The Top 999 Horror/Thriller Movies That You Have NEVER Heard Of!

The Avenging Conscience: or 'Thou Shalt Not Kill' (1914)

BIZARRE, unique, eccentric, forgotten, lost as well as transgressive, and equally unconventional cinema from all over the world! A handful of these are definitely not for the squeamish, faint of heart, or those that are easily-offended or overly-sensitive. Nobody under the age of 17 should be permitted (at least for a good chunk of these films). It may sound strange but some of them are somewhat kid or teen friendly in a way and not just for adults so the ratings in general do vary somewhat (depending upon your region or country's rating system I mean). This in particular usually goes for the ones on here that are NR or Unrated. Some of the movies on here are rated PG-13 but that can easily vary.

However for any entry with an R-rating, it is because there is either both an Unrated/R rated edit... more or less, the original X rating was changed after sometime. Which is why I'm also including a handful of films (from all different genres) that were initially rated X or NC-17 when they first came out. Good luck finding some of these though as more than a couple dozen are actually considered to be lost unfortunately! As a side note, a good portion of the movies  on here are also banned in multiple countries, if not heavily censored at the very least. Also there are numerous films on here that are simply Not Rated (for whatever reason) and are of all different genres. Not to mention I must stress that these NR movies also significantly vary in what they contain and thus could considered to be for general audiences, or your average cinema goer compared to the latter while some films could easily be banned in quite a few other countries just for what is shown in them (even nowadays). 

Also as an FYI, I honestly haven't seen everything I've included on here just yet so the end result of it will definitely vary from person to person... especially if it is NR/Unrated but please keep an open mind because a handful of some of the best movies that have ever been made are all on this list. Although it should go without saying that most of these films aren't for everyone, but if you do have a strong stomach and a taste for the macabre, provocative, or outlandish then you have come to the right place! Whatever you do, just don't trust the IMDB rating average since it can get pretty misleading and rather inaccurate half the time.

X-RATED, UNRATED, OR NC-17 HORROR, THRILLER, CULT AND GRINDHOUSE MOVIES

The Good, The Bad, The UGLY! Let's celebrate OVER 100 years of Horror (or 125 to be exact)! These are in my sincerest opinion what I strongly believe to be the most prominent, inspiring, first-rate, influential, absolutely bone-chilling, disturbing and downright unnerving movies to be ever made in the Horror genre! Also including basically all types too! From Grindhouse/Exploitation films to multiple somber, or Psychological Thrillers. More or less downright eerie, sleazy, Gothic, Transgressive Murder Mystery/Thrillers, as well as many Giallos that border on Horror! In addition to bleak Noir, ethereal Dark Fantasy, twisted or surreal Science Fiction, unnerving Art House, disqueting as well as sickening Drama, raunchy or outrageous Black Comedy, unsettling Crime (both fiction and non-fiction), Documentaries that hit too close to home, and of course, the horrors of War! Plus a handful of Honorable mentions too, though all of them in no particular order whatsoever. Starting from the turn of the last century to the present day, these movies that are all from around the world and not from one given place. 

Please note that some of these films and TV shows are in fact kid-friendly, more or less actually aimed towards children and young adults... while a handful are definitely NOT for Kids, the faint-hearted or anyone who is remotely squeamish! Everyday is Halloween (at least for me). Ratings strongly vary from PG/GP all the way to X, and NC-17. Also keep in mind that it's CRITICAL to watch the Director's cut / Unrated or fully Uncut version with the majority of these films for the ultimate impact (since there are more than one version). Not to mention also view the "Trivia" in addition to the "Alternate Versions" section for more extremely informative and downright interesting notes about the complicated censorship / production history. 

As well as a handful of little known but equally important facts about each movie that I have carefully selected of course that will definitely open up your eyes. To be honest, it's a HELL of a lot better to view this special list (same with my other ones) by release date, especially first to last. This is also a Work in progress. I hope that you enjoy browsing.

A Compendium of Horror And Thriller Movies Through The Ages (1890's - 2024)

Lil Dagover and Conrad Veidt in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

In no particular order, these are the films as well as Video Games IMO with the most incredible, if not absolutely STUNNING, profound, unique, and groundbreaking Soundtracks... Not to mention OSTs too! While a handful have been released on vinyl, CD, or Cassette... or only one of three formats (which desperately NEED a repress). Also some have unfortunately never been even released or seen the light of day! More or less actually given a PROPER, if not official release like they deserve which is quite tragic and very disheartening to say the least. Genres range in general from: Horror, Mystery/Thriller, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Noir, Coming of Age, Grindhouse/Exploitation, Crime, Drama, Art-House, Comedy, War, Romance, Avant-Garde, Western/Spaghetti Western, Teen, Indie, as well as Anime/Animation, Documentary, etc. 

