Little Known Horror Films That Deserve Rediscovery
As a filmmaker and film nerd. I pride myself in watching watching one of my favorite genres: The Horror Film. Here are some Horror films that very few people might know about that deserve some kind of rediscovery and I highly recommend watching at least once. Some that are known but underappreciated, others others that have yet to be released on DVD.
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- DirectorE. Elias MerhigeStarsBrian SalzbergDonna DempseyStephen Charles BarryPresented in a surreal, gory and entirely visual manner, Begotten tells of the death of religion, the abuse of nature by Man and a nihilistic outlook on what life ultimately is.An EXTREMELY graphic and disturbing masterpiece. It's one of those films, whose style and narrative has never been duplicated or bettered. The narrative itself is one of those that invites for multiple interpretations, and viewings.
WARNING: It is one of the most graphic/disturbing films ever made and NOT recommended for anyone that is easily impressed or the faint of heart. - DirectorJim MakichukStarsRiva SpierMurray OrdSheri McFaddenThree friends on a New Year's Eve snowmobiling excursion find themselves stranded at an abandoned lodge where the elderly female innkeeper is concealing a sinister secret.A delightfully chilling masterpiece in the same vein of Psycho and The Shining. With great performances, creepy soundtrack, haunting atmosphere, and a lingering, ever growing sense of dread. This is an absolute MUST see for any horror fan.
- DirectorAmando de OssorioStarsLone FlemingCésar BurnerMaría Elena ArpónMedieval knights executed for their black magic rituals come back as zombies to torment a group of vacationing college kids.An underappreciated classic, it plays like a nightmarish dream and the film's eerie soundtrack greatly enhances the film's dream-like aurora as the film goes from set piece to set piece. It's a truly mesmerizing and wonderful film that is a must see for any film lover.
- DirectorWilliam WesleyStarsTed VernonMichael David SimmsRichard VidanCriminals hijack a plane and force the pilot and his daughter to fly them to Mexico. However, an unexpected landing finds them in a cemetery inhabited by killer scarecrows.A unique, and creepy film. This film proves that not everything needs to be explained in order for it to be a good horror film. It has some good performances, great atmosphere, and some truly disturbing antagonists.
- DirectorRobert ClarkeTom BoutrossStarsRobert ClarkePatricia ManningNan PetersonAfter exposure to radiation, an atomic research scientist finds himself changing into a murderous, lizard-like creature every time he is exposed to sunlight.A nice little indie horror film that has an intriguing twist to it's werewolf style story. Although admittedly not scary, it's a very entertaining look at the independent film industry way back then.
- DirectorPaul LynchStarsJanet JulianDavid WysockiJohn Wildman"Humongous" tells the tale of when the monstrous offspring of a violent criminal grow up in seclusion on a remote island. Then year later, a boat-full of teens become shipwrecked on the island, unaware of what is lurking in the woods.Another vastly underrated and underappreciated film. It is in fact very good, with unnerving atmosphere, well-drawn characters, and carefully calculated chills and scares. The shadows and darkness that many have criticized actually enhance the sense of mystery, and dread in ways that force the viewer to fill in the blanks with their own imagination.
- DirectorIrvin BerwickStarsLes TremayneForrest LewisJohn HarmonThe monster, which looks like a snarling "Creature from the Black Lagoon," invades a sleepy seaside town. The lighthouse keeper, widowed and estranged from the town folk, has been secretly leaving food out for the monster for years, unaware of its blood lust. When the monster's appetite outstrips the keeper's ability to serve it, bloodless decapitated corpses start to show up.Although an obvious knock-off of Creature from the Black Lagoon, this film is good in its own right, with some surprisingly gory scenes, a scary monster, and good atmosphere.
- DirectorEdwin BrownStarsDebbie ThuresonSteve BondLori LethinThree couples go on a camping trip in the woods of southern California during the summer, where a deformed man is stalking their camp.chillingAn underrated slasher film that has some beautiful cinematography and an unexpectedly disturbing ending.
- DirectorHarry EssexStarsPier AngeliKerwin MathewsJeff MorrowA team of researchers discovers a strange mutation of man and octopus who proceeds to terrorize them.Make-up master Rick Baker's first creation. Regardless of the quality of the film itself, it's work a look as a precursor of what he would later create.
