It’s easy to feel like there is nothing to watch, and attempting to search for a movie only brings the pain of a throbbing headache and tired eyes. It has become more common in this era for bad movies to come out rather than good movies. The same issue can apply to horror movies. Studios will either come out with cheesy ghost movies or movies that just aren’t scary. In order to lighten the burden that might plague you while in search of a good horror movie, take a look at the top most disturbing horror movies that will prevent you from sleeping at night.

1. “Skinamarink”-

“Skinamarink” is a Canadian experimental film that throws the common formatting of a horror movie on its head and is the best depiction of the deterioration of childhood innocence and also the disturbing nature of complete isolation. The film takes place in a gloomy house, and a brother and sister waking up in the dead of night to find that their father is missing, and soon they come to the realization that they have no means of escape as all the windows and doors have seemingly vanished. As the children seek comfort from each other, they soon learn, in the dark, unilluminated house, they are not alone. The movie creates a sense of dread within the viewer, playing with the unknown and the common fear many children have, a fear of the dark. 

While it may not be highly reviewed and criticized for being unengaging since the film often only shows the roof and wall of the house with snippets of the children talking, the further into the movie, the more off-putting it becomes, due to imagery and overall tense atmosphere.. 

2. “Silence of the Lambs”-

“Silence of the Lambs” is the most iconic and influential horror film to be released because in comparison to other films, “Silence of the Lambs”, does not rely on the supernatural and instead delves into the real societal struggles that women face while working in male dominated fields, and is easily capable of engaging the audience with its story.

The movie features an FBI trainee tasked to interview an incarcerated serial killer to gain information on the psyche of a killer the FBI is currently hunting down. The killer is known for  primarily targeting women and despite being an important case, she is disrespected and often sexualized by her male coworkers. While attempting to solve the case and protect future victims, she unwillingly takes part in a game of cat and mouse with the killer. 

3. “The Tunnel”-

            “The Tunnel”, is an Australian film that establishes  itself to be found footage and a documentary, the movie plays with the idea of the unknown  effectively using the film’s style to create a sense of unease  within the viewer as it mainly features the crew in dark areas, only leaving the viewer to wonder what hides within the shadows. The movie uses its setting to create its claustrophobic atmosphere, almost feeling as if you, the viewer, are one of the people enclosed in a small area.  

The movie begins its story with a film crew learning about a government cover-up in the tunnels located under Sydney. Full of curiosity, the film crew decides to explore the tunnels, seeking out answers to why the government covered up the tunnels. They soon learn that it would’ve been safer to just stay curious as they come face to face with a monster of unknown origin, one that threatens and toys with them. 

4. “Opal”-

While ”Opal” is not a movie, the plot, as well as the message it portrays more than earns it a spot on the list. The short psychological horror film created by Jack Stauber highlights and explores the effects that a neglectful household can have on a child in a creative yet disturbing way and is the best film depicting this theme. 

The film starts by showcasing a seemingly attentive family, singing to their child about how they see her. The plot of the film later takes a U-turn with Opal sneaking into the house next door and through this, the audience figures out that her name is not Opal, but Claire and she suffers from an extremely neglectful and abusive household. Her entire family is only seeking to use her for their own personal gain and only caring  for her attention rather than her well being, which is shown through the fact that Claire appears to be extremely malnourished.