Five Overlooked and Underrated Horror Movie Gems Every Horror Fan Must See

Scott Glosserman’s meta-slasher masterpiece is a real treat for any horror fan. Stashed full of references and commentary, Behind the Mask scratches the same satirical itch that Scream did a decade prior, but in its own refreshing way. Anchored by a magnetic performance from Nathan Baesel as Leslie Vernon, along with a cast featuring horror icons Robert Englund, Zelda Rubenstein and Scott Wilson, this darkly hilarious film is not one to be missed!

Mario Bava’s brilliant classic and seminal Italian horror whodunit, which helped birth an entire subgenre. Often imitated, but never duplicated, Blood and Black Lace has influenced countless filmmakers in and out of the horror genre and is filled to the brim with elements that would become staples in giallo films. With masterful cinematography, a beautiful barrage of color, stylized murders perpetrated by a masked killer, and a sultry yet sinister score, Blood and Black Lace is an experience to behold.

 

The First Power is a religious horror movie from the nineties that is not talked about enough. It stars Lou Diamond Phillips and Jeff Kober and is directed by Robert Resnikoff. A detective chases a serial killer through Los Angeles, but he’s not quite your normal serial killer. The movie does a great job of balancing horror and camp, giving the viewer a frightening, action-packed experience that’s sure to be a must-see for any horror fan.

Satoshi Kon’s captivating psychological thrill ride of a horror film. This mind-bending film provides a surreal experience for the viewer, leading you to question reality in gripping, grotesque and gorgeously animated sequences. Perfect Blue’s influence is felt far outside of anime, referenced in the works of Darren Aronofsky and many others. It’s worth a watch for any horror fan looking to branch out into this amazing subgenre. At the very least, you’re bound to enjoy the catchiest pop song of all time from the fictional band CHAM!

Thirst is a South Korean horror film directed by Park Chan-wook. This film is unfortunately overlooked, despite an expertly crafted story and unforgettable visuals. Thirst blends romance, tragedy, and drama into the horror of its reinvention of vampiric lore. The film is an absolute roller coaster that will manage to spin the viewer’s head while making them question the very essence of heavy themes like revenge, love, and morality. Through its love scenes, blackly comedic moments, and tear-jerking twists, Thirst simply begs to be seen.

 

The films mentioned in this article are only a fraction of what can be found in Pod Mortem’s catalog, currently spanning over 160 episodes, including both mainstream horror and hidden gems like these!

As horror fans, it is always fun to broaden our horizons and explore films and subgenres that aren’t as widely covered. These five films are a great start on that scenic, less-traveled road of horror. Just be sure to check the back seat!