Movies, TV Shows, And Video Games With The Most Wonderful Soundtracks!

An extensive list consisting mainly of my favorite 80's Horror, Thriller, Cult, Grindhouse/Exploitation [B-movie delights] plus a distinct mixture of Sci-fi, Noir, Crime, Poliziotteschi, Spaghetti Western, Martial Arts, Giallo Mystery, Slasher, Splatter, Drama, Art-house, Action, Adventure, Animation, War, Black Comedy, Indie, Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic, Coming-of-Age, Experimental/Avant Garde, etc. ever so carefully handpicked that I would qualify as also being some of the optimal & worthy examples (only with a limit of 7 stars) of the genres themselves within the entire decade, or to sum it up are films that I sincerely found to overall be entertaining nonetheless. It should be also worth mentioning that the 70's & 80's should be both well known to be one of the most definitive eras in Horror, Thriller, Grindhouse and Exploitation film-making history. 

Please note that the content featured is of course subjective in nature, though some are well-known, while others are also rather underrated, unfairly obscure, & certainly worthwhile as a good portion of the movies on here are sure to induce either thrills, chills, laughs, or all 3 but nonetheless do they also need more attention & appreciation among modern audiences. I don't mean to throw shade at anyone as I'm just expressing my sincere opinion (since due to countless, repeated instances of this occurring, it seemingly isn't that far from the truth), but to be blunt, the IMDB rating average honestly can be rather inaccurate in my strongest opinion. That is at least half the time per say (but not as much as the rotten tomatometer), so be sure to remember that just because a film might be rated a bit lower than normal, or what is conventionally expected for instance, doesn't necessarily or automatically mean that it's downright 'terrible' as countless movies featured in this list all sadly suffer from either a fair share of a rough production history as well as despicable censorship issues or both. So also please try to as well at least keep that in mind. If you want some truly execrable 'movies' then check out the bottom 250! 

You could also say that part of the main original idea behind my inspiration to create this list was sort of along the lines of being a reference manual for genre fans, film buffs, plus horror enthusiasts young & old alike. However try to acknowledge that some of these films aren't for conventional movie-goers, as well as that this list is still being worked on so please try to be permissive, likewise to also being unprejudiced in addition to being open-minded (since these films still aren't anywhere near as bad as the bottom 250). Time may have forgotten half of these films but I sure as hell won't! Try to remember that the 'Cult film' is one of the best gifts to man. More lists of prior decades are coming soon.

P.S. Sadly due to IMDB's extremely frustrating, downright head-scratching recent update (need I say anymore?), I've had great difficulty being able to manually edit as well as properly update this list as with the one I also made for the 80's in the order by year (as which was what I originally intended & wanted) since I have been sick so I apologize for that aspect, but on the other hand, technically it's not really my fault as I can't even freaking sort these films by year Seriously, just who thought that this was a good idea? Other than that I've been gradually updating it on occasion, and as of now more frequently with all kinds of cinematic insanity. Use the 'sort by release date' function for best possible viewing.

Greatest 80's Horror, Thriller, Cult, Grindhouse & Exploitation Films

These are the probably some of the greatest examples of both subgenres from a huge variety of different directors and countries. As far as I can tell, 50 - 75% of these are the ones that require ESSENTIAL viewing for the average cinema goer. No bullshit either, I wholeheartedly mean it! This is the best of the best. Also including some curios, and lost films in general. Like most of my lists, this one is a WIP. I've also included films that have elements of both subgenres.

