One of the most effective elements in horror movies is the use of isolation. Nothing is more frightening than the idea of being left to your own devices against a murderer or supernatural presence.
So it's little wonder that some of the most memorable horror movies take place in nature, where the protagonist is in a locale unfamiliar to them. Disoriented, malnourished people make very bad decisions, making them ripe victims.
Living in Texas, one gets used to rural expanse between urban areas. And while most boast Southern hospitality, there are some folks who don't like newcomers, or interlopers, and this element is often exaggerated when crafting a great horror villain. And the backwoods is always a good spot for creepy phenomena that can't be easily explained.
With this in mind, here are the 10 best rural horror movies, from the American Heartland to the Aussie Outback:
