10 Most Underrated Horror Movies of the 2020s So Far

The 2020s have seen a surge in popular and critically acclaimed horror films, sparking lots of cultural discussion and even producing some modern classics. While movies like *The Black Phone*, *Nosferatu*, and *Weapons* have received widespread attention, there are also many lesser-known horror films from the decade that deserve recognition. These films might not be household names, but they are just as bold and frightening as the biggest hits.

As a huge horror fan, I’ve been blown away by some truly daring films lately. We’re talking everything from classic monster movies to deeply unsettling body horror and psychological thrillers. It’s amazing how these movies push the limits of what cinema can do. The frustrating thing is, a lot of them haven’t gotten the attention they deserve – either they didn’t get wide releases, or people just haven’t rated them highly enough. Honestly, if you’re into horror at all, you absolutely *need* to check these out.

These are 10 of the most underrated horror films of the 2020s so far.

‘Gretel & Hansel’ (2020)

Oz Perkins directs this eerie horror film, which offers a new take on the classic Grimm’s fairy tale. Starring Sophia Lillis (known from *It* and *It Chapter Two*) as Gretel and Sam Leakey as Hansel, the story follows the siblings as they become lost in the woods and find shelter with a strange woman (Alice Krige) who hides dangerous, magical secrets.

An Occultist Coming-of-Age Horror Story With Artistic Vision

I really think *Gretel & Hansel* deserved more attention when it came out – it didn’t get the recognition it deserved, honestly. It’s not your typical horror movie; it’s beautifully strange, with amazing sets and a really unsettling atmosphere. If you like art house horror, you’ll love this. Every single shot is so carefully done, with this creepy lighting and a mood that just sticks with you. It doesn’t rely on jump scares; instead, it builds this incredible tension and really delves into themes of surviving, a woman finding her power, and the scary things that hide just beneath the surface.

‘The Wolf of Snow Hollow’ (2020)

Jim Cummings wrote, directed, and stars in *The Wolf of Snow Hollow*, a unique film that blends horror, dark comedy, and a deep look at one man’s struggles. The movie centers on Officer John Marshall, a sheriff in Utah dealing with personal problems – he’s battling alcoholism, going through a divorce, and having trouble connecting with his teenage daughter. When a series of violent crimes coincide with the full moon, he begins to suspect werewolves are responsible, and his own life starts to fall apart.

A Razor-Sharp, Emotionally Rich Story

Although the film was unique and creatively made, it didn’t gain much attention from general audiences when it first came out. Critics, however, loved it. Cummings has created a film that’s hard to categorize, and it’s both disturbing and funny. The horror doesn’t come from typical monsters or gore, but from a constant sense of unease and deep feelings of isolation, with a strong focus on the characters and their emotions.

‘The Last Matinee’ (2020)

Set in 1983 Montevideo, *The Last Matinee* is a collaborative film project from Uruguay, Mexico, and Spain. The story centers on Ana (Luciano Grasso), a college student whose father works at a struggling cinema. One rainy night, she fills in for him during the final showing of a *Frankenstein* horror movie. When a masked killer traps the audience inside, Ana must struggle to survive.

A Stylish and Blood-Soaked Giallo Tribute

This film is a loving tribute to classic Italian giallo thrillers, visually inspired by directors like Dario Argento and Mario Bava with its bold colors and wildly imaginative deaths. It focuses on building suspense and atmosphere through striking visuals and realistic effects, rather than relying on a lot of dialogue. Beyond being a giallo homage, the movie is a celebration of cinema itself, and the special feeling of watching a film with an audience.

‘Resurrection’ (2022)

Directed by Andrew Semans, *Resurrection* features a stunning performance by Rebecca Hall as Margaret, a successful businesswoman whose life starts to fall apart when her former abuser, David (Tim Roth), unexpectedly returns. David manipulated and tormented Margaret – both emotionally and physically – when they were together. The film begins as a tense psychological thriller and gradually transforms into a terrifying and disturbing horror story, taking increasingly dark turns.

A Haunting Meditation on Trauma and the Insidious Nature of Abuse

Critics generally liked the movie, but it didn’t reach a wide audience and many horror fans missed it. It’s a truly bold film, standing out for its emotional depth, unsettling mood, strange finale, and lingering questions. *Resurrection* doesn’t rely on jump scares; instead, it builds intense psychological pressure, culminating in a deeply disturbing and unforgettable ending.

‘Hatching’ (2022)

Hatching, a Finnish coming-of-age horror film directed by Hanna Bergholm, combines body horror with the feel of a dark fairy tale. The story follows 12-year-old gymnast Tinja (Siiri Solalinna) who lives with the intense pressure from her mother (Sophia Heikkilä) to be perfect. When Tinja finds a strange egg in the woods, she brings it home and cares for it. What emerges is a disturbing bird-like creature that becomes fiercely protective of her, but also makes her life a growing nightmare.