Owen's Guide To Grindhouse/Exploitation Cinema: SLASHERS AND GIALLOS

This is something I've been wanting to do for a while now. This list doesn't just include films from Czechoslovakia AKA the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, but also Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Poland, Republic of Kosovo, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russia, Serbia, as well as Slovenia. Tento zoznam je vo vývoji, čoskoro však pribudnú ďalšie. ;)

Slavic Horror/Thriller, Cult, & Grindhouse Films

An extensive list consisting mainly of my favorite 70's Horror, Thriller, Grindhouse/Exploitation [B-movie delights], Cult films of all kinds, plus a distinct mixture of Sci-fi, Noir, Crime, Poliziotteschi, Spaghetti Western, Martial Arts, Giallo Mystery, Slasher, Splatter, Drama, Art-house, Action, Adventure, Animation, War, Black Comedy, Indie, Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic, Coming-of-Age, Experimental/Avant Garde, etc. ever so carefully handpicked that I would qualify as also being some of the optimal & worthy examples (only with a limit of 7 stars) of the genres themselves within the entire decade, or to sum it up are films that I sincerely found to overall be entertaining nonetheless. It should be also worth mentioning that the 70's & 80's should be both well known to be one of the most definitive eras in Horror, Thriller, Grindhouse and Exploitation film-making history.

Please note that the content featured is of course subjective in nature, though some are well-known, while others are also rather underrated, unfairly obscure, & certainly worthwhile as a good portion of the movies on here are sure to induce either thrills, chills, laughs, or all 3 but nonetheless do they also need more attention & appreciation among modern audiences. I don't mean to throw shade at anyone as I'm just expressing my sincere opinion (since due to countless, repeated instances of this occurring, it seemingly isn't that far from the truth), but to be blunt, the IMDB rating average honestly can be rather inaccurate in my strongest opinion. That is at least half the time per say (but not as much as the rotten tomatometer), so be sure to remember that just because a film might be rated a bit lower than normal, or what is conventionally expected for instance, doesn't necessarily or automatically mean that it's downright 'terrible' as countless movies featured in this list all sadly suffer from either a fair share of a rough production history as well as despicable censorship issues or both. So also please try to keep that in mind as well. If you want some truly execrable 'movies' then check out the bottom 250! LOL

You could also say that part of the main original idea behind my inspiration to create this list was sort of along the lines of being a reference manual for genre fans, film buffs, plus horror enthusiasts young & old alike. However try to acknowledge that some of these films aren't for conventional movie-goers, as well as that this list is still being worked on so please try to be permissive, likewise to also being unprejudiced in addition to being open-minded (since these films still aren't anywhere near as bad as the bottom 250). Time may have forgotten half of these films but I sure as hell won't! Try to remember that the 'Cult film' is one of the best gifts to man. More lists of prior decades are coming soon so have a KILLER time browsing everyone! I'm glad to see that other people love older movies too. 

P.S. Sadly due to IMDB's extremely frustrating, downright head-scratching recent update (need I say anymore?), I've had great difficulty being able to manually edit as well as properly update this list as with the one I also made for the 80's in the order by year (as which was what I originally intended & wanted) since I have been sick so I apologize for that aspect, but on the other hand, technically it's not really my fault as I can't even freaking sort these films by year Seriously, just who thought that this was a good idea? Other than that I've been gradually updating it on occasion, and as of now more frequently with all kinds of cinematic insanity. Use the 'sort by release date' function for best viewing.

Greatest 70's Horror, Thriller, Cult, Grindhouse & Exploitation Films

Suzy Kendall in The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970)

Years after they were conceived within a heart of darkness, these various video games (in no particular order) still manage to wrench pure dread as well as unforgiving trepidation into the minds of gamers everywhere! Not to mention will surely have you on the edge of your seat, in addition to biting your finger nails... From straight chills and thrills to pure terror, these games definitely are the Quintessence of F.E.A.R. since they are bound to linger in the brain from days to weeks afterwards. Ratings are from E, T, M - AO (Adults Only); Games are from 1983 - the present. Also including some good ol' Thrillers here and there of all genres instead of straight Horror. Although keep in mind that some of them are still pretty grim or somber and might not be for younger audiences.

Some games however are missing since they aren't on IMDB yet, like *Devilman (2000) for the Playstation (developed by Bandai), in addition to *Hungry Ghosts (2003) [for the PS2] (developed by Deep Space), as well as *LSD: Dream Emulator (1998) for the PS1. Also to be mentioned are: *Hellnight (1998) released for PS1, in addition to *Ikenie no Yoru (2011) for the Wii, and *Yuuyami Doori Tankentai (1999) for Playstation 1 (developed by Spike). Another awesome rare Horror game for the PS1 was Yaku Tsuu 2 Noroi No Game (厄通～呪いのゲーム～, lit. Misfortune 2 The Cursed Game), published by Idea Factory. Visit here for more unique Horror/Thriller video games of all types, as a lot of these are rather obscure and unheard of! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXKNiazqmuUi9CeX_kyDpjw

The Most Breathtaking Horror/Thriller Video Games Ever Created!

