27/03/2025
Amazing Horror Films That Deserve More Attention
Hey, lists are fun, right?
Here’s my top list of horror films that have thrilled, unsettled, or influenced me—hidden gems that often go unnoticed or underappreciated.
I’m a huge fan of ’70s and ’80s horror—Grindhouse, EuroSleaze, Slashers, Proto-Slashers—even SOV horror. Modern horror is fine, but I can’t say I watch too much of it. I prefer digging into film history, uncovering weird, unsettling, and dangerous films.
Got any recommendations? Hit me up.
Alright, enough talk.
Here are 10 horror films that deserve more love.
1. Grave of the Vampire (1972)
Okay, let’s start here…
Have you ever heard of an Oedipal vampire film? No? Then you need to see Grave of the Vampire. It starts with one of the most bizarre openings in horror history—a vampire attacks a woman, she becomes pregnant, and gives birth to a son who grows up with serious daddy issues.
Director John Hayes also made the extraordinary p**n film Baby Rosemary, which deals with death, trauma, and parents betraying their children. Rosemary has had a rough life, grew up in an orphanage, has intimacy issues, and when her estranged father dies, the past catches up with her. Then things spiral out of control.
It’s funny how many horror directors started in the p**n industry. Even funnier? These old adult films are often well-made, with actual stories and character development. They called it "The Golden Age of P**n" for a reason. You can’t really compare it to today’s industry. Back then, the filmmakers were real filmmakers.
Alright, back to the list!
2. Sledgehammer (1983)
Is this a good movie? No idea.
But I love it.
An 80-minute slasher in slow motion, shot on VHS. It feels like something made by an outsider artist or a deeply disturbed child.
The plot? A house, a group of young people, a killer. But plot doesn’t matter here—it’s the dreamlike, unsettling atmosphere that makes this one special. It feels like reality is slipping away as you watch.
3. Don’t Go in the Woods (1981)
If you love wild, fast-paced slashers, Don’t Go in the Woods is a must-see. This film never slows down. The moment things get too quiet, it cuts to a new character—who’s immediately introduced and then killed. Then it’s back to the main cast.
The only flaw? The killer’s look. He’s no Jason Voorhees or Michael Myers—more like a cross between a homeless guy and an Ewok. But honestly, that just makes it more charming.
4. Last House on Dead End Street (1977)
Last House on Dead End Street is one of the most disturbing horror films out there. Low-budget, filthy, and nihilistic—it feels like a movie made by someone who truly hates humanity. Roger Watkins was addicted to drugs, paranoid, and convinced he wouldn’t live long. You can feel all of that in the film.
Watkins also made the p**n film Corruption, which is like if David Lynch directed an adult film. One of my absolute favorites.
Okay, that was the last p**n mention. I promise.
5. Seeds (1968)
One of the most hateful films I’ve ever seen.
If I remember correctly, it takes place on Christmas—but I could be wrong. It’s a family gathering where everyone is horrible, the children have incestuous relationships, the mother is a monster, and everything is captured by Andy Milligan’s camera spinning around like a seizure.
Some filmmakers try to be edgy. Andy Milligan didn’t have to try—he hated everyone. Especially mothers. It wasn’t surprising when I read that he was s*xually abused by his mother or that he grew up to be a gay sadist.
His films feel like stepping into a world that is entirely his own. A world where everything is deranged but somehow still logical.
6. Red Lips (1995)
Donald Farmer’s early films are pure. You know exactly what you’re getting. No pretentious nonsense, no irony—boobs, blood, gore, and a kickass soundtrack.
This is my favorite. But I also really like Demon Queen.
Did I forget to tell you what it’s about? Oh, le***an vampires.
7. Evil Come, Evil Go (1972)
A religious fanatic believes s*x is evil—so she seduces and murders "sinners" in the name of righteousness. When she recruits a naive follower, things spiral into a bizarre, low-budget killing spree across California.
Cleo O'Hara, who’s around 50, is fantastic in the lead. She completely commits to the role, bringing a wild intensity that makes the film unforgettable. Too bad she didn’t make more movies—I think she only did two more.
Walt Davis also made the p**n film Widow Blue, which starts with a gay scene, turns into a gory murder scene, then a straight scene—then there’s a knock at the door, and who is it? Hey, John Holmes.
And you just sit there scratching your head, thinking: Who the hell was this movie made for?
Okay, I promise, that was the last p**n mention. For real this time.
8. Martha (1974)
Alright, this isn’t technically a horror film—but it plays like one.
Fassbinder’s Martha is a psychological nightmare about control and submission. A woman marries a man who slowly breaks her down, both mentally and physically. It feels like a gothic horror film without supernatural elements—where the monster is a polite sociopath.
Probably Fassbinder’s most disturbing film, and definitely one of his most underrated.
9. Black Devil Doll from Hell (1984)
Ever wanted to see a SOV horror film about a demonic puppet that rapes people? No? Understandable.
But Black Devil Doll from Hell exists anyway. And it’s one of the most bizarre films you will ever see.
10. Alma Wants New Playmates (2023)
A Swedish underground film that blends Jess Franco-style sleaze with arthouse horror. A le***an couple visits an apartment to buy a bunk bed, only to find themselves trapped, waiting for the mysterious Alma.
A tense vampire hostage drama with a suffocating atmosphere, strong performances, and sharp writing. A true inspiration for underground filmmakers in Sweden.
The only downside? It could be 10 minutes longer—and with a few more graphic s*x scenes. But hey, you can’t have it all. We’re not living in the ’70s anymore.
If you check out any of these films, let me know what you think!
/Daniel