Underrated Slasher Film Every Horror Fan Should Watch

Explore 10 underrated slasher films that deliver brutal kills, eerie settings, and fresh twists—perfect for horror fans seeking hidden gems beyond genre staples like 'Halloween' and 'Friday the 13th'.

By Farheen Ali18 Jul 2025

New Update

1/10

The Prowler

Often overlooked in the golden age of slashers, The Prowler delivers vicious kills and atmospheric dread. Directed by Joseph Zito and featuring effects by Tom Savini, it follows a WWII veteran-turned-killer who stalks a small town’s graduation dance. Gruesome, gritty, and well-paced.

2/10

Stage Fright

Also known as Deliria, this Italian slasher combines theatrical flair with classic gore. Set in a rehearsal theatre where cast members are murdered by a masked killer, it’s visually stylish and creatively violent — a blend of giallo aesthetics with American slasher tropes.

3/10

Cold Prey

This Norwegian slasher set in an isolated ski lodge is a masterclass in suspense. It’s beautifully shot, well-acted, and boasts a chilling atmosphere. While it follows familiar beats, Cold Prey elevates them with solid storytelling and an intimidating killer.

4/10

Intruder

Set in a supermarket after hours, 'Intruder' is a tense, brutal slasher film directed by Scott Spiegel and featuring Sam and Ted Raimi. The kills are outrageous and inventive, and the setting adds a unique flavour to the genre. A cult favourite that deserves more love.

5/10

The Burning

Released around the same time as 'Friday the 13th', 'The Burning' was overshadowed but stands out for its character development and notorious raft massacre. It also features early performances by Jason Alexander and Holly Hunter.

6/10

Cherry Falls

This slasher film flips the genre’s tropes — the killer targets virgins, not the sexually active. Darkly comedic with a satirical edge, it was ahead of its time. Though marred by limited release issues, it remains a clever take on slasher conventions.

7/10

Slaughter High

A revenge-fueled horror fest with an '80s high school reunion gone wrong. Campy and chaotic, 'Slaughter High' doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it delivers creative kills and a memorable (and bizarre) twist ending.

8/10

My Bloody Valentine

Though it has gained a cult following, this Canadian slasher film still doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. With its miner-themed killer and Valentine’s Day setting, it blends blue-collar horror with slasher violence, especially in its uncut version.

9/10

Hellbent

One of the first queer slasher films, 'Hellbent' features a group of men being stalked by a scythe-wielding killer during Halloween. It’s a landmark in representation within the genre and offers stylish kills with a unique cultural context.

10/10

The Final Girls

While more of a meta-horror slasher comedy, 'The Final Girls' is an emotional, self-aware gem. It blends humour, horror, and heart, as a girl is transported into a fictional slasher film where her late mother plays the lead. Smart and surprisingly touching.

Author

Farheen Ali

Tags: film