Avoid These 10 Well-Known Horror Movies If You're New To The Genre

For novice horror enthusiasts, selecting an ideal starting point among the multitude of options might seem challenging. However, certain classic horror titles that are widely recognized should be skipped by these newcomers. The horror genre often presents a steep learning curve for beginners, making it crucial to choose films that aid in finding your bearings. Among the best horror movies ever made, there are some excellent introductory films; yet, there are also titles that new fans may need to gradually work their way up to.

When it comes to delving into horror cinema, the slasher genre is often a good starting point, and films like Alien and Jaws fall under the category of entertaining monster movies that are also suitable. However, there are certain horror movies out there that may be too intense or extreme for beginners in the genre. Even those who aren’t easily scared might find some of these films genuinely terrifying. Although you can always revisit these movies at a later stage once you’re more accustomed to horror films, it would be advisable to remove them from your watchlist until then as they could potentially be too intense for your current comfort level in the genre.

10. Eden Lake (2008)

Directed By James Watkins

Newcomers to the horror genre should know that it seldom concludes on an optimistic note. But for those uninitiated, the grim finale of “Eden Lake” might come as a shock. Initially, the film presents a serene setting with a content couple, Michael Fassbender and Kelly Reilly, who are enjoying a peaceful day by a secluded lake. However, their tranquility is disrupted by a group of rowdy teenagers.

The film “Eden Lake” is notably unsettling because it portrays a horrific scenario that seems plausible, making it feel like something that could actually occur in real life. For those new to horror movies, they might prefer stories with fantastical elements instead of this raw, violent thriller. Its shocking conclusion forces viewers to confront the disturbing reality of everyday violence.

9. Human Centipede (2010)

Directed By Tom Six

Some horror films may conceal their disturbing qualities until it’s too late for new genre viewers. Fortunately, the film titled “Human Centipede” is so unsettling that it scares away the faint-hearted just by its plot summary. The movie revolves around a mad doctor who abducts three individuals and joins them in sequence to realize his grotesque dream of creating a human centipede.

The film “Human Centipede” might not have traditional horror elements like gore or jump scares, but it’s still a challenging watch. It has a heavy emphasis on body horror that can be quite unsettling, even for seasoned horror enthusiasts. Moreover, the tone is intense because there’s no respite from the continuous humiliation and torture depicted in the movie, with no relief or hope provided to the viewers. Although the sequels push these themes even more, newcomers to the franchise might want to steer clear of it altogether.

8. Hereditary (2018)

Directed By Ari Aster

Instead of diving headfirst into Ari Aster’s horror films, it might be wiser for horror enthusiasts to gradually prepare themselves. His films are known for their intense and thought-provoking nature, and it appears that his upcoming Western horror movie, Eddington, will follow suit. Aster kicked off his directorial journey with what seems to be his most intense work, Hereditary, a film that explores a family’s struggle after experiencing a heart-wrenching catastrophe, but soon discover they are under the threat of an evil entity.

Hereditary” is a standout movie of the elevated horror genre, boasting exceptional filmmaking, intricate themes, and powerful acting. However, it’s not just a conventional horror movie; it delivers a visceral experience with some of the most nerve-wracking scenes stemming from the human elements of the plot. In a story about demonic possession, “Hereditary” manages to make viewers uncomfortable even through family discussions. It is an intense and draining journey that not all are prepared for.

7. Funny Games (1997)

Directed By Michael Haneke

As a cinephile, I’d say “Funny Games” is a movie that pushes the boundaries of horror, making it less than ideal for first-timers to dive into. This intriguing Austrian production centers around a family enjoying their holiday at their countryside home, only to be interrupted by two seemingly oddball strangers. However, these young men soon reveal their sinister side and hold the family captive, all in the name of entertainment as they relish in causing distress.

Though Funny Games explores the horror genre in a satirical manner and some viewers might appreciate its dark humor, it’s undeniable that this film is intensely unsettling. Despite the relatively limited violence shown, it manages to create an atmosphere of deep disquiet. The movie serves as a stark reminder of the chilling brutality humans are capable of, culminating in one of the most haunting finales for any horror film.

