Sometimes it can feel like every kind of horror story has been done before. From haunted houses to serial killers, creepy creatures to slashers with the motive of revenge, it can be tough to pick out unique movies that feel scary and compelling. When a horror movie has a memorable visual style or a particularly strong main character, it's definitely impressive.
Reddit users are sharing their favorite horror movies that stick out among the rest, whether body horror, a slasher with a tough protagonist, or a some films from past decades that are creative and interesting to watch.
Suspiria (1977)
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Reddit user trippingmau5 thinks that Suspiria is really unique and noted "how colorful it is." The fan wrote, "It's pretty good, but visually it's incredible."
The 1977 film is a brilliant underrated horror movie about Suzy, a ballet dancer who begins training at an academy in Germany and who finds herself caught up in a terrifying situation. Suzy's life is on the line as she learns about who is really working at this place. The premise is interesting but it's the tone and filmmaking style that people love.
The Lighthouse (2019)
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Reddit user GraveNoX replied in a thread about unique horror films calling The Lighthouse "something else."
When two lighthouse keepers have to stick together during a brutal storm, the horror begins. Many fans find The Lighthouse to be a tough movie to describe and it makes audiences think and debate the movie's themes. The film is beautifully shot and feels very literary in tone.
Hush (2016)
Stream on Netflix
One Redditor said that "Hush" is a unique horror movie. Directed by Mike Flanagan, who co-wrote the screenplay with his wife and star Kate Siegal, the movie is about a writer named Maddie who is deaf and mute.
Maddie has to run from a killer who appears at her otherwise peaceful house in the woods, and it's amazing watching Maddie stay strong. Viewers know that Maddie can beat the killer, as she's intelligent and perceptive.
The Houses October Built (2014)
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Reddit user shae2k mentioned The Houses October Built and also It Follows, writing that the movies have "two of the more unique ideas in horror lately."
The movie is a smart and artistic found footage horror movie about friends who are touring haunted houses in the U.S. They want to find Blue Skeleton, a special haunted house, and the people who they find there are beyond their worst nightmares. The movie is dark and has an even more disturbing ending.
Eraserhead (1977)
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When it comes to horror movies unlike anything else, Reddit user flyliceplick said Eraserhead, writing "I've never seen another horror film quite like it, I'll always remember it."
Written and directed by David Lynch, the movie is a surrealist story and focuses on Henry Spencer and The Man in the Planet. As Spencer becomes involved with people in his apartment building, the plot becomes incredibly strange, as he encounters a child and falls for The Beautiful Girl Across The Hall.
The Fly (1986)
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David Cronenberg's best movies include The Fly, which is a tough movie to forget about.
Reddit user bryanvb called The Fly "pretty unique" and added, "Even though it's a monster movie, the horror is in his transition instead of his kill count." It's true that this movie stands out among others since the focus is on the creature. If horror fans want to see a visually interesting film, this one is a great pick.
You're Next (2011)
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Reddit user Doheki wrote that You're Next is a "self-aware home invasion movie" and feels that it stands out from other slasher movies because "The main protagonist is also really smart."
If horror fans want to find a film where the main character is perceptive, You're Next is definitely a good choice. When Erin goes to her boyfriend's family gathering, a group of killers wearing masks with different animals on them attacks everyone. Erin fights back like the best horror characters.
The Cell (2000)
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Reddit user Di4mOndEyes praised The Cell and called it "intense." The fan wrote that the movie has "best effects and visuals I have ever seen. Couldn't recommend it anymore, 10/10, disturbing."
Main character Catherine is a psychologist who works with children and who starts learning more about the mind of a serial killer named Carl who kills people by putting them in a creepy cell. It's tough to forget this movie and the look of it will stick with viewers for a long time.
Sinister (2012)
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While there are a lot of horror movies set in haunted houses where strange things begin to take place, Reddit user RichS816 found Sinister to be unique, writing "Smart concept and legit creepy."
True crime author Ellison thinks that he's found a great story to write about as he and his family begin living in a house where previous disturbing deaths took place. Unfortunately for Ellison, he finds himself right in the middle of the danger. The movie stands out as it's genuinely terrifying and it's hard to guess what will happen.
Videodrome (1983)
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When it comes to scary movies that stand out among the rest, Reddit user suchascenicworld said "I think Videodrome is pretty unique!" and one Redditor agreed, "There's really nothing else like it."
Directed by David Cronenberg, Videodrome is a popular body horror movie about politics, media, and culture. It definitely makes audiences think as much as it makes them feel scared.