When you sit down to enjoy a horror film, you anticipate the quickening of your heartbeat, the foreshadowing of ominous music, and scenes that take you by surprise. You expect to jolt out of your seat with a rush of adrenaline. But sometimes you’re on the edge of your seat for the wrong reason: to get out of the movie theater as soon as possible.
When a horror flick falls flat, it’s like taking a bite into a juicy apple only to realize it’s made of wax. Whether the plot meanders aimlessly or the slow burn is painfully turtle-paced, you end up yearning for a sliver of excitement. If you watch a snooze-worthy horror film and wake up hours later to realize you missed it, you probably didn’t miss much (kind of like many of the lullaby-style flicks in this list).
To compile this list of the most boring horror films ever made, 247 Tempo reviewed some media publications and forums like Reddit, where horror fans unite to share their favorite horror films—as well as the ones that left them with a bad taste in their mouths.
The Beast Must Die (1974)
- Directed By: Paul Annett
When you suspect there is a werewolf in your midst, the only correct thing to do is invite all the suspects over to your estate for a relaxing weekend, right? That way, you can figure out which one of your guests is the beast. It’s an interesting premise and there are certainly some memorable faces on screen but those who watched it have referred to it as “perhaps the worst horror film they’ve ever seen.” Critical with their remarks, Redditors mention the music doesn’t fit what you expect to listen to in a horror movie. The progression is slow and lacks the scares that a horror film is supposed to have. As if sitting through this isn’t boring enough, the ending is anticlimactic and leaves you disappointed.
Open Water (2003)
- Directed By: Chris Kentis
In this film, a tropical vacation quickly turns sour when a couple deviates from their scuba diving group and gets left behind. In their attempts to dive a little bit deeper than those they arrived with, they end up being forgotten after a faulty headcount. Then, they spend their time wading in the water with sharks lurking beneath them. Those critical of the film make fun of the synopsis by describing it as “two people floating around in the ocean for hours arguing about whose fault it is they’re in that predicament.” Well, that’s one way to put it.
I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016)
- Directed By: Osgood Perkins
When the elderly need special care, a live-in nurse is a wonderful companion. This film is about a caretaker who looks after an elderly author. Her job becomes unusual when she starts to suspect that the house she’s living in may just be haunted. It’s an interesting premise that might pique your interest but some horror fans describe watching the movie as a boring experience during which you wonder when something notable is going to happen. Unfortunately, the climax is not strong so you’re left with that feeling of wanting through and through.
The Open House (2018)
- Directed By: Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote
Moving into a new house is supposed to be an enjoyable experience. Yes, there is a lot of physical exertion when it comes to setting up furniture but turning a house into a home is a fun process. However, when some threatening forces are showing up in what’s supposed to be your sanctuary, things get tense. But horror fans don’t mince words when they describe this movie. Some say it was not memorable at all—but they remember they hated it. Some were upset that they sat through the whole thing. Then went on to say it was so forgettable that they ended up sitting through it again and hating it, even more, the second time. Others have even taken it upon themselves to warn others about watching this film. Ultimately, you can watch it at your own risk of boredom.
The Bye Bye Man (2017)
- Directed By: Stacy Title
This film explores the cause of evil, boiling it down to a single entity known as the Bye Bye Man. Basically, you can’t think or say it because the entity takes over once you open your mind to it. On Reddit, users commiserate after having watched this film and laugh at how frequently they are reminded of this not-so-thrilling horror flick. Some call it an incoherent film because they can’t make sense of it. They criticize the characters and the acting, noting that multiple setups throughout the film lead nowhere.
It Comes At Night (2017)
- Directed By: Trey Edward Shults
The premise of this movie and the title are incredibly alluring, calling forth horror fans of all kinds. Two families must come together and share a home when they face mysterious evil forces that have turned the outside world into an apocalyptic nightmare. However, they come to realize that the evil they’re evading may actually be residing within the house. All of that sounds promising but those critical of the film call it “pointless,” explaining that nothing ever happens. You’re there, sitting and waiting, and you end up still sitting and waiting once the credits roll on screen. One Redditor calls this “a waste of a good title.”
The Happening (2008)
- Directed By: M. Night Shyamalan
There’s something about an apocalyptic premise that horror fans typically love. In this film, there is an unknown threat taking lives throughout the country. With the cause unknown, three people come together to try and determine what’s killing off the people in their vicinity. They quickly come to realize that no one is safe from what’s happening. Disappointed horror fans explain that despite the movie’s suggestive title, not much happens. Although the movie starts with a good thrill, it’s ultimately a letdown.
Antlers (2021)
- Directed By: Scott Cooper
In this film, the local sheriff and a small-town teacher come to realize that one of the students in their town is keeping a horrifying secret. While this may not be the most boring horror film of all time, it is dull in a way that leaves you disillusioned. In fact, some Reddit users explain that the tail end of the film isn’t just disappointing, it’s also frustrating. You’d have to see it to understand why.
Lake Mungo (2008)
- Directed By: Joel Anderson
This film centers around a tragedy when a teenage girl drowns in a local dam. After it’s ruled an accident, her family mourns her. When they return home, they start to experience a series of inexplicable events. They come to realize that the 16-year-old girl who passed led a double life. It almost seems like a hidden gem but this isn’t the kind of film that puts you at the edge of your seat. And if you do inch closer to your seat, you’re likely to get up, get distracted, and forget you were watching a horror flick at all. One Redditor commented that it took a total of three nights to get through this because they have a rule about sitting all the way through every horror film they play, even if they consider it garbage. A bit rude of a review, but at least it’s honest.
