If you're a fan of psychological horror and unsettling thrillers like 'Don't Go in the House' (1979), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 chilling movies and shows that share its eerie atmosphere, disturbing themes, and intense suspense. Whether you're looking for hidden gems or classics that push boundaries, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Last House on the Left (1972)
Description: Blends exploitation and horror with a brutal revenge narrative, emphasizing raw, unfiltered violence and moral ambiguity.
Fact: The film was marketed with the tagline 'To avoid fainting, keep repeating, It's only a movie...' Its gritty style was inspired by the director's desire to create a more realistic horror experience.
Watch Now 
Black Christmas (1974)
Description: Pioneers the slasher formula with a killer hiding in plain sight, using POV shots to create tension and a claustrophobic setting.
Fact: One of the first films to feature the now-common trope of mysterious phone calls from the killer. It was remade twice, in 2006 and
Watch Now 
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Description: Shares a gritty, low-budget aesthetic and a focus on psychological terror, featuring a deranged killer and intense, unsettling atmosphere.
Fact: The film was marketed as based on true events to heighten its horror, though its connections to real crimes are tenuous. It was shot in sweltering Texas heat, adding to the actors' discomfort and performances.
Watch Now 
Halloween (1978)
Description: Exemplifies the slasher genre with a masked killer stalking victims, blending suspense with brutal violence and a haunting score.
Fact: The iconic mask worn by Michael Myers was a modified Captain Kirk mask due to budget constraints. The film was shot in just 21 days.
Watch Now 
The Hills Have Eyes (1977)
Description: Features a family under siege by savage antagonists, with a desolate setting and themes of survival and primal fear.
Fact: The film was inspired by the legend of Sawney Bean, a Scottish cannibal. It was shot in the Mojave Desert, adding to its harsh, unforgiving atmosphere.
Watch Now 
The Toolbox Murders (1978)
Description: Showcases a killer using everyday tools as weapons, combining gruesome deaths with a voyeuristic, unsettling tone.
Fact: The film was banned in several countries due to its graphic violence. Its title was inspired by the killer's use of common tools as murder weapons.
Watch Now 
Maniac (1980)
Description: Delivers a raw, disturbing portrayal of a serial killer's psyche, with graphic violence and a first-person perspective that immerses the viewer in horror.
Fact: The film's controversial poster featured a man holding a bloody scalp, leading to bans in several countries. It was shot guerrilla-style in New York City.
Watch Now 
The Burning (1981)
Description: Follows a summer camp slasher formula with a disfigured killer seeking revenge, featuring inventive death scenes and a tense atmosphere.
Fact: The film features early work by special effects artist Tom Savini. It was based on the urban legend of Cropsey, a boogeyman figure.
Watch Now 
The Funhouse (1981)
Description: Combines carnival horror with slasher elements, featuring a deformed killer and a setting that amplifies the sense of dread and unpredictability.
Fact: The film's carnival setting was inspired by classic horror tropes. It was one of the first horror films to be released on VHS, helping popularize home video.
Watch Now 
The Prowler (1981)
Description: Delivers a classic slasher setup with a masked killer targeting a small town, using suspense and gore to heighten fear.
Fact: The film's effects were done by Tom Savini, known for his work on 'Friday the 13th.' It was originally titled 'Rosemary's Killer.'
Watch Now 
