Films like Psycho and The Exorcist are classic horror films, listed regularly on top ten lists by critics and fans alike, and deservedly so.
But then there are the horror films that, while still good, don’t receive the same level of respect or reverence as the aforementioned films, films that have a cult following, or something less.
Here are five horror films that are under-appreciated by general audiences, and ones that probably won’t make many top ten horror lists (with the possible exception of number five).
1. Slither: This film came out a couple of years ago to an incredibly small box office take (less than $4 million according to Box Office Mojo), which was probably caused by an inexplicable March opening (instead of a more fitting October release). Still, this film did quite well with critics (an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is superb for a horror film) and has a good cast lead by Nathan Fillion (from Firefly fame) and Elizabeth Banks. This film is gory, but not excessively so like the Saw series and features a great blend of humor and horror.
2. Dead Alive: This is one of Peter Jackson’s first films, well before he hit his peak with the Lord of the Ring films or even Heavenly Creatures; this film is quite campy, with silly dialogue and an abundance of blood. But it’s enjoyably campy and silly, and the special effects add to the madcap cartoony nature. Clearly inspired by the lovably ridiculous Evil Dead films, it also features some rather quotable lines and memorably goofy character. Its fun to see what an Academy Award winning director like Jackson used to direct before he became respectable.
3. The Little Shop of Horrors: People are familiar with Frank Oz’s musical version (starring Rick Moranis) from the 80s. However, the original from 1960, which includes a shockingly young Jack Nicholson, doesn’t garner enough respect or mention. Directed by Roger Corman, this film is funny and flighty, with a hint of slapstick thrown in for good measure. The original Seymour Krelboin, played by Jonathan Haze, is a joy to watch. His Seymour is filled with a precocious innocence that makes him much more enjoyable than Moranis’ Seymour.
4. The Body Snatcher: Based on the story by Robert Louis Stevenson, this film acts as a showcase for Boris Karloff, allowing him to act without excessive makeup or bolts on his neck. And he is terrifying, his tall, gnarly body contrasting with his eerily comforting voice, more monstrous than Frankenstein’s monster. Karloff was a superb actor whose physical features let themselves more toward horror films than dramas. The film also features Bela Lugosi, and is an easy explanation of why Lugosi disliked Karloff so much (as seen in Ed Wood).
5. Suspiria: Dario Argento’s tale of a coven of witches running a school of dance is visually haunting, with a fantastic use of light throughout. What makes this film work is the suspense Argento builds throughout the film, with unseen murderers and a slight supernatural twist. It's an effective horror film, one that doesn't really on one-time shocks for scares. The opening sequence is still one of the best horror openings filmed, on par with the opening attack in Jaws.
