While it can be a special experience to witness a truly terrifying horror movie in theaters, there were several fantastic scary movies that never made it to the big screen. While the advent of the internet means many horror movies come straight to streaming, there were also plenty of excellent straight-to-DVD or even straight-to-VHS horror movies from years gone by. These often low-budget releases didn’t have to pander to box office expectations and, in some cases, were able to be more ambitious and unique as a result.
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Some of the best non-theatrically released movies were in the horror genre, as incredible horror movies were often produced with very little funding or support from major studios. In some cases, direct-to-video sequels even outdid their theatrical predecessors and gained cult followings among horror fans in the years since their release. These incredible non-theatrical horror movies proved that filmmakers don’t need to get their movies to theaters to achieve major artistic success.
You are watching: 15 Great Horror Movies That Were Never Released In Theaters
15 Last Shift (2014)
Directed by Anthony DiBlasi
Last Shift 2
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Last Shift is a 2014 horror film directed by Anthony DiBlasi. The story follows rookie police officer Jessica Loren, who is assigned to the final shift at a decommissioned police station. Strange and supernatural occurrences soon reveal the dark, unsettling history of the station and its connection to a cult leader. The film stars Juliana Harkavy as Officer Loren and explores themes of fear and psychological horror.
Director Anthony DiBlasi Release Date October 6, 2015 Writers Anthony DiBlasi , Scott Poiley Cast Juliana Harkavy , Joshua Mikel , J. LaRose , Natalie Victoria , Sarah Sculco , Kathryn Kilger , Mary Lankford Poiley , Lindsi Jeter Character(s) Jessica Loren , John Michael Paymon , Panty Belt Patrick Black , Marigold , Kitty Paymon , Dorthea Paymon , Birdie , Bashed Face Betty Runtime 87 Minutes Main Genre Horror Expand
Last Shift was an excellent psychological horror that boasts an impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. As a well-paced, tension-filled, and infinitely watchable, Last Shift starred Juliana Harkavy as Jessica Loren, a police officer taking the final shift at a closing police station who soon learns that the place may be haunted. Last Shift was released on video-on-demand in 2015, in 2023, director Anthony DiBlasi released a theatrical remake titled Malum to critical acclaim.
14 Creep (2014)
Directed by Patrick Brice
Creep 0
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Creep is a 2014 Horror film directed by Patrick Brice. The found-footage style release stars Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice and revolves around a videographer who takes a job recording and chronicling the life of a supposedly dying man that will be showcased later to his unborn son.
Director Patrick Brice Release Date June 23, 2015 Studio(s) Netflix Distributor(s) Netflix Writers Mark Duplass , Patrick Brice Cast Katie Aselton , Patrick Brice , Mark Duplass Runtime 77 minutes Sequel(s) Creep 2 Main Genre Horror Expand
Creep was a clever twist on the found-footage genre as videography was hired to film a video for a supposedly terminally ill man’s unborn daughter. While this premise started reasonably enough, the man who called himself Josef started acting increasingly bizarre to the point that Aaron, the cameraman, began to fear for his life. This idiosyncratic horror blended elements of comedy to make it feel truly unique in the genre. It was released on VOD before it came to Netflix.
Creep
was the first in an ongoing franchise with a sequels titled
Creep 2
, and the
upcoming television series
The Creep Tapes
,
in development.
13 His House (2020)
Directed by Remi Weekes
His House 0
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Written and directed by Remi Weekes, His House is a 2020 Thriller and Horror film that stars Wunmi Mosaku, Sope Dirisu, and Matt Smith. The Netflix film revolves around a refugee couple that flees to Britain but ends up losing their daughter in the process. The couple is finally given a home to live in but struggles with assimilating into their new life and starts experiencing a powerful paranormal presence.
