By Tycho Dwelis, Robert Vaux & Arthur Goyaz
Horror movies often find themselves judged by how well they can maintain suspense, deliver jump scares and make the audience’s skin crawl. While some classics like Psycho and The Exorcist achieve this and become box office hits, many horror films that are equally flawless from start to finish often slip under the radar. These underrated gems offer everything a horror fan could want — strong performances, creepy and well-crafted lore, and terrifying scares — but for one reason or another, they haven’t garnered the widespread recognition they deserve.
These films might have been overshadowed by more mainstream releases, suffered from limited marketing, or were simply ahead of their time. Each one delivers a masterclass in horror filmmaking, maintaining tension and engagement without a single misstep. Some have gone on to become justified cult classics, while others are hidden gems in need of discovery. They run the gamut of horror’s history and make terrific viewing for any genre fan looking for something new.
#20 Wendigo
Explores a Well-Known American Myth:
A Trip to the Countryside Takes a Dark Turn
The Wendigo is an overlooked figure in American folklore when it comes to its presence in horror cinema, even with the current rise of folk horror. Larry Fessenden found a rather delicate and immersive way to deal with the mythical creature while evoking an eerie atmosphere of isolation. His 2001 movie Wendigo follows a family from the city who travels to the countryside to breathe some fresh air, only to be confronted by a malevolent force from the nearby woods.
Wendigo shines in its interpretation of the half-man, half-deer beast as seen through the eyes of a child, George, who begins to have vivid dreams about the Wendigo. Set in freezing Upstate New York, the viewer will feel the gusts of harsh wind and the dreadful power emanating from the woods depicted in the movie as if they were there themselves. It’s a truly atmospheric horror movie that does justice to one of the most fascinating pieces of American folklore.
Add a comment