13 Most Underrated Horror Movies of the 2010s

The 2010s were a golden era for horror, with bold indie filmmakers delivering fresh scares that often flew under the radar. While big hits like ‘Hereditary’ grabbed headlines, many chilling gems didn’t get the love they deserved. These films brought unique scares, from psychological dread to gory thrills, proving the genre’s depth.

I’ve picked 13 of the most underrated horror movies from the 2010s, each a must-see for its craft, atmosphere, or originality. Here they are, in no particular order, showcasing hidden terrors worth discovering.

Kill List (2011)

Ben Wheatley’s British horror follows Neil Maskell as a hitman whose new job spirals into a cultish nightmare. The slow-burn dread and shocking twists unsettle. It grossed $462,000 but built a cult following.

Its blend of crime and folk horror shines. It’s a grim, haunting indie that punches above its weight.

The Invitation (2015)

Karyn Kusama’s thriller stars Logan Marshall-Green at a creepy dinner party hosted by his ex-wife. The paranoid tension and cult vibes grip you. It earned $1 million on a tiny budget.

The sharp performances and claustrophobic vibe stand out. It’s a lean, unsettling gem that keeps you guessing.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)

André Øvredal’s chiller stars Emile Hirsch and Brian Cox as coroners uncovering a body’s horrific secrets. The morgue setting and eerie twists terrify. It grossed $6 million.

Its tight pacing and creepy atmosphere shine. It’s a small-scale horror that delivers big scares.

The Babadook (2014)

Jennifer Kent’s Australian horror follows Essie Davis as a mom facing a monster from her son’s book. The psychological depth and grief-driven scares hit hard. It made $10 million.

Its emotional core and iconic creature stand out. It’s an indie masterpiece that deserved more buzz.

Coherence (2013)

James Ward Byrkit’s sci-fi horror tracks friends, led by Emily Baldoni, at a dinner party warped by a cosmic event. The lo-fi style and mind-bending plot stun. It earned $100,000.

Its clever concept and tense improv shine. It’s a brainy, low-budget gem that slipped through cracks.

The House of the Devil (2009)

Ti West’s slow-burn horror stars Jocelin Donahue as a babysitter in a creepy house. The retro ‘80s vibe and shocking payoff grip. It grossed $101,000 but gained a cult status.

Its patient dread and stylish craft stand out. It’s a chilling indie that set West’s path.

It Follows (2014)

David Robert Mitchell’s horror follows Maika Monroe cursed by a slow-walking entity after a hookup. The eerie score and unique premise terrify. It made $23 million.

Its fresh mythology and dreamy visuals shine. It’s a standout that deserved bigger hype.

The Wailing (2016)

Na Hong-jin’s South Korean horror stars Kwak Do-won as a cop facing a village’s demonic plague. The epic runtime and wild twists haunt. It grossed $50 million.

Its blend of mystery, folklore, and dread stands out. It’s a sprawling indie epic that’s criminally overlooked.

You’re Next (2011)

Adam Wingard’s home-invasion horror stars Sharni Vinson as a guest fighting masked killers. The gory action and dark humor pop. It earned $26 million.

Its fierce lead and clever twists shine. It’s a fun, bloody gem that didn’t get enough love.

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010)

Eli Craig’s horror-comedy stars Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine as hillbillies mistaken for killers by college kids. The gory laughs and clever twist on slasher tropes shine. It grossed $5 million but gained a cult following.

Its hilarious subversion and charm make it a standout. It’s an indie gem that deserved more hype.

The Guest (2014)

Adam Wingard’s thriller-horror stars Dan Stevens as a charming stranger with a dark side. The synth score and ‘80s vibe thrill. It grossed $2 million.

Stevens’ magnetic role and genre-blending fun shine. It’s a slick indie that slipped under the radar.

Train to Busan (2016)

Yeon Sang-ho’s South Korean zombie film follows Seok-woo (Gong Yoo) protecting his daughter on a train. The fast-paced action and heart wrench. It made $98 million.

Its emotional stakes and intense scares stand out. It’s a global gem that didn’t get enough Western love.

The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014)

Adam Robitel’s found-footage horror follows Jill Larson as an elderly woman whose dementia hides something sinister. The creepy twists shock. It was a streaming hit with modest theatrical run.

Its raw performances and unsettling vibe shine. It’s a chilling indie that flew too low.

Which of these horror gems is your favorite, or did I miss an underrated scare? Share your thoughts in the comments!