Horror is rife with monsters, but few are scarier than the ones hiding in plain sight. These three killer films will give you nightmares.
There are as many reasons to love horror as there are types of horror movies. In fact, that diversity of content — in everything from films to literature to video and online games like those found at Play Croco no deposit bonus codes — easily tops the list when it comes to what makes the genre so compelling.
Whether you prefer thought-provoking psychological horror where the greatest threat comes from within, a supernatural spook fest where the threat is otherworldly, or a killer creature feature where the threat is inhuman, horror has something for everyone.
We previously covered the splatter, slasher, and thriller subgenres. Below are three more of our favorite subgenres, along with an underrated recently released film from each one we think you might love.
1. PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR
Feelings, not visuals, are what truly matters in psychological horror. This subgenre is notorious for its ability to induce paranoia in its audience since psychological terror has a profound effect on viewers’ feelings. Some viewers may feel uneasy because, compared to the other types of horror (gore and monsters), this one can feel too real.
Characters at the center of these chillers are often unstable or troubled emotionally, to the point where they act violently. Though it also counts as a supernatural horror film, the next subgenre on our list, Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is a classic example of the psychological horror subgenre. You can witness Jack Torrance’s (Jack Nicholson) mental breakdown beginning early on and progressing throughout the film.
SPEAK NO EVIL (2022)
On a vacation in Toscana, a Danish family instantly becomes friends with a Dutch family. Months later, the Danish couple receives an unexpected invitation. It doesn’t take long before the joy of reunion is replaced with misunderstandings.
A recent recipient of Best International Feature in the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, the deeply unnerving Danish horror film Speak No Evil is a devastating slow ride into hell — a sadistic satire that will leave you shattered.
This cautionary tale about remaining silent when you know you should speak up from Danish actor-turned-director Christian Tafdrup (written with his brother Mads Tafdrup) is a fascinating and dreadful study of human psychology.
Not for the faint of heart, Speak No Evil is bleak and unflinching, proving the most terrifying horror of all is the kind you never see coming. With a smart screenplay, stylish direction, and an outstanding cast, this will take you to dark places that I promise you’re not prepared for.
You may need some time to recover after watching this one.
2. SUPERNATURAL HORROR
In paranormal horrors, supernatural entities like ghosts, ghouls, devils, and spirits are often shown to terrify and unnerve audiences.
Demons are sometimes included in paranormal horror films, but instead of possessing individuals, they only haunt and torture the protagonists. Moving furniture and eerie reflections are commonplace in films of this genre, as are haunted houses and cursed objects.
THE INNOCENTS (2022)
During the bright Nordic summer, a group of children reveals their dark and mysterious powers when the adults aren’t looking.
This deeply unsettling Norweigan chiller is the latest from Oscar-nominated writer/director Eskil Vogt (The Worst Person in the World). A satisfying slow burn that requires some patience but pays off in dividends, The Innocents is visually mesmerizing, atmospheric, and absolutely dread-inducing.
Featuring some of the best child acting I’ve ever seen, this dark and disturbing tale of innocence corrupted explores powerful themes about the nature of good and evil and what happens when great power is given to “innocents” who don’t yet have fully realized ideas of empathy, morality, and the consequences of their actions.
The horror in this film unfolds in plain sight, under the watchful (or neglectful) eyes of parents, in broad daylight. Full of genuinely disturbing moments, nothing is hidden in shadows or obfuscated by darkness, making it all the more unnerving.
Viewers beware; there is one scene of animal cruelty that is brutally hard to stomach.
3. MONSTER HORROR
Monster films typically feature supernatural foes like vampires, extraterrestrials, or even massive marine animals. In contrast to their supernatural counterparts, monsters can cause widespread destruction in a single attack. Monsters are terrifying creatures that prey on and destroy whatever is in their path.
From the 1930s to the 1950s, Universal Studios was responsible for many of Hollywood’s most memorable monster movies, including those starring Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Universal wasn’t a major player in early Hollywood until its horror films became hits.
After determining that people enjoyed being both pleased and terrified by huge monsters, the studio created a media franchise based on these films. Visit the Universal Studios backlot today, and you’ll witness a massive mural of monsters from films past and present painted on an outside wall.
THE MONSTER (2016)
A young mother hoping to redeem herself is taking her daughter on a road trip. The drive gets derailed when they travel down a woodland road populated by a deadly creature who stalks the route.
This is an A24 joint. If you’re like me, that alone may be enough to pique your interest, as the studio known for “elevated horror” (however you might feel about that term) rarely misses.
In this daring monster movie from Bryan Bertino (The Strangers), there is a literal monster — a terrifying one at that. But there are metaphorical ones, too, including the horror of addiction and the pain of a tense mother-daughter relationship. And it’s the dynamic between the two incredible leads that gives the film its gravitas and emotional depth, elevating it among other creature features.
Be prepared for intense, relentless action, harrowing and emotionally-wrought scenes, and great practical effects. The performances are stellar, the setup is ingenious, the cinematography is stunning, and this well-paced film is suspenseful and often stress-inducing.
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