Amanda Boisen lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for lists and rankings in all categories

Amanda Boisen - Lists at Ranker

Teens

Whether it’s a wholesome <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/the-best-disney-channel-original-movies-of-all-time/ranker-tv?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Disney Channel Original</a> movie or a heavier story being told on the big screen, teen movies can have a profound effect on those coming of age with themes and messages often addressing real difficulties and hurdles viewers are facing. While films aimed at this demographic can cover anything from young love and parental conflict to rebellion and the struggle to fit in, there are some more controversial stories unafraid to venture <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-episodes-of-into-the-dark/ranker-tv?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">into the dark</a> places in which some teens find themselves.Teenagers occupy a difficult, transitional stage of development - not quite a child but not quite an adult. Parents and society at large certainly want to protect these young people from the dangers of the world, but often this isn't possible. More serious themes like murder, assault, drug abuse, domestic violence, and self-harm have wormed their way into some of these coming-of-age stories, for better or worse.&nbsp;The films on this list have been both praised and criticized for their intense themes, with some critics accusing them of glorifying damaging behavior and others praising them for shining a light on the often-ignored realities teens are exposed to. This list will dive into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-controversial-modern-horror-movies/jacob-shelton">these murky waters</a>, revealing the darker side of the teenage experience that many are afraid to look at directly or even acknowledge.

The Most Controversial Teen Movies Of All Time

United States

Amanda Boisen

Watchworthy

Watchworthy - What to Watch, According to Votes

While gory, <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-disturbing-horror-movies/orrin-grey?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">shocking horror films</a> will always have their place in theaters (and living rooms) around the world, there's something to be said for the quiet horror that disguises itself like a trickster spirit, reels you in, and worms its way under your skin. A jumpscare will raise your heart rate, make you jolt in your seat, or maybe even scream; quiet horror slips in unnoticed and undetected, unnerving you even hours or days after your viewing.Don’t let the title's “underrated” fool you. While any horror film buff is likely champing at the bit to proclaim their favorite film is “underrated,” this list isn’t just about the underrated; instead, we’re celebrating films that made the conscious decision to sacrifice easy scares for a more existential, subtle fright - and were overlooked as a result.

The Most Underrated Quiet Horror Movies From 2000 To The Present

Underrated Quiet Horror Movies From 2000-Present That Trade In Thrills For Chills

Misery (1990)

While many of Stephen King’s antagonists are of supernatural origin, there's something especially insidious about <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-of-worst-stephen-king-movies/jacob-shelton">his mundane villains</a>. Those seemingly “normal” people are driven to frightening lengths to have their way, regardless of their morals or rationale. Perhaps that’s what makes these enemies the scariest - they could be anyone, from your best friend of a decade to a random stranger on the street.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/ghost-demon-prevention/lisa-waugh?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Ghosts and demons</a> are mysterious and seldom treated as serious threats, but people who commit unspeakably evil acts towards others can be anywhere, anytime, and deep down, we all know they exist.Annie Wilkes is undoubtedly one of the most chilling enemies from the Stephen King pantheon, made even more terrifying by her likeness to real-life killers who lived similar lives. In this list, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/overlook-the-shining-history/jacob-shelton">we’ll dive deep</a> into Annie’s history and psyche to see how just one woman could inflict a lifetime of damage on almost everyone she met.

A History of 'Misery’s Annie Wilkes

The Dark Life And History Of Annie Wilkes From Stephen King’s 'Misery'

Graveyard Shift

Any activity, after a period of time, will develop folklore, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/the-13-origins-of-the-most-common-superstitions/ariel-kana">superstitions</a>, or nervous traditions, but few mediums have such a long list of mystical failsafes than theater. Perhaps it’s simply a product of how long theater has been an art form - originating in Greece in the 6th century BCE - or perhaps there’s something about stage performance that invites the attention of… others.Ghosts, demons, spirits of misfortune - the world of theater plays host to all sorts of phenomena and portents of ruin. But where do all these weirdly specific rules, rituals, and<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/old-wives-tales-that-are-true/carlycarano"> folktales</a> come from? Let’s dive into the strange, sometimes paranoid world of theater superstitions.

