While we still don’t understand the concept of deliberately walking into the cinema, which is dark, by the way, so that you could feel your soul leave your body and the thrill of an adrenaline rush, we can’t deny how captivating, addicting and fascinating they are. In fact, the scarier they are, the more attractive they get. Even though you are bound to lose sleep and look over your shoulder in case of a jump scare, it is worth it most times. Over the years, we have the scariest, soul-leaving and teeth-clenching movies and TV series coming to our screens.  From The Conjuring to Insidious, The Turning and The call, there are so many horror movies we want to see but can’t because we love our sleep and mental health. However, I have compiled a list for people like me who aren’t horror movie fans but would love to watch at least one scary movie that has less gore, less jump scare, and doesn't haunt you in your dreams. These movies have promises to send a thrill up your spine, make you cry, and would possibly blow your mind with the biggest plot twist and I hope you find that horror movie for you.

It (2017 film)

I hate clowns and if you hate clowns too, you might twist your face and turn away from this movie. But, it isn’t as bad as you think.

 It follows the adventure of seven bullied children who are forced to face their worst fears when Pennywise, an ancient shape-shifting clown, appears after twenty-seven years to torment children and feed on them. Pennywise is a trans-dimensional evil creature with supernatural powers such as reality manipulation, possession, and shape-shifting. Bill Skarsgård played Pennywise and honestly, if you could just envision the beauty that is Bill Skarsgård while you watch, things might be less scary for you.

Aside from the fact that I enjoyed this movie and could actually watch it, another reason why It could be an excellent pick for you is the cast. Not only do we have talented and relatable characters, but they are kids too and with kids come funny moments and comic relief for scary movies. They also bring themes such as courage and the power of friendship. It stars impressive actors like Finn Wolfhard, Jack Dylan Grazer, Jaeden Martell, Sophia Lillis, and Jeremy Ray Taylor.

Us

Starring Lupita Nyong’o, Us is an American horror-thriller film that tells the story of Adelaide Wilson and her family as they get attacked by mysterious figures who look just like them. I know, the synopsis sends shivers down your spine, but, Us is more psychologically daunting and creepy than horrific. It doesn’t focus on the horrifying part of things but on context and the storyline and how it affects the viewers. The most important thing about this movie is the ‘Why’ Why is it created? What does it mean? When you figure that out, that’s where the real adrenaline rush begins. It is full of symbolism, and metaphors and can be attached to political, cultural, and societal issues, therefore bringing so many interpretations to the movie. Us has to be one of the most brilliant, unexpected things I’ve watched with the biggest plot twist. And here’s something to take away; watch out for the ending, you will be mind-blown.

A Quiet Place 

If you are looking for something that will leave you at the edge of your seat at every scene, have your heart in your throat while biting your fingers in anticipation and suspense, A Quiet Place is the movie for you. A Quiet Place features real-life couple Emily Blunt and John Krasinki as their family struggles to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where blind but noise-sensitive monsters have killed most humans. Now, like some post-apocalyptic movies, the story comes with one simple rule. Make a sound and you die. It’s called A Quiet Place for a reason; throughout the movie, you can count how many times someone spoke. It’s like a movie where no one speaks and that’s what makes it brilliant and an incredible watch with top-tier acting.

Bird Box

Just like how A Quiet Place has the rule to not speak, Bird Box also comes with a rule, “ Don’t look” Honestly, I thought Hollywood was running out of ideas with these ideas, but Bird Box made it clear that they still have a lot under their sleeves. The movie stars Sandra Bullock as she and her children fight to survive when a mysterious force drives the population to commit suicide. This force is invisible and takes the shape of the affected worst fears, which only they can see. Malorie Hayes (Sandra Bullock) goes on a dangerous journey with her children through the woods and down a river, in search of hope and a new beginning. The challenge is, that they will have to go through this journey blindfolded.

Train to Busan

This is me recommending one of my all-time favourite zombie movies. If you consume a lot of Korean post-apocalyptic films, you will know that these guys know what’s up and they never disappoint. It stars A-list Korean actors like Gong Yoo, Don Lee, and Choi Woo-Shik, and that should tell you this movie is in the hands of talented people ad you should expect something that will glue you to your screen. Train to Busan is a South Korean action horror that follows the story of Seok Woo (Gong Yoo) and his daughter as they are on a train to Busan when a zombie apocalypse suddenly breaks out. Most of the event takes movies takes place on the speeding train as it goes from Seoul to Busan and that makes it more exceptional and incredible, who knew there’s so much that could happen on a train? 

Another reason why I love Train to Busan is how heart-touching and realistic it is, with a brilliant script too and it easily makes one of the best Zombie apocalypse movies in world cinema. Did I mention the excellent casting?

And there you have it! Five horror movies that aren’t so scary. Hopefully, you found the horror movie that won’t give you nightmares and you can finally tell your friends that you have finally seen a horror movie; not one, but five of them.