Underrated spooky movies to enjoy this Halloween

In October of 1994, three student filmmakers disappeared in the woods near Burkittsville, Maryland while shooting a documentary. A year later, their footage was found.” This introductory message being the first the viewer sees sets an appropriately ominous tone for the rest of the film. This movie made first on the list because it is completely unprecedented in its production style. The “found footage” camerawork makes the premise of the film feel all the more real, leaving the viewer disturbed. Instead of using cheap jumpscares and loud noises to scare their viewers, this film focuses on creating bone-chilling scenarios that leave you on the edge of your seat.

Are you scared of the dark? If not, you will be after watching this film. “Lights Out” captures such a common fear perfectly, and still manages to develop lore that keeps the viewers invested. The antagonist of this film can only exist in the dark. The suspense this movie creates sets it apart from mediocre films, as you’re left searching every dark corner of every frame for her. This movie is the epitome of suspense, and will not fail to keep you on your toes.

Everyone has seen the textbook someone-breaks-in-and-that’s-scary horror movie, but “Hush” takes it to the next level. The main protagonist is deaf and lives in a cottage in the middle of the woods. When a bow and arrow wielding killer shows up, she is at a massive disadvantage. This movie is perfect for someone who thrives on thriller-style scares that leave you on the edge of your seat. The decision to give the main character a disability that hinders her unable to access her own situation is truly genius. These circumstances leave the audience wondering how exactly they would feel in the protagonist’s shoes, and leaves them with a sense of unsettledness that is not replicated well in many other films. 

Despite its age, “Gremlins” is a perfect movie for someone who wants to watch spooky Halloween movies but isn’t interested in having nightmares that accompany them. The classic horror-comedy film tells a story of  incredibly adorable (strangely furby-like) monsters, called Mogwai, who are gifted to a young boy by his father for Christmas. Peculiarly, the Mogwai come with ominous care instructions, including never feeding it past midnight. The main plot point occurs when the boy breaks a rule, and the Mogwai are not what they seem. It is hard not to love this movie, with the cute main characters and hilarious horror parody scenes.

Serial killers not your thing? Nor the supernatural? “Crawl” is a remarkably unseen film that features natural disasters, main character helplessness, a dog, and fifteen foot gators. Upon hearing the news that a hurricane is about to hit her hometown, the main protagonist ignores evacuation procedures in order to check on her elderly father. When she becomes trapped inside the house by rising water levels, which eventually become massive gator infested, she must find her father and survive until help arrives. Leaving the main characters completely defenseless, without the means to defend themselves, or call for help, it is an enthralling experience for the audience, who are left wondering how they could possibly survive their situation.