The horror genre has always had an irresistible attraction to haunted house stories, where fear and the unknown intertwine in a sinister dance. While some films in the genre are widely recognized and celebrated, the true treasures of suspense and horror often go unnoticed.
In this selection we will present ten horror films that explore the disturbing world of haunted houses. It is worth mentioning that the films mentioned can be found on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play and Vudu.
Index
The Others (2001)
Directed by Alejandro Amenábar and starring Nicole Kidman, it is an often underestimated masterpiece of gothic horror. Set on the island of Jersey after World War II, the plot revolves around Grace Stewart, a caring mother with two sunlight-sensitive children, who begins to believe her secluded mansion is haunted by malevolent entities when she hires three mysterious servants. . However, the film was underrated due to its more subtle approach and emphasis on creating atmosphere and suspense at a time when strong jump scares dominated the genre.
Nonetheless, Kidman’s exceptional performance, oppressive atmosphere and surprising plot twist make “The Others” a chilling and memorable horror experience worth revisiting. Available on multiple streaming platforms, this modern gothic horror classic is a hidden gem that will captivate fans of the genre.
Crimson Peak (2015)
Guillermo del Toro directed “Crimson Peak” and Mia Wasikowska starred in the film, set in a dilapidated mansion. The plot follows Edith Cushing, a young writer who marries and moves into her husband’s mansion, where dark secrets are revealed. Although the film was underrated due to its lack of conventional scares, it stands out with its rich gothic atmosphere, solid performances and a mysterious narrative that fascinates lovers of the genre. “Crimson Peak” is a forgotten gem that deserves to be rediscovered by those who appreciate horror with gothic overtones.
The Orphanage (2007)
“The Orphanage,” directed by Juan Antonio Bayona and starring Belén Rueda, is a Spanish-language horror film that tells the story of Laura, a woman who returns to her childhood home with the intention of turning it into an orphanage. However, Laura soon discovers that the house hides terrible secrets and disturbing supernatural events.
Despite being underrated, “The Orphanage” offers an intense and emotional experience, with an intricate plot and a surprising twist. The film captivates viewers with its balance of horror and drama, and is a forgotten masterpiece of Spanish-language horror cinema that deserves to be rediscovered.
The Awakening (2011)
Nick Murphy directed “The Awakening” starring Rebecca Hall. The plot takes place after the First World War, following the story of Florence Cathcart, a ghost writer hired to investigate paranormal events in a boys’ boarding school. Although the film was underrated, Rebecca Hall stands out with an engaging performance, delivering a chilling narrative. “The Awakening” is a forgotten masterpiece of the horror genre that deserves to be rediscovered, masterfully combining elements of mystery and the supernatural in an intriguing historical setting.
The Pact (2012)
“The Pact” features a plot in which a woman, after the death of her mother, returns to her childhood home and encounters inexplicable supernatural events. The film, with a modest budget and a lesser-known cast, has often not received the attention it deserves, but it offers an intriguing story and some truly scary moments.
“The Pact” captivates viewers with its ability to create suspense and mystery, leaving the audience guessing throughout the narrative. It’s a forgotten gem of the haunted house genre and worth a revisit for horror lovers looking for an authentic experience.
We’re Still Here (2015)
The independent film “We Are Still Here” is set in an old haunted house that a couple moves into after the loss of their son. Although the film was underrated, it offers a chilling atmosphere and a unique take on the horror genre.
Therefore, with its dense atmosphere and a plot that combines supernatural elements with a touch of revenge, the film captivates viewers with its authentic style and its ability to create real suspense. Horror lovers looking for something different and disturbing should rediscover “We Are Still Here”.
The Devil’s Backbone (2001)
Guillermo del Toro directed “The Devil’s Backbone,” which is set in a haunted orphanage during the Spanish Civil War and is also in Spanish. The film, often underrated due to competition from other releases, cleverly combines elements of horror and drama, offering a rich, metaphor-filled narrative.
Furthermore, with a masterful approach, the film explores the traumas of war and abandonment in a tense and supernatural setting. “The Devil’s Backbone” is a masterpiece of horror cinema that deserves to be rediscovered for its emotional depth and unique supernatural elements.
The Beautiful Molly (2011)
“Lovely Molly” is often overlooked for its haunting style, but it offers an intense experience. The film follows the story of a newlywed bride who faces paranormal events while battling her own personal demons.
Furthermore, with captivating performances, including that of Gretchen Lodge, and a claustrophobic atmosphere that immerses the viewer in a vortex of paranoia and terror, “Lovely Molly” is a psychological horror film not to be missed. Its dark and uncomfortable approach makes it an intriguing choice for those who like to dive into the more disturbing corners of the horror genre.
Session 9 (2001)
The film “Session 9” follows a cleanup crew who finds more than they bargained for while working to restore an abandoned mental hospital. Although the film was underrated due to the simultaneous release of other popular horror films, “Session 9” offers an effective psychological thriller and disturbing narrative. With its claustrophobic setting and sense of growing unease, the film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, exploring the dark nature of the human mind.
“Session 9” is a solid choice for anyone who appreciates psychologically harrowing storytelling and is a forgotten work that deserves to be rediscovered for its ability to immerse viewers in an atmosphere of escalating tension and psychological horror.
The Innkeepers (2011)
The independent film “The Innkeepers” follows two employees of a historic hotel as they search for ghosts on the last night before the facility closes. With a chilling atmosphere and an intriguing story, the film captivates viewers with its authentic style and its ability to create real suspense.
Although often overlooked due to its independent release, “The Innkeepers” offers a unique experience in the horror genre, combining moments of subtle humor with a palpable sense of unease. Those who enjoy less conventional horror films should rediscover this forgotten work.
However, it is worth remembering that there are numerous other works not cited in this text. So, if you are a horror enthusiast, keep exploring and discover the films that can surprise you and keep you up at night.
10 Underrated Haunted House Horror Movies appeared first on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
