30 Overrated Horror Movies Everyone Seems To Like

Horror movies are consistently popular with moviegoers, but what critics love doesn’t always align with what audiences enjoy. Sometimes, films receive excellent reviews and earn a lot of money, yet still leave some viewers disappointed. This list looks at several well-known horror movies that have received a lot of praise, even though fans have mixed opinions about them. We’ve checked all the information with reliable industry sources to ensure it’s accurate.

‘The Blair Witch Project’ (1999)

A group of three film students went to a remote town to film a local story, but they vanished while shooting in the woods. The footage they left behind became incredibly popular, helping to launch the ‘found footage’ style of filmmaking. Though praised for feeling realistic and for a clever marketing campaign, some viewers felt it lacked big scares. The shaky camera work also made some people feel motion sick when it was first released in theaters. Despite how today’s audiences feel about its slow pace, the film is still an important part of movie history.

‘Hereditary’ (2018)

After the death of their private and enigmatic grandmother, a family begins to uncover disturbing truths about their past. The film explores how each family member unravels emotionally as increasingly frightening and unexplainable events occur. Critics generally lauded the film’s powerfully unsettling mood and Toni Collette’s exceptional performance. However, some viewers felt the movie’s turn towards more explicit supernatural elements in the final scenes didn’t quite fit with the realistic tone established earlier. It’s widely considered a key example of the recent trend toward more thoughtful and character-driven horror films.

‘The Babadook’ (2014)

A grieving mother deals with her son’s unpredictable behavior as a creepy character from a children’s story begins to terrorize their home. The movie is often seen as a representation of how draining grief and past trauma can be. When it was released, critics loved it, and it was a hit in many countries. However, some viewers find the child character’s loud screaming distracting. The monster’s appearance has become a well-known and celebrated image among horror fans.

‘Midsommar’ (2019)

As a film lover, I recently watched this movie about a group of friends who head to Sweden for a midsummer celebration at this really isolated, idyllic commune. It starts off seeming like a peaceful escape, but things quickly take a dark turn with some seriously unsettling pagan rituals and sacrifices. What really struck me was how it was filmed – everything takes place in bright daylight, which is super unique, and the attention to detail with all the flowers and decorations was incredible. Honestly, though, it felt a little long. The story itself is interesting, dealing with how messed up relationships can get and the feeling of wanting to fit in, especially when you’re in a totally different, almost extreme, environment. But it could have probably been tighter.

‘It Follows’ (2014)

After a frightening encounter, a young woman finds herself haunted by a shape-shifting supernatural being. She desperately tries to pass this curse onto someone else, but the entity relentlessly pursues its victim at a slow, unnerving pace. The film has been lauded for its strong 1980s style and its unsettling electronic music. While many enjoyed it, some viewers have noted that the monster’s abilities don’t always make sense. The movie’s unusual story effectively builds a feeling of constant dread and paranoia for both the characters and the audience.

‘The Witch’ (2015)

Okay, so I just finished watching this film set way back in 1630s New England, and it’s…intense. It follows a Puritan family who find their lives completely unraveling thanks to what seems like witchcraft and dark magic. What really struck me was how committed the filmmakers were to authenticity – the way people talked felt completely of the period, which really pulled me into that world. Critics are loving it, praising the slow, creeping sense of dread and the beautiful, realistic way it looks. Honestly, if you’re expecting a lot of quick frights, you might be a little let down – it’s more about building atmosphere. But stick with it, because the ending is incredibly powerful – a truly dark and definitive conclusion to this family’s terrifying ordeal. It’s not a fun watch, but it’s a really effective one.

‘A Quiet Place’ (2018)

I was completely gripped by this movie about a family who has to live in complete silence to avoid terrifying creatures that hunt using sound. It’s amazing how they communicate with sign language and even create paths in the sand to move around without making a noise, especially on their remote farm. It was a huge hit, and rightfully so – it really launched the director’s career! I did notice some people questioning how the creatures’ hearing always worked, which could pull you out of the story a little, but honestly, the film builds its atmosphere through incredible tension and visuals, not a lot of talking. It’s a really immersive experience.

‘Us’ (2019)

A family’s vacation takes a terrifying turn when they encounter their exact look-alikes, all dressed in red jumpsuits. This unsettling event unravels a bigger mystery involving hidden tunnels and secret government operations. While the lead actor received high praise, and the film was noted for its thoughtful exploration of class and social standing, some viewers felt the explanation for the doubles became too confusing by the end. The movie also uses powerful symbols, such as golden scissors and rabbits, to deepen its meaning.

