Photo credit: movieweb.com
The 2010s marked a transformative era for the horror genre, producing standout films that redefined the landscape. Works such as A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014), The VVitch (2015), Get Out (2017), and Midsommar (2019) not only captivated audiences but also showcased a diverse range of storytelling and horror aesthetics. Filmmakers took bold steps, testing the limits of traditional horror narratives while also resurrecting pivotal classics through remakes like The Crazies (2010), A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010), and It (2017).
Amidst the mainstream successes, a treasure trove of lesser-known horror films earned critical acclaim yet flew under the radar. Below is a selection of ten underrated horror films from the 2010s that promise to leave a lasting impression.
10 ‘YellowBrickRoad’ (2010)
Inspired by a chilling true event, YellowBrickRoad tells the story of the inhabitants of Friar, New Hampshire, who inexplicably vanished after a 1940 screening of The Wizard of Oz. Following the declassification of the trail’s location decades later, a documentary crew ventures into the wilderness to uncover the mystery, only to find themselves ensnared by dark forces.
A Cerebral Descent Into Madness With a Hell of an Ending
Co-directed by Jesse Holland and Andy Mitton, YellowBrickRoad blends found-footage elements with cosmic horror, immersing viewers into the psychological turmoil of its characters. The film culminates in a haunting finale that challenges viewers to confront their own fears and nightmares.
9 ‘Livid’ (2011)
This hidden gem of French horror had long been stored away by Dimension Films before finally receiving a U.S. release via Shudder in 2022. Directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo, Livid follows Lucie, a nursing student, who, along with her boyfriend and his brother, breaks into the home of her elderly patient, a former ballet teacher, believing it holds hidden treasure. What follows is a harrowing entrapment that unleashes supernatural terrors.
A Bizarre, Beautiful Nightmare
Livid thrives on its atmospheric tension, serving as a tribute to various influences from the horror genre ranging from Hammer films to the works of Argento and del Toro. This visually striking film offers a compelling blend of gothic elements that horror enthusiasts will appreciate.
8 ‘Absentia’ (2011)
Absentia centers on two sisters: Tricia, whose husband has mysteriously disappeared for seven years, and Callie, who is battling a drug addiction and returns home. As the family grapples with loss, Tricia prepares to declare her husband dead, only for him to return in a harrowing state, revealing links to other disappearances tied to a supernatural tunnel.
A Haunting Meditation of Grief
7 ‘Antiviral’ (2012)
Set in a near-future society obsessed with celebrity culture, Antiviral follows Syd March, an employee at a clinic that markets viruses extracted from famous individuals. The film escalates when Syd, after injecting himself with a viral pathogen from the star Hannah Geist, discovers her demise, prompting a desperate quest for answers.
A Dystopian Satire of Celebrity Worship Culture
6 ‘The Borderlands’ (2013)
Known as Final Prayer in the U.S., this British horror narrative follows a team of Vatican investigators delving into reports of paranormal phenomena at an ancient church. They encounter unsettling truths that challenge their beliefs and sanity. Director Elliot Goldner effectively employs handheld filming techniques to immerse audiences in this chilling experience.
Building a connection with the characters, viewers find themselves entwined in the eerie happenings that unfold within the church’s walls, showcasing an impressive debut effort that utilizes atmosphere to great effect.
5 ‘Jug Face’ (2013)
Jug Face presents a haunting coming-of-age tale centered on Ada, a pregnant teenager living in a cult-like community. They worship a creature dwelling in a pit, offering up human sacrifices to appease it. When Ada learns she may be the next victim, she hides the evidence, catalyzing a terrifying series of events.
An Impressive Low-Budget Horror Movie
4 ‘Spring’ (2014)
Spring is the fourth collaboration between filmmakers Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead. The film follows Evan, a young man seeking solace in Italy after his mother’s death, where he encounters Louise, a captivating woman with secrets that defy reality.
A Unique Blend of Horror and Romance
3 ‘Starry Eyes’ (2014)
The Price of Fame and Fortune
2 ‘The Similars’ (2015)
An Exceptionally Bizarre Film With Plenty to Say
1 ‘The Dark’ (2018)
The Dark follows the unique bond that forms between two troubled teens: Mina, a ghost-like figure tormented by her past, and Alex, a boy dealing with his own trauma. Their relationship fosters a narrative layered with emotion and complexity, transcending typical horror tropes.
A Sweet But Melancholy Film
Source
movieweb.com