It’s not easy being a devout horror film fanatic. It is with great sorrow I recall the numerous times that I have been hurt at the hands of my most treasured movie genre. While the horror section of you local DVD store is usually filled with poorly acted, scripted and directed trite, every so often beneath the putrid heap of mediocrity lies a movie of such brilliance it makes it all worthwhile.

As a genre it is perhaps the most misunderstood as even the most lame brained of filmmakers believe they have the talent to try their hand at scaring the bejesus out of movie audiences. It seems as though the majority of a film’s budget is now spent on alluring DVD covers that mask the abomination hidden inside. Yet like a good Easter egg hunt, somewhere beneath Nightmare on Elm Street 5 and Critters 3 is a film of pure terror genius just waiting to be found.

We have compiled our top ten best horror films you’ve probably never heard of. Horror aficionados will most likely know these titles but the intent of this list is to entice those members of the viewing audience who have given up on this much cherished filmic style. We welcome your recommendations.

10. The Ruins (2008)
You’d be forgiven to skim past this on the shelf but if you are willing to endure some truly tense and creepy moments you will be rewarded with this excellent tale.



9. Dog Soldiers (2002)
The modern take on the old lycanthrope story is relentless in both pure action and horror. Hands down the best werewolf movie in years.



8. Cronos (1992)
Before Guillermo del Toro directed Hellboy and Pan’s Labyrinth he cut his teeth on this little gem of a vampire story.



7. May (2002)
Disturbing and tragic in equal doses this film has a level and depth of character development usually non-existent in this genre.



6. Cube (1997)
Who doesn’t love a great sci-fi horror cross over?



5. Slither (2006)
I secretly think my prayers were answered with this film when I hoped for a zombie and alien invasion crossover for all those years. Also it’s quite funny.



4. Session 9 (2001)
The film reinvigorates the “haunted house” story with a low budget atmospheric charm that puts most mainstream horror films to shame.



3. The Mist (2007)
This is a Stephen King adaptation that is both loyal to the original story and excellent from start to finish. If you’re willing to forgive some minor technical flaws it is without a doubt one of the best horror films of recent years, plus it has one hell of an ending.



2. Fear(s) of the dark (2007)
A French horror cartoon. No more needs to be said.




1. Trick ‘r treat (2008)
The best anthology horror film I have ever seen. Highly recommended.