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The realm of independent movies is often the best way for young filmmakers how to draw attention to their work — and the horror genre works magnificently well in this arena. Horror movies don't often require high budgets like other film genres, such as action films or sci-fi pieces. They can also cast unknown actors, since celebrities might draw attention away from the terror of the story.
Many directors have made a name for themselves with brilliant horror films over the years. It would be a mistake to underestimate their independent movies, though. Like all indie films, indie horror is often imaginative and clever since it relies on a great script rather than expensive special effects. As a result, there are plenty of great indie horrors that fans of the genre should check this Halloween.
8 Shaun Of The Dead (2004)
Not all horror films are frightening every minute of their run. Horror-comedies can be effective at making the audience laugh as well as recoil in fear.
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are a good creative duo, as they proved many times. Their zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead was the beginning of a freely connected trilogy. Pegg stars as Shaun, a man whose life hasn't been going well even before the zombie apocalypse started. Now, he and his mates have to figure out how to survive. Those who enjoy dark British humor and excellent performances shouldn't miss out on this indie zombie gem.
7 The Descent (2005)
One thing that allows for low-budget horror is that viewers often fear what they can't see just as much as visible monsters, if not more. Case in point: The Descent cost just over 3 million pounds to make, and made more than 57 million dollars.
It's a familiar premise: a group of heroes is caught in a place from which there seems to be no escape. In this case, several female friends are stuck in caves filled with flesh-eating monsters. The film is full of jump scares, but it also builds an intense claustrophobic atmosphere. Even when the monsters aren't in sight, the audience is still tense, waiting for the next attack and the next gruesome death.
6 An American Crime (2007)
Sometimes the best, most intense horror films are those inspired by true events, especially those that focus on real-world killers. In An American Crime, Elliot Page shines as teenager Sylvia Likens, who is tortured and eventually murdered by the woman who was supposed to take care of her.
Catherine Keener gives a chilling performance as the remorseless Gertrude Baniszewski. Hurting anyone is bad, enough but hurting children is horrific. The fact that this is based on a true story makes it an unpleasantly real, but worthwhile watch.
5 Let The Right One In (2008)
Vampire movies are still a popular horror genre, but not so many of them come from continental Europe and make it big in the States. Let the Right OneIn, though, managed it. The film tells the story of a friendship between a vampire girl and a bullied boy. This vampire isn't sweet or cuddly, but she still treats the hero with more kindness than many humans.
The atmosphere of cold Stockholm, as well as the brilliant performances, make this film a must-watch for all vampire fans. And if the original wasn't enough, viewers can always return to the story in the form of the American remake from 2012.
4 Eden Lake (2008)
Blockbuster film star Michael Fassbender is no stranger to indie films, like this bone-chilling flick. Eden Lake stars Fassbender alongside Kelly Reilly has a lot to offer to all horror fans. Unsurprisingly, both actors give excellent performances.
A couple goes on vacation, but things go seriously wrong when a group of violent teenagers starts to terrorize them. Even worse, the teenagers' parents aren't any better. The film builds an intense atmosphere. Since the main heroes are far away from home, they're cut off from everything they know, adding to the unease.
3 Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Jim Jarmusch is well-known for creating unique movies that make audiences think — like this vampire flick, which is very different from most movies about the bloodsucking creatures.
Only Lovers Left Alive takes what fans think they knows about vampire movies and creates something new, beautiful, and original. Its heroes, Adam and Eve, played brilliantly by Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton, are far from monstrous. Together with an excellent supporting cast, including as John Hurt, Mia Wasikowska, and Anton Yelchin, they tell a compelling story that audiences won't soon forget.
2 Green Room (2016)
Green Room, starring Anton Yelchin, demonstrates the late actor's immense talent. It offers a captivating story about a punk band that has to face and fight a group of neo-fascists, led by the brilliant Patrick Stewart. Fans of Star Trek will especially enjoy this film, considering both Yelchin and Stewart played major parts in this iconic sci-fi franchise.
Green Room is fast-paced, brutal, and fun, all of which make it a great indie horror to enjoy. Viewers will be hanging on the edge of their seats throughout.
1 Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele's Get Out was an unexpected jewel that, like other films on this list, made audiences think. Its beginning is innocent enough, as a talented black photographer Chris goes to visit the family of his white girlfriend Rose. However, things eventually take strange turns, and Chris faces dangers he never could have imagined.
The film is smart and perfectly cast. It avoids common pitfalls and predictable outcomes, keeping the audience guessing throughout. Its clever ending further manages to twist audience expectations.