10 Horror Movies That Are 10/10 But Nobody Remembers

As a huge film buff, especially when it comes to horror, I can tell you a truly perfect 10/10 movie is incredibly rare. It’s really frustrating that so many fantastic horror films have faded into obscurity. From the very beginning of cinema, horror has always been a reliable draw, filling theaters with people eager for a good scare. And what’s cool is how the genre has consistently changed and adapted to what audiences want – it’s never stayed stagnant.

The best horror movies aren’t just frightening—they’re also brilliantly made, offering both scares and impressive filmmaking. While many iconic horror films are well-known, the genre is full of lesser-discovered treasures. Truly dedicated horror fans know you have to look beyond the mainstream to find them.

It’s easy for good horror movies to get lost in the shuffle. Sometimes they come out at the wrong moment, or they just don’t reach enough viewers. As a result, finding truly great, undiscovered horror films is getting harder – especially those that genuinely impress even the most dedicated and seasoned horror fans.

This Night I’ll Possess Your Corpse (1967)

I’m a huge fan of classic horror, and Brazil might not be the first place people look for it, but their Coffin Joe films are incredible! The first one, This Night I’ll Possess Your Corpse, is a real standout. It’s about this creepy character, Joe, who goes to a small town looking for the perfect woman, and let’s just say he has a… unique way of deciding who’s worthy. What really gets me is how the movie feels – it’s shot in black and white and it’s so surreal and dreamlike, creating an atmosphere unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It’s truly a unique and unforgettable horror experience.

José Mojica Marins, who wrote, directed, and starred in the film, delivers a strange and dramatic performance as Coffin Joe, clearly infusing the character with his own dark personality. Though it has the feel of a low-budget film, it’s remarkably inventive and stands out from typical cheap horror. The sequel isn’t necessarily scary, but it’s still a powerful and memorable movie.

The Reflecting Skin (1990)

Before becoming famous as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings, Viggo Mortensen appeared in a unique horror movie called The Reflecting Skin. Set in 1950s Idaho, the film follows a young boy who begins to believe his mysterious neighbor is a vampire after several of his friends die. The Reflecting Skin is a beautifully made film with a dark, striking visual style.

The movie relies on suggestion rather than showing explicit horror, making it especially unsettling because we experience the story through a child’s perspective. The stark landscapes of Idaho create a powerfully haunting atmosphere, reminiscent of the work of artists like Andrew Wyeth. Ultimately, it’s a film about dealing with loss and the hidden darkness beneath the surface of American life after the war.

May (2002)

Despite being a little-known horror film, May is gaining a following. The movie centers around a lonely teenage girl who desperately wants to connect with others. When her attempts at relationships fail, she turns to violence. While the story of a troubled teen becoming dangerous isn’t new, May offers a surprisingly complex and nuanced narrative.

The movie starts as a quirky and somewhat dark comedy, but then shifts dramatically into pure horror. Both parts are essential to the story, and May’s transformation is especially impactful – it’s both scary and heartbreaking because we’ve grown to feel sorry for her. This overlooked film from the 2000s is gaining attention, and it might soon become much more well-known.

Deathdream (1974)

In the same year he directed the horror film Black Christmas, Bob Clark also made another excellent movie called Deathdream. The film centers on a couple who are overjoyed when their son, Andy, unexpectedly returns home after being reported killed in Vietnam. However, they soon realize he’s changed, and the low-budget film is heavily inspired by the themes of the classic story The Monkey’s Paw.

While the movie uses scary, supernatural elements, they actually serve to explore deeper ideas. Deathdream is essentially a sad reflection on how the Vietnam War affected people, particularly hinting at the long-lasting trauma and psychological damage experienced by veterans. Director Bob Clark skillfully transforms what could have been a simple monster movie into something truly special and worth watching.