Slender Man (2018)
- Directed By: Sylvain White
If you’ve heard of a horrifying figure that’s missing a face and whose mysterious nature haunts people in a small town, the only rational thing to do is to try and conjure it up. That’s what two small-town best friends thought in this film. They tried conjuring it by going online and getting it to appear. Of course, their efforts work and one of those girls disappears. If you like jump scares, you might enjoy this film. However, most people are disappointed with the poor storytelling. The color palette seems to have a dull effect throughout as well, which only adds to the boring experience. Although it’s a relatively modern film, it carries a stale vibe.
Midsommar (2019)
- Directed By: Ari Aster
This film starts idyllically with a couple exploring a rural town in Sweden, excited to meet with their friend and partake in a famed midsummer festival in the small town. Initially, this retreat is beautifully enticing but quickly changes when a pagan cult takes over. The series of events following are both strange and brutal. Reddit users who critique this film say they use it for bedtime. One user commented that they attempted to watch this film a total of four times and all four times, they fell asleep. This is a long movie so it has to keep you engaged and unfortunately, it falls short.
The Witch (2015)
- Directed By: Robert Eggers
When the youngest son of a family disappears, the family turns on the oldest daughter, who was in charge of watching over him. Paranoia swirls throughout and eventually, the eldest daughter‘s siblings begin to suspect that she may be involved in witchcraft. While this film does have several redeeming qualities, including great drama, it’s boring. If you’re able to fall asleep during a horror film, it’s simply not that intriguing. A lot of people praise this film but those who are critical of it don’t mince words when they share how much they disliked it.
The Last Thing Mary Saw (2021)
- Directed By: Edoardo Vitaletti
As part of their mourning process, a family comes together in an isolated farmhouse. However, as they embark on this process of grieving, they start to question exactly what happened to their matriarch. It may initially seem intriguing but those who criticize it say it just didn’t work. It was a bore. The content kind of collapses and fails to deliver a true scare. It’s more of a slow burn and some of the scenes leave a lot to be desired, which ends up frustrating viewers. There are some hidden clues throughout the film that are so well hidden, they affect the viewers ability to grasp the fullness of the plot. All of this results in a less-than-exciting storyline.
Annabelle (2014)
- Directed By: John R. Leonetti
A well-meaning husband finds what he determines is an ideal gift for his pregnant wife when he finds a vintage doll to give her. All is well until the couple’s home is invaded by devil worshipers who place a curse on the doll, infusing it with a demon. That perfect gift becomes a channel for evil to come through. It sounds scary but the execution of this film ended up being boring. One horror fan commented that they found the film more inadvertently humorous than actually scary. So, if you’re not looking for a thrill but looking for a laugh, this might be a good one to watch.
In Fabric (2018)
- Directed By: Peter Strickland
There are so many films regarding hauntings but this one takes a unique spin. Instead of the haunting being in a home, it’s in a fabric. It’s a red dress that’s haunted and yes, this isn’t just a horror. It is meant to be a horror comedy, so you can laugh as you watch it. But many horror fans find it so boring, it serves as a lullaby to put them to sleep. The story is bizarre and doesn’t have enough substance to carry the movie through. It collapses rather quickly and the sense of humor throughout might need to be acquired. Some call it downright ridiculous (perhaps that’s a step up from boring).
The Strangers (2008)
- Directed By: Bryan Bertino
This movie follows a couple who are looking forward to a getaway weekend in a family vacation house. However, as with any horror film that starts with seemingly good intentions, things turn sour. First, there is an unintentional murder and then there’s a home invasion that leaves the couple fighting for their lives. It’s a situation from a nightmare but Redditors who are critical of the movie explain that it’s much too frustrating to be frightening. Some expressed anger after having watched it, surprised that they sat through the whole thing. It’s a little predictable and the acting leaves something to be desired. The story has similar material to other horror films, which makes it unoriginal. It’s boring for horror film lovers who are looking for something more innovative.
The Babadook (2014)
- Directed by: Jennifer Kant
When a movie receives a lot of praise and hype, it only increases your expectations. Unfortunately for this film, this led to many horror fans being gravely disappointed when they finally sat down to watch it. Critical of it, several Reddit users describe it as a “remarkably unentertaining” film while also calling it a “trash heap.” If you make it all the way through the end, you realize that it hardly makes any sense at all. Some say it lacks the frights that true horror films possess but it does offer a psychological thrill, if you’re into that.
The House of the Devil (2009)
- Directed By: Ti West
It doesn’t sound like an inviting place—and it isn’t. But when a college student needs a place to work, she finds a babysitting job in this home. Except things take a turn when she realizes there is no baby to care for. There is, however, a mother she needs to care for. She perceives the sinister vibe and soon realizes the plans for her don’t entail a paycheck at all. While Redditors acknowledge that this is a beloved movie for many, they can’t get over how much of a drag it is. If you’re into a slower pace, you might be one of the ones who enjoys this. But if you prefer something more exciting, you won’t miss anything if this one remains unwatched.