This collection of alternative horror films offers a departure from traditional horror tropes, embracing unconventional narratives, experimental filmmaking techniques, and often exploring psychological or existential dread rather than relying on jump scares or gore. These films provide a fresh perspective on horror, appealing to those who seek something beyond the mainstream, offering a rich, thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Under the Skin (2013)
Description: Directed by Jonathan Glazer, this film follows an alien seductress in Scotland, exploring themes of identity and humanity through a surreal, unsettling lens. Its experimental approach to horror makes it a perfect fit for this collection.
Fact: Scarlett Johansson's character was originally intended to be played by a non-actor, and much of the film was shot with hidden cameras to capture real reactions from the public.


The Neon Demon (2016)
Description: Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, this film explores the dark side of the modeling industry, with horror elements woven into its visually stunning narrative about beauty and obsession.
Fact: The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a mixed response but was praised for its visual style.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: This Australian psychological horror film delves into the mind of a grieving widow and her troubled son, haunted by a sinister children's book character. Its inclusion in this list is due to its focus on emotional and psychological horror, making it a standout in the genre.
Fact: The film was initially banned in several countries due to its intense themes. The Babadook has become a symbol within the queer community, often used as a meme.


A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
Description: This Iranian vampire western, shot in black and white, blends elements of horror, romance, and social commentary, making it an unconventional entry in the horror genre.
Fact: It was the first feature film directed by Ana Lily Amirpour, who also wrote the screenplay, and it was entirely shot in California despite its Iranian setting.


The Invitation (2015)
Description: A dinner party turns into a psychological horror as a man suspects his ex-wife and her new friends are part of a sinister cult. Its slow-building tension and themes of paranoia make it a compelling watch.
Fact: The film was shot in just 20 days, and its director, Karyn Kusama, used her own home as the primary location for the dinner party scenes.


It Follows (2014)
Description: This film introduces a unique horror concept where a supernatural entity relentlessly pursues its victims after a sexual encounter, creating a tense, existential dread.
Fact: The film was shot in Detroit, Michigan, with many scenes using the city's abandoned buildings to enhance the eerie atmosphere.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: This film centers around a mysterious corpse that defies explanation, leading to a chilling discovery during an autopsy. Its blend of medical horror and supernatural elements sets it apart.
Fact: The film was shot in a real morgue, adding to its authenticity and eerie atmosphere.


The Endless (2017)
Description: Two brothers return to the UFO death cult they escaped as teens, only to uncover strange phenomena. Its blend of sci-fi and horror, along with its time loop narrative, makes it unique.
Fact: The film was made with a very low budget, and the directors, Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, also star in the movie.


The Witch (2015)
Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film explores the paranoia and fear of witchcraft, offering a slow-burn, atmospheric horror experience that challenges the viewer's perception of reality.
Fact: The film uses authentic 17th-century English dialects, and the director, Robert Eggers, is known for his meticulous attention to historical detail.


Hereditary (2018)
Description: This film delves into familial trauma and occult practices, offering a deeply unsettling experience through its meticulous storytelling and shocking reveals.
Fact: Toni Collette's performance was widely acclaimed, and the film has been praised for its use of practical effects over CGI.
