10 Horror Films You Can't Miss That Are Sure to Make You Uncomfortable

      Vanessa Maki presents ten excellent horror films that are sure to evoke discomfort…

      Contrary to popular belief, horror is sometimes designed to make viewers feel uneasy and disconcerted about the unfolding events. As audience members, we should often find ourselves squirming in our seats or feeling particularly anxious, especially when watching these films at night. Ultimately, horror isn't solely about jump scares, screaming apparitions, or a man wielding a knife to be effectively unsettling or frightening.

      Rather than concentrating on well-known horror films that we all love, the following selections vary in their level of familiarity. These range from international horror movies steeped in grime and intensity to low-budget found footage flicks that gained traction on YouTube, as well as Shudder originals featuring innovative protagonists. There are plenty of options, ensuring there's something for every viewer on this list.

      Continue reading to discover a potential new film that will leave you feeling profoundly uneasy during your first viewing. You might not be disappointed, but you will likely feel uncomfortable, and that’s the intent.

      [REC] (2007)

      The chaos and the inescapable scenario create a highly stressful experience. [REC] tells the story of a reporter and her cameraman who find themselves trapped in a quarantined apartment building. What begins as a troublesome situation escalates into a lethal one due to the outbreak occurring there. With police preventing any escape, everyone is essentially doomed.

      Naturally, the nature of the infection, its manifestations, and the actions it compels the infected to undertake create significant discomfort. Additionally, as a found footage film with a tense atmosphere and an inability to physically exit the setting, it intensifies the unease. The escape option becomes moot, leaving characters to merely flee and hide. The ending is quite grim, and if that doesn’t deter you, this film is definitely worth watching.

      The House of the Devil (2009)

      Before the X trilogy, Ti West delivered this homage to the '80s that isn't strictly a slasher. The House of the Devil follows a college student who takes a babysitting job, only to find her life at risk due to some unsettling happenings within the house. The film pays tribute to the '70s and '80s through its stylistic choices, making it feel like it belongs in either of those eras.

      The House of the Devil has a slower pace, gradually revealing the true nature of the events in the vast house. Instead of throwing the protagonist into danger right away, the tension and her paranoia steadily build. It creates a significantly uncomfortable atmosphere that heightens the dread. Whether the film successfully concludes is a matter of opinion, but it remains a worthwhile watch.

      Starry Eyes (2014)

      This film serves as a harsh reminder of Hollywood's cruelty, wherein powerful individuals often manipulate and exploit aspiring talents without repercussions. Starry Eyes centers on a struggling actress whose ambition for fame leads to disastrous consequences. It boasts a raw depiction of body horror, complemented by a muted, somber color palette.

      In Starry Eyes, it’s glaringly obvious that Sarah’s (Alexandra Essoe) pursuit of stardom is heading towards a dark conclusion. She encounters humiliating and exploitative demands from those in control at every turn, while simultaneously grappling with body horror and making choices that lead to her downfall. It’s an intense film that remains heavy on the viewer until the final moments.

      The Wailing (2016)

      This South Korean horror masterpiece promises a gut-wrenching ending. The Wailing follows a policeman investigating a series of strange illnesses and murders plaguing a rural village. The film’s visuals are likely to leave you feeling disturbed and unsettled, depending on your tolerance for unsettling imagery. It’s not a film that offers a happy resolution or a heroic rescue.

      At a lengthy runtime, The Wailing meticulously develops the events, their impact on the community, and the pressures faced by the desperate policeman, especially when his daughter's life hangs in the balance. Everything from the atmosphere to the behavior of the afflicted characters is sure to make you want to pull a blanket over yourself. At the very least, you will feel uncomfortable with how the story unfolds.

      Capture Kill Release (2016)

      This film should be avoided if you cannot tolerate depictions of people deliberately harming animals in horror. Capture Kill Release follows a couple plotting to commit murder, but their relationship begins to deteriorate as one partner hesitates. The film uncomfortably illustrates manipulation, the lengths individuals go to for others, and the origins of some serial killers.

      As a found-footage film, the violence depicted feels all the more visceral. Scenes involving a bathtub and a cat will leave you feeling as though you are witnessing actual events. Underrated within the found footage genre, this film will appeal to viewers who appreciate a deeply twisted narrative.

      The Devil’s Candy (2017)

      Richly artistic and committed to reflecting the essence of metal music, The Devil’s Candy tells the tale of