After hitting the theaters back in 2013, The Conjuring redefined the modern horror movie storytelling. With impeccable balance of psychological dread, jump scares, and haunted-house suspense, it was considered as one of the most terrifying films of the decade. If you think only renowned blockbusters could deliver such shock and chill, then you are wrong. Sadly, there’s a treasure trove of bone-chilling horror movies like The Conjuring that never got much recognition.
In this article, we will take a look at 15 lesser-known films that would haunt you during the lonely hours of the night. These mind-bending supernatural horror movies prove that sometime cinematic terror even lurks outside the Hollywood spotlight.
The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
This claustrophobic horror centers around coroner father-son duo performing an autopsy on an unidentified woman. Nearly 90% of the movie was set inside of a morgue. The eerie atmosphere, payoff and tension easily helm it as one of the best horror movies like The Conjuring.
Terrified (Aterrados) (2017)
Terrified, an Argentinian masterpiece delivers edgy scares. The film foretells a quirky story about Buenos Aires neighborhood, where the undead digs out of their graves. With countless jump scares and grotesque imagery, Terrified is a must watch for the rooting fans of The Conjuring verse.
Lake Mungo (2008)
This subtle Australian mocumentary is highly unsettling. It’s one of the found footage horror films that foretells the story through interviews. The movie centers around a family that’s been haunted by their daughter’s untimely death. At first it seems to be a simple ghost story which eventually evolve into a deep emotional and terrifying journey.
Noroi: The Curse (2005)
Shot in documentary-style, Noroi is another Japanese gem with nerve-wrecking climax scene. Noroi: The Cuse has similar realism that of The Conjuring’s haunted house sequence. This movie for sure will haunt you even after the credits roll.
The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014)
At the start, you might feel watching a documentary on Alzheimer’s, but sooner the movie takes a drastic turn. The atmosphere grew sinister and eerie when the elderly subject starts to behave rather disturbingly. By the end, realism blends with supernatural horror for a devastating effect. It won’t be an exaggeration to helm it as one of the most shocking supernatural horror movies.
Hell House LLC (2015)
All hell get on loose when a group of friends renovated an abandoned hotel into a haunted house attraction. Once a fun project quickly morphed into living nightmare. Again, the found footage cinematography makes this movie uncomfortably real and edgy.
Session 9 (2001)
What makes Session terrifying, is its suffocating atmosphere which slowly descends into madness. Stacked under the psychological horror sub-genre, Session is set inside of an abandoned asylum. A group of cleanup crew gets under the influence of something unseen and sinister.
The Dark and the Wicked (2020)
A family faces a demonic presence as they care for their elderly dying father. The bone-chilling visuals and a devastating sense of hopelessness pivots it one of the scariest supernatural horror movies of 2020.
Dead Silence (2007)
James Wan, the visionary director of The Conjuring, turn Dead Silence into creepy tale of macabre. It’s a tale about a vengeful spirit that was tied to a ventriloquist dummy. Though the film didn’t get much recognition which it deserved, it has some of the visually stunning photography with unforgettable jump scares.
The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)
This is a slow-burner, psychological horror in which dark forces at a boarding school takes hold slowly. Considered as one of the most disturbing possession stories, The Blackcoat’s Daughter is recognized for its chilling tone.
Ghostwatch (1992)
Since Ghostwatch was a faux live broadcast by the BBC, many viewers considered it as a real supernatural event. This film easily blurred the lines between fact and fiction. It showcased a paranormal investigation that was conducted in a haunted house. Even decades after its screening, Ghostwatch is considered as one of the most disturbing supernatural horror movies.
The Medium (2021)
Shot in documentary style, this Thai-South Korean movie combines disturbing atmospheric chill and cultural authenticity. It explores occult topics like possession and shamanism in a small rural community. The slow tension that’s built throughout the movie unleased in a relentless horror and blood-bath in the end.
We Are Still Here (2015)
This movie holds ghostly tension like The Conjuring verse. Set in remote New England, this horror flick combines visceral troupe with the classic haunted-house trope. With every screen corner seems to ooze out danger, We Are Still Here is one of the best horror movies of 2015.
His House (2020)
Revolving around a haunted, sinister home, this film has some of the most terrifying cinematography. The real tension of the movie takes out worldly shape when a refugee couple discovers that their new home is being haunted by something unearthly. Blending gothic horror with social commentary, His House is another example of exceptional yet lesser-known horror movies like The Conjuring.
The Devil’s Doorway (2018)
Though not helmed among the best found footage horror films, The Devil’s Doorway is remembered for gritty realism. Shot through perspective of priests in 1960s, it is known for religious horror and disturbing display of supernatural forces.
Final Thoughts
Next time you want a horror marathon, do consider these underrated gems. These 15 horror movies prove that you do not have to root for mainstream cinema to watch horror movies like The Conjuring. Turning to some of these underrated horror movies will for sure give you nightmares darker than you could expect.