10 Southern Gothic Movies That Are Scarier Than Standard Horror Films

"While some movie genres have various national origins, there's no question that the southern gothic is a peculiarly American institution. Typically taking place in the various states of the American south, these types of movies often explore issues such as the family, dark legacies, race, and crumbling plantations. As a result, many of them are quite disturbing, sometimes even more than a standard horror movie. For many of the movies on this list, especially older films, the historical context and period of creation also play an important role, especially when viewed and critiqued from a modern lens. Perhaps it is because these movies are set in a "real" world that audiences recognize that they are so chilling, or perhaps it's because they address issues such as race, sexuality, and economic disparity that everyone can identify with, even if they are given a bit of a twist."