Let’s face it, the 90s were a wild time for horror. Sure, everyone remembers the heavy hitters like Scream, The Blair Witch Project, and Candyman, but let’s talk about the real unsung heroes. You know, those hidden gems that never quite got the love they deserved but are absolute must-sees for any horror fan. So, grab your popcorn, turn off the lights, and let’s dive into some of the most underrated horror movies from the 90s that you need to add to your watchlist.
1. In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
Directed by the legendary John Carpenter, In the Mouth of Madness is like a Lovecraftian fever dream. The plot revolves around an insurance investigator (played by Sam Neill) trying to track down a missing horror author whose books seem to be driving readers insane. It's meta before meta was cool, blending cosmic horror, paranoia, and reality-warping madness in a way that makes you question your own sanity by the end. It’s creepy, weird, and filled with that signature Carpenter atmosphere. If you’re a fan of slow-burning psychological horror, this one’s for you! The ending is a gut-punch with the demented laughter of Sam Neill's character. This is an amazing movie with Carpenter at his height.
2. Event Horizon (1997)
This sci-fi/horror mashup doesn’t get nearly enough love. Event Horizon is about a space crew sent to investigate a lost spaceship, but what they find is more terrifying than any alien or monster. It’s basically a haunted house movie set in space, and let me tell you, it’s gnarly. With disturbing imagery, intense psychological tension, and a chilling performance from Sam Neill (yes, he’s killing it in the 90s horror scene), this one will mess with your head and have you sleeping with the lights on. This one has become a popular cult classic and I do find it has a few flaws, but overall, the concept is intense and the scares stick with you.
3. The People Under the Stairs (1991)
Didja like that movie Barbarian from a year or two ago? Well, then you need to check out the original.
Wes Craven did so much more than just Scream, and The People Under the Stairs proves it. This movie is a dark, twisted social commentary wrapped in a horror package. It follows a kid who breaks into a creepy house, only to discover a horrific secret lurking in the basement—there are people trapped under the stairs. It's a wild ride that blends horror with some truly bizarre humor, and the villains are downright terrifying. If you love horror with a side of crazy, this one’s a must-watch.
4. Castle Freak (1995)
Directed by Stuart Gordon (of Re-Animator fame), Castle Freak is an unsettling tale of a family inheriting a creepy old castle. But, of course, the castle has a dark secret—there’s something hideous living in it. This movie isn’t flashy, but it’s got a disturbing atmosphere, plenty of tension, and some seriously gruesome moments. It’s pure 90s horror grit, with practical effects that’ll make your skin crawl.
5. Ravenous (1999)
This one’s a bit of a genre-bender, but it absolutely deserves a spot on this list. Ravenous is part horror, part dark comedy, and part Western. Set during the Mexican-American War, it follows a group of soldiers who discover that one of their own might just be a cannibal—and not in the survival kind of way, but in the "I crave human flesh" kind of way. It’s weird, unsettling, and full of tension, but it also has a bizarre sense of humor that makes it stand out. If you like your horror with a bit of a quirky twist, Ravenous is your jam.
I love this movie. It is weird and at times funny and then intense. And then there's the on character who screams, " HE WAS LICKING MEEEEEE!!!!" Maybe this isn't foreveryone, but it sure works for me.
6. The Addiction (1995)
If you’re into cerebral horror that makes you think, then The Addiction is the vampire flick for you. Directed by Abel Ferrara, this black-and-white horror film is a moody, philosophical take on vampirism. It follows a philosophy student who gets bitten and slowly transforms into a vampire while grappling with the nature of evil and existence. It’s definitely on the artsy side, but if you’re looking for something a bit more intellectual, The Addiction will scratch that itch.
7. Body Bags (1993)
Here’s a fun one for anthology lovers. Body Bags is a horror anthology featuring three creepy stories—each more bizarre than the last—and is directed by some of horror’s finest, including John Carpenter and Tobe Hooper. The stories are filled with campy 90s goodness, with a healthy dose of blood and guts. Plus, John Carpenter himself plays the creepy coroner hosting the stories, so you know it’s going to be a wild ride. It’s like Creepshow for the 90s crowd, and honestly, it’s just a blast to watch.
8. Nightwatch (1997)
This is one of those movies that has slipped under the radar, but it’s a gem worth discovering. Nightwatch is a creepy thriller about a law student working as a night watchman at a morgue, only to get wrapped up in a string of grisly murders. Ewan McGregor stars in this dark, atmospheric movie that blends psychological horror with a good old-fashioned whodunit. It’s a slow burn, but it’ll have you on the edge of your seat.
9. The Reflecting Skin (1990)
This movie is… strange. There’s no other way to put it. The Reflecting Skin is more of a surreal nightmare than a straightforward horror movie, but it’s chilling nonetheless. Set in a rural 1950s town, it follows a young boy who becomes convinced that his neighbor is a vampire. The film is dreamlike, disturbing, and filled with haunting imagery that will stick with you long after the credits roll. If you’re in the mood for something offbeat and artistic, The Reflecting Skin will deliver.
10. Habit (1997)
Vampires were a big thing in the 90s, and Habit is one of the most underrated vampire flicks of the decade. Directed by and starring Larry Fessenden, this indie horror film is gritty and grounded, following a man who meets a mysterious woman that might just be a vampire. It’s raw, realistic, and oozing with 90s indie charm. If you’re tired of glossy vampire tales and want something more down-to-earth, Habit is a breath of fresh (or bloody) air.
There you have it—ten underrated horror gems from the 90s that you’ve got to watch. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into these forgotten classics, and let me know which one creeped you out the most! Got any other 90s hidden horror favorites? Drop them in the comments below!
Now, be sure to visit Amazon and check out all of my works of horror fiction. Every thriller, suspense novel, mystery and horror tale is at Amazon.
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