10 Horror Movies You Knew Would Be Good After The First 10 Minutes

Although most horror films open with an exceptionally frightening scene, The Ritual begins with... five lads in the pub.

But as two of the friends, Rob and Luke, head to the store to grab some booze, they notice the cash registrar lying on the ground, bloodied and beaten. As a group of robbers burst in from the back, Luke hides while Rob stays in the open.

When the thieves spot Rob, they order him to give them his belongings. After Rob notices Luke has armed himself with a bottle, he assumes his friend is going to save him. Unfortunately, Luke chickens out, giving the robbers the opportunity to bludgeon Rob to death.

Because it's tempting for a horror movie to open with haunting visuals, it's refreshing to see The Ritual subverts expectations. Even though this supernatural flick revolves around mythical giants and trickster gods, the movie starts like a straight-forward drama.

But this decision isn't a detriment at all. Instead of potentially alienating the audience with a long-winded explanation about Norse mythology, The Ritual begins by focusing on relatable characters who are caught in a grounded scenario.

Also, the squelching noise that Rob's cheek makes as the skin flaps open is guaranteed to curdle your blood.