The Best Indie Horror Movies Of All Time

Ranker Film
Updated June 23, 2023 2.9K votes 346 voters
Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Indie Horror Movies Of All Time
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Vote up your favorite independent horror films.

More than 300 movie fans have come together to cast their votes for the best indie horror movies, and the results are here. Horror films are a staple of the film industry, providing viewers with thrills and chills that keep them coming back for more. But while mainstream blockbusters dominate theaters and streaming services alike, some of the most exciting horror films come from independent filmmakers who craft their own unique visions in an often overlooked corner of cinema.

The cream of this crop is on full display in this list - all ranked by movie fans like you. Whether it's low-budget cult classics like The Blair Witch Project or offbeat gems like It Follows, these films have earned a passionate following among genre aficionados thanks to their clever use of atmosphere, suspenseful storytelling, and creative takes on familiar tropes. 

So if you're looking to be scared out of your wits without resorting to jump scares or endless sequels then look no further than this list. Check out our rankings below and don't forget to vote up your favorite indie horror flicks so they can climb up the ranks.

Most divisive: Let Us In
Ranked by
  • The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
    1

    The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

    Marilyn Burns, Gunnar Hansen, Allen Danziger
    92 votes
    • Released: 1974
    • Directed by: Tobe Hooper
    In the heart of rural Texas, a horrendous tale unfolds. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, a chilling horror film directed by Tobe Hooper, tells the story of Sally Hardesty (Marilyn Burns) and her friends, who unwittingly stumble upon a family of cannibals during their trip to an old homestead. Among them lurks Leatherface (Gunnar Hansen), a monstrous figure wielding a chainsaw, whose terrifying presence dominates the film. As their peaceful journey spirals into a nightmarish chase for survival, viewers are left on the edge of their seats. Despite its low-budget production, the movie has gained cult status and is widely regarded as one of the most influential horror films in cinema history.

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  • Halloween
    2

    Halloween

    Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Nancy Kyes
    97 votes
    • Released: 1978
    • Directed by: John Carpenter
    In the iconic horror film Halloween, directed by John Carpenter, the tranquil town of Haddonfield, Illinois is thrown into a state of terror. The menace arrives in the form of Michael Myers (Nick Castle), an escaped mental patient with a chilling past. The film's protagonist, Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), finds herself in Myers's crosshairs on Halloween night. As she and her friends become targets, Dr. Sam Loomis (Donald Pleasence), Myers's psychiatrist, races against time to stop his murderous rampage. Unpredictable yet relentless, Halloween weaves a tale of suspense that won't soon be forgotten.

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  • Nosferatu
    3

    Nosferatu

    Max Schreck, Alexander Granach, Gustav von Wangenheim
    70 votes
    • Released: 1922
    • Directed by: F.W. Murnau
    In the chilling silent film Nosferatu, Count Orlok (Max Schreck), a vampire, sets his sights on the beautiful, innocent Ellen (Greta Schroeder). Thomas Hutter (Gustav von Wangenheim), her husband, unwittingly brings the creature into their lives when he visits Orlok's castle. A sinister game of cat and mouse ensues, with Ellen's life hanging in the balance. The movie is a masterpiece of German Expressionist cinema, captivating audiences with its eerie imagery and unnerving performances. This classic horror tale weaves an unforgettable narrative of fear, love, and sacrifice that remains impactful even today.

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  • It Follows
    4

    It Follows

    Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Daniel Zovatto
    97 votes
    • Released: 2014
    • Directed by: David Robert Mitchell
    In It Follows, a chilling horror film, Jay (Maika Monroe) finds herself plagued by a terrifying entity after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter. This relentless force, visible only to her, stalks her at all times. The rules are simple yet horrifying: it follows, it can take any human form, and it won't stop until she's dead unless she passes the curse to someone else. With the help of her friends, including Paul (Keir Gilchrist), Jay must find a way to escape the nightmare that has become her reality. Imbued with dread and suspense, this movie offers a fresh take on the horror genre.

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  • The Babadook
    5

    The Babadook

    Essie Davis, Daniel Henshall, Noah Wiseman
    96 votes
    • Released: 2014
    • Directed by: Jennifer Kent
    A chilling venture into the realms of psychological horror, The Babadook is a masterful exploration of grief and fear. Amelia (Essie Davis), a widowed mother, struggles to manage her troubled son Samuel's (Noah Wiseman) nightmarish visions of a monster he believes is coming to kill them. The line between reality and imagination blurs when they discover a sinister storybook titled Mister Babadook. As the unsettling occurrences escalate, Amelia is forced to confront the presence that has taken root in their home. Directed by Jennifer Kent, this Australian horror film won the AACTA Award for Best Direction in 2014.

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  • Get Out
    6

    Get Out

    Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener
    110 votes
    • Released: 2017
    • Directed by: Jordan Peele
    In Get Out, Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) is an African-American photographer, who sets out to meet his Caucasian girlfriend's parents for the first time. Rose Armitage (Allison Williams) assures him that her parents won't mind his race, but their overly accommodating behavior grows unsettling. Directed by Jordan Peele, this film deftly blends elements of horror and dark comedy. The narrative takes a chilling turn when Chris stumbles upon the family's disturbing secret. Garnering accolades like the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, Get Out presents a unique spin on the traditional suspense thriller.

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