Some movies don’t get the love they deserve. They slip under the radar, never break through to the mainstream, or get overshadowed by bigger titles. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t fantastic. Here are a few of my top underrated horror movies.

1. Bliss (2019)— Joe Begos’ neon-drenched nightmare about art, addiction, and vampirism is a top-notch horror film you’ve never heard of. Gritty, sweaty, and hallucinatory, it’s one of the most visceral depictions of artistic obsession I’ve ever seen. Dora Madison is unmissable as the lead, and the film immerses you so deeply that you almost feel like you need a shower after.
2. May (2002)— A heartbreaking, unsettling character study of a lonely young woman who just wants a connection, no matter the cost. Angela Bettis gives it her all in the title role, one of the most memorable performances in horror. The rest of the cast is full of faces you’ll recognize, but the film itself was a true indie, made on a shoestring budget. That rawness only adds to its impact.
3. Baskin (2015)— A Turkish descent into hell that feels like Clive Barker’s very own nightmare. What starts as a police raid spirals into surreal, grotesque nightmare logic. The colors are what make it impossible to look away, even when what’s on screen is horrifying. The searing reds heighten the terror, the deep blues sink everything into shadow, and the heavy blacks add weight to the darkness. Each color serves a purpose, pulling you deeper into the scenes and adds another layer of dread. Disturbing and unrelenting, this is a film I constantly recommend to anyone looking for a true horror deep dive.
4. The Sadness (2020) — A brutal Taiwanese horror that pushes infection horror to its limit. Unflinching in its violence and depravity, it’s one of the hardest watches I’ve sat through in a while, but also one of the most impressive. It dares to go places few films would, and that makes it unforgettable.
5. Body Melt (1993) — A grotesque Australian splatterfest where a new health supplement turns residents into melting, mutating nightmares. Surreal, shocking, and absurdly funny in places, it feels like a fever dream you can’t look away from. It’s the definition of a cult film, and it deserves more attention.

These films might not always make “best of” lists, but they earn their place in the canon because of their dedication to the genre. Step off the beaten path and you’ll find stories that are raw, bold, and unforgettable.