Bizarre Theater Superstitions

The Most Bizarre Theater Superstitions You May Have Never Heard Of

These days, twists in horror movies are a dime a dozen - each film is trying to be the next&nbsp;Saw or&nbsp;The Others, whose twists are so unexpected, audiences raved about them for years after each film's release. But the best twists - the ones that earn the praise and slack-jawed, glassy-eyed stares at the screen - are truly hard to come by.So how do <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-horror-movies-of-the-21st-century/ranker-horror?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">modern horror films</a> (released anytime between 2010 and the present) fare in the quest for mind-bending twists no one saw coming? Well, we’ve whipped up a list of the best ones, and the verdict is in: Plenty of modern horror has plot twists that would make their predecessors proud.Obviously, major spoilers below for all films mentioned, so tread carefully as you decide which twist truly caught you off guard.

Shocking Twists In Modern Horror Movies That Really Caught Us Off Guard 

2000s

Even in the realm of underrated or small-budget horror, some films manage to rise to the top for their ingenuity and their dedication to inflicting truly horrifying moments upon filmgoers. One could argue that, without the budget for life-like CGI, these movies push practical effects to the very limits and still manage to take our breath awayWhether they made us wince at unexpected body horror or feel a wash of cold panic at a film’s existential implications, these films deserve their moment of recognition for well-earned, bone-chilling moments.

Super Upsetting Scenes From Underrated 2000s Horror Movies

Super Upsetting Scenes From Underrated Horror Movies

True Crime

“<a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/signs-youre-a-witch/jacob-shelton?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Are you a witch</a>, or are you a faery? Or are you the wife of Michael Cleary?”This children’s rhyme speaks volumes for the effect Bridget Cleary's burning had on Irish folklore and people's perception of fairies. Considered by many historians to be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.theirishplace.com/heritage/brutal-murder-or-a-faery-killing-the-slaying-of-bridget-cleary/">the last of the witches burned in Ireland</a>, Bridget was a 19th-century “It” girl in her rural village, with the looks, education, and means to spark envy in others - the perfect target for accusations of supernatural scheming.Changelings may seem like delightful monsters of the week on a CW show, but to the denizens of remote 1890s Ireland, the risk fairies posed to normal people was nothing to scoff at. Folklore and legends ran deep within these isolated communities, leading some to commit unbelievable acts to “cure” fairy-related ailments through extreme measures and, ultimately, even death.

Bridget Cleary Was Killed By Her Husband Who Insisted She Was A Fairy Changeling

The Tragic Fate Of Bridget Cleary, Whose Husband Believed She Was A Changeling

Castle Rock (Hulu)

First appearing in Stephen King's 1979 novel&nbsp;The Dead Zone, the fictional town of Castle Rock, ME, has been the dreamy setting for some of his most iconic chilling tales. The town is iconic, in fact, it even got its own TV show with the same name.The name “Castle Rock” comes from the fictional mountain fort in the 1954 novel&nbsp;Lord of the Flies. And much like the misfortunes that befall the boys in&nbsp;that story, the town of Castle Rock sees its fair share of tragedies and general strangeness.From wrongfully convicted inmates and brain-damaged psychics to rabid dogs and evil shopkeepers with magical stock, Castle Rock seems forever cursed to host the unexplainable.

Everything That Happens In The Town Of Castle Rock

A Complete Timeline Of Stephen King’s Castle Rock

No matter how much we try to protect children, the reality is that every child will have at least one negative experience as they grow up. Whether it’s the loss of a parent, the trauma of abuse or bullying, a brush with death, or perhaps even something supernatural, no one can be shielded from the chaos of life.Despite society's desire to protect children from the horrors of the world, many people are also fascinated by coming-of-age stories and the romanticization of narrative rights of passage. Themes of this nature can be found across all genres and mediums; some show the whimsy and magic of discovery, while some showcase the dark, sinister side of this transitional phase of life.Children, especially those going through puberty or on the cusp of it, are often the protagonists who can see a story's ghosts or monsters, likely because they're in a liminal stage of life. Undoubtedly, stories told from children and teenagers' perspectives fascinate society - kids can be unreliable narrators, compelling underdogs, and reflections of our own upbringing, all rolled in one.You’ll find no Peter Pan tales of magic and hope here, however. In this list, we’ll explore the coming-of-age films that push boundaries and reveal the darker facets of growing up from a child’s perspective. You may even find yourself grateful those days are behind you.

Movies That Explore The Dark Side Of Childhood And Teenage Years

Film studio A24 has been on a roll with its horror movies over the past few years, with many of them earning&nbsp;awards and easily making their way onto horror fans&#39;&nbsp;rosters of cult favorites. But, as is so often the case, creating a mind-bending horror movie is not always a predictable or comfortable process. Even with the power of CGI, many films employ practical effects to achieve that extra oomph.&nbsp;

In this list, we&rsquo;ll reveal the intriguing things we learned about the A24 movies that made us lock our doors, watch some cute cat videos to relax, and sleep with a few lights on.

