Horror movies have always been a popular genre, with audiences flocking to theaters to be scared and thrilled by the latest terrifying tales. While Hollywood blockbusters often dominate the horror landscape, there is a subsection of films that have garnered a dedicated and passionate following – indie horror films.
Indie horror films, also known as independent horror films, are films that are made outside of the traditional studio system. These movies are often made on a smaller budget, with lesser-known actors and filmmakers, and rely on creativity and innovation rather than big-name stars and special effects. In recent years, indie horror films have had a major impact on the genre, pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be scary.
As we come to the end of a decade, it’s a great time to reflect on the most influential indie horror films of the past 10 years. These 15 films have not only terrified audiences, but they have also elevated the genre and inspired future filmmakers.
1. “The Babadook” (2014)
This Australian film, directed by Jennifer Kent, centers around a single mother struggling to cope with her son’s irrational fear of a monster called the Babadook. This film received critical acclaim for its exploration of grief, motherhood, and mental illness in a truly terrifying and haunting way.
2. “It Follows” (2014)
This indie gem from director David Robert Mitchell follows a teenage girl who is pursued by a supernatural entity after a sexual encounter. With its unique premise, stunning cinematography, and 80s-inspired soundtrack, “It Follows” became an instant cult classic.
3. “The Witch” (2015)
Set in 17th century New England, this chilling tale of a Puritan family being terrorized by a witch in the woods is a slow-burn horror that relies on atmosphere and tension rather than jump scares. Directed by Robert Eggers, this film received critical acclaim for its haunting portrayal of paranoia and religious fervor.
4. “Get Out” (2017)
Jordan Peele’s directorial debut took the world by storm, becoming a cultural phenomenon and redefining the horror genre. “Get Out” follows a young African American man who visits his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend, only to uncover a disturbing secret. This film not only terrified audiences but also sparked important conversations about racism and social commentary in horror.
5. “Hereditary” (2018)
This slow-burn horror from director Ari Aster is not for the faint of heart. A family is haunted by a sinister presence after the death of their secretive grandmother. With its gut-wrenching performances and shocking twists, “Hereditary” solidified itself as a modern horror masterpiece.
6. “A Quiet Place” (2018)
Directed by John Krasinski, this post-apocalyptic horror film follows a family who must live in silence to avoid deadly creatures with hypersensitive hearing. With its unique concept and intense suspense, “A Quiet Place” became a critical and commercial success, proving that horror can transcend language.
7. “Midsommar” (2019)
Director Ari Aster’s second entry on this list takes the horror genre to a whole new level. A group of friends travels to a remote Swedish village for a midsummer festival, only to discover the disturbing rituals and traditions of the secluded community. With its beautiful yet unsettling visuals and exploration of grief and toxic relationships, “Midsommar” solidified Aster as a modern master of horror.
8. “The Lighthouse” (2019)
This black-and-white psychological horror film, directed by Robert Eggers, tells the story of two lighthouse keepers who descend into madness while on a remote island. With its claustrophobic atmosphere and stellar performances from Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, “The Lighthouse” is a hauntingly beautiful and unnerving portrayal of isolation and madness.
9. “The Invitation” (2015)
Directed by Karyn Kusama, this slow-burn thriller follows a man who attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife and her new husband, only to uncover a sinister agenda. With its tense atmosphere and thought-provoking commentary on grief and trauma, “The Invitation” is a must-watch for horror fans.
10. “Raw” (2016)
This French-Belgian horror film, directed by Julia Ducournau, follows a young vegetarian who develops a taste for human flesh after being hazed during her first week of veterinary school. “Raw” is a coming-of-age story mixed with body horror that is as thought-provoking as it is gory.
11. “The Cabin in the Woods” (2012)
This horror-comedy, directed by Drew Goddard, deconstructs the horror genre while also delivering scares and laughs. A group of friends goes on a weekend trip to a remote cabin, only to uncover a sinister plot that is far more than they bargained for.
12. “The Void” (2016)
This Lovecraftian horror film from directors Steven Kostanski and Jeremy Gillespie pays homage to classic horror films while also creating its own unique and terrifying mythology. When a group of people are trapped in a hospital surrounded by cultists and otherworldly creatures, they must fight to survive and uncover the truth.
13. “The House That Jack Built” (2018)
Controversial director Lars von Trier’s dark comedy-horror film follows a serial killer as he reflects on his past murders and his disturbing philosophy on art and violence. With its graphic violence and disturbing themes, “The House That Jack Built” is not for everyone, but it is a thought-provoking and unsettling masterpiece.
14. “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” (2015)
This slow-burn horror film from director Oz Perkins follows two Catholic schoolgirls who are left at the school over winter break, only to discover a sinister presence lurking within the halls. With its eerie atmosphere and shocking twists, “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition.
15. “The Ritual” (2018)
Based on the novel by Adam Nevill, this British horror film follows a group of friends who get lost in a Swedish forest while on a hiking trip and encounter a supernatural entity. As they struggle to survive, they must also confront their own guilt and past mistakes. With its terrifying creature design and exploration of grief and trauma, “The Ritual” is a standout in the indie horror landscape.
These 15 films are just a small sample of the many influential indie horror films that have been released in the last decade. With their unique storytelling, thought-provoking themes, and powerful performances, these films have elevated the genre and will continue to inspire future filmmakers to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be scary.
