There are countless great and gory horror movies out there. For most though they only see the big box office hits, and decade long franchisees of slashers. The following are my picks for five under-appreciated horror flicks I think all horror buffs should watch.
"1408"
Starting off my list I choose the 2007 movie "1408." It is based on a paranormal writer, who attempts to stay the night in room 1408, where over 50 deaths have occurred in. Almost the entire movie takes place in the room, but it is filled with many unique visual effects, great scares, and unexplored ideas of death.
"30 Days of Night
"30 Days of Night" is a movie I find myself coming back to time and again to re-watch. The idea of it is so unique, putting ancient vampires in their optimal environment. The movie takes place in a small town in Alaska, beginning just hours before the sun sets for the next 30 days, as those who live far enough north experience every year. It is the story of survival for those who stay in this town over this period, as a hoard of vampires toy with the town, uninhibited by the sun for a full month.
"VHS"
"VHS" is one of few found footage movies that I have truly enjoyed. It has 5 separate directors shooting the different scenes that the protagonists are watching. Each is horrifying in its own way, and even more so in the setting of being found footage.
"Cabin in the Woods"
Probably one of the most well known films on my list, "Cabin in the Woods" is a great commentary on the horror movie genre as a whole, but more specifically slasher flicks. It takes jabs at itself, acknowledging the horror tropes of the dumb blonde or the virgin that survives the onslaught of monsters. But it also takes its on path, unique to this film. The effects and costume designs for the monsters throughout the film are fantastic, and if you get a chance to watch behind the scenes of the design of the movie I highly recommend it.
"Tucker and Dale vs. Evil"
Perhaps falling more into the category of horror comedy than pure horror, "Tucker and Dale vs. Evil" is another movie acutely aware of common horror movie cliches and does a good job of turning them on their head. It's a movie that shows how some miscommunication, and some ill placed assumptions can lead a deadly, and humorous movie.
