10 Underrated Modern Horror Gems You Need To Watch

Horror movies often hold some of the best undiscovered films. Because they’re frequently made with limited resources and don’t get much attention, truly great horror films can often be found as hidden surprises. This has been particularly true in recent years, especially over the last fifteen or so.

I’m always discovering amazing horror movies that seem to fly under the radar, and it really bothers me! There are seriously some incredible ones out there that deserve way more attention. I’m talking about everything – a truly phenomenal slasher film, some deeply unsettling psychological thrillers, even movies that blend horror with science fiction. And honestly, that’s just scratching the surface of all the hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Possessor (2020)

The movie Possessor was released during the COVID-19 pandemic and didn’t get much attention, which is a shame. 2020 actually had a lot of great, overlooked films, and Possessor is a standout, successfully combining elements of both horror and science fiction.

The movie Possessor follows a professional killer who uses advanced technology to take over other people’s bodies and commit assassinations. But during one mission, she struggles to maintain control of her host.

Brandon Cronenberg, son of director David Cronenberg, delivers a uniquely unsettling film with Possessor. It’s currently earning rave reviews – with a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – and many believe it has the potential to become a beloved cult classic. Expect a film that makes you think, and features some truly disturbing visuals.

Bliss (2019)

Joe Begos is quickly becoming a director to watch in the horror genre. While he hasn’t broken into the mainstream just yet, he’s made a name for himself with strong independent films like VFW and Christmas Bloody Christmas. Many consider his best work to be Bliss, a film that doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

Bliss follows Dezzy, an artist who can’t seem to find her spark until she starts using hallucinogens. While the drugs initially boost her creativity, they also lead her down a dangerous path, causing her to act recklessly and lose control.

While John Burge gives a strong performance, director Joe Begos is the real standout. His unique visual style creates a mesmerizing and disturbing atmosphere that’s impossible to look away from. This isn’t a typical horror film that spells everything out for you, making Bliss an excellent pick if you enjoy more thought-provoking horror.

Cuckoo (2024)

Image via NEON

A truly captivating trailer is key to getting audiences interested in a horror film, and Cuckoo really delivered in that department. It was one of the best recent trailers, skillfully building suspense without revealing too much. It also included some genuinely frightening moments, like the scene where the main character is biking in the dark and sees a shadowy figure reach for her.

The show Cuckoo is probably very different from what you’re expecting, and that’s actually a positive. The story follows Gretchen (Hunter Schafer) as she moves to a resort town in the German Alps with her father, and begins to notice odd things about their new home and her father’s employer.

I don’t want to spoil anything about Cuckoo because it’s something you really need to see for yourself! But trust me, it’s a genuinely thrilling movie with some truly scary moments. Critics really liked it, and I think if more people gave it a chance, they would too.

Cam (2018)

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If you’re looking for scary movies on Netflix, Cam is a real standout – and it’s simply one of the best films the service offers, period. It’s rare to find an original Netflix movie with a higher Rotten Tomatoes score, and Cam boasts an impressive 93%.

Cam tells the story of Alice (Madeline Brewer), a webcam performer who is shocked to discover she’s been replaced by an identical look-alike. The film, written by Isa Mazzei, draws heavily from Mazzei’s personal experiences working as a camgirl.

This movie keeps you guessing – it’s hard to predict what will happen next. People especially liked the film’s overall mood and the strong acting by Brewer. Because it’s on Netflix, a huge number of viewers can now enjoy it.

Triangle (2009)

The only film included that came out before 2010 is Triangle. This British movie blends psychological horror with science fiction. Triangle is a twisty, captivating story thanks to its use of the time loop concept, a popular subgenre in filmmaking.

The movie Triangle starts with Jess, a single mom, taking a boat trip with friends. When their boat breaks down, they find refuge on a seemingly deserted ocean liner, only to realize they’re being hunted. They soon discover they’re trapped in a terrifying time loop, repeatedly ending up on the ship to face a brutal fate.

