There’s something uniquely unsettling about indie horror movies. Maybe it’s the stripped-down storytelling, the eerie silence between the scares, or the freedom filmmakers have when they’re not tethered to big studio expectations. Whatever it is, independent horror films have a way of getting under your skin—and staying there.
If you’re planning a spooky movie night and want to go beyond the mainstream, this list of the best indie horror movies will deliver the chills. These scary indie films span a range of themes and styles, from psychological dread to supernatural terror, but all share the distinctive, raw edge that defines indie horror. So dim the lights, grab a blanket, and settle in for 10 of the scariest indie movies out there.
1. Hereditary (2018)
Directed by Ari Aster, Hereditary is a slow-burning psychological nightmare that unravels the grief and generational trauma of a suburban family. It’s beautifully shot, deeply disturbing, and absolutely unshakable.
Filmed in Utah, Hereditary stands not only for its chilling storyline but also for the powerhouse performance by Toni Collette. If you’re looking for a great indie horror film that blends emotional storytelling with bone-deep terror, this one should top your list.
2. The Witch (2015)
Set in 1630s New England, The Witch immerses you in a time when superstition and religious hysteria ruled the day. With its archaic dialogue and creeping tension, this independent horror film gem is a slow-build masterpiece.
Robert Egger’s debut became a breakout hit thanks to its eerie authenticity and chilling atmosphere. It’s an essential for fans of independent horror films who appreciate psychological unease over cheap jump scares.
3. It Follows (2014)
What if a supernatural entity could follow you…slowly…endlessly? It Follows introduces a unique horror premise with style and suspense. The film’s retro soundtrack and timeless setting give it a dreamlike (or nightmare-esque) quality.
As far as scary indie movies go, this one has serious staying power. It’s a refreshing take on the genre that proves indie horror films can be just as clever and terrifying as their blockbuster counterparts.
4. The Babadook (2014)
This Australian independent horror film is less about the monster and more about the metaphor. The Babadook explores grief and motherhood through a terrifying children’s book character that seems to come to life.
Emotionally raw and profoundly unsettling, it’s one of the best indie horror films for anyone who loves layered storytelling in their scares.
5. The House of the Devil (2009)
A throwback to the ‘80s in the best way possible, this indie horror flick channels retro vibes with modern pacing. It follows a college student who takes a babysitting job in a creepy old house on the night of a lunar eclipse—you can probably guess that things go downhill fast.
Director Ti West crafts a slow-burn horror atmosphere that pays off in the final act. It’s one of those scary independent films where tension is everything, and it delivers.
6. Lake Mungo (2008)
Often overlooked, Lake Mungo is a mockumentary-style independent horror film that feels all too real. After a family loses their daughter in a drowning, they begin experiencing strange occurrences that unravel a deeper mystery.
This quiet, unnerving Australian film is among the scariest indie films you’ve probably never seen—and that’s a shame because it’s brilliant. If you enjoy great independent horror movies that mess with your head long after the credits roll, add this to your list.
7. The Invitation (2015)
Dinner parties are awkward enough without the looming sense of dread and a body count. In The Invitation, a man attends a gathering at his ex-wife’s house and quickly senses something is very wrong. But is it all in his head?
This scary indie film is a masterclass in tension, delivering paranoia and psychological horror in a beautifully paced story. It’s subtle, sophisticated, and deeply unsettling.
8. Terrifier (2016)
Looking for something a little more graphic? Terrifier features Art the Clown, one of the creepiest new horror villains to hit the screen since the Nun in The Conjuring. This independent horror film is not for the faint of heart—it’s gory, brutal, and unapologetically wild.
Though divisive, it’s become a cult hit among fans of indie horror movies who like their scares splattered with blood.
9. Creep (2014)
Starring Mark Duplass, Creep is exactly what it sounds like—an awkward encounter that slowly devolves into a chilling game of psychological cat-and-mouse. The found-footage style makes it feel uncomfortably intimate.
With minimal sets and a tiny budget, this film proves that scary indie movies don’t need elaborate effects to be deeply disturbing.
10. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Set entirely in a morgue, this independent horror film keeps things claustrophobic and chilling. When a father-son coroner duo investigates the corpse of an unidentified woman, they uncover supernatural elements that escalate quickly.
It’s a smart, scary tale with twists that make it one of the best indie scary movies for fans of occult horror.
What Makes an Indie Horror Film Perfect for Your Movie Night?
Indie horror flicks thrive on originality. Without the constraints of big-budget expectations, these movies are free to explore unconventional plots, bold storytelling, and real emotional stakes. From minimalist set pieces to rich symbolism and haunting performances, indie horror films offer a depth and unpredictability that studio releases often lack.
Plus, they’re perfect for group viewings—whether you’re looking to spark discussions, share scares, or discover hidden gems with fellow horror lovers. Whether you’re into atmospheric thrillers or blood-soaked slashers, the best indie horror movies offer something for everyone.
Produce a Spine-Tingling Indie Horror Film With Avalanche Studios
Inspired by the raw fear and unforgettable tension of the best indie horror films? Bring your own terrifying vision to life with Avalanche Studios. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah—where acclaimed independent horror movies like Hereditary are filmed—our team specializes in turning dark ideas into gripping cinematic experiences.
Whether you’re crafting a chilling psychological thriller or a pulse-pounding slasher, our experienced crew of writers, directors, and filmmakers is here to support every step of your creative process. We offer full-scale video production services for independent creators looking to produce great indie horror films that stay with audiences long after the credits roll.
Let Utah’s eerie landscapes and Avalanche Studio’s creative expertise set the stage for your next unforgettable horror project. Request a quote today, and let’s make your scary story the next cult classic.
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