Society (1989)

Brian Yuzna’s Society is a quintessential ’80s horror film, but it’s so bizarre that it’s largely been forgotten. The story follows a teenager who realizes his parents are behaving oddly, and he gradually discovers a terrifying truth beyond his worst nightmares. It’s difficult to explain Society – you really have to see it to understand how strange and shocking it is.

With unsettling special effects by Screaming Mad George, Society stands out as a unique body horror film that doesn’t simply imitate David Cronenberg’s work. It uses horror and comedy to satirize the upper class, pushing boundaries with taboo subject matter. This makes it a film you’ll either love or hate, but for its specific goals, it’s a flawless 10/10 horror experience.

When Evil Lurks (2023)

Despite being released directly to a streaming service and largely forgotten, When Evil Lurks is a serious contender for one of the best horror films of the 2020s. The film follows a farmer in Argentina who uncovers a demonic presence and attempts to flee its terrifying influence. While possession stories are common, When Evil Lurks stands out as truly unique.

The film depicts possession as a contagious disease, leading to some genuinely disturbing scenes. The story unfolds as a gripping thriller, with characters constantly on the run from a terrifying threat. It carries a sense of impending doom that feels particularly relevant, especially considering it came out shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Don’t Look Now (1973)

Considered a masterpiece of slowly unfolding horror, Don’t Look Now completely immerses you in its heartbreaking and mesmerizing atmosphere. The film follows a grieving couple who relocate to Venice after the death of their daughter, only to feel as though her presence lingers. While genuinely frightening, Don’t Look Now is also deeply emotional and honest in its portrayal of loss.

Many people forget about Don’t Look Now because it’s not a fast-paced, action-packed horror movie. However, it’s a perfect 10/10 film that truly demonstrates what horror can achieve. While exploring trauma is now common in modern, sophisticated horror, Don’t Look Now handles the subject with exceptional skill. Plus, the film’s ending consistently delivers a shocking experience for those watching it for the first time.

Jacob’s Ladder (1990)

Despite being one of the most compelling horror films of the 1990s, Jacob’s Ladder is often overlooked. The movie follows a Vietnam War veteran plagued by disturbing flashbacks as he tries to uncover the truth about his experiences during the war. It’s a chilling blend of urban horror and psychological suspense, with plenty of sudden, frightening moments.

What makes this film so good is its consistent focus on its core ideas. Jacob’s Ladder features a deeply sad story, and the horror aspects actually enhance that emotional impact. Jacob’s journey to find peace makes him a compelling character, and watching his struggles is genuinely upsetting. Ultimately, it’s a powerful film that works both as a critique of war and as a scary horror movie.

Magic (1978)

While Anthony Hopkins is famous for his terrifying role as Hannibal Lecter, he first showcased his horror talent in the film Magic. The movie follows a struggling magician who turns to ventriloquism, only to find his sanity slipping as his dummy seems to develop a mind of its own. Magic is a suspenseful blend of thriller and horror that keeps audiences guessing until the very end.

Anthony Hopkins is fantastic as Corky, bringing a complex personality to the role that makes him both sympathetic and unsettling. While stories about killer ventriloquists have limited potential, Magic stands out with a compelling drama that enhances its horror. It’s surprising that this film has been overlooked, and it really deserves to be rediscovered.

Peeping Tom (1960)

Despite being one of the most underrated horror films ever made, Peeping Tom is a masterpiece. The movie centers around a serial killer who films his victims, using his love of photography to capture his crimes. Though directed by the incredibly talented Michael Powell, it’s often overshadowed by Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, which came out around the same time.

Though released a few months apart, with Peeping Tom coming first, both films were groundbreaking in similar ways. However, Peeping Tom delves deeper into the psychology of its characters and is arguably a more complex story. Unfortunately, it faced strong negative reactions that hindered its success, while Psycho was widely embraced. Peeping Tom possesses a quiet artistry that can make it easy to overlook just how effective and genuinely frightening it is – it truly showcases some of the best horror cinema has to offer.

2026-01-31 01:03