20 Of The Best Non-Franchise Horror Films

Whenever a horror film makes a profit, it is more then likely that some sort of sequel will come along. But there are some gems out there that have never been expanded into a franchise. This is a list of the best horror movies in no particular order that have never had a sequel, TV series or remake. They stand alone in their greatness.

1. Dead and Buried - 1981

Visitors to a small fishing town are constantly being killed and it is up to the local sheriff to figure out what is going on. With the atmosphere of a H.P. Lovecraft novel and a bit of style from Dario Argento, a unique horror film was created that never quite found the audience that it deserved.

2. Bubba Ho-Tep - 2002

Elvis Presley and John F. Kennedy living in an elderly home and defending it from a recently awakened mummy. If that basic summary on the movie doesn't sell you then I don 't know what would.

3. The Mist - 2007

This atmospheric and creepy film is one of the best examples that sometimes it is the people that we need to really fear and not the monsters. This film also contains one of the bleakest endings that you will ever see.

4. High Tension (Haute Tension) - 2003

This is a very diviseve movie, but I am very much on the love it side. A film from France that introduced director Alexandra Aja who would go on to specialize in horror remakes. Amazing and disgusting effects along with some great cinematography fill this film about a man with the intent to murder a house of people to get to the woman he wants.

5. The Cremator (Spalovac mrtvol) - 1969

This is a lesser known film that came out of the Czech New Wave movement. It may not have been seen by many people, but those that have love it. The story follows a man who runs a crematorium that faces a choice that could lead to terrible consequences for his family and himself.

6. Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon - 2006

Off all of the movies on this list, this is the one that I'm most surprised that hasn't become a franchise. It presents a great fictional world where the killers from slasher films are real and follows a man that intends to join their ranks. This film features some great in-jokes on other horror films and how killers are always there no matter how fast you run.

7. Trick 'r Treat - 2007

This is an anthology horror film that never got the theatrical release that it so deserved. It took two years to get this film out on DVD, but it is well worth the wait. It features some great stories with well known actors that bring their best that make this one of the most underrated movies of recent years.

8. Frailty - 2001

This is a great film about a single father of two boys who claims that he was visited by an angel and chosen to smite down those who do evil. It is filled with great suspenseful scenes and leaves you guessing until the end about where the father is telling the truth or if he has just gone crazy.

9. The Stuff - 1985

This movie comes from legendary b-movie director Larry Cohen. A mysterious white substance is found underground and it turns out to have a very enjoyable taste to it. So it's rushed to the markets and soon enough nobody can get enough of the stuff. This film has some great effects work and it is a great satirical look at the 1980s.

10. House (Hausu) - 1977

There have been a lot of bizarre horror movies that have come from Japan, but this one has to take the cake. A group of girls go to visit on of theirs aunts during a school break, but they don't know that she is a witch who intends to steal their youth. The house comes alive in the most freakish and scary ways possible that will leave you thinking about this film for a long time.

11. Killer Klowns from Outer Space - 1988

This film is the worst nightmare for anybody that has a fear of clowns. The clown make-up design is amazing and there are some really creative kills in the film, such as a group of people being eaten alive by a shadow puppet. The Chiodo Brothers really show off their skills here and it is a shame that it has never gotten a sequel.

12. Night of the Creeps - 1986

Not only is this a real fun horror film to watch, it also provides small references to other icons of horror if you pay attention. This film is also a mix of different horror genres as it has parts of a zombie, slasher and invasion films all mixed into one.

13. Dog Soldiers - 2002

Out of all of the greatest werewolf movies made, this is the only one to never receive a sequel. This film follows a group of soldiers as they begin some military exercises which quickly turn nightmarish. This was Neil Marshall's first film and showed that he was one newcomer to keep your eye on.

14. In the Mouth of Madness - 1994

This was another movie that was clearly inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. It involves a horror author that has gone missing and those that have read his work are starting to go crazy. This is truly one of John Carpenter's best.

15. Ravenous - 1999

Cannibalism is always a dark subject matter and this film takes an interesting look at how it ends up effecting a man stationed at an outpost in the middle of the wilderness during a time of war. A great isolated environment and a very creepy score make this one great horror film.

16. Session 9 - 2001

Very few films make as much use of their environment as Session 9 does. It takes place in an old abandoned mental institution that has broken down greatly over time. This is a very slow and methodical film that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

17. Don't Look Now - 1973

Donald Sutherland gives a great performance in this film where him and his wife are trying to continue on with their lives after the death of their child. But when he starts seeing his child along the streets of Italy, he is not sure what to believe.

18. Nightbreed - 1990

Based off of a short story by Clive Barker. This film turns the tables around by making the monsters in the heroes of the story. This movie has great monster effects work and it features well known director David Cronenberg in one of the lead roles. A fully restored version of the film known as the Cabal Cut should be coming out later this year and it will definitely be worth picking up.

19. Cemetery Man (Dellamorte Dellamore) - 1994

The caretaker of a cemetery is always having to rebury the dead when they rise a week later after being buried. But that is of no bother to him as his real concern is falling in love and getting out of the town he is stuck in. This movie offers up a little bit of everything and it is filled with great moments that you will never forget.

20. Freaks - 1932

This film was directed by legendary horror director Tod Browning. This movie shocked people when it first came out due to the use of real circus sideshow performers. The movie shows a piece of an old American culture that many others have been afraid to feature. But it is not those within the culture that are to be feared of, it is those on the outside who try to take advantage of them that are the real freaks.