9 Overlooked Recent Horror Films That Deserve a Second Look
Explore these underrated horror films that deserve recognition for their unique narratives, innovative scares, and atmospheric tension, offering fresh experiences for horror enthusiasts seeking new thrills.
Renfield (2023)
Renfield, a horror comedy featuring Nicolas Cage as Dracula and Nicholas Hoult as Renfield, is a film that deserves a second look. Despite being overshadowed by more prominent releases, Renfield offers a stroke of genius by focusing on the life of Dracula's long-suffering underling. The movie strikes a perfect balance between comedy and horror, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.
Dracula (Nicolas Cage) floating menacingly down towards Renfield's (Nicholas Hoult) support group in Renfield
The decision to portray Dracula in a genuinely terrifying manner, juxtaposed with humor and gore, adds a unique twist to the classic movie villain, making Renfield a standout in the horror comedy genre.
Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) looking to the side at a restaurant in the movie Renfield
Horror in the High Desert (2021)
Horror in the High Desert, a found-footage mystery horror film, offers a unique approach that deserves recognition. Despite being overlooked due to limited marketing, the movie excels in tension-building and character development, particularly in fleshing out the story of extreme hiker Gary.
A missing person notice for Gary hangs on an outdoor pole in Horror in the High Desert
While the plot may appear thin, the movie compensates with its atmospheric storytelling and a great slow-burn mystery thriller experience that sets it apart from other similar films in the genre.
Bobo (Martin Wong) in a jump scare in Sugar Street Studio
The Manor (2021)
The Manor, a gothic supernatural horror film, offers a compelling narrative that deserves a second chance from audiences. Despite lacking big names in its cast and crew, the movie delivers suspense through its core mystery centered around strange events and eerie deaths at a nursing home.
Judith Albright (Barbara Hershey) near a reflection of herself in the mirror in The Manor
Anchored by Barbara Hershey's captivating performance, The Manor transforms its horror elements into a crucial commentary about family and the western practice of caring for senior citizens in assisted living facilities.
Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) looking horrified and Dracula (Nicolas Cage) laughing maniacally in Renfield
Sugar Street Studio (2021)
Sugar Street Studio, a comedic horror film, may have been overlooked due to its obscure names and slapstick comedy, but it holds promise in its concept. The plot, centered around young content creators setting up a haunted house and film set at an old decrepit studio, pays homage to Hong Kong cinema's historic contributions to horror and comedy.
A box lays alone in the forest in a tense scene in Amanuda
Despite not being as famous as iconic horror movie clowns, Sugar Street Studio's villain and plot combine to create an engaging and entertaining horror experience that deserves recognition.
The masked killer peers from behind tall grass in The Conference
Amanuda (2021)
Amanuda, a found-footage mystery horror film set in India, stands out from the deluge of similar films in the popular subgenre. The movie orchestrates suspenseful, dark, and unexplained events, providing a fresh and captivating experience for horror enthusiasts.
Christine (Eva Green) answers the door in Nocebo
Despite its resemblance to classics like The Blair Witch Project, Amanuda garnered great reviews and managed to distinguish itself as a standout in the found-footage horror genre.
Christine (Eva Green) screams inside her home in Nocebo
The Conference (2023)
The Conference, a dark workplace dramedy with elements of horror, is an innovative entry that deserves more attention. The deliberate pacing enhances both the dry comedy and scares, while the movie comments on corporate greed and remixes horror tropes, making it a must-see for fans of the genre.
Diana (Chai Fonacier) reads a piece of paper in Nocebo
The reveal of the killer's identity in The Conference adds to the suspense and intrigue, solidifying its place as an overlooked horror gem that warrants a second look.
Christine (Eva Green) wearing a breathing aid in Nocebo
Nocebo (2022)
Nocebo, a psychological thriller and folk horror film, offers a captivating and unnerving experience that deserves recognition. With Eva Green's compelling performance at its core, the movie delves into supernatural events and folk magic, culminating in a social realist twist that sets it apart from other films in the genre.
Diana (Chai Fonacier) with her arms outstretched during a ritual in Nocebo
Despite being overlooked, Nocebo's unique approach to the mysterious stranger horror trope and its captivating storytelling make it a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers and folk horror.
Narcisa (Aria Bedmar) is bewildered by the hauntings at the convent in Sister Death
Sister Death (2023)
Sister Death, a visually epic and memorably unnerving ghost story set in a gothic convent, deserves a second look. The movie's portrayal of a vengeful ghost haunting the convent, intertwined with the dark past of its characters, offers a unique and captivating horror experience.
Sister Narcisa (Consuel Trujillo) in the ending of Sister Death
While overlooked as another religious horror and revenge tale, Sister Death stands out as a visually stunning and emotionally gripping horror film that warrants recognition for its storytelling and visual appeal.
A crucifix burns inside the convent in Sister Death
Ghost Lab (2021)
Ghost Lab, a well-acted thriller with fantastic visual effects, is an overlooked gem that deserves a second chance. The dynamic between the two lead characters, Wee and Gla, adds to the tension and creepiness of the film, creating a captivating and genuinely terrifying experience for horror enthusiasts.
An incomplete drawing of the hangman appears in the convent in Sister Death
Despite being unknown to mainstream audiences, Ghost Lab offers sympathetic storytelling and eerie cinematography that make it a must-see for fans of supernatural thrillers.
Narcisa (Aria Bedmar) has bandages over her eyes after she witnesses an eclipse in Sister Death
Midnight in a Perfect World (2020)
Midnight in a Perfect World, a unique thriller set in a utopian Filipino city, is a pure nightmare fuel that warrants a second look. The film's portrayal of mysterious blackouts and the disappearance of citizens, combined with its allegory for totalitarian rule, offers a chilling and thought-provoking experience for horror enthusiasts.
Wee (Thanapob Leeratanakachorn) and Gla (Paris Intarakomalyasut) investigate the mysterious occurences at their hospital in Ghost Lab
Despite being overlooked, Midnight in a Perfect World stands out as a compelling and surreal horror thriller that deserves recognition for its unique storytelling and dystopian themes.
Jinka (Glaiza De Castro) walking in the street at night in Midnight in a Perfect World
