As summer reaches its peak, many people are flocking to the beach, while others might prefer to stay indoors and indulge in some thrilling beach horror films. Rather than focusing on well-known classics like *Jaws*, we spotlight eight underrated beach horror movies that are sure to make viewers think twice about their next trip to the shore.
The Beach House
*The Beach House* is a chilling Lovecraftian body horror film featuring a young woman vacationing with her boyfriend at his family’s seaside retreat. The atmosphere turns eerie when they discover an older couple already occupying the home. However, the true horror lies beneath the waves, as the film weaves in themes of global warming and presents shocking, gruesome sequences, including one where the protagonist extracts a worm-like creature from her foot.
Psycho Beach Party
*Psycho Beach Party* blends campy horror with comedy, parodying iconic 60s beach films. The story revolves around Chicklet, a teen eager to fit into Malibu Beach’s popular scene but soon encounters a hidden alter ego. As the plot unfolds, beachgoers begin to disappear, delivering a thrilling mix of humor and suspense reminiscent of classic slasher flicks.
Creepshow
As one of the most captivating anthology horror films, *Creepshow* features a chilling tale set on a beach. In the segment titled “Something to Tide You Over,” a wealthy man exacts revenge on a cheating spouse. The story takes a dark twist as his deadly plans come back to haunt him, employing the beach as a backdrop for a uniquely horrifying experience.
Turistas
*Turistas* ventures into the realm of torture horror with a gripping narrative filled with shocking twists. This 2006 film follows a group of tourists who find themselves in peril after a bus accident leads to a series of horrific events. The film is notorious for its intense violence, making it one of the most brutal beach horror films, with vividly memorable sequences that linger long after viewing.
Meg 2: The Trench
The sequel *Meg 2: The Trench* features Jason Statham and takes viewers on a wild ride as it introduces new prehistoric creatures. Much of the film unfolds in an underwater lab and a resort called Fun Island, where the last act sees beachgoers facing off against a menacing Megalodon and other formidable monsters, leading to one of the most thrilling climaxes of the year.
Evolution
*Evolution*, directed by Lucile Hadžihalilović, presents a psychological sci-fi nightmare set in a beachside community inhabited solely by boys and women. This unsettling body horror film unnerves viewers with its chilling premise, transporting them to deeply dark and uncomfortable places, complemented by stunning coastal imagery.
Club Dread
*Club Dread*, a horror-comedy hybrid, showcases a serial killer wreaking havoc at a swingers resort. This hilarious film cleverly intertwines comedy and slasher elements, featuring a terrifying villain that rivals classic slasher figures while delivering a memorable finale that promises both laughs and chills.
Sweetheart
*Sweetheart*, a creature feature with a survival horror twist, follows a young woman stranded on an isolated island, where she discovers she’s being hunted by a mysterious monster. The film emphasizes strong, resilient characters against a backdrop of breathtaking ocean vistas, making it a standout in the beach horror genre.
