10 Hidden Gem Indie Horror Movies You MUST Watch

Like most genres, mainstream horror is dominated by franchises and reboots. Although there are plenty of original horrors that have done well thanks to the backing of companies like A24, a few gems managed to fall between the cracks. 

Such films mightn't receive a wide theatrical release, have limited advertising, or lack recognisable stars. If they were marketed badly or received a bad review early on, the odds can be stacked against them immediately. In situations like this, it's difficult for them to make a splash, regardless of their quality.

Fortunately, streaming platforms, social media, and horror-dedicated communities have started to change the landscape. Movies like Trollhunter, Lake Mungo, and Oculus were overlooked upon release, but eventually found their audience. Terrifier and Creep didn't generate a lot of buzz at the time, but their fervent cult-followings helped turned these indie flicks into full-fledged franchises.

Having said that, there's a smorgasbord of low-budget slashers, supernatural spookfests, and creature features that have yet to be discovered, even after decades. If you're sick and tired of hearing about the same old same old, here's ten lesser-known horrors that deserve more attention. 

Bryan Bertino's creepy drama centres around siblings, Louise and Michael (Marin Ireland and Michael Abbott Jr. respectively), returning to their family farm to care for their dying father, oblivious it's being haunted by a malevolent force. 

Interestingly, the scares peak when little to nothing is happening. The Dark and the Wicked relies on the minimalistic approach and sparse dialogue, so silence often gives off a sense of foreboding. Even though this strategy could make the film come across as slow, it creates a suffocating atmosphere that never lets up.

Marin Ireland delivers a powerhouse performance, grounding the supernatural terror with raw emotional weight. Watching Louise unraveling due to her own unresolved issues is gripping and palpable. Abbott Jr. is superb, bringing a quiet intensity that plays off Ireland's volatile performance.

Rather than using jump-scares and ghostly tropes, The Dark and the Wicked favours psychological horror, offering a relentless mind-bending descent into darkness. As a result, it's worth a look, even if the paranormal genre isn't your cup of tea.

The Dark and the Wicked doesn't offer what viewers expect but it should get under their skin all the same.