15 Horror Movies You Really Shouldn't Watch Alone

8. The Babadook (2014)

A terrific compromise between more conventional genre fare and something a little artier and more thoughtful, The Babadook essentially gets to have its cake and eat it, too.

This Aussie indie horror is girded by its quietly ominous atmosphere, focusing largely on a widow (a phenomenal Essie Davis) attempting to raise her young son alone with all the emotional turmoil that entails.

Melding familial discord with seemingly supernatural horror isn't exactly a new trick for the genre, but rarely is it this well executed, with Jennifer Kent giving audiences some genuinely jolting shocks alongside a potent examination of motherhood.

That's to say nothing of the titular creature, of course, which is pervasively unnerving whether it's on screen or not. This is one that sticks with you, especially if you've got young kids.