The 1990s were a golden age for horror movies, but while some films like Scream, The Silence of the Lambs, and The Blair Witch Project grabbed all the headlines, there were many others that slipped under the radar. These underrated gems offered fresh scares, inventive stories, and memorable characters, yet they never got the attention they deserved. If you love horror and want to discover something new, here’s a deep dive into some of the best underrated horror movies from the 90s that you might have missed.
Let’s start with The Faculty. Released in 1998, this movie blended teen drama with alien invasion horror. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Kevin Williamson, it had a clever script and a young, talented cast including Elijah Wood and Josh Hartnett. The story follows a group of high school students who suspect their teachers are being taken over by aliens. It’s fun, fast-paced, and full of surprises, but it never got the same love as other 90s hits.
Next up is Event Horizon. This 1997 sci-fi horror film stars Sam Neill and Laurence Fishburne as a rescue crew investigating a spaceship that disappeared and has now returned with something evil on board. The movie is famous for its intense atmosphere and disturbing imagery. While it didn’t do well at the box office, it has since gained a cult following for its bold mix of science fiction and pure horror.
Another overlooked film is Candyman. Released in 1992 and directed by Bernard Rose, this movie is based on a Clive Barker story. It stars Virginia Madsen as a graduate student researching urban legends who summons the vengeful spirit of Candyman. The film is praised for its social commentary and haunting score, but it’s often left out of conversations about classic 90s horror.
Then there’s The People Under the Stairs. Directed by Wes Craven in 1991, this movie is a mix of horror, comedy, and social satire. It follows a young boy who gets trapped in a bizarre house owned by a twisted couple. The film is both scary and funny, with a message about greed and inequality. Despite its creativity, it’s rarely mentioned among Craven’s best work.
Let’s not forget In the Mouth of Madness. This 1994 film, directed by John Carpenter, stars Sam Neill as an insurance investigator looking into the disappearance of a horror novelist. The movie blurs the line between reality and fiction, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a mind-bending experience that deserves more recognition.
Another hidden gem is The Resurrected. Released in 1991, this film is an adaptation of an H.P. Lovecraft story. It follows a private investigator hired to look into a scientist’s experiments with bringing the dead back to life. The movie is atmospheric and creepy, with practical effects that still hold up today.
For fans of psychological horror, there’s The Dark Half. Directed by George A. Romero in 1993, this film is based on a Stephen King novel. It stars Timothy Hutton as a writer whose dark alter ego comes to life. The movie explores themes of identity and creativity, but it’s often overshadowed by other King adaptations.
If you like your horror with a dose of dark humor, check out Braindead (also known as Dead Alive). Directed by Peter Jackson in 1992, this New Zealand film is one of the goriest movies ever made. It’s about a young man trying to protect his mother from a zombie outbreak. The over-the-top violence and slapstick comedy make it a unique entry in the zombie genre.
Another underrated film is The Night Flier. Released in 1997, this movie is based on a Stephen King story and stars Miguel Ferrer as a tabloid reporter investigating a series of murders linked to a mysterious pilot. The film is tense and atmospheric, with a standout performance from Ferrer.
Finally, there’s Dust Devil. This 1992 film, directed by Richard Stanley, is a surreal horror-western about a mysterious drifter who may be a supernatural killer. The movie is visually stunning and deeply atmospheric, but it’s largely unknown outside of cult horror circles.
These movies prove that the 90s were about more than just slashers and found footage. They experimented with new ideas, blended genres, and took risks that bigger films often avoided. If you’re tired of the same old horror classics, give these underrated 90s films a chance. You might just find your new favorite scare.
