5 R-Rated Horror Movies That Aren't Very Scary

The horror genres intent is to frighten audiences through suspense, bloodshed, and unexpected twists. The R rating permits filmmakers to push boundaries, striving to create terrifying films. However, not every R-rated horror movie achieves this level of fear. Some movies emphasize humor or character arcs over horror. Others attempt to create scares but fall short. For fans who enjoy horror themes but are easily frightened, here are five R-rated films that arent genuinely scary.

5. The Blackcoat's Daughter (2015)

The Blackcoat's Daughter unfolds across two timelines. In the first, students Kat (Kiernan Shipka) and Rose (Lucy Boynton) remain at a Catholic boarding school while their peers leave for a break. Left alone with nuns and an ominous force, the tension builds. In another timeline, Joan (Emma Roberts) escapes a mental institution, heading toward the school for unknown reasons. Her connections to Kat and Rose become evident.

Though some eerie scenes exist, The Blackcoat's Daughter doesnt fully delve into horror. The haunting presence remains mostly unseen; shadows hint at its existence. Oz Perkins skillfully blends supernatural and psychological elements, tackling themes like isolation and faith. While emotional in impact, the film does not prioritize sheer terror.

4. Gothika (2003)

In Gothika, psychiatrist Miranda Grey (Halle Berry) works at a mental institution alongside her husband Doug (Charles S. Dutton) and friend Pete Graham (Robert Downey Jr.). A sudden twist occurs when Miranda awakens in the same institution, accused of murdering Doug with no memory of the event. Struggling to recall what happened, she encounters disbelief from others.

Gothika leans towards a mystery narrative rather than pure horror. The plot features ghostly encounters and psychological quandaries. Mirandas struggle to differentiate reality from delusions drives the story. The focus often shifts to uncovering her forgotten truth, limiting the overt horror presentation.

3. Jennifer's Body (2009)

Jennifer's Body revolves around the friendship of Jennifer (Megan Fox) and Needy (Amanda Seyfried), who enjoy a fun night out at a concert. After the event, Jennifer leaves with a music group. The band, mistaking her for a virgin, attempts a Satanic sacrifice. However, their plan goes awry when Jennifer, not a virgin, transforms into a succubus.

This film presents itself as a horror comedy, leaning towards humor while peppering in mild horror effects. Celebrated for its feminist themes, the movie critiques societys treatment of women, particularly regarding sexuality. Jennifer redefines female portrayal in horror. With lighthearted moments and minimal frights, Jennifers Body offers entertaining, albeit gentle, horror.

2. Let Me In (2010)

Let Me In centers on the friendship between bullied 12-year-old Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee) and neighbor Abby (Chloë Grace Moretz) in the early 1980s. As they bond, Owen learns Abby is a centuries-old vampire trapped in a childs form. The narrative also intertwines with a murder investigation in their community. This film is an American adaptation of the Swedish film Let the Right One In.

The horror in Let Me In takes a nuanced approach, eschewing gore in favor of uneasy visuals and an unsettling relationship. Disturbing imagery and the juxtaposition of innocence with horror create lingering thoughts rather than typical scares. This film explores darker themes, remaining haunting in an intellectual sense.

1. House of Wax (2005)

House of Wax follows Carly (Elisha Cuthbert), her boyfriend Wade (Jared Padalecki), twin brother Nick (Chad Michael Murray), and friends who camp en route to a football game. Their plans alter after vandals force them to seek help in a nearby town. There, they tour a wax museum and encounter the sinister twin brothers, Bo and Vincent (Brian Van Holt).

The predictability of House of Wax diminishes potential suspense, offering minimal scares. Character development is lacking, which leads to disconnection from them. Even villains appear exaggerated, further detracting from any tension. Critically underserved upon release, it later found a cult audience, signaling the start of a new horror era...

Earlier, SSP told about the 5 best body horror movies.