10 elevated horror movies you must see

Elevated horror is a subgenre that emphasizes psychological depth, social commentary, and artistic expression over traditional horror tropes like jump scares and gore. This subgenre has gained popularity in recent years, with filmmakers exploring complex themes such as trauma, identity, and societal issues.

Many elevated horror films leave certain plot elements open to interpretation, encouraging viewers to engage in discussions and debates about the film's meaning. This ambiguity can enhance the viewing experience, prompting audiences to reflect on their own fears and experiences.

Here are ten notable elevated horror films that exemplify this trend:

1. Hereditary (2018)

Directed by Ari Aster, Hereditary delves into the grief and trauma of a family following the death of their secretive grandmother. The film builds a haunting atmosphere, exploring themes of familial legacy and mental illness, culminating in a terrifying climax that leaves a lasting impact.

2. Get Out (2017)

Jordan Peele's Get Out is a sharp critique of racism, cleverly disguised as a horror film. It follows a young Black man who uncovers a disturbing secret when he visits his white girlfriend's family. The film's blend of social commentary and psychological horror has made it a modern classic.

3. The Witch (2015)

Robert Eggers' The Witch is a chilling tale set in 1630s New England, focusing on a Puritan family that encounters dark forces in the woods. The film's slow-burn tension and exploration of religious fanaticism and paranoia create a deeply unsettling experience.

4. The Babadook (2014)

Jennifer Kent's The Babadook uses horror as a metaphor for grief and mental illness. The story revolves around a mother and her son who are haunted by a sinister presence, reflecting the struggles of coping with loss and depression.

5. Midsommar (2019)

Also directed by Ari Aster, Midsommar subverts traditional horror by taking place in broad daylight. It follows a group of friends who travel to Sweden for a festival that turns increasingly sinister. The film explores themes of grief, relationships, and cultural dislocation.

6. It Follows (2014)

David Robert Mitchell's It Follows presents a unique take on the slasher genre, where a young woman is pursued by a supernatural entity after a sexual encounter. The film addresses themes of sexual anxiety and the consequences of intimacy, creating a pervasive sense of dread.

7. Under the Skin (2013)

Jonathan Glazer's Under the Skin features Scarlett Johansson as an alien preying on men in Scotland. The film is visually striking and thematically rich, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and the human experience through a haunting lens.

8. The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

Yorgos Lanthimos' film blends psychological horror with surrealism, following a surgeon whose life spirals out of control after befriending a mysterious teenager. The film tackles themes of guilt, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of family.

9. Raw (2016)

Julia Ducournau's Raw is a coming-of-age story about a vegetarian who develops a craving for human flesh after a hazing ritual at veterinary school. The film explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the primal instincts that lie beneath the surface.

10. Infinity Pool (2023)

Brandon Cronenberg's Infinity Pool follows a couple who become embroiled in a hedonistic and violent culture while on vacation. The film critiques privilege and moral decay, using surreal horror to reflect on deeper societal issues.

Conclusion

Elevated horror represents a significant evolution within the horror genre, challenging traditional tropes and inviting audiences to engage with complex themes and character-driven narratives. As this subgenre continues to grow, it encourages filmmakers to explore the darker corners of the human experience, ultimately enriching the landscape of cinematic horror.

These films not only aim to scare but also provoke thought and discussion, making elevated horror a compelling and significant subgenre in contemporary cinema.