An Original Film With Disturbing Visuals

Although critics loved *Hatching*, it didn’t gain much attention from general audiences worldwide. The film is brilliantly symbolic, using its unusual story to explore themes of hidden feelings, growing up, and the often-difficult bond between mothers and daughters. It also offers a powerful look at how trauma can be passed down through families. This unique and unsettling horror film is likely to become a cult favorite.

‘Disappear Completely’ (2022)

Luis Javier Henaine’s Disappear Completely is a little-known but excellent horror film from Mexico that deserves more attention. The story centers on Santiago Mendoza (Harold Torres), a photographer who covers crime for the tabloids. After photographing a shocking crime scene involving a politician, Santiago begins to mysteriously lose his senses. He then investigates a possible curse and encounters dark, occult forces along the way.

An Unnerving Descent Into Darkness

Disappear Completely is a chilling and thought-provoking horror film that mixes social issues with classic folk horror and a deep exploration of the human mind. It’s one of the most absorbing horror movies of recent years, putting the audience directly into the terrifying experience of losing your senses. With simple yet unsettling imagery and a constant feeling of unease, the film slowly builds a suffocating atmosphere that stays with you long after it’s over, like a lingering nightmare.

‘Lovely, Dark, and Deep’ (2023)

Despite a low-key release, the film *Lovely, Dark, and Deep* received strong praise from critics. However, general audiences didn’t respond as favorably, giving it lower ratings on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and Letterboxd. The movie, written and directed by Teresa Sutherland, features Georgina Campbell as Lennon, a park ranger investigating a series of disappearances. Lennon suspects these events are connected to her sister, who vanished when they were children. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she experiences unsettling visions and confronts a terrifying, Lovecraftian horror she can’t escape.

Hypnotic, Dream-Like Terror

If you enjoy cosmic or wilderness horror, you shouldn’t miss *Lovely, Dark, and Deep*. The film excels at creating a disturbing and unsettling atmosphere that lingers with you. It’s a thoughtful, slow-burn story filled with beautiful but haunting visuals and a dreamlike quality.

‘Lisa Frankenstein’ (2024)

Zelda Williams’ first film as a director is a fresh and thrilling spin on the classic *Frankenstein* story, penned by Diablo Cody (known for *Jennifer’s Body*). The movie takes place in 1989 and stars Kathryn Newton as Lisa Swallows, a shy teenager still grieving her mother’s death and struggling with her difficult stepmother (Carla Gugino). Lisa often escapes to a local cemetery, where she feels connected to the past. But her solitary days take a strange turn when one of those from the past literally comes back to life. The film cleverly reimagines the traditional “mad scientist” story with a feminist twist.

Humor and Heart

With its fantastic ’80s vibe and incredibly detailed sets and costumes, *Lisa Frankenstein* is a delightful and surprisingly moving horror comedy. It’s visually stunning, smartly written, and truly shines. While it didn’t receive much attention initially, it’s a hidden gem that, like *Jennifer’s Body*, is likely to gain a devoted following over time.

‘Grafted’ (2024)

Grafted is a New Zealand horror film about growing up and body image. It centers on Wei (Joyena Sun), a teenager who relocates from China to live with family in New Zealand. Wei has a prominent birthmark on her face, and her father died while undergoing experimental skin grafts to correct the same condition. Wei continues her father’s research, but her work takes a disturbing and violent path when she gets involved with a group of popular, but cruel, girls at school.

One of the Best Coming-of-Age Horror Films

Despite being picked up by Shudder, the film *Grafted* didn’t get much attention and flew under the radar. It’s a film that deserves the same praise as other recent, excellent body horror movies like *The Substance*. *Grafted* is unique and pushes the genre forward with its impressive practical effects. It also explores complex themes like self-loathing, the challenges of immigration and fitting into a new culture, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the pressure to meet unrealistic beauty ideals, giving it real depth.

‘The Ugly Stepsister’ (2025)

Emilie Blichfeldt’s Norwegian horror film offers a dark twist on the classic *Cinderella* story, told through the eyes of one of the stepsisters. Set in the 18th-century kingdom of Swedlandia, the film follows Elvira (Lea Myren), her mother Rebekka (Ane Dahl Torp), and sister Alma (Flo Fagerli) as they move into their stepfather’s castle, sharing it with his beautiful daughter, Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Næess). When their stepfather unexpectedly dies and both families find themselves without money, their hopes rest on one of the sisters marrying Prince Julian (Isac Calmroth). Desperate to succeed, Elvira resorts to increasingly disturbing and medieval-inspired body modifications in an attempt to surpass her stepsister’s beauty.

A Deeply Grotesque but Beautiful Masterpiece

While many horror movies reimagine fairy tales, The Ugly Stepsister truly stands out. Like Grafted, it’s a film that deserves the same attention as The Substance. Through striking and intense visuals, the movie powerfully explores how a culture focused on beauty and the way women are viewed by others can be deeply harmful. The main character, Elvira, is a fascinating addition to the world of horror. She’s not simply good or evil; instead, she’s a heartbreaking character who loses sight of herself while desperately seeking love and belonging.

2025-10-20 01:21