Scariest Low Budget Horror Films
There are many low budget horror films that manage to be just as scary, if not scarier, than their high budget counterparts. It is never about the size of your budget; it’s how you use what you have. Many of these films you may not even know are low budget horror films unless someone told you, and that is because their plots are simply phenomenal. They can be so simple in terms of story line, but they will still manage to terrify you with their atmosphere and suspense.
The following list includes low budget horror films that are scary, creepy, disturbing, dark, and eerie; everything you want in a horror film:
1) The Blair Witch Project
This film is considered one of the first found footage horror films, and it is definitely one of the most terrifying. The story follows a group of students who venture into the woods to investigate the legend of the Blair Witch. What starts as an adventure soon turns into a nightmare as they are hunted by an unseen force. This film is definitely a classic and has been parodied many times. However, it is still one of the scariest films you will ever watch.
2) The Exorcist
Although this film was not a low budget horror film, it does deserve to be on this list because there haven’t been many films that have managed to top it in terms of horror. The Exorcist is about the demonic possession of a young girl, and it follows two priests who are called upon to help save her. It has been called one of the scariest films ever made for good reason. The combination of the disturbing effects and realistic acting allow you to feel as if real demons could exist in our world.
3) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
This film follows a group of friends on their way to visit an old homestead, and it becomes one of the most terrifying experiences imaginable. A family of cannibalistic lunatics kidnap, torture, and kill anyone who stumbles across their property. You will spend your time imagining what you would do if you were in their position, and you will find that there is no possible escape.
4) Martyrs
Martyrs is not for the faint of heart. If you are looking for jump scares and monsters, this film probably isn’t for you. What this film lacks in traditional horror elements it makes up for with its sheer brutality. The story is about a young girl who is tortured by a group of sadistic criminals in an attempt to find out the meaning of life. It is a French film, so be prepared for subtitles. However, it is definitely worth watching if you are looking for a truly disturbing horror film.
5) Saw
This film is about two men who are kidnapped and forced to play a game where they must kill each other or else their families will be killed. It is one of the most suspenseful and horrifying films ever made, and it spawned seven sequels. The plot is simple but effective, and it will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
6) The Hills Have Eyes
This film is about a family who is driving through the desert when they are attacked by a group of cannibals. The Hills Have Eyes is one of those films that you will never forget, and it will leave you feeling paranoid every time you go camping. The makeup and effects are what make this film so horrifying, and you will be shocked by the brutality of the final scene.
7) The Conjuring
This film is about a family who moves into a new home and begins to experience strange and terrifying events. The Conjuring is one of those rare horror films that is based on true events, and it will have you questioning your own safety. The jump scares may not be as plentiful as in some other films, but the atmosphere and suspense will have you on the edge of your seat.
8) Paranormal Activity
This film is about a young couple who begin to experience strange things happening in their home. At first they assume that it is just their imagination, but they eventually realize that something paranormal is happening. Paranormal Activity is one of those films that everyone has seen, and it sparked a new era of found footage horror. If you have never watched it before, prepare to be scared.
9) The Strangers
The Strangers is about a young couple who are terrorized by three masked assailants. This film will definitely give you a few sleepless nights, and it is one of the few horror films that managed to scare me. It has very little gore or jump scares besides the terrifying antagonists, but it still manages to keep you on the edge of your seat.
10) Night of the Living Dead
This film is the original zombie movie, and it still holds up today. The story is about a group of people who are trapped in a house and must fight off the living dead. Night of the Living Dead is not only terrifying but also influential, and it spawned an entire genre of horror films. If you are a fan of zombie movies, you need to see this one.
These are just a few of the scariest low budget horror films available. If you are looking for something to scare you, these films will not disappoint. Be warned that they are not for the faint of heart, and you may find yourself sleeping with the lights on after watching them.