The best animated films/tv shows in my opinion (as in grabbing my attention really well) of a wide range of various genres for adults and kids alike; this list is obviously not yet finished. A handful of these animes were actually compiled into this list because of how interesting they sounded from all of I've read, regardless of the low rating on here for some of them and another handful were actually taken from the Infamous Faces of Death AMV made all the way back in 2006 for Korn's Dead Bodies Everywhere, that which has been an all-time favorite AMV of mine ever since I first saw it when I was younger, it sure as hell stuck with me, so I guess you can also say that this is a semi-watchlist & of course somewhat of a reference manual too. Most of it being essential viewing, and some of the rest being for cult & genre fans alike. FYI Contrary to popular erroneous misconception that "Animation is just for kids", some of these films are definitely not for children. 

*HONORABLE MENTION* goes to the entertaining OVA titled Jigokudou Reikai Tsuushin (1996), directed by Jun’ichi Sato. Sadly there is no IMDB entry for this rather obscure, horribly underrated, beautifully surreal yet equally unique and wondrous cult Horror/Fantasy, Action/Adventure anime based on the manga of the same name. I had to search a tad bit deep on the internet to find it (when I remember the link, I'll add it here), but I promise that this OVA is downright not only worth the watch, but most definitely more or less also worth the effort in tracking down. OVA stands for Original Video Animation.

Roy Atwell, Stuart Buchanan, Adriana Caselotti, Eddie Collins, Pinto Colvig, Billy Gilbert, Otis Harlan, Lucille La Verne, Scotty Mattraw, Harry Stockwell, and George Kiplunks in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

This is a WIP but it is just like the title of the list states. This archive is somewhat similar to my list for the Greatest Horror, Thriller, Grindhouse, Exploitation & Cult films from the 70's/80's, only instead I wanted to be more specific in terms of countries of origin. My definitive guide goes from literally all the way back in the day (1920's - 30's) to modern times. That is of course since a handful of Asian cinema is indeed almost always a wondrous yet entirely different experience in its own natural right when compared to a good portion (but not all) of Western or European films, especially in the same genres... However to be honest, I love both as much as the other. I will say that this list contains sincerely in my utmost opinion both of what already are, more or less what also should be considered first-rate examples of the true genius that is behind Asian filmmaking in general. *Viewer discretion advised though as a handful of the movies featured on here are truly NOT for the faint of heart, easily nauseous, or of persons of a nervous disposition by any means!*

A Definitive Guide To The Most Terrific And Astounding Asian Horror/Thriller, Cult Cinema, Anime, + Video Games Ever Made

An extensive list consisting mainly of my favorite 60's Horror, Thriller, Cult, Grindhouse/Exploitation [B-movie delights] plus a distinct mixture of Sci-fi, Noir, Crime, Poliziotteschi, Spaghetti Western, Martial Arts, Giallo Mystery, Slasher, Splatter, Drama, Art-house, Action, Adventure, Animation, War, Black Comedy, Indie, Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic, Coming-of-Age, Experimental/Avant Garde, etc. ever so carefully handpicked that I would qualify as also being some of the optimal & worthy examples (only with a limit of 7 stars) of the genres themselves within the entire decade, or to sum it up are films that I sincerely found to overall be entertaining nonetheless. It should be also worth mentioning that the 60's, 70's & 80's should all three be well known to be one of the most definitive eras in Horror, Thriller, Grindhouse and Exploitation film-making history.

Please note that the content featured is of course subjective in nature, though some are well-known, while others are also rather underrated, unfairly obscure, & certainly worthwhile as a good portion of the movies on here are sure to induce either thrills, chills, laughs, or all 3 but nonetheless do they also need more attention & appreciation among modern audiences. I don't mean to throw shade at anyone as I'm just expressing my sincere opinion (since due to countless, repeated instances of this occurring, it seemingly isn't that far from the truth), but to be blunt, the IMDB rating average honestly can be rather inaccurate in my strongest opinion. That is at least half the time per say (but not as much as the often inaccurate and biased rotten tomatometer), so be sure to remember that just because a film might be rated a bit lower than normal, or what is conventionally expected for instance, doesn't necessarily or automatically mean that it's downright 'terrible' as countless movies featured in this list all sadly suffer from either a fair share of a rough production history as well as despicable censorship issues or both. So also please try to as well at least keep that in mind. However if you want some truly execrable 'movies' then check out the bottom 250!

