20 Most Underrated Horror Movies EVER
These horror films deserve more glory on their names.
Horror fans may be an enthusiastic bunch who love to find the good in even the worst of movies, but it's also fair to say that some films have just never been given a fair shake from general viewers or critics.
Sometimes a film is rubbished on general release and only finds its place and people years, even decades later, and sometimes the most passionate cheerleaders have to fight for it to be more widely recognised.
That's absolutely the case with these 20 ludicrously underrated horror films, each of which remains relatively contentious to this very day, even as the tide seems to be slowly - very slowly - turning in their favour.
Each of these movies had a tough time on original release and has been slowly but surely clawing their reputation back, but they're all still firmly stuck in the "underrated" camp - for now, at least.
If you saw these movies years ago and weren't much of a fan, consider giving them a second look with a fresh pair of eyes - you just might be surprised by how much you enjoy them...
20. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
Many, many horror fans loudly screamed sacrilege when a remake of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre was first announced, and though it was a massive commercial success, critics didn't have a whole lot kind to say about it.
But in the near-25 years since the 2003 remake, the tide of public opinion has slowly turned, many revisiting the film and coming to appreciate its unsung artistic merits.
Director Marcus Nispel, who also helmed 2009's surprisingly solid Friday the 13th remake, understands what made the original so unsettling, even though his take is decidedly glossier - and yet curiously, also shot by the 1974 film's cinematographer, Daniel Pearl.
Jessica Biel's casting seemed obvious and cynical at the time but she gives a genuinely strong performance as lead Erin Hardesty, and R. Lee Ermey's turn as the sadistic Sheriff Hoyt is a sicko joy to behold.
While there's absolutely no competing with Tobe Hooper's original, if you cast your hang-ups aside and take this remake on its own terms, it's leagues ahead of most of Platinum Dunes' other reimaginings of classic genre staples.