It comes as a surprise to many when I introduce myself as a horror junkie—after all, what’s a tiny, feminine, girl-next-door like myself doing inside the realm of the occult and supernatural? No doubt, we make an unlikely pair, but the genre of horror and I have long shared a love affair that goes way back—for as long as I can remember, I’ve indulged in horror-based content of all types and all mediums.
So, as someone who’s dabbled in the classics like The Shining to modern-day must-sees like The Conjuring, believe me when I say I’ve trawled through almost every horror flick there is to put yourself through—and here are 6 lesser-known, but brilliant ones you should catch on Netflix.
1. Deliver Us From Evil

What initially sounds like a cheap ‘The Exorcist’ knock-off is really, anything but—in fact, it’s one of the most well-thought out horror films I’ve caught to date. I, too, was skeptical at first, seeing how its title might quickly lead us to believe that it’s ‘just another possession movie’.
‘Deliver Us From Evil’ follows the story of a cop who’s literally and figuratively haunted by demons. It is a film that sets itself apart through heavy use of literary devices such as symbolism, repetition, and imagery. Using fewer cheap scares, and more eerie, unnerving visuals, the film’s main character uncovers the mystery behind the strange occurrences that seem to pepper every aspect of his life.
Who should watch this: Perfect for horror flick dabblers who watch movies online through a small window at the corner of the screen so you can quickly look away at the scary parts.
Deliver Us From Evil | Watch Here
2. Ladda Land

This film’s cheery title is a far cry from the horrors that it holds within. Set in an idyllic gated community in Thailand, it tells the story of a loving family man who’s worked hard and risked it all for a luxurious new house for his family, in hopes of giving them a more comfortable life.
He does that, however, only to find that the community is indeed—you guessed it—haunted. Surrounded by creepy neighbours, things quickly go South when a gruesome murder of a domestic helper occurs a few units down. Watch with bated breath as the family tackles the terrors to come. As with most Thai films, viewers will be treated to a moral-heavy ending.
Who should watch it: Anyone who’s recently moved into that spanking BTO in the middle of nowhere.
Ladda Land | Watch Here
3. The Ritual

Doused in a rustic Swedish charm, The Ritual is ominous from the get-go. The plot is rather simple, really—4 friends embark on a hiking trip on the Kungsleden, a trail along Northern Sweden. Their adventurous expedition quickly turns sour when night falls and they find themselves lost amongst a thick foliage of trees.
Soon enough, the horrors of the mysterious woods unfold before them as they realise they’ve stumbled into something far more sinister than they could imagine.
Who should watch it: Anyone who’s ever had ‘friends’ force you into a hiking expedition at Bukit Timah nature reserve and promptly got lost halfway in. I’m tired, Jennifer. T-I-R-E-D.
The Ritual | Watch Here
4. In The Tall Grass

Where Stephen King is mentioned, what often comes to mind are his famed novels ‘It’ and ‘The Shining’, made popular by the silver screen. But even one of his lesser-known tales—‘In The Tall Grass’—doesn’t disappoint with its gripping narrative.
Set in an isolated outskirt, the film tells the story of a woman who wanders into a field of ridiculously tall grass—unable to resist her motherly instincts after hearing a lost boy’s cry for help. Her brother soon goes in to retrieve her but unforeseeable horrors seem to follow. ‘In The Tall Grass’ keeps its viewers on the edge of their seats, and leaves them second guessing fiction from reality.
Who should watch it: Parents who have experienced first-hand the horrors of losing their first born in a crowded mall.
In The Tall Grass | Watch Here
5. Apostle

Unlike its other modern-day counterparts, ‘Apostle’, is a period horror flick that promises a terrifying ride from beginning to end. This Netflix original first had its World Premiere at Fantastic Fest 2018, and still continues to receive positive reviews from critics far and wide.
It tells the story of a young man, Thomas Richardson, who travels to a remote Welsh island in search of his sister, who has been kidnapped and held ransom by a mysterious cult. In an effort to blend in, he poses as a new convert of the cult—a grave mistake that he will soon come to realise. Join Richardson in his harrowing journey into the occult as he nose-dives into the terrors that await.
Who should watch it: Anyone who loves treading into the unknown or has ever been trapped in a cult. If that’s you, give us a call. We’d love to interview you.
Apostle | Watch Here
6. Eli

While seeking treatment for a rare disease that causes him to be severely allergic to the outdoors, 11-year-old Eli begins seeing strange hauntings around the facility. He soon finds that things aren’t what they seem, and tries to convince his parents to flee the place as he postulates that his doctor is up to no good.
In a swift turn of events, the story barrels down an unexpected route when plot twists after plot twists are revealed. Hang tight, buckle up, and steel yourself for a psychological and thoroughly unexpected mind f**k.
Who should watch it: For the movie geek who, like Eli, is suffering from severe allergies. Do you really have allergies or are you just being taken for a ride? Stay tuned.
Eli | Watch Now
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