Nowadays, it feels like the mainstream horror movies aren’t hitting as hard. Films have stale jumpscares, bad plotlines, and even worse acting. So, here are my top picks for the best niche horror movies with solid scares. With terrifying characters and well-done plots, one of these horror movies should be your next watch!
Lake Mungo (2008) is a low-budget mockumentary mystery. It follows a grieving family who recently lost their daughter in a lake and experience strange things in the time that follows. It feels like a real documentary and has me questioning, “Is this actually a true story?” This movie is shockingly well-made, and despite being a massive flop at the box office, it’s worth watching, just for the twist at the end that is unpredictable to say the least. This movie can be found on Tubi.
The Visit (2015) is a fantastically done horror comedy that has legit scares, but also has me laughing out loud. It’s about two kids who go visit grandparents whom they’ve never met. The grandparents are very kooky and start showing some disturbing behavior that is both terrifying and funny. The grandmother has a ridiculous form of sundown syndrome, and it’s one of the funniest plot lines I’ve seen unfold, while still having a good ending. You can rent or buy this movie on Amazon Prime.
Intruders (2015) is a break-in movie about a woman with agoraphobia whose house is suddenly broken into. It’s a genuinely terrifying concept, and I’m on the edge of my seat the whole time. It ends up taking a really dark and creative turn, making it unlike any intruder movie I’ve ever seen. Despite stale acting at times, it’s a fun movie that is worth watching. You can find this film on Tubi.
Cabin Fever (2002) is a zombie/infection movie following a group of friends who go on vacation to a remote cabin, and suddenly get infected with a mysterious virus. As the victims slowly get sicker, the remaining friends have to find a way to stop the virus and avoid the crazy locals. Made by horror legend Eli Roth, this film is campy and has genuinely good jumpscares. You can watch this movie on Shudder.
Anything for Jackson (2019) is about a satanist couple who lose their grandchild and will do anything to bring him back. Not only is it well written, portraying grief really well, but it’s actually scary and has some insane scenes when they end up summoning more than they expected. You can find this film on Tubi.