Director Remi Weekes Release Date January 27, 2020 Studio(s) Netflix Distributor(s) Netflix Writers Felicity Evans , Toby Venables , Remi Weekes Cast Sope Dirisu , Wunmi Mosaku , Malaika Wakoli-Abigaba , Matt Smith , Javier Botet , Yvonne Campbell Runtime 93 minutes Expand
His House is about a refugee couple who have escaped wartorn South Sudan and are struggling to adjust to their new life in England. With evil brewing underneath the surface, His House explored the things that desperate people must do to survive and stood as a fascinating and chilling glimpse into the harrowing experience of migrants fleeing conflict zones. This thrilling, socially conscious horror was released on Netflix in 2020.
12 Gerald’s Game (2017)
Directed by Mike Flanagan
Gerald’s Game 1
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Based on the Stephen King novel, Gerald’s Game is directed by Mike Flanagan and stars Carla Gugino as Jessie Burlingame, a woman whose romantic retreat with her husband Gerald turns into a horrible nightmare when Gerald dies of a heart attack in the middle of an intimate moment, leaving Jessie handcuffed to the bed and completely alone with no way to call for help. Bruce Greenwood and Carel Struycken also star, with Flanagan regular players Henry Thomas and Kate Siegel as part of the supporting cast.
Director Mike Flanagan Release Date September 29, 2017 Studio(s) Netflix Distributor(s) Netflix Writers Mike Flanagan , Jeff Howard Cast Chiara Aurelia , Henry Thomas , Carel Struycken , Bruce Greenwood , Carla Gugino , Kate Siegel Runtime 103minutes Budget $35million Expand
Mike Flanagan added to his impressive array of Netflix horror projects with the excellent Stephen King adaptation of Gerald’s Game. Long thought to be unfilmable, Gerald’s Game told the story of a woman left handcuffed to her bed after her husband unexpectedly dies who must find a way to survive while battling inner demons. With incredible suspense and a career-defining performance from Carla Gugino, this was a hypnotic horror that captured the essence of King’s novel.
11 Cult Of Chucky (2017)
Directed by Don Mancini
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Cult of Chucky, the seventh installment in the famous horror franchise, follows paraplegic woman Nica Pierce (Fiona Dourif), who becomes the target of the demonic toy’s latest killing spree. Directed by Don Mancini, who has been involved in every Chucky film since the original 1988 film, the movie features Brad Dourif reprising his role as the voice of the titular killer doll.
Director Don Mancini Release Date October 3, 2017 Studio(s) Universal Pictures Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers Don Mancini Cast Alex Vincent , Fiona Dourif , Brad Dourif , Jennifer Tilly Runtime 91 minutes Franchise(s) Child’s Play prequel(s) Curse of Chucky , Child’s Play 2 , Child’s Play 3 , Seed of Chucky , Bride of Chucky Budget $5 million Expand
Although the Child’s Play franchise started in theaters, many of its best installments were direct-to-video releases, the best example being Cult of Chucky. As the seventh entry in the long-running series, Cult of Chucky featured plenty of callbacks to earlier releases and fully embraced this franchise’s over-the-top, campy energy. With Alex Vincent reprising his role as Andy Barclay and Brad Dourif’s iconic voice as the killer doll, Cult of Chucky ticks all the right boxes for lovers of this franchise but is unlikely to convert many new viewers.
10 Trick ‘R Treat (2007)
Michael Dougherty
Trick r’ Treat 0
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Trick ‘r Treat is a 2007 horror anthology movie from director Michael Dougherty. The film tells four different stories, all involving Sam, the now iconic Halloween demon. The film has several big stars, even though it was a direct to DVD release, including Dylan Baker, Rochelle Aytes, Anna Paquin, and Brian Cox.
Director Michael Dougherty Release Date October 6, 2009 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Michael Dougherty Cast Brett Kelly , Brian Cox , Leslie Bibb , Anna Paquin , Dylan Baker Runtime 82 minutes Budget $12 million Expand See at AmazonSee at WalmartSee at Best Buy
The anthology horror Trick ‘r Treat featured four stories all connected by Sam, a trick-or-treating demon wearing a burlap sack over his head who appears whenever the characters break Halloween conventions. With a unique premise that paid tribute to Halloween mythologies, this cult favorite was packed with old-fashioned suspense and has become annual viewing for many every October. As a movie originally released direct-to-DVD following festival screenings, Trick ‘r Treat was never in theaters during its original release but, in 2022, received special Halloween theatrical screenings (via Paste Magazine.)