The stalking scenes are genuinely scary, but the real strength of Triangle lies in its intriguing mystery. The film keeps you guessing about who—and why—these events are happening. It all builds to an incredible climax that elevates the movie from simply good to truly great.

Creep (2014)

Mark Duplass is a familiar face to many, known for his roles in comedies like The League and the acclaimed series The Morning Show. But you might not recognize him in the unsettling horror film Creep, where he plays a truly chilling character.

The movie Creep begins with a videographer named Aaron taking a job from a strange man named Josef. Josef wants Aaron to document his life during his final days as he battles a terminal illness. At first, the job seems straightforward, but things quickly become unsettling as Josef’s behavior grows increasingly erratic and disturbed.

Mark Duplass delivers a fantastic performance as Josef, keeping you constantly on edge – you never know if he’ll become violent, burst into tears, or just do something deeply awkward. The first Creep movie is highly rated at 91%, but Creep 2 is even better with a perfect 100% score, making this one of the strongest horror movie pairings you’ll find.

Hush (2016)

Mike Flanagan is quickly becoming one of the most respected horror directors working today. While he’s gained a lot of recognition for his Netflix series like The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, he’s also directed acclaimed films such as Doctor Sleep.

Although he’s gained recognition for his work on sequels to classic horror movies, Mike Flanagan also deserves praise for Hush. This 2016 film features a truly frightening scenario: a deaf woman home alone must fight for her life when a killer breaks in.

The movie creates genuinely frightening scenes, especially because the main character can’t hear the person threatening her – it’s particularly unsettling to watch alone. Kate Siegel gives a brilliant performance, and John Gallagher Jr. is convincingly terrifying as her stalker.

You’re Next (2011)

Slasher movies have had periods of popularity and decline. They were big in the late 1970s and early 1980s, then saw a comeback with the movie Scream in 1996. The genre didn’t become truly popular again until the 2020s, with new Scream films and movies like the X trilogy from director Ti West.

Despite this, many consider You’re Next (2011) to be the best modern slasher film. It may have been missed when it was released, as the slasher genre wasn’t very popular at the time, but viewers who’ve seen it often praise it. What makes You’re Next so effective is that it cleverly subverts the typical slasher movie tropes.

The movie centers around a family gathering that turns terrifying when masked attackers strike. While the initial horror comes from the attack itself, the film truly stands out when the protagonist, Erin (Sharni Vinson), turns the tables and begins a fierce, violent counterattack against her assailants.

Raw (2016)

American moviegoers often skip films made in other countries simply because they require reading subtitles. This means many excellent movies get overlooked, like the French-Belgian horror film Raw.

Raw follows Justine (Garance Marillier), a young vegetarian who starts veterinary school and is pressured into eating meat as part of an initiation rite. This experience has a disturbing effect on her, awakening a powerful and dangerous craving that leads her down a path towards cannibalism.

The film Raw has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, currently holding a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics particularly praised the script, the acting of Julia Marillier, and the direction by Julia Ducournau. While it features graphic content, that’s something many horror enthusiasts appreciate.

I Saw The TV Glow (2024)

If you haven’t watched I Saw the TV Glow yet, you really should. It’s the new film from director Jane Schoenbrun, who previously made the well-received We’re All Going to the World’s Fair.

But I Saw the TV Glow really elevates everything. The movie centers on two teenagers who connect over a shared love of a TV show, and their bond causes them to start questioning who they are and what’s real. However, the film explores much more complex ideas than just that.

Many viewers interpret the film as a story about the transgender experience, which has resonated strongly with LGBTQ+ audiences. Critics and viewers alike praised the writing and direction by Schoenbrun, as well as the performances from Justice Smith, Jack Haven, and the entire cast. Combined with its unique visual style, these elements have made it a standout film and a strong contender for one of the best of 2024.

2025-11-02 21:15