Facts We Learned About Our Favorite A24 Horror Movies

Facts We Just Learned About Our Favorite A24 Horror Movies

Documentaries

While we&nbsp;may laugh or scoff at families on reality TV, in the end, the genre is entertainment -&nbsp;a reminder that everyone’s family is a little kooky sometimes. But real-life families in <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/greatest-documentaries-of-all-time/jdbranded" target="_blank">documentaries</a>&nbsp;often hide far darker secrets. We want to believe family is everything, and&nbsp;even if you don’t always like family members, you still love them at the end of the day. Maybe that’s why it’s so heart-wrenching when a family member does the unthinkable and violates that deep, innate trust.&nbsp;This list features documentaries that reveal some of the most harrowing and heartbreaking ways people have harmed their own families.

Unsettling Documentaries About Families That Pack An Emotional Gut Punch

US Cities

Ghost towns or vanished towns are staples of the horror genre, whether it be the&nbsp;Silent Hill games based on the real-life ghost town of Centralia, PA, or the SyFy masterpiece&nbsp;Wraiths of Roanoke, loosely centered around the disappearance of the Roanoke colony.But these two places are real; you can go there if you really want to, although few would recommend Centralia, as underground coal fires are still burning and filling the air with toxins.The same can’t be said for Doveland, WI, a small midwest town that seemingly never existed, despite those online who claim to have heard of it - or been there. What likely started as a copypasta shared around the internet for the spook factor has taken on a life of its own. Now you can even buy souvenirs for the likely imaginary town.

Doveland, Wisconsin: The Urban Legend Of The Town That Disappeared

Disease Outbreaks

It’s hard to imagine danger lurking at a marching band competition on a beautiful summer day in scenic Nottinghamshire, England. But on July 13, 1980, more than 300 children and adults at the Hollinwell Showground fainted or fell ill, for reasons that remain largely unsolved decades later.The “Hollinwell Incident” was officially ruled a case of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/history-of-dancing-plague/genevieve-carlton">mass hysteria</a>, but certain aspects of this bizarre day don’t fit within the parameters of that phenomenon. Uncertainty has led to a variety of explanations, some more feasible than others, leaving victims, scientists, and internet sleuths vexed.&nbsp;

Facts About The Hollinwell Incident

Hundreds Of Children Fell Ill During The Hollinwell Incident Of 1980, And We Still Don’t Know Why

Cryptozoology, or “cryptids” for the common folk, has fascinated humankind for thousands of years, beginning as early as the 15th century BCE. While media has glamorized the field, drawing images of wild-eyed creature-hunters chasing anomalous beasts into the night, cryptozoology is really just the study of unknown, legendary, or extinct animals whose existence or survival is disputed or unsubstantiated.But reports of strange organisms don’t stop at the animal variety. Enter cryptobotany (sometimes also called cryptophytology), or simply the study of plant cryptids. Just like its animal counterparts, this field of study focuses on the bizarre plants of folklore and legend that have evaded scientific confirmation. While there may not be any captivating security camera footage or blurry photographs of these elusive plants, some reports are surprisingly compelling.Let’s see which plant cryptids you’ll tentatively approach with a watering can and which ones might just use&nbsp;you for sustenance.

You May Know Bigfoot, But Have You Ever Heard Of Plant Cryptids?

Entertainment

While most fans of the macabre have their favorite earth-shattering moments in horror films, many movies save their most evocative and poignant tableaux for the very end. After dragging viewers through their horrifying twists and turns, these particular stories demand you remember their endings for years to come. Whereas some of these endings may make your blood run cold with one final scare, others bring a sort of existential, nebulous sense of dread that creeps below your skin.In this list, we’ll examine horror films that offer a final haunting image, the kind of scenes carefully crafted to linger with you like a ghost. Let's see if you can unsee these haunting - and heartbreaking - final scenes.

Terrifying Final Images In Horror Movies

Haunting And Heartbreaking Final Images In Horror Movies

Controversy

For many, the medium of filmmaking is all about pushing boundaries. Often those boundaries&nbsp;need to be pushed in order to open important conversations and shed light on the realities that many marginalized communities face. But boundaries can be rigid, especially surrounding drug abuse, and there’s something inherently uncomfortable when they’re challenged, especially when the film in question strays into controversy.For some films on this list, the controversy stems from the explicit scenes we see on the screen, while others come from the effect it had on culture and society. Regardless of whether or not <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/banned-movies-usa/jacob-shelton">the controversy or scrutiny is earned</a>, the movies on this list have undoubtedly earned a place in history for the lines they were willing to cross and the dark, subversive stories they were bold enough to tell.

