10 Best Indie Horror Movies That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Best Indie Horror Movies

If you’ve never seen these indie horror films, we’ve put up a list of the finest ones you should.

I’ve witnessed a lot of shifts in my film preferences in the last year or two. Now that I’ve seen so many horror movies on Netflix, I’m no longer interested in trying to look like I know what I’m talking about by seeing a Buuel.

In between Cultured Vultures and the 9-5, I like shutting down my brain and unwinding with something not necessarily shallow, but something that won’t be compared to Welles’ finest any time soon. ‘ Critics of the genre are legitimate in their criticisms, saying things like “oh, another damn Paranormal Activity” and “why are we remaking this again?” to some level.

There has been a dearth of ambition in certain popular horror in recent years. This formula is being used by too many studios. That’s where the indie horror market has really taken off, with unconventional pictures that deviate from the norm. Whatever the slow-burn genius of The Lighthouse or the way zombie movies are always remade, independent is where you have to seek for creativity in the horror genre.

The indie horror genre should be OK as long as the directors of the finest indie horror films listed below remain active. Please bear in mind that the following is in no particular order; the numbers are simply there to help you keep track of everything.

1. Goodnight Mommy (2014)

Goodnight Mommy (2014)

The mother of two young sons has a problem that needs to be addressed. After a terrible surgery that left her mutilated, she is continually avoiding them. As the boys’ skepticism deepens, so does the viewer’s suspicion that all is not what it appears.

Although it was highly anticipated following its premiere but failed to find a home on a major streaming provider, Goodnight Mommy is a captivating descent that you can now access on most major streaming services. Although it moves at a glacial pace, you’ll be rewarded for your perseverance with this one.

2. The Invitation (2015)

One of the most harrowing character studies in modern horror history, The Invitation, doesn’t get the credit it deserves. It requires a lot of patience, but the reward is worth it.

Inviting a disturbed man to dinner with his ex-girlfriend turns out to be more complicated than it appears at first. There is something seething beneath the surface of the folks here. The Invitation’s last scene is one of the most effective in independent horror films ever seen when it reaches its climax.

3. Green Room (2015)

Green Room (2015)

You’re a braver person than most if you make it through Green Room without puking on yourself because of your fear. One of the most visceral and unsettling films you’ll ever see has such a simple premise that it goes so far to achieve that goal. It’s not just that Patrick Stewart is naughty; on the contrary.

Nazi clubs aren’t places you want to play in front of your fans. Subtle but powerful violence and a relentless speed are the hallmarks of what follows. It was one of Anton Yelchin’s final films, and it may be one of his finest.

The following is a summary of our findings:

As with the best films, Green Room takes the tropes of a genre and uses them to tell a story about truth. When I stepped into this movie, I was hoping for a few laughs on a Saturday afternoon. It was a success. After watching the film, I found myself wondering if now was the perfect time to take my writing profession more seriously.

4. It Comes At Night (2017)

That It Comes At Night is a highly polarizing film is obvious, and it’s not hard to understand why. At times, the pacing can be tedious and make you believe that a “major” moment is on the horizon, but it doesn’t. Early publicity for the film presented it as a creature feature rather than the thriller it ultimately is.

It Comes At Night is a slow-moving drama about a family’s fear of the outside world that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats the entire time. Even if it has some “mystery boxes,” as Abrams would say, “It’s an indie horror movie, rather than a magnificent and heart-pounding adventure.”

5. It Follows (2014)

It Follows (2014)

Like It Comes At Night, no one can agree on what to think of It Follows, another independent horror film. In terms of novelty, It Follows’ “gimmick” is what sets it apart from the competition. It is possible that the Catholic Church gained a few new members following the first screening.

This “monster” is stalking a young woman after she had sex with an unknown man. The problem is that it can only be seen by those who are affected. This is a movie that will stick with you long after the credits roll.

The following is a summary of our findings:

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a film that made me pause before turning out the lights as I headed to sleep. You won’t be disappointed with It Follows. If you need to conceal, turn down the lights, raise the volume, and have a soft object nearby.”

6. Bone Tomahawk (2015)

Bone Tomahawk, on the surface, appears to be another Western. While it contains many of the markers of a horror film, what makes it so good is how unerringly horrible it is.

Bone Tomahawk is anchored by some superb performances, most notably Kurt Russell’s, despite its gore and some particularly agonizing deaths. There is little doubt that Bone Tomahawk will become a cult classic because of its low budget and lack of success at the box office. When you watch it, keep a paper bag nearby.

7. Terrifier (2016)

Terrifier (2016)

Clowns have returned to the horror genre following the massive success of Stephen King’s IT adaption. Clowns may not frighten everyone, but Terrifier, one of the most gory films you’ll ever see, may just make you puke because of it.

There isn’t much in Terrifier in the way of character development, so don’t waste your time seeking for it. Do it if you’re interested, but don’t blame us if you forget a bucket on the way.

The following is a summary of our findings:

No matter how you look at it, Terrifier is one of those films that will have an impact on nearly everyone who sees it on some level, regardless of whether you’re a horror fan or not. Even if you’re not afraid of clowns, the violence in this film will nonetheless make you uncomfortable. So, “Man, if you don’t have a taste of the brutality, I’m more than afraid about you.”

8. The Battery (2012)

I’m a total sucka for this movie. The Battery, which ranked #6 on my list of the best non-Romero zombie films, is also included in this list of the best indie horror films. Just something about it makes me want to give it a big thumbs up.

It may have a few blemishes and a few rough edges, yet it manages to leave a lasting impression on the viewer. If you’re a zombie fan looking for something a little different, look no further than Jeremy Gardner’s debut movie.

9. The House of the Devil (2009)

The House of the Devil (2009)

I have something to confess. My initial impression was that The House of the Devil by Ti West was the same film as this. They’re so unlike in sound, it’s absurd.

This is a really good horror film in the tradition of John Carpenter’s best, with a splash of contemporary horror violence. It’s more unsettling than terrifying, but if you like the old-school, you should see it.

It’s going to take a long time to get going, though. If you persevere, you’ll come across an indie horror film that pays homage to 1970s masterpieces.

10. Martyrs (2008)

I can’t get this movie out of my head. It wouldn’t matter if I took it out of my skull and ran it through the dishwasher; the previous twenty minutes of Martyrs would have left it permanently scarred. For the faint of heart or stomach, this is not the place.

It’s hard to think of another picture that can match Pascal Laugier’s triumphal achievement here once you’ve finished this French export. I think it says a lot that the screenshot above is the least NSFW image I could come up with.