While the horror genre has evolved significantly, with many classic films like Claude Rains' "The Invisible Man" and Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" being celebrated, there are numerous underrated titles that deserve recognition. So in this list, we aim to highlight them.
In the gothic psychological horror film "The Innocents," Deborah Kerr portrays Miss Giddens, a young governess hired to care for two children under the guardianship of their uncle (Michael Redgrave). Strange occurrences in the sprawling mansion lead Giddens to believe it's haunted, especially as the children, Miles and Flora (Martin Stephens, Pamela Franklin), exhibit peculiar behaviour, insisting on supernatural forces. Adapted from Henry James' 1898 novella "The Turn of the Screw," the film, hailed as one of Truman Capote's finest adaptations, highlights Kerr's hauntingly dark performance. Although it initially received mixed reviews, "The Innocents" has since earned widespread acclaim, with filmmakers like Guillermo Del Toro singing its praises. Del Toro even drew inspiration from it for his own gothic horror film, "Crimson Peak" (2015). With its stylish craftsmanship and suspenseful storytelling, "The Innocents" is a true gem that deserves more recognition in the horror genre.
In the British horror film "Night of the Demon," Dana Andrews portrays American psychologist John Holden, who travels to London for a conference only to discover his colleague's mysterious death. Investigating a satanic cult led by Dr. Julian Karswell (Niall MacGinnis), Holden's skepticism is challenged as he dives into a world blurring the lines between science and faith. Based on M.R. James' 1911 short story "Casting the Runes," the film, also known as "Curse of the Demon" in the US, garnered praise despite its dated special effects. Regarded as one of the greatest horror films, it earned acclaim from Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese, who included it in his list of the 11 scariest movies of all time in 2019!
In "The Old Dark House," Philip Waverton (Raymond Massey), his wife Margaret (Gloria Stuart), and friend Roger (Melvyn Douglas) seek shelter in a remote Welsh home during a thunderstorm. Welcomed by the mysterious Femm family, they soon realise something sinister is afoot, especially when a chorus girl (Lillian Bond) arrives. Based on J.B. Priestley's novel "Benighted," the film, featuring Boris Karloff and Charles Laughton, initially flopped commercially but gained cult status after restoration, hailed as a must-see for horror enthusiasts.
In "The Seventh Victim," young Mary (Kim Hunter) searches for her missing sister Jacqueline (Jean Brooks) in New York City. With the help of a psychiatrist (Tom Conway), she uncovers clues leading to a satanic cult. Despite initial mixed reviews and box office disappointment, the film skillfully builds suspense from a quiet start to a chilling finale. While it may not cater to hardboiled mystery aficionados, this film delivers plenty of thrills to earn its place as an underappreciated horror gem.
In "The Uninvited," Ray Milland stars as composer Rick Fitzgerald, who, while vacationing with his sister Pamela (Ruth Hussey) off the English coast, purchases an abandoned 18th-century house. Despite warnings from Stella (Gail Russell), the granddaughter of the owner (Donald Crisp), they move in and encounter ghostly spirits. Based on Dorothy Macardle's novel "Uneasy Freehold," the film is a haunting tale of supernatural mystery. Milland and Hussey deliver convincing performances, while Russell adds an elusive charm that keeps audiences guessing. Despite being part of a string of mid-1940s supernatural films, "The Uninvited" stands out for its eerie atmosphere and stellar cast.
Other classic horror films to check out beyond the list would be titles such as, 'The Black Castle' (1952), 'The Spiral Staircase' (1946), 'Peeping Tom' (1960), 'The Body Snatcher' (1945), and ‘Murders in the Rue Morgue' (1932)
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