It’s spooky season and that means it’s horror movie time! To add a little variety to the season, below are a few well-loved but lesser-known films that will hopefully give you at least a few unique options.
Each movie is rated with a spookiness level to help guide your pick. One 💀 indicates a low spooky rating, while 💀💀💀💀💀 are the highest spooky level.
Please note that I receive a small commission for any movies rented using the links in this article. Any purchases are appreciated but not required to view the article. Thank you!
Hell House LLC (2015)
Spookiness Level: 💀💀💀
Hell House LLC is a mockumentary-style film about a haunted house attraction that went horribly wrong. The police attributed the deaths to an equipment malfunction, but some believe there’s more to the story. The movie follows a group of documentarians reviewing footage of the events leading up to that fateful night.
It is a film full of creepy elements, like a haunted house with a murderous past, Satan worship, and life-sized clown dolls that move by themselves. The characters feel authentic, portrayed as a flawed group of people simply trying to achieve their dream of running a successful haunted attraction.
The movie has both a regular version and a director’s cut. While both are great, I recommend the director’s cut.
You can rent Hell House LLC here and Hell House LLC: The Director’s Cut here.
The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Spookiness Level: 💀💀💀
In The Autopsy of Jane Doe, a ‘Jane Doe’ is found at a murder scene. When a coroner and his son begin the autopsy, the examination takes increasingly bizarre and unsettling turns as the night progresses.
This movie stands out for its eerie atmosphere and unique approach to paranormal horror. While it has a familiar supernatural theme, the story feels fresh, with its twist on the paranormal genre and the practical effects that will make your skin crawl. It’s an underrated gem that’s well worth a watch.
You can rent The Autopsy of Jane Doe here.
The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014)
Spookiness Level: 💀💀💀💀
The Taking of Deborah Logan is a found footage film that follows an elderly woman, Deborah, believed to be suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. However, as increasingly strange events occur, the crew filming her story begins to suspect something more sinister.
Though it’s a horror film, it also has an emotional core, focusing on the struggles Deborah and her daughter face as the disease takes hold. The film touches on themes of aging, familial sacrifice, and long-buried secrets.
You can rent The Taking of Deborah Logan here.
Freaky (2020)
Spookiness Level: 💀
Freaky is a horror-comedy about a high school girl, Millie, who accidentally swaps bodies with a serial killer after being stabbed by a cursed ancient dagger. She must race against time to reverse the swap as the killer wreaks havoc in her body.
This film is a playful twist on slasher horror, blending gruesome kills with lighthearted humor. Featuring the talented Kathryn Newton as Millie, Freaky is an enjoyable, refreshing take on the genre.
You can rent Freaky here.
Happy Death Day (2017)
Spookiness Level: 💀
Happy Death Day follows a college student who finds herself reliving the same day over and over. She must figure out why she’s stuck in a time loop while avoiding a masked killer who’s determined to end her life.
This movie mixes slasher elements with the time-loop concept popularized by films like Groundhog Day. With humor, suspense, and a satisfying character arc, it’s a fun, entertaining ride.
You can rent Happy Death Day here.
Late Night With the Devil (2024)
Spookiness Level: 💀💀
Set in the 1970s, Late Night With the Devil takes place during a live talk show that descends into chaos when the host invites on guests linked to Satanic worship. Strange and terrifying events unfold, creating a sense of dread as the live broadcast spins out of control.
The film’s 1970s aesthetic, including grainy footage and period-accurate costumes, adds to its atmosphere. While reminiscent of The Exorcist, it uniquely incorporates elements of the Bohemian Grove conspiracy, giving the movie a unique element that has not really been seen in horror movies before.
If you are not familiar with Bohemian Grove, it is an all-men’s club believed to be made up of some of the most powerful people in the world with an owl as their totem. It is a club steeped in mystery where it is difficult to separate fact from fiction. Late Night With the Devil plays into the more conspiracy portion of the club, suggesting that Bohemian Grove conducts ancient rituals and human sacrifices.
Late Night With the Devil is one of those movies that has so many little details that it is worth multiple watches.
You can rent Late Night With the Devil here.
Last Shift (2014)
Spookiness Level: 💀💀💀💀💀
Last Shift follows a rookie cop during her first shift at a decommissioned police station. What starts as a routine assignment quickly spirals into a nightmare as she confronts a cult’s dark history.
The film’s Manson-inspired storyline, gruesome effects, and claustrophobic setting make for a deeply unsettling experience. The unique police station setting adds fresh interactions and eerie encounters.
The creator of Last Shift did actually remake the movie less than a decade later into the movie Malum. The plot is quite similar but Malum holds a bit more back story. However, I would recommend viewing Last Shift over the remake
You can rent Last Shift here and Malum here.
Oculus (2013)
Spookiness Level: 💀💀💀💀
Oculus follows a brother and sister who attempt to uncover the dark truth behind a cursed mirror they believe is responsible for their family’s past tragedies. The mirror’s powers distort their perceptions, blending the past and present into a chilling, psychological nightmare.
This film stands out by focusing on an object, rather than a place, plagued by evil, adding a unique twist to the haunted house trope. It’s a gripping exploration of how memories and reality can be manipulated.
You can rent Oculus here.
Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)
Spookiness Level: 💀💀💀
Set in 1967, Ouija: Origin of Evil follows a widow and her daughters who accidentally summon an evil spirit while running a fake séance business. As paranormal events escalate, they must confront the evil they’ve invited into their home.
You don’t need to watch the original to enjoy this film, and I would honestly recommend not bothering. Its exploration of grief and closure, alongside its 1960s setting, makes it a more engaging and thoughtful horror film than its predecessor.
You can rent Ouija: Origin of Evil here.
Thanksgiving (2023)
Spookiness Level: 💀💀 (but lots of gore)
Thanksgiving is a gory horror-comedy about a killer who wreaks havoc during the holiday season. After a tragedy strikes on Thanksgiving, a group of friends reunites a year later, only to find themselves targeted by a mysterious killer.
Filled with over-the-top kills and campy humor, this film is both shocking and entertaining. While not a high-brow horror, it’s perfect for extending the spooky season into November with a fun, holiday-themed slasher.
You can rent Thanksgiving here.
If you’re looking for classic horror recommendations, check them out here. Or, if you need something cozy to watch after the scares, find them here.
Thee Movie Girl 
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