9 Circle (2015)
Directed by Aaron Hann and Mario Miscione
Circle 0
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Circle is a psychological thriller film directed by Aaron Hann and Mario Miscione. Set in a mysterious chamber, the story revolves around a group of 50 strangers who must decide who among them deserves to survive while facing harsh ethical dilemmas. As tensions rise and alliances form, each individual must confront their morality in a high-stakes game of life and death.
Director Aaron Hann , Mario Miscione Release Date October 16, 2015 Writers Aaron Hann , Mario Miscione Cast Michael Nardelli , Carter Jenkins , Lawrence Kao , Allegra Masters , Julie Benz Runtime 87 Minutes Main Genre Mystery Expand
Circle was a sci-fi psychological horror inspired by 12 Angry Men (via Audiences Everywhere) that saw 50 people awake in a room only to discover one of them gets killed every two minutes. When the victim realizes they can control who dies, a thought-provoking narrative emerges that highlights how personal values influence those deemed worthy of survival. Released as a video-on-demand movie, Circle was a tense and fascinating film that’s well worth seeking out by lovers of clever and insightful horror.
8 Tremors 2: Aftershocks (1996)
Directed by S. S. Wilson
Tremors 2: Aftershocks 0
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Tremors 2: Aftershocks is the sequel to the 1990 film Tremors. Directed by S.S. Wilson, it stars Fred Ward as Earl Bassett, who is enlisted to deal with a new outbreak of subterranean creatures known as Graboids in a Mexican oil field. Partnered with new ally Grady Hoover, played by Chris Gartin, they discover that the Graboids have evolved, presenting new challenges and dangers in their quest to eradicate them.
Director S.S. Wilson Release Date April 9, 1996 Writers Brent Maddock , S.S. Wilson , Ron Underwood Cast Fred Ward , Chris Gartin , Helen Shaver , Michael Gross , Marcelo Tubert , Marco Hernandez , José Ramón Rosario , Thomas Rosales Jr. Runtime 100 Minutes Main Genre Thriller Character(s) Earl Bassett , Grady Hoover , Kate White Reilly , Burt Gummer , Señor Ortega , Julio , Pedro , Oil Worker Expand
While the absence of Kevin Bacon was sorely felt for the direct-to-video sequel Tremors 2: Aftershocks, this comedy horror was a rare example of a non-theatrical follow-up that may even exceed the original. Although the budget was far lower than its predecessor, this creature feature kept the quality high as it kept the gore coming and wore its Jurassic Park influences on its sleeve. With enjoyable special effects and some really great performances, Tremors 2 ended up being way better than it had any right to be.
7 Splatter Farm (1987)
Directed by the Polonia Brothers
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Splatter Farm is a low-budget horror film directed by Jeff S. and John Polonia. Released in 1987, it follows twin brothers as they visit their aunt’s farmhouse, only to encounter disturbing and violent events. Known for its graphic content and amateur filmmaking, the movie has gained a cult following in the underground horror community.
Director John Polonia , Mark Polonia , Todd Michael Smith Release Date March 24, 1987 Writers John Polonia , Mark Polonia , Todd Michael Smith Cast Todd Michael Smith , John Polonia , Mark Polonia , Jeff Seddon , Marion Costly , Bernice Tombs Runtime 70 Minutes Main Genre Horror Character(s) Jeremy , Joseph , Alan , The Woodsman , Aunt Lacey , Victim Expand
The twin brothers and filmmakers Mark Polonia and John Polonia made over 40 feature films, mainly in the sci-fi and horror genres, with practically no funds. Of this, one of the very best was Splatter Farm, a direct-to-video horror extravaganza about two brothers going to stay with their aunt who encounters a psychopathic killer who dismembers his victims and stores their body parts in his barn. Part of the direct-to-video movement of the 1980s, Splatter Farm was a fantastic example of filmmakers making fun of movies just for the pure joy of doing it.
