7 Dark 1990s Horrors You Forgot Were Awesome

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While the 1990s aren’t always the first decade people think of for great horror films, plenty of excellent ones came out during that time. The 70s brought innovation to the genre, and the 80s launched huge franchises, but the 90s offered strong competition with a number of fantastic releases. Many horror movies from this decade started focusing more on psychological themes, mixing scary elements with thrilling suspense to create truly gripping films. Although it wasn’t a standout decade for horror, the 90s subtly introduced a fresh and exciting direction for the genre.

While many popular horror films from the 1990s are still well-known, a lot of other great ones have been overlooked, even by horror fans. These movies were genuinely scary and well-made, and deserve to be remembered – revisiting them now proves just how good they were.

7) The Dark Half (1993) 

With so many Stephen King adaptations, it’s easy to forget some of the lesser-known ones. One example is *The Dark Half*, released in 1993. This film tells the story of an author who becomes a suspect in murders committed by his sinister alter ego. Directed by horror master George A. Romero and starring Timothy Hutton in a compelling lead role, *The Dark Half* stands out as one of the most suspenseful psychological horror films of the 1990s.

6) Ravenous (1999) 

Though released in 1999, the horror film *Ravenous* starring Guy Pearce remains a favorite among some fans, while others have forgotten how well-made it is. The movie follows a 19th-century soldier during the Mexican-American War who encounters a terrifying cannibal. *Ravenous* skillfully explores thought-provoking themes within its dark and gruesome story, and despite its memorable gore, it’s often underrated as one of the best horror films of the 1990s.

5) Cronos (1992) 

Guillermo del Toro is now celebrated for his incredible films, but his journey began with *Cronos*, his first feature-length movie. Despite being a newcomer with limited funds, del Toro created an exceptional horror film that launched his impressive career. The story centers around a strange device offering eternal life, and is both captivating and frightening. *Cronos* is a truly remarkable film, and a sign of the talent that would make del Toro one of the most admired directors in the genre.

4) Dead Alive (1992) 

Known internationally as *Braindead*, *Dead Alive* was one of the first films made by Peter Jackson, who later became famous for grand fantasy movies. While it’s not necessarily known for being a masterpiece, *Dead Alive* stands out for its over-the-top visuals. Jackson’s use of extreme gore makes it a particularly shocking example of 1990s horror and has earned it a dedicated cult following.

3) Mimic (1997) 

I’m a huge Guillermo del Toro fan, and I always feel like people forget about *Mimic*! It came out in 1997 and it’s based on a short story – the basic idea is that scientists create this genetically engineered bug to kill cockroaches, but it starts changing and, well, attacking people! It’s seriously one of his most underrated films, because the atmosphere he builds is just incredible – it’s a really fantastic horror movie that deserves way more attention.

2) Cube (1997) 

Vincenzo Natali’s 1997 film, *Cube*, is a memorable movie that doesn’t always get the credit it’s due. The story centers around seven strangers trapped in a dangerous labyrinth of cube-shaped rooms, filled with striking imagery and nail-biting suspense. Though it might not be considered a perfect horror film, *Cube*’s clever concept and impressive visuals make it a standout horror movie from the 1990s, and it deserves to be more widely appreciated.

1) In the Mouth of Madness (1994) 

Among John Carpenter’s films, *In the Mouth of Madness* is a particularly hidden gem. Released in 1994, this horror movie stars Sam Neill and draws inspiration from the writings of H.P. Lovecraft. The story centers on an insurance investigator who travels to a quiet town and slowly begins to doubt his own reality. It’s a smart blend of psychological thriller and classic horror, and despite not receiving much critical attention at the time, it’s a strong 90s horror film that deserves more recognition.

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2025-10-20 02:13