Best Horror Movies That Play On Your Fear Of The Dark, Ranked

Summary

Horror movies like Darkness Falls use fear of the dark to provoke anxiety and physiological responses.
Facing common phobias, films like Lights Out can be spine-chilling for viewers scared of the dark.
The use of lighting, shadows, and sounds in horror movies like Them and Babadook creates suspense and terrifies viewers.

As a seasoned horror movie enthusiast who has spent countless nights huddled under blankets and peeking through fingers during scary scenes, I must say these films have left quite an impression on me. Each one expertly employs the fear of the dark to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, with suspenseful moments that would make even the bravest among us quiver in anticipation.

It appears that approximately half of American adults suffer from nyctophobia, or a fear of darkness. This prevalence leads movie producers to capitalize on this widespread phobia when creating horror films such as ‘Darkness Falls’, ‘The Babadook’, and ‘Them’. These movies intentionally induce feelings of unease, muscle tension, and sweating – symptoms often experienced by those who are frightened of the dark.

From another perspective, when viewed optimistically, horror films exploiting the fear of darkness serve as a means for audiences to confront and conquer their apprehension about the dark. For those who find the dark particularly terrifying, these films can be exceptionally unsettling.

8. Lights Out

A Magnificent Combination Of Shadows And Sound

Release date: August 4, 2016
Running time: 1h 21m
Director: David F. Sandberg
Streaming: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video

Under the guidance of the director behind The Conjuring, we delve deeper into the terror that lurks within the shadows with the film titled Lights Out. This chilling tale revolves around a spectral entity named Diana, who haunts a family’s residence. Unique to her is the ability to traverse only in darkness; she thrives on it and materializes whenever lights are extinguished, vanishing when they are turned back on.

The movie provokes the vulnerability of the viewers by tricking them with shadows, sounds, and camera angles. Reviews mention the great visuals and quick scares. Overall, reviews agree that it’s overall enjoyable, but nothing too scary.

7. Them

A Horror Based On Actual Events

Release date: July 19, 2006
Running time: 1h 17m
Director: David Moreau, Xavier Palud
Streaming: Netflix

This horror film is inspired by true events that unfolded in France. It centers around a duo: Clément, a school teacher, and Myrtille, a rural author. One fateful night, an unwanted intrusion by a pair of children turns their tranquil residence into a terror-filled abode.

What makes “Them” chilling is its realistic feel; the plot is plausible enough that it seems like it could happen to anyone, which adds to its bone-chilling effect when viewed. The filmmakers skillfully manipulated lighting, shadows, and sounds to create an atmosphere of suspense and sheer terror.

6. The Night House

A Ghost Story Starring Rebecca Hall

Release date: August 20, 2021
Running time: 1h 47m
Director: David Bruckner
Streaming: Disney +

In the chilling tale of The Night House, audiences are drawn into a haunting ghost story. The narrative unfolds in a secluded river house, where the lead character, Beth (portrayed by Rebecca Hall), finds herself grappling with her husband’s suicide. However, his final note promises her safety – but from what ominous and mysterious danger?

As a film enthusiast, I find myself captivated by a chilling score that echoes within my soul, while the director skillfully delves into the unsettling realm of darkness-induced apprehension. The images they present are not just unsettling, but they manage to instill an unshakable sense of dread in me and other viewers.

5. The Boogeyman

An Adaptation Of Stephen King’s Short Novel

Release date: June 2, 2023
Running time: 1h 38m
Director: Rob Savage
Streaming: Disney +, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that “Boogeyman” is a chilling blend of psychological terror and supernatural elements, delving deep into themes such as bereavement, sorrow, and parental inadequacy. This film unfolds the heart-wrenching tale of a tormented father, who serves as a therapist while grappling with his own loss. His emotional turmoil prevents him from giving his children the emotional support they desperately need, resulting in neglect. The narrative takes a sinister turn when an unsettling patient inadvertently introduces a malevolent supernatural entity into their home, altering their lives forever.

In the film, the dimly lit areas and eerie shadows serve a purpose, creating an atmosphere of suspense. The audience witnesses two young characters confronting typical childhood anxieties related to darkness, thereby amplifying the sense of apprehension.

4. Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark

An Unbelievable Kid In A Haunted House

Release date: November 6, 2010
Running time: 1h 39m
Director: Troy Nixey
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

The story of “Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark” revolves around Sally, an intelligent 8-year-old girl, who along with her father and future stepmother, moves into a run-down Gothic mansion requiring renovation. This house has a cellar that intrigues but scares Sally. As she explores, she discovers a secret pit housing mysterious creatures that whisper and tempt her to release them. Despite her efforts to communicate her unease about the house, her concerns fall on deaf ears.

The movie is a modern adaptation of the 1973 classic. Director Troy Nixey employs a dimly lit basement to instill a sense of dread associated with darkness. Shadowy and dark elements are strategically used throughout the film, providing cover for the monsters to stealthily maneuver and conceal themselves.

3. The Babadook

A Tale Book That Becomes Real And Terrorizes A Grieving Mom

Release date: May 22, 2014
Running time: 1h 34m
Director: Jennifer Kent
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

The film “Babadook” undoubtedly ranks among the finest horror movies ever made. The story unfolds when a widow named Amelia finds herself living alone with her son, Samuel, in their home. One evening, she reads a bedtime story to her son titled “Mister Babadook,” and from that moment on, their lives are turned upside down. She tries to destroy the book to prevent strange occurrences during the night, but her attempts prove unsuccessful.

Jennifer Kent, an Australian filmmaker, concentrates on interior shots. These are portrayed to the audience in dimly lit environments where eerie shadows seem to emerge from the corners, amplifying the sense of unease that comes with being in a dark setting.

2. Darkness Falls

When The Tooth Fairy Returns As An Evil Spirit

Release date: January 24, 2003
Running time: 1h 26m
Director: Jonathan Liebesman
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

The story “Darkness Falls” revolves around a character named Matilda, often referred to as the Tooth Fairy. Unfortunately, she is falsely blamed by the town’s people for causing harm to their children. In the end, she passes away and transforms into a malevolent spirit. Driven by vengeance, Matilda decides to stalk the town and focus on children who have recently lost a baby tooth. During the night, this evil force only emerges to attack, taking the lives of anyone who makes contact with her gaze.

In this film, a significant aspect is the exploration of the dread associated with darkness, which serves to create an atmosphere of suspense and fear. Audience members should be prepared for swift motions in the shadows and moments of terror whenever the lights go off.

1. Paranormal Activity

A Couple Decides To Record Disturbing Events Happening At Night

Release date: February 5, 2010
Running time: 1h 26m
Director: Oren Peli
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

As a movie critic, allow me to share my thoughts on “Paranormal Activity.” This chilling tale follows the nightly ordeals of Katie and Micah, a duo who opt to install a camera in their bedroom for an eerie vigil. You see, Katie confides that she’s long been tormented by supernatural forces, despite Micah’s initial skepticism. However, moved by her experiences, he decides to document the nights ahead.

Under the cover of nightfall, mystery and apprehension arise from the darkness and the grainy