Gateway Horror // 7 Movies to Get You Started on Your Horror Journey

We here at Horror Movie Blog love horror. Some of us were raised on slashers, creature features, and things that go bump in the night. But not everyone started their horror journey that way. Maybe you’ve always been horror curious but aren’t ready to jump into the deep end. Or maybe you’re trying to introduce a friend without immediately subjecting them to Martyrs and risking them never trusting your movie recommendations again. Thankfully, horror has plenty of great gateway films we can start with. Here are seven horror movies that gently ease you into the genre without guaranteeing nightmares or keeping you up all night.

The Others

Starring Nicole Kidman, this film is set in a coastal town in England in 1945, during World War II. Grace (Kidman) is fiercely protective of her two children, who suffer from severe light sensitivity. Caring for her children plus living in a very old home can be a lot for a mom holding down the fort while her husband is off fighting in the war. When she hires some newcomers to help around the home, strange things begin to occur. Well, what did you expect to happen, Nicole?

Happy Death Day

Think Groundhog Day, but instead of trying to improve upon yourself, you’re trying to survive. That’s the premise of Happy Death Day. Poor Tree wakes up on her birthday, totally expecting a chill day, but instead she keeps getting killed, many times. But wait, don’t run from that premise alone. It’s actually a really fun time-loop movie. A horror comedy that did so well that there’s a sequel – Happy Death Day 2U.

The Craft

I couldn’t resist adding this 1996 classic. While many of us horror fans would lovingly always include this movie on our list, this would be a perfect movie to introduce to the uninitiated. When four teenage girls form a coven of witches, what could possibly go wrong? The Craft would be perfect for fans of the 90s.

Gremlins

I might have watched this movie when I was too young and didn’t give it a second thought. But this is a great intro to horror right here. Gizmo is cute and cuddly. Then we have the gremlins which are, well, not cute or cuddly. Gremlins can get a little messy, but it’s enough comedy to keep it light and fun.

The Invisible Man (2020)

Elizabeth Moss is your invitation to enjoy horror with The Invisible Man. Cecilia (Moss) is going through psychological hell as she’s being haunted by an invisible force. Convinced it’s her recently deceased husband, no one is buying Cecilia’s story. This is a great introduction to horror because of its lean toward sci-fi and psychological shenanigans.

Tremors

Well, ride ’em, cowboy! Kevin Bacon stars in this 1990 creature feature that somehow makes walking on the ground feel like a stupid choice. What the townspeople first chalk up to earthquakes, turns out to be giant underground monsters with a taste for humans, eek. Tremors is the kind of horror comedy that gets just about everything right. It’s one of those movies that’s impossible not to have a good time with, whether it’s your first watch or your tenth. It’s been in regular rotation in my home for years.

The Orphanage

If you like The Others, you will really enjoy The Orphanage. The movie takes place in an old orphanage where Laura (Belén Rueda) wishes to open a home for children with disabilities. She lives in the house with her husband and her son, Simón. One day, Laura gets into an argument with Simón, and he runs away, leaving her heartbroken and searching for him. I’m trying hard not to give too much away here, but this Spanish film is beautiful, and I will admit, it will make you cry. So keep your tissues nearby.

There you have it! Seven movies that are screaming for your attention if you are just getting started on your horror journey. There is a mix of horror comedy, psychological mayhem, and supernatural tomfoolery. If you find yourself enjoying these movies and want to keep easing into the genre, hit us up online and ask us for some more recommendations. We promise we won’t bite.