When someone mentions horror films, big titles like the “Halloween” franchise, cult classics and anything by Stephen King come to mind. But what about those that lurk in the shadows of the classics? Whether overshadowed or forgotten with time, these five films will still keep audiences up at night.
5. The Cave (2005)
Ohio University alumna Piper Perabo stars as Charlie in the 2005 horror film “The Cave” Perabo works alongside Lena Headeybest known for playing Cersei Lannister on “Game of Thrones,” and Cole Hauser, known for his role as Rip Wheeler in “Yellowstone.” Together, their team is pulled into something far more dangerous than they expected. “The Cave” keeps viewers guessing right to the end. While watching, if viewers think they know what’s going to happen- they don’t. Small details begin to stand out, and what seems minor at first quickly becomes something much more unsettling. Released through Screen Gems, a Sony Pictures label, this film blends science fiction and horror, exploring what happens when a self-contained ecosystem turns deadly. As tension grows, trust becomes uncertain, and the deeper they go, the harder it is to tell who, or what, is still safe. In the depths of the cave, danger comes from every direction swimming, crawling and as Charlie puts it, “they frickin’ fly,“ keeping audiences holding their breath the entire time.
4. Amityville: The Evil Escapes (1989)
“The Amityville Horror” (1979) is considered a classic in the horror genre, but number four in the franchise, “Amityville: The Evil Escapes,” is often overlooked. One thing is for certain- this film will change viewers’ perspective on lamps, garbage disposals and maybe even cats. When a seemingly ordinary object carries something sinister to a new home, the question “What will it do next?” is on everyone’s mind. This film isn’t all about jumpscares. Instead, it creates an undeniable, sometimes gut-wrenching suspense through the quiet moments of everyday life. The normalcy of the film is what makes it so unsettling. The idea that something ordinary could become dangerous is enough to keep one questioning the everyday objects in one’s home. It might not be as widely remembered as the original, but “Amityville: The Evil Escapes” stands out for that eerie sense of dread and unpredictability. It reminds us that evil doesn’t always need a house to haunt.
3. The Caller (1987)
Originally released in 1987 “The Caller” found a broader audience with its 1989 home video release, but became forgotten over time. Directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman, the film tells the story of two strangers caught in an unexpected, unpredictable and unsettling encounter. “The Caller” only has two on-screen characters, Malcolm McDowell as the caller and Madolyn Smith Osborne as the woman living alone in the woods. When the caller asks to use the phone, the request twists to speculation and turns into a game. At first, the points seem like an oddity in conversation, but that’s not the case. Two strangers, one game, 50 points — and no way out.
2. Frozen (2010)
“Frozen” but not the one with Olaf. There is a lot of snow, and this is a film that stays with viewers long after it ends. Those who like skiing probably won’t after this movie. The film takes place at a ski resort, and what begins as a fun getaway quickly turns into a chilling waiting game. Unlike “The Caller,” there is a way out. The idea is simple, but it doesn’t come without risk. The question is who’s going to do it and what it will cost them, and tension builds as this is answered. This film is built on isolation, suspense, tension and fear. Viewers who liked the 2022 film “Fall” starring Grace Caroline Currey and Virginia Gardner will love this one!
1. Psycho II (1983)
Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 film adaptation of Robert Bloch’s 1959 novel, “Psycho,“ is one of the most memorable films in the horror genre. One can almost hear the high-pitched violin music just by seeing the film’s name. This popularity is what makes the 1983 sequel “Psycho II” part of the forgotten films list. As a side note, I love both, but I think this one might be better than the original. Despite being set 22 years later, the film includes stars from the first film, like Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates and Vera Miles as Lila Crane. The character consistency and well-developed plot make it feel believable as the new story unfolds. This time, Norman tries to put the past behind him, but the ghosts of his past seem to be returning in unexpected ways. Audiences won’t be disappointed by this sequel. In fact, it might leave them wondering why they didn’t watch this forgotten film sooner.
@byhannahwatson
