Horror

Brandon Cronenberg’s Possessor is a standout sci-fi horror film that, despite critical praise, didn’t find a large audience. It’s a hidden gem, similar to his other work like Infinity Pool, known for its striking and often unsettling visuals. The movie dives deep into complex themes like control over one’s own body, the psychological effects of violence, identity, and the impact of capitalism. While it hasn’t become a mainstream hit, Possessor is likely to gain a dedicated following as a cult classic for fans of thought-provoking body horror and science fiction.

‘Malignant’ (2021)

James Wan, the director behind hits like Insidious and The Conjuring, takes a surprising turn with Malignant. The film follows Madison (Annabelle Wallis), who is haunted by terrifying nightmares of brutal murders. As her visions become more intense, she tries to find the killer and uncovers a shocking link between herself and the crimes. What begins as a typical horror movie dramatically shifts gears in the final act, becoming a unique and unpredictable experience.

A Film That’s Aware Of How Over-the-Top It Is

When Malignant first came out, opinions were split, but it’s a film that really grows on you with repeat viewings. More and more people are starting to realize it’s a surprisingly good horror movie. With its dreamlike visuals, suspenseful atmosphere inspired by classic Italian horror, and over-the-top energy, it has all the ingredients to become a cult favorite. Its willingness to be purely scary, its playfully campy style, and its daring filmmaking choices are sure to attract a dedicated following.

‘Censor’ (2021)

Prano Bailey-Bond’s first feature film, Censor, takes place in 1980s Britain during the era of controversial “Video Nasties.” Niamh Algar plays Enid Baines, a film censor who maintains a very orderly life. When she reviews a particularly gruesome movie called “Don’t Go Into the Church,” it stirs up fragmented memories of her sister’s disappearance, and the film’s star eerily resembles her lost sibling. As Enid investigates the film, she begins to lose control of herself.

A Devastating Meta-Horror Masterpiece

The film Censor explores complex issues like mass hysteria, the tendency to blame society, and the weight of grief and guilt. It uses the idea of censorship to represent how the main character, Enid, hides her own painful experiences. Ultimately, it’s a disturbing but fascinating look at a woman deeply affected by trauma, and how her mental state was destined to unravel. The filmmakers created a striking visual style by shooting primarily on 35mm film, with some footage from Super8 and VHS, drawing inspiration from the giallo and grindhouse genres. This combination of deep themes and unsettling imagery suggests the movie has the potential to become a favorite among fans of psychological horror and films that play with the idea of being a film itself.

‘We’re All Going to the World’s Fair’ (2021)

As a film buff, I was really intrigued by Jane Schoenbrun’s We’re All Going to the World’s Fair – she also directed I Saw the TV Glow, which I loved. It’s a coming-of-age horror story centered around Casey, a lonely and troubled teenager. To cope with feeling isolated and her tough home life, she gets really into this online horror game called “The World’s Fair Challenge.” The movie follows her as she documents her experiences with the game, and it’s fascinating to watch how things start to feel…unreal. It really messes with your head as you watch the line between what’s real and what’s not start to disappear.

Existential Dread and Online Terrors

Schoenbrun skillfully explores the loneliness many teenagers feel and their strong desire for connection, while also shedding light on internet culture and the dangers that can arise within online communities. The film delves into how digital spaces and social media impact mental well-being, using subtle horror and deep psychological insight to reflect the anxieties of our increasingly connected world. It’s a thought-provoking work that will likely resonate with audiences for years to come.

‘Sissy’ (2022)

Sissy is an Australian horror film created by Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes. Aisha Dee plays Cecilia, a lifestyle vlogger who goes by the name Sissy. After unexpectedly running into her old childhood friend, Emma (played by Barlow), she’s invited to a bachelorette party. There, she comes face-to-face with Alex (Emily De Margheriti), a former bully from school. Long-held secrets and feelings quickly emerge, turning the weekend into a violent and bloody experience.

A Fresh Take on the Revenge Horror Film

Although critics loved it, the independent film Sissy hasn’t reached a wide audience. What sets it apart is its unique blend of horror and satire, combined with sharp observations about society. The film tackles important themes like the emptiness of social media and influencer lifestyles, the dangers of forced optimism, and the long-term effects of experiences in childhood. It’s an unpredictable and original movie – both darkly funny and disturbing – which makes it a likely candidate to become a cult classic.