You could also say that part of the main original idea behind my inspiration to create this list was sort of along the lines of being a reference manual for genre fans, film buffs, plus horror enthusiasts young & old alike. However try to acknowledge that some of these films aren't for conventional movie-goers, as well as that this list is still being worked on so please try to be permissive, likewise to also being unprejudiced in addition to being open-minded (since these films still aren't anywhere near as bad as the bottom 250). Time may have forgotten half of these films but I sure as hell won't! Try to remember that the 'Cult film' is one of the best gifts to man. More lists of prior decades are coming soon.

Greatest 60's Horror, Thriller, Cult, Grindhouse & Exploitation Films

Juliette Mayniel in Eyes Without a Face (1960)

People are listed in no particular order. However in order to qualify, the person must have AT LEAST 3 credits in Horror, Thriller, Cult or Grindhouse films IMO. Many CHEERS to the mighty fine, respectable ladies and gentlemen of Horror/Thriller cinema from the past 100 years! They certainly deserve the honor, and for some on here it is extremely long overdue too.

Exactly like the title says. Ranging from mainstream to rather cult gems and also including a handful of Anime. Since IMDB doesn't have a page yet for this one, I'll list it here in the description: Jigokudou Reikai Tsuushin by Jun’ichi Sato (1996).

I've seen a lot of lists on here that talk about and feature a handful of these films (since most only include the DPP Section 1 titles), but sadly nowhere near as to including all of them for whatever peculiar reason SO HERE YOU GO FOLKS! To be brutally honest though, I for the life of me cannot stand censorship in any way, shape or form and those prudish, easily offended, puerile, overly sensitive, immature 'moralist', conservative dickheads that endorse/support it and if you are one of those people then you can just go dig your own grave already! Remember kids, "It's ONLY a Movie!" A good portion of these films are terribly underrated, unfairly obscure and downright underappreciated regardless of their extreme controversial content. Also including bonus movies at the end of the list that were seized around the same time for "obscenity" but weren't classified as 'video nasties' for whatever strange reason like the others. If you think you may not be able to handle it, then you are probably in the wrong neighborhood to say the least. Movies are rated R - NC-17 & X. No one under the age of 17 should be admitted (without a parent) as trauma may ensue. Quality greatly varies from one to the other. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_nasty

Every Single Video Nasty Ever (Sections 1, 2 & 3)

Like the title says, these perhaps are all of the best films for Satanists (as well as Wiccans and Pagans too) since they are mainly witchcraft and occult based. However some are also added onto here just because they have a strong blasphemous, supernatural, sinister, and equally wicked charm to them (also full of drugs, sex/sleaze, and violence), but all in good fun! If these aren't your type of movies then as much as I hate to say it, you are DEFINITELY missing out! Anyway, they are listed in no particular order and accordingly as I see fit. Enjoy, because there's so much more to come! Avē Satana!

Films For Satanists (Witchcraft & Occult)

Since there is already a list involving Skinny Puppy, I thought I would do the honor of creating one for Fantômas. These are a handful of gems that have heavily influenced the legendary works of Mike Patton, not to mention also have that same strong retro vibe of Cult Horror, Crime, Science Fiction, Grindhouse, Drama, Mystery/Thriller, Action & Neo-Noir. If you don't know who this guy is then I HIGHLY RECOMMEND his unique music, more or less looking him up as he is a truly talented badass. He is the man behind the band Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Peeping Tom, and Fantomas. He has also played with Melvins, Tomahawk, Dead Cross, Lovage, The Dillinger Escape Plan. The first album of his that I ever heard was The Director's Cut by Fantômas and I was instantly hooked! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Patton

Films de Fantômas et Mike Patton (Films of Fantômas and Mike Patton)

This is my starter list for those that are new, or just getting into the art of Asian cinema and Anime. Sort of an intro to my other list. You'll come to find out that these people have a natural gift when it comes to making these sorts of movies! Not to mention the originals are a HELL of a lot better than the subpar American remakes. Here are in my honest opinion, what I would consider to be the top 250 films for beginners that are DEFINITELY worth checking out! Lol please try to keep an open mind, and prepare to be SCARED as well as SCARRED!

Top 360 Asian Horror, Grindhouse/Exploitation, Mystery/Thriller Films

Films watched by me in 2014 (and counting!)

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