10 Horror Films That Are Really Something Else

To leave a lasting impression, most horror films are stuffed with over-the-top violence, creepy serial killers, terrifying monsters, twists galore, and a fair amount of nudity.

And yet, the majority of horror movies struggle to stand out. In fact, the genre as a whole is regularly criticised for being derivative and schlocky.

Think about it. When is the last time you watched a creature feature or a paranormal flick that didn't copy and paste ideas you've seen a thousand times before? For a horror to stand the test of time, being scary and competent isn't good enough. It has to be unique.

That's why it's so gratifying when you stumble upon a slasher or a slow-burn thriller that feels different. The film in question isn't just gory, atmospheric, and well-acted - it's incomparable. Due to the unique direction, outrageous plot, or terrifying premise, you know for a fact you'll never see anything like it ever again.

Even though some entries on this list came out decades ago, we still haven't seen anything that matches their innovation and creativity. These ten films aren't just great - they really are something else.

In Under the Skin, an alien (Scarlett Johansson) poses as a beautiful woman, to seduce unsuspecting men before consuming their bodies.

Because of the early buzz, it looked like this stripped down sci-fi flick was destined to become a classic. Sadly, the masses didn't gravitate towards Under the Skin, causing it to tank at the box office.

This is a shame, since there's really nothing else like it. Rather than emphasising the sci-fi, Under the Skin maintains focus on the human element, which keeps the fantastical story grounded in reality.

Now, some filmmakers use non-actors in their work, so the characters appear more authentic. But director, Jonathan Glazer, took things one step further. Not only did he cast many non-actors for Under the Skin, they didn't know they were starring in a movie! Glazer recorded their scenes with hidden cameras, so the "actors" were oblivious they were being filmed.

But that's not all Under the Skin has to offer. Due to the tantalising atmosphere, gorgeous score, chilling imagery, and Johansson's subtle performance, Under the Skin is one of the most unforgettable horror features released in the last decade.