‘A Wounded Fawn’ (2022)

Let me tell you about a truly under-the-radar horror film, A Wounded Fawn. It’s not a movie many people have seen, and that’s a shame. The story centers around Meredith, played by Sarah Lind, a museum curator trying to move on from a tough breakup. She starts dating Bruce, portrayed by Josh Ruben, and things seem to be going well enough that they head off for a weekend getaway to a secluded cabin. But here’s the catch: Bruce isn’t who he seems, and Meredith quickly finds herself in a terrifying situation as his next intended victim. It’s a genuinely unsettling premise, and the film really delivers on the tension.

A Unique Style and Disorienting Experience

Don’t assume you know what happens in A Wounded Fawn. This film takes a surprisingly unpredictable and rewarding turn when the man who terrorizes women finally faces consequences. Inspired by the ancient Greek goddesses of vengeance, the Erinyes, it’s a truly original take on female rage in horror. Director Stevens masterfully combines dreamlike imagery with the styles of classic Italian thrillers and gritty exploitation films, creating a visually stunning experience. While it hasn’t yet reached a wide audience, the film’s complex themes, psychological depth, and roots in folklore suggest it will become a favorite among fans of art house horror.

‘Watcher’ (2022)

Chloe Okuno’s first feature film centers on Julia, an American actress portrayed by Maika Monroe, who moves to Bucharest with her husband, Francis (Karl Glusman), for his work. While Francis is busy, Julia begins to feel like a strange neighbor is watching her. At the same time, a serial killer known as The Spider is targeting women in the city. As Julia’s fear grows, she becomes convinced that her neighbor is responsible for the brutal murders.

A Brilliant Debut

What makes Watcher so effective is its masterful build-up of tension. It doesn’t rely on jump scares, but instead creates a growing sense of dread through careful details and a deliberate pace. Monroe delivers a compelling performance, making her character’s fear feel incredibly real. The film also powerfully captures the frustrating experience many women have of not being taken seriously when expressing legitimate concerns about their safety. With beautiful visuals and a satisfying conclusion, Watcher is a quietly brilliant and suspenseful movie that feels destined to become a cult favorite.

‘Lisa Frankenstein’ (2024)

I’m so excited about Lisa Frankenstein! It’s a really unique movie written by Diablo Cody and directed by Zelda Williams, taking place in the totally rad 80s – 1989, to be exact. Kathryn Newton is amazing as Lisa, a bit of an outsider who’s still dealing with the loss of her mom. Things are tough at home with her stepmother, so she hangs out at a cemetery, and that’s where things get really interesting. She starts talking to this old statue, and then… well, let’s just say a storm brings him back to life! It’s a wild story about their connection, and Lisa… she kind of gets a taste for helping him get his body back together, piece by piece. It’s dark, funny, and totally captivating!

A Fun, Colorful Take on a Beloved Classic

I absolutely loved Lisa Frankenstein, and I have a feeling it’s going to follow a similar path as Jennifer’s Body. When it first came out, Jennifer’s Body wasn’t appreciated, but it’s become a real feminist horror favorite over time. I think Lisa Frankenstein deserves that same journey! It’s just so energetic and fun, with a great blend of dark humor and genuine emotion, all wrapped up in a really cool gothic style. It’s the kind of movie you can watch again and again, and it’s already building a dedicated following – I’m so glad I discovered it, and I think others will feel the same way eventually.

‘The Ugly Stepsister’ (2025)

“The Ugly Stepsister” offers a fresh take on the familiar story of Cinderella, told from the point of view of one of the stepsisters. The story unfolds in 18th-century Swedelandia and centers on Elvira, played by Lea Myren. After her mother remarries, Elvira and her sister move into their stepfather’s castle, sharing it with his lovely daughter, Agnes. When their stepfather unexpectedly dies, the family is left with nothing. The film then follows Elvira on a disturbing journey as she endures painful, old-fashioned treatments in a desperate attempt to attract the prince and secure a marriage.

One of the Most Creative Horror Films of the 2020s

This Norwegian film, a dark and unsettling coming-of-age story with elements of body horror, premiered quietly on the streaming service Shudder and didn’t gain much mainstream attention. However, its unique and twisted spin on a classic tale will appeal to those looking for something different in the fairy tale genre. With body horror comparable to the work of David Cronenberg and films like The Substance, it’s likely to become a cult favorite.

2025-11-02 19:22