6. Mother! (2017)

Directed By Darren Aronofsky

At the peak of her stardom, Jennifer Lawrence dared to play the lead character in a movie, Mother!, which was not typically popular among audiences. This film, directed by Darren Aronofsky, is a chilling psychological horror production. In it, Lawrence portrays the wife of a struggling writer (Javier Bardem), who meticulously prepares their home for their upcoming baby. However, her peaceful life takes an unexpected turn when her husband invites uninvited guests into their residence.

For new horror enthusiasts, it’s recommended to focus on films with clear-cut stories that provide the anticipated chills within the genre. However, “Mother!” veers away from a straightforward narrative, offering an unsettling experience that blurs the lines between reality and dream-like states. The eerie ambiance intensifies during its climax, presenting some genuinely distressing scenes.

5. Cannibal Holocaust (1985)

Directed By Ruggero Deodato

The movie titled “Cannibal Holocaust” is infamous for its controversial nature and is often advised as something to steer clear of by new horror enthusiasts. It belongs to one of the early found-footage horror genres, and its plot revolves around a rescue operation aimed at locating a documentary team presumed lost in the dense Amazon rainforest while filming a project about indigenous cannibal tribes.

The film is tough to endure because of its graphically portrayed instances of animal abuse and brutality. This movie plunges viewers into a grim, violent realm with no respite. There have been debates spanning several decades about how much of the depicted violence might be authentic. Essentially, it’s infamous not for its quality but for its unsettling content.

4. House Of 1000 Corpses (2003)

Directed By Rob Zombie

Prior to leaving his distinctive horror mark on the Halloween series, Rob Zombie made his directorial bow with the film House of 1000 Corpses. This movie follows a common structure of a group of teenagers embarking on a road trip, only for them to encounter trouble at one wrong turn, which lands them in the clutches of the brutal Firefly family. In contrast to the other Firefly series installments that somehow transform these characters into protagonists, they are pure, terrifying antagonists in their initial appearance.

This movie, Zombie, bears a strong resemblance to films like “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” and other gritty ’70s horror productions. However, the unyielding gloom that pervades this film makes its gruesome scenes particularly challenging to watch. For those new to the horror genre, Zombie’s later works might be a more suitable starting point.

3. Martyrs (2008)

Directed By Pascal Laugier

The film “Martyrs” starts off with an engaging pace, suggesting a gripping if brutal revenge thriller. Yet, for those new to horror, this might be just the beginning, as the movie develops into something far more intricate, unsettling, and thought-provoking. This French production has earned a reputation as a deeply distressing journey, following a young woman’s relentless pursuit of vengeance against those who had abducted and tormented her in her childhood.

As the audience watches, their hearts drop as the film unexpectedly changes course and delves into a raw, unyielding narrative in its second part. Although it is a complex movie that resists simple categorization, the fact that a significant portion of the story delves into potential secrets about the afterlife unearthed through severe hardship should serve as a warning to some viewers.

2. Audition (2000)

Directed By Takashi Miike

Director Takashi Miike is renowned for his unflinching portrayal of graphic content in films, making him an artist that novice horror enthusiasts might wish to steer clear of entirely. One of his most acclaimed and notorious works is the film “Audition,” which, like many of his movies, conceals the extent of its shocking developments. The story unfolds around a widower conducting auditions for potential brides, eventually developing feelings for Asami (played by Eihi Shiina).

The film starts off appearing tranquil, but don’t be deceived; it eventually transforms into a chilling psychological rollercoaster ride, complete with gruesome scenes that even seasoned horror enthusiasts might find hard to stomach.

1. A Serbian Film (2010)

Directed By Srđan Spasojević

In my opinion, experiencing “A Serbian Film” is akin to daring oneself to withstand an extreme test of cinematic endurance. As a viewer, I found myself drawn into the harrowing tale of a hard-pressed porn actor, who is lured into what he believes is an artistic film production, yet uncovers it as a chilling snuff movie. The film pushes boundaries with its unsettling themes, making it no wonder that “A Serbian Film” was prohibited in numerous nations worldwide.

The movie keeps getting more and more distressing, showing one unsettling scene after another without any sense of accomplishment or resolution. It seems like viewers are either compelled to stop watching or become desensitized to the gruesome content on display. In essence, it’s a film that is challenging to watch even for those well-versed in horror, and it may be difficult to find someone who would ever feel prepared to watch A Serbian Film.

2025-06-02 00:40

Avoid These 10 Well-Known Horror Movies If You’re New To The Genre