‘Skinamarink’ (2022)

A horror movie begins with two children waking up to find their parents gone and strange, disappearing windows. It’s known for its unusual camera angles – focusing on ceilings and corners – and a deliberately rough, grainy look. The film gained popularity after appearing online before its official release, but many viewers found its lack of a clear story or recognizable characters to be slow-paced and frustrating. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, it’s become a highly debated and divisive horror film of recent years, largely due to its simple, stripped-down style.

‘Smile’ (2022)

After a strange event with a patient, a doctor starts noticing people around her with disturbing smiles. She soon realizes she’s been affected by a curse that thrives on painful experiences. The movie was cleverly promoted with actors appearing and smiling at sporting events. While some reviewers pointed out similarities to horror films like It Follows, the film’s frequent and startling jump scares proved popular with a wide audience.

‘Paranormal Activity’ (2007)

A young couple used a camera to record unusual events happening in their house. The movie primarily shows still shots of their bedroom while they sleep. Despite being made with a very small budget, it became incredibly profitable. However, some people find that its slow pace and lack of action make it less scary when watched again. The film was important in popularizing the ‘found footage’ style in horror movies.

‘Saw’ (2004)

Two men find themselves trapped in a run-down bathroom and are forced to participate in a terrifying game orchestrated by an unseen serial killer. The story unfolds in a fragmented way, gradually revealing the connections between the characters. This film spawned a popular franchise, becoming known for its elaborate traps and surprising plot twists. While later movies featured more graphic violence, some critics believe this detracted from the original’s suspenseful atmosphere. The villain, Jigsaw, quickly became an iconic figure in the horror genre.

‘The Conjuring’ (2013)

Ed and Lorraine Warren, investigators of paranormal activity, come to the aid of a family terrorized by a haunting in their farmhouse. The movie is inspired by an actual case from the Warrens’ files. Critics and audiences appreciated its classic horror style and the strong connection between the actors. However, some viewers felt it depended too much on familiar horror clichés and jump scares. The film’s popularity sparked a whole series of connected movies.

‘Insidious’ (2010)

A desperate couple fights to awaken their son from a coma, but they’re terrorized by frightening ghosts. They discover the haunting is connected to his unique ability to journey into a dangerous spirit world called The Further. The movie is well-known for its shocking jump scares and unsettling music. While many find it terrifying, some viewers feel the scares diminish as the ghosts become more visible. Despite this, the film was a major hit and helped bring supernatural horror back into the spotlight in the early 2010s.

‘Barbarian’ (2022)

A young woman rents a house only to discover someone else has booked it at the same time. She also finds a secret basement harboring a disturbing secret. The movie takes a surprising and dramatic turn about halfway through, completely changing its mood. While widely praised for being unpredictable and mixing horror with dark comedy, some viewers felt the change in tone was too abrupt. The film delves into themes of crumbling cities and the perils of the unknown.

‘Talk to Me’ (2022)

A group of teens finds an old, preserved ceramic hand that allows them to contact spirits. They enjoy the excitement of being possessed, but one of them gets stuck with a spirit for too long. This Australian horror movie was a big success, praised for its realistic special effects. While many enjoyed it, some critics thought the ending was confusing and didn’t provide enough closure. The film explores how easily teenagers can be influenced by their friends and by social media.

‘Longlegs’ (2024)

An FBI agent investigates a string of disturbing murder-suicides connected by strange occult symbols. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a surprising personal link to the decades-long perpetrator. The movie was lauded for its intensely unsettling atmosphere and visually striking style, though some viewers felt the trailers led them to expect a more straightforward horror film. It blends the suspense of psychological thrillers with supernatural elements, creating a distinctive and original feel.

‘Terrifier 2’ (2022)

Art the Clown is back to terrorize a teenage girl and her little brother on Halloween. The movie is known for its intense violence and runs over two hours long. While fans praise the realistic special effects and the creepy, mostly silent performance of the villain, some critics feel the story isn’t strong enough to justify the film’s length. Despite this, it became a surprisingly popular hit thanks to positive buzz from horror fans.

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ (2023)

A new security guard takes a job at a creepy, closed-down pizza place, unaware that the robotic characters inside come alive after dark. The movie centers on his struggle to survive the night while learning the disturbing secrets of the restaurant and the person who built it. It made a lot of money, thanks to the popularity of the original video game series. However, many moviegoers didn’t find it particularly frightening, despite its attempts at horror. The filmmakers did a good job of staying true to the story and details fans knew from the games.

