If you're an avid horror fan such as myself, you've seen the classics thousands of times. Halloween, Child's Play, Evil Dead. The following list is for those who want to veer off from the path most taken.
1. Phantasm (1979) Dir. Don Coscarelli
Set in a small town, Phantasm tells the story of a deranged mortician, portrayed by the late and great Angus Scrimm, turning the bodies of those who've passed into dwarves to do his evil bidding. He even goes so far as to use their brains to create flying spheres that attack anyone who gets too close. Mike (played by A. Michael Baldwin,) Reggie (played by Reggie Bannister,) and Jody (played by Bill Thornbury,) set on a mission to destroy these plans. Although I myself consider this a classic, it is wildly unknown and unappreciated, surely because it isn't caught up with the times of CGI, but regardless, I can guarantee the Tall Man will haunt you in your dreams (nightmares?) after viewing.
2. The Stuff (1985) Dir. Larry Cohen
Like most of the 80s, this film is excessive and a good laugh. More so a comedy than a horror, The Stuff does have some underlying moral lessons that still resonate today. A group of factory workers discover an almost marshmallow- like substance coming up from the ground, package it, and sell it to an easily gullible and naive America. Sound familiar? I thought so. With a mostly unknown cast, this movie does its purpose of attempting to point out the pitfalls of society with humor and a heaping amount of b-horror.
3. Basket Case (1982) Dir. Frank Henenlotter
Now, I'm going to be totally honest here. The first time I viewed this film, I nearly shut it off halfway through. The effects are worse than sub-par, the story is only mildly believable, and the cast is full of unknowns. This being said, I have to give credit where it's due. As any artist knows, a lot of heart and sweat gets put into making a film. So, while on a technical level this movie is very off-beat and unappealing, this film was someone's baby, and it comes through very clearly.
4. The Green Inferno (2015) Dir. Eli Roth
I know what you're thinking. How could an Eli Roth movie be on this list? Yes, he's one of the biggest names of modern horror, but after learning that this chaotic masterpiece only received a rating of 5.4/10, I knew I had to add it. The story follows a group of student environmentalists into the Amazon jungle ho, after a severe plane crash, encounter a tribe of cannibals. Filled to the brim limb ripping, vomit inducing gore, this film pays homage to Cannibal Holocaust while still staying fresh and original.
6. The Lords of Salem (2012) Dir. Rob Zombie
Yes, another king of modern horror. While I may be biased, being an avid fan of Mr. Zombie's work, even I can admit this isn't his best film. But, I still consider it underrated. With a star studded cast that includes such greats as Patricia Quinn (Rocky Horror Picture Show), Dee Wallace (Cujo, The Hills Have Eyes), and Judy Geeson (To Sir, With Love), you'd think audiences would love this movie. Sadly, it only reached a rating of 5.1/10. This could definitely be attributed to the slightly confusing plot line, considering I'm still not too sure there really was one. Regardless, if you;re a fan of Zombie's previous works, I would definitely recommend this film.
7. Suspiria (1977) Dir. Dario Argento
While it's no doubt that Argento is one of the greatest horror filmmakers to ever live, I'm always shocked to hear that not many people have seen this film. With amazing music and an incredibly artful use of lighting and scenery, this movie illustrates the story of a ballet dancer that gets stuck in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you particularly enjoy aesthetics in film, this is the one for you.
8. Re-Animator (1985) Dir. Stuart Gordon
Let's just cut to the chase here. The 80's was possibly the best decade for horror films. Re-Animator focuses on a medical student who brings his professor back to life, but not without some gruesome side effects, such as a tendency to crave flesh, not unlike a zombie. Based off of H.P. Lovecraft's "Herbert West-Reanimator," this film deserves to have the title of a horror classic.
9.The Town That Dreaded Sundown (2014) Dir. Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
Following the trope of the town with a twisted past, The Town That Dreaded Sundown- a remake of the original 1976 film- is a completely underrated horror flick. Along with a surprise reveal at the end, this movie keeps you questioning who the killer is for nearly the entire 86 minutes. I honestly wish it would've been longer. Although I have yet to see the original, I'd probably highly recommend that as well. (Side note: Peep those Denis O'Hare and Danielle Harris cameos.)
10. Candyman (1992) Dir. Bernard Rose
Although this film is more widely known than other films on this list, I still consider it underrated. Not unlike Bloody Mary, Candyman is an urban legend himself. Rumor has it that if you say "Candyman" five times in a row in front of a mirror, he'll appear and murder you with a hook. The main actor, Tony Todd, has an eerily haunting face and voice. You may recognize him from the Final Destination series, and from portraying Ben in the 1990 remake of Night of the Living Dead. Candyman will certainly not disappoint you horror lovers.





