- DirectorWilliam R. StrombergStarsRichard CardellaGlen RobertsMark SiegelA meteor that crashed into Oregon's Crater Lake unearths a dinosaur egg. The heat from the meteor causes the egg to hatch, and the emerging dinosaur takes to snacking on the locals.One of those movies that are so bad that their good. A must see anyone with a sense of humor.
- DirectorMark PaviaStarsMiguel FerrerJulie EntwisleDan MonahanA reporter is on the trail of a vampiric murderer who travels by plane.A little know adaption of a short-story by Horror maestro Stephen King. This film is is one of those quietly unsettling mystery/horror films that wisely withholds its antagonist until a blood-chillingly horrifying ending that remains in the viewers mind long after the credits roll.
- DirectorStuart GordonStarsEzra GoddenFrancisco RabalRaquel MeroñoA boating accident runs a young man and woman ashore in a decrepit Spanish fishing town which they discover is in the grips of an ancient sea god and its monstrous half human offspring.Probably one of the most "Lovecraftian" adaption of a Lovecraft film ever made. It's ancient, arcane sets radiate a cold, dark atmosphere that is deeply unsettling. A must see for any fans of Lovecraftian horror.
- DirectorCarlo LedesmaStarsBel DeliáAndy RodoredaSteve DavisAn investigation into a government cover-up leads to a network of abandoned train tunnels deep beneath the heart of Sydney. As a journalist and her crew hunt for the story it quickly becomes clear the story is hunting them.Australia's answer to The Blair Witch Project, this film combines fake interviews with the cast with found-footage that gives off a realistic feel to it. The shaky, handheld shots that are typical of the sub-genre are given a claustrophobic feel as the character wander through the never-ending maze of tunnels, were nothing you see can be trusted.
- DirectorJack ArnoldStarsJohn AgarMara CordayLeo G. CarrollA spider escapes from an isolated Arizona desert laboratory experimenting in gigantism and grows to tremendous size as it wreaks havoc on the local inhabitants.Next to THEM!, this is one of the best giant bug movies ever. With great special effects, good performances, and solid direction typical from director Arnold. A must see!
- DirectorGeorge HickenlooperStarsCorbin BernsenAdrian PasdarRay WiseSlave traders bring back an evil voodoo entity that is accidentally freed by the Confederate army during the Civil War. The entity possesses the bodies of the dead soldiers to create an army of its own bent on conquest, using the corpses of both the North and South.I have yet to see this, but any movie that features a supernatural curse, Civil War, and Sheen can't be THAT bad.
- DirectorAvery CrounseStarsDennis LipscombGuy BoydRebecca StanleyA preacher is accused of adultery, and he and his followers are chased out of town. They become stranded in an isolated forest, which is haunted by the spirits of French colonists controlled by evil.Native american curses, and a supernaturally creepy forest. What's not to like about that! If only I can find a digital copy of it somewhere...
- DirectorGerardo de LeonEddie RomeroStarsFrancis LedererGreta ThyssenRichard DerrA mad scientist transforms a panther into a man-like creature that escapes and goes on a murderous rampage.An uncredited adaption of H.G. Wells' The Island of Dr. Moreau, this film is both atmospheric, features some surprisingly effective make-up design, and a unique ending. Worth a look at!
- DirectorJacques TourneurStarsVincent PricePeter LorreBoris KarloffDishonest undertaker Waldo Trumbull and his sidekick Felix Gillie are creating their own customers when they cannot find willing ones.Out of all the films on this list this one is technically both horror AND comedy. However, in place of the usual chills, we have a darkly comic parody of the horror genre that is both funny and gives master actor Rathbone one final role before his death. Highly recommended!
- DirectorDave PayneStarsDevon GummersallDerek RichardsonTina IllmanStrangers trapped at an eerie travel oasis in the desert must unravel the mystery behind their visions of dying people while they are preyed upon by a decaying creature.
- DirectorPeter CarterStarsHal HolbrookLawrence DaneRobin GammellFive doctors on a wilderness outing are stalked by disfigured, crazed killers.
- DirectorConstantine S. GochisStarsJerry LazarusJeannetta ArnetteNick CarterSix people are trapped within the confines of their old high school during their 10th high school reunion with a psychotic, masked preacher who kills them off for their sinful lives they have made for themselves.