Most Underrated Horror Films of the Past 10 Years

First off, let me be clear. This is not (necessarily) a list of the absolute best horror movies. Their order has been determined using my expert, opinion by utilizing a balance of quality and their respective levels of lacking recognition.

Honourable Mentions: The Cell, Pitch Black, Splinter, Fido, The Ruins, The Eye, The Uninvited, Carriers, Trick r Treat

10. Cry_Wolf

To begin, we have a new-age styled slasher flick with old-school sensibilities. Cry_Wolf could be described as Cruel Intentions getting hacked to death by Jason Voorhees.

We get not only manipulation and twists by the conceded, preppy protagonists at the boarding school where the film is set, but also in the vein of a classic who-dunnit. Besides, how could anyone not like a film starring Jon Bon Jovi as a journalism teacher?

9. Vacancy

Now, casting Luke Wilson as the central hero in a high concept chiller may not always equate to a success, but thankfully the execution of the material in this neglected ’07 film is subtle and restrained with significance placed on psychological terror and tension over gratuitous violence or shock thrills.

Like many films on this list, Vacancy has its problems. There are some preposterous plot contrivances and a bit of a cop-out ending, but what it may lack in thorough craftsmanship, it more than makes up for in creating paranoia. You will most certainly think twice the next time you crash at a roadside motel.

8. Session 9

Amongst the largest flops on this list is Session 9, starring a pre-CSI Miami famous David Caruso, which brought less than $400,000 back in 2001. Directed by Brad Anderson who would go on to make some acclaimed psychological thrillers such as The Machinist and Transsiberian, this pseudo-ghost story has garnered a considerable cult following since its release.

Perhaps not surprisingly, like a number of entries from this compilation, Session 9 relies heavily on atmosphere to supply the chills and resists the urge to splash out (so to speak) on fake blood. Session 9 will surely inspire debates about what is real, who is real and when is when.