The Most Controversial Drug Movies Of All Time

In the age of crossovers, shared cinematic universes are everywhere you look. From <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/superheroes-ranked-by-most-comic-book-appearances/ranker-comics?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">comic book superheroes</a> to demonic dolls, the demand for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/pixar-movie-details/erin-maxwell">Easter eggs and references</a> is evident in the dozens of subreddits and article breakdowns in practically every corner of the internet.Even the most casual of horror fans knows about obvious crossovers like&nbsp;Freddy vs. Jason, but some lesser-known crossovers out there still deserve to see the light of day. While some are just cheeky little nods to prior work, others are much more deliberate and change their films' canon in ways that keep fans murmuring for decades. While some of these are blatant, others are subtle, blink-and-you'll-miss-it moments that will have you wearing out the pause button.Vote up the shared-universe horror movie moments that slipped right past you.

Surprising Horror Movie Shared Universes

Surprising Times Horror Movies Shared A Universe With Other Films

Some horror films do their job a little too well, whether it’s pushing the limits of body horror or adding mind-bending story twists so shocking that a sanity break is desperately needed. While everyone might have that one film they saw in their youth that plagued them with nightmares for weeks, the films on this list have had a ubiquitous effect on audiences.&nbsp;Of course, every good scary film should endeavor to keep viewers invested while they're white-knuckling the armrests, but that's a delicate line to walk. Push too hard, and the film alienates viewers; push too little, and it's lost in a sea of half-baked, forgettable horror flicks. This list will dive into those moments that made us look away or hit pause out of pure instinct - because some things are truly too disturbing to behold.

The Exact Moment We Had To Turn Off These Infamous Horror Movies

The Exact Moments We Had To Turn Off These Infamous Horror Movies

Just as <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-very-best-of-stephen-king?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Stephen King's books</a> leave readers white-knuckling their armrests, the movie adaptations of King’s novels are gripping in their own way - especially, as it turns out, for those involved with their production. From drug mishaps to tying down dog tails, King’s stories can certainly demand a lot out of a cast and crew.With at least <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-of-worst-stephen-king-movies/jacob-shelton">86 movies based on King’s novels</a>, there have been plenty of opportunities over the years for some surprising and questionable occurrences, either during production or after. Some stories even involve the King of horror himself.

Behind The Scenes Of Stephen King Movies And TV

Behind-The-Scenes Details From Stephen King Adaptations That Have Us Screaming For More

Scream Franchise

The Scream franchise has undoubtedly earned its place as the king of meta slasher horror. When the fandom reignited with the release of Scream (2022), fan theories have come back out of the woodwork, from the third killer theory to the (unlikely) idea that <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/scream-dewey-theory/jacob-shelton">Dewey is actually an evil genius feigning innocence</a>.&nbsp;Up until the January 2022 release of Scream 5, one particular theory took on new life thanks to none other than Matthew Lillard, who played Stu Macher in the first film. The actor theorized that Stu managed to survive his on-screen death in the first Scream film - but could that really be possible? Well, surprisingly, there’s some pretty compelling evidence that Stu could be out there…somewhere.Fair warning, there are SPOILERS ahead for all films in the Scream franchise.

There's A Theory Stu From 'Scream' Is Still Alive, And It's Not As Dumb As It Sounds

There's A Theory That Stu From 'Scream' Is Still Alive, And It's Not As Dumb As It Sounds

Celebrities

The term &ldquo;final girl&rdquo; - used to describe one of the best-known tropes in slasher horror - was coined by <a href="https://scandinavian.berkeley.edu/people/carol-j-clover/" target="_blank">Carol J. Clover </a>in the 1992 book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Men-Women-Chain-Saws-Gender/dp/0691006202" target="_blank">Men, Women, and Chainsaws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film</a>, which focused on slasher films from the &#39;70s and &#39;80s, as well as&nbsp;the frequent choice for the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-female-movie-characters/ranker-characters?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">main female character</a> to be the last one standing. Later versions of the final girl would even get the final confrontation with the villain, a stark departure from the typical &ldquo;damsel in distress&rdquo; trope that now makes many moviegoers roll their eyes.&nbsp;

Here are some of the hardcore women who portrayed these final girls on the silver screen. Emulating&nbsp;these dauntless survivors takes some serious guts, so here&rsquo;s a list of facts you probably didn&rsquo;t know about the actresses who played your favorite final girls.&nbsp;

Vote up the facts you find most surprising.

21 lists