10 Most Underrated High School Horror Movies

Australian filmmaker Sean Byrne knows how to put together a horror flick, even if he's only made one film since his directorial debut The Loved Ones in 2009. But why improve on near-perfection?

Xavier Samuel plays grieving, guilt-ridden high-schooler Brent, who likes nothing better than to rip a J and self-harm in his spare time. Robin McLeavy stars opposite him as Lola, the literal manifestation of the overly attached girlfriend meme, who, after being rejected by Brent, drugs him, kidnaps him, and hosts her own one-on-one private prom.

With a pink dress, a sweet smile and a penchant for lobotomy, Lola and her father treat Brent to a night he'll never forget, intending on adding him to their cellar full of ex-boyfriends. There's a whole sub-plot about Brent's dead dad that provides the impetus for both his capture and escape, but, let's be honest, you'll want to watch it for the creatively cruel torture methods. Plus, there's a haunting scene set to Kasey Chambers' saccharine pop hit "Not Pretty Enough" that will split you down the seams.

While the few critics who have seen it have generally been favourable in their reviews, The Loved Ones has enjoyed none of the exposure it deserves and will still elicit a "The Loved what?" when you mention it at parties.