Top 10 Scary Movies to Watch If You Hate Horror
#10: “The Menu” (2022)
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2022 was a pretty good year for horror. One of the funnier movies from that year’s offering was “The Menu.” The plot is simple. A couple goes to a fancy dinner on a remote island, while the guest list is exclusive and rich. But things aren’t what they seem out on the island, and it quickly becomes apparent that the chef, played by Ralph Fiennes, has it out for the elite. “The Menu” doesn’t have too much blood or gore, nor does it rely on jump scares. It definitely puts you through an intense ride, but the satire gives you enough to poke fun at along the way.
#9: “Picnic at Hanging Rock” (1975)
This mystery film comes from filmmaker Peter Weir, one of the many filmmakers who called attention to the amazing cinema coming out of Australia in the 1970s. “Picnic at Hanging Rock” centers around a group of schoolgirls and teachers who go missing during a picnic. The film will surely leave you feeling haunted, but without the conventional hallmarks of your typical horror movie. The frightening aspects of “Picnic at Hanging Rock” all stem from the gorgeous cinematography and the mystery surrounding the girls’ disappearance. There might not be jumpscares, but you’re bound to feel unsettled.
#8: “The Cabin in the Woods” (2011)
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We know what you’re thinking. This one looks a lot gorier and creepier than someone who doesn’t like horror would care to sit through. But “The Cabin in the Woods” is a lot funnier and smarter than you might imagine. And if you’re a person who thinks that horror tropes are silly, “The Cabin in the Woods” is just the movie for you. The plot of the movie, which centers around college students stuck in a spooky cabin, deconstructs all the horror tropes you love to make fun of. The film is scary, weird, and funny, and somehow manages to combine all of those feelings into one heck of a good time.
#7: “Get Out” (2017)
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Even if you don’t like horror, don’t let yourself miss out on seeing one of the best movies of the 2010s. “Get Out” comes from the twisted mind of Jordan Peele. The comedian brings his particular brand of humor to the story of a Black man going to meet his white girlfriend’s family for the first time. But he also shows that he has a clear master of filmmaking and a real appreciation for horror history. Even if you aren’t a horror aficionado, however, you’ll still be able to appreciate the apt mix of comedy, thrills, and social commentary.
#6: “Halloween” (1978)
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Sometimes, you have to get over your hangups. Even if you aren’t a huge horror fan, “Halloween” is one classic you just can’t miss. John Carpenter’s 1970s slasher flick is one of the most influential films of all time. Starring a young Jamie Lee Curtis, “Halloween” follows babysitter Laurie Strode as she is terrorized by Michael Myers. The film spawned a huge franchise and is the genesis for so many horror tropes. There’s something for anyone who’s a fan of film in general in “Halloween.”
#5: “Christine” (1983)
Human murderers and killers? Please, that’s so boring! If you’re looking for something a little more interesting, why not try a killer car on for size? “Christine” is about a nerdy kid named Arnie Cunningham who purchases a 1958 Plymouth Fury that comes named as Christine. And “fury” is right! Christine isn’t just an ordinary vehicle. She has a mind of her own, and she’s ready to crash into anyone who gets between her and Arnie. “Christine” is quite the romp, with its best performance from the main gal herself. It’s the type of campy horror extravaganza that will leave you grinning when it’s done.
#4: “The Invisible Man” (1933)
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In 2020, a remake of H.G. Wells’ “The Invisible Man” was released starring Elisabeth Moss. That movie and its commentary on domestic abuse, however, might be a little much for some to take. We recommend going for the 1933 original from director James Whale. The film stars classic Hollywood actor Claude Rains in the titular role. Dr. Jack Griffin was turned invisible by a science experiment gone wrong, and now uses his ability to play tricks. But, things take a sinister note when those tricks escalate to murder. The movie really holds up after all these years, particularly its special effects, which are just as stunning now as they were almost a century ago.
#3: “Evil Dead II” (1987)
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If you’ve seen the original “The Evil Dead,” you might wonder why its sequel is on this list. Well, the second installment in this franchise is a little less of a sequel, and more of a complete remake, but this time with comedy. “Evil Dead II” sees Ash return to a cabin in the woods with his girlfriend and once again fight off the deadites with more pizazz, humor, and style than before. Director Sam Raimi takes the terrifying premise of the first movie and turns it into a ridiculous horror comedy that feels fresh and exhilarating every time you watch it.
#2: “Misery” (1990)
Even if you don’t like horror, you have to give any Stephen King adaptation at least an old, college try. “Misery” is a scary one, but also one of the very best. More psychological thriller than horror, “Misery” follows an author played by James Caan who ends up under the care of his number one fan, Annie Wilkes, after a car accident. The movie reflects a lot of King’s own anxieties about his fanbase and the perils of fame, all coming together in the terrifying portrayal of Annie. Played by Kathy Bates, who won an Oscar for performance, Annie is one of the scariest characters in recent movie history. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Berberian Sound Studio” (2012) What Would It Be Like to Work on a Horror Film? “Beloved” (1998) A Gothic Ghost Story You Won’t Soon Forget “A Quiet Place” (2018) Don’t Make A Sound
#1: “What We Do In the Shadows” (2014)
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Why watch a scary vampire horror movie when you can watch a funny vampire horror movie? The mockumentary “What We Do In the Shadows” takes the stereotype of horror vampires and puts them into the real world. Ever wonder if it’s also awkward for vampires to remind their roommates that they’re behind on rent? Now you don’t have to. Because these are, well, vampires, you can still expect all the blood and flesh-biting that comes along with that. But Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi bring fresh voices to the vampire subgenre, making this one of the best movies of its ilk. If we missed any of your favorite films from Horror 101, let us know in the comments below.