‘Evil Dead Rise’ (2023)

In Los Angeles, two sisters who have grown apart must fight for their lives against a terrifying wave of demons inside their apartment building. When an old book is found, it unleashes evil spirits that begin to possess their family. The movie is filled with intense violence and features clever, makeshift weapons created from everyday objects. While some viewers enjoyed the change of scenery, others missed the spooky vibe of the first film’s remote cabin setting. This installment is a self-contained story that adds to the larger lore of the franchise.

‘Late Night with the Devil’ (2023)

This movie is presented as a rediscovered broadcast from the 1970s and follows a talk show host trying to save his show. He decides to host a live occult demonstration on Halloween night, hoping to attract viewers. The film is notable for its realistic period details and the strong performance by David Dastmalchian, and it’s filmed in a unique ‘found footage’ style. While most viewers enjoyed it, some were distracted by the brief use of AI-generated graphics. The story escalates into a wild and supernatural climax during the live taping.

‘Hostel’ (2005)

This horror film follows two American tourists in Europe who fall into a terrifying trap: a hidden facility where wealthy clients pay to inflict torture and murder. Released in the mid-2000s, it’s considered a key film in the rise of the ‘torture porn’ subgenre, known for its extreme gore and focus on the brutal treatment of the human body, all intended to shock audiences. Some reviewers have pointed out that the film uses harmful stereotypes about foreign cultures to create a sense of danger. It continues to be a highly debated movie due to its graphic and disturbing content.

‘Candyman’ (2021)

The film follows an artist who becomes fixated on a local legend – a spirit summoned by saying its name five times into a mirror. As a direct continuation of the first movie, it tackles contemporary issues like Chicago’s changing neighborhoods and the legacy of racial inequality. While some viewers wished the film had kept more of the original’s mysterious feel, critics generally loved its beautiful visuals and cinematography.

‘Halloween’ (2018)

Forty years after his first terrifying attacks in Haddonfield, Laurie Strode faces off against Michael Myers one last time. This film picks up directly after the original 1978 movie, disregarding all other sequels. It was a major hit in theaters and launched a new series of slasher films. However, some viewers thought the movie relied too heavily on familiar elements and references to please fans. The soundtrack includes new takes on the iconic music from the original film’s composer.

‘The Menu’ (2022)

A couple enjoys what they think will be a luxurious dining experience at a secluded, high-end restaurant. However, they discover the chef has sinister and shocking plans for his wealthy patrons. The movie is a biting commentary on the world of gourmet food and the differences between social classes. While some horror fans wished for more traditional scares, the film leans heavily into dark humor. A talented cast helps build suspense throughout the increasingly unsettling meal.

‘Ma’ (2019)

A solitary woman lets a group of teenagers use her basement for parties, but she soon becomes overly involved in their lives. Her friendly behavior gradually turns unsettling as she reveals a hidden past and her real motives. The movie is a psychological thriller that builds to a scary climax, though some viewers found the story predictable and the ending didn’t quite deliver on the suspense. Octavia Spencer was highly praised for her portrayal of the complicated main character.

‘Annabelle’ (2014)

A married couple unknowingly invites a terrifying presence into their home when they bring in an antique porcelain doll. This doll acts as a gateway for a demon seeking a human soul. The movie, which started as a spin-off from ‘The Conjuring’ universe, went on to become a trilogy. While reviews were mixed, calling it a typical supernatural horror film, the doll’s design has become a well-known symbol for horror enthusiasts.

‘The Nun’ (2018)

Sent by the Vatican to investigate a death at a Romanian abbey, a priest and his apprentice find themselves facing a powerful evil. This demon disguises itself as a nun, specifically to torment their beliefs. The film, set in the 1950s, is connected to the broader ‘Conjuring’ film series. Though it did well at the box office, some viewers thought it depended too much on sudden scares and loud sounds. The movie’s dark, gothic setting enhances its frightening religious themes.

‘Pet Sematary’ (2019)

A family finds an eerie burial ground in the woods with the power to resurrect the dead, but with terrifying results. This movie, based on a Stephen King novel, takes some big liberties with the original story. It’s a very dark and somber film, centered around the devastating pain of losing someone you love. While it explores the idea that sometimes death is preferable to a life filled with suffering, some book fans were disappointed by the changes made to the plot and characters.

‘The Black Phone’ (2021)

This thriller follows a teen who’s been kidnapped and discovers he can communicate with the previous victims of his captor using an old, disconnected phone. These ghosts help him figure out how to escape before it’s too late. Ethan Hawke delivers a particularly strong performance as the villain, known as The Grabber. While the film received mostly positive reviews and is based on a story by Joe Hill, some viewers found the supernatural aspects less scary than the realistic depiction of the kidnapping itself in the first half.

Share your thoughts on which horror films you believe are overrated in the comments.

2025-12-30 21:55