6 Return To Sleepaway Camp (2008)
Directed by Robert Hiltzik
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Return to Sleepaway Camp is a 2008 horror film directed by Robert Hiltzik and serves as a direct sequel to the 1983 film Sleepaway Camp. The story unfolds at Camp Manabe, where a string of mysterious murders begins to terrorize the campers, leading to the re-emergence of dark secrets from the past. Starring Vincent Pastore and Felissa Rose, the film attempts to recapture the essence of the original slasher classic.
Director Robert Hiltzik Release Date October 10, 2010 Writers Robert Hiltzik Cast Vincent Pastore , Michael Gibney , Paul DeAngelo , Jonathan Tiersten , Isaac Hayes , Lenny Venito , Erin Broderick , Adam Wylie , Kate Simses , Brye Cooper , Michael Werner , Christopher Shand , Jaime Radow , Shahidah McIntosh , Jackie Tohn , Paul Iacono , Chas Brewer , Ashley Acarino , Samantha Hahn , Jake O’Connor , Lucas Blondheim , Lauren Toub , Samantha Hiltzik , Emily Hiltzik , Lindsey Hiltzik , Miles Thompson , Tommy John Riccardo , Carlo Vogel , Kole Evans , Mary Elizabeth King , Dee Dee Friedman Runtime 86 Minutes Main Genre Horror Character(s) Frank , Alan , Ronnie , Ricky Thomas , Charlie the Chef , Mickey , Karen , Weed , Petey , Randy , Michael , T.C. , Jenny , Bella , Linda , Pee Pee , Stan , Alex , Marie , Spaz , Chooch , Joanie , Carly , Tracey , Toby , Eddie , Mark , Sheriff Pete , Dina , Sue Meyers , Aunt Gracie Expand
Return To Sleepaway Camp was the fourth movie in the Sleepaway Camp franchise and the first to be released direct-to-video. As a direct sequel to the original that ignores the events of the previous two movies, Return to Sleepaway Camp was a chance to go back to the series’ roots as Frank Kostic reopened the ill-fated Camp Arawak and a new crop of kids fell victim to the serial killer Angela Baker. With a healthy mix of humor and horror, this long-awaited sequel will please fans of this underrated series.
5 The Ritual (2017)
Directed by David Bruckner
The Ritual 0
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After traveling to Sweden, Luke reunites with his old college friends for a fun trip. But things quickly turn south when they realize something in the forest is stalking them. The Ritual was a Netflix original movie released in 2017 and was directed by David Bruckner, who would go on to direct Hulu’s Hellraiser film.
Director David Bruckner Release Date October 13, 2017 Studio(s) Netflix Distributor(s) Entertainment One , Netflix Writers David Bruckner Cast Sam Troughton , Rafe Spall Runtime 94minutes Budget $1 million Expand
The Ritual was a genuinely creepy story about a group of friends hiking in Sweden who encounter an ancient evil presence. An effective British supernatural folk horror film, The Ritual was released by eOne Films in the United Kingdom. However, its United States distribution rights were sold to Netflix for $4.75 million (via Hollywood Reporter.) With a beautifully shot natural environment, a dread-inducing atmosphere, and excellent camaraderie between its characters, The Ritual was a stylish production that utilized its Scandinavian setting to deliver a truly frightening film.
4 Huesera: The Bone Woman (2022)
Directed by Michelle Garza Cervera
Huesera: The Bone Woman 0
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*Availability in US Director Michelle Garza Cervera Release Date February 16, 2023 Writers Michelle Garza Cervera , Abia Castillo Cast Natalia Solián , Alfonso Dosal , Mayra Batalla , Mercedes Hernández Main Genre Horror
The Mexican-Purivian body horror Huesera: The Bone Woman starred Natalia Solián as Valeria Hernandez, a pregnant woman threatened by sinister occult forces. As a truly disturbing fable on motherhood, Huesera continued the tradition of other deeply anxiety-inducing horror allegorical classics like Rosemary’s Baby and The Babadook. Making its debut at the 2022 world premiere at the Tribeca Festival, Huesera was later released on the VOD platform Shudder.
3 The Fear Street Trilogy (2021)
Directed by Leigh Janiak
Fear Street
Fear Street is a multimedia franchise created by R. L. Stine that began as a book series in the 1990s. The story centers on the town of Shadyside, a place cursed for centuries until a group of teenagers are forced to find a way to break it. Otherwise, they’ll fall victim to deathless serial killers who continue to return until they kill their target. The series was brought back as a three-film event on Netflix in 2021 and gained widespread popularity.
Created by R. L. Stine First Film Fear Street: Part One – 1994 Cast Kiana Madeira , Olivia Scott Welch , Benjamin Flores Jr. , Ashley Zukerman , Ted Sutherland , Gillian Jacobs , Sadie Sink , Jordana Spiro , David W. Thompson , McCabe Slye Character(s) Deena Johnson , Samantha Fraser , Josh Johnson , Nick Goode , Christine Berman , Sarah Fier , Mrs. Mary Lane , Ryan Torres , Thomas Slater , William Goode , Solomon Goode , Hannah Miller , Henry Fier
Fear Street is a film franchise based on R. L. Stine’s book series that combines slasher and supernatural elements as teenagers try to break a curse that has plagued their town for years. Director Leigh Janiak released three installments on Netflix in July 2021, with a new Fear Street Part One: 1994, Fear Street Part Two: 1978, and Fear Street Part Three: 1666 coming out weekly. Each entry of the series was well-received by critics and viewers, and a fourth upcoming installment titled Fear Street: Prom Queen is currently in the works.
2 Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (2007)
Directed by Joe Lynch
Wrong Turn 2: Dead End 0
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A reality show production in the remote West Virginia backwoods becomes a horrific contest of survival when the show’s participants stumble upon a clan of cannibalistic locals.
Director Joe Lynch Release Date October 9, 2007 Studio(s) Summit Entertainment , Constantin Film Distributor(s) 20th Century Fox Writers Turi Meyer , Al Septien Cast Erica Leerhsen , Henry Rollins , Texas Battle , Aleksa Palladino , Daniella Alonso Runtime 93 minutes Franchise(s) wrong turn Sequel(s) Wrong Turn 3: Left For Dead , Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings (2011) , Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines (2012) , Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort (2014) Budget $4 Million Main Genre Horror Expand
Wrong Turn 2: Dead End was a rare example of ahorror movie that exceeds the quality of the original as it effectively paid homage to and parodied the slasher genre. As a direct-to-DVD release, Wrong Turn 2 featured punk rock legend Henry Rollins in a main role and acted as an unapologetic love letter to 1980s horror movies like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. While it’s easy to criticize this movie as derivative, that was also part of the point, as it effectively delivered entertaining horror fun that knew exactly what it wanted to be.
1 Hush (2016)
Directed by Mike Flanagan
Hush 2
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Hush is a thriller directed by Mike Flanagan, starring Kate Siegel as Maddie Young, a deaf-mute author living in isolation. The film chronicles Maddie’s survival as she becomes the target of a masked intruder. With limited senses, Maddie must use her resourcefulness and intellect to outwit the assailant. The narrative provides a tense and gripping exploration of vulnerability and resilience in the face of imminent danger.
Director Mike Flanagan Release Date April 8, 2016 Writers Mike Flanagan , Kate Siegel Cast John Gallagher Jr. , Kate Siegel , Michael Trucco , Samantha Sloyan , Emma Graves Character(s) The Man , Maddie , John , Sarah , Max Runtime 1hr22 Main Genre Thriller Expand
Mike Flanagan’s slasher movie Hush was an excellent Netflix horror categorized by strong performances and a truly creepy atmosphere. As the story of a deaf and mute writer being pursued in silence by a masked killer, Hush became extra frightening as the lack of senses made the narrative all the more suspenseful. Never has the old phrase ‘less is more’ been more appropriate, as the protagonist’s sensory deprivation raised the stakes and made the villain feel all the more chilling.
Sources: Paste Magazine, Audiences Everywhere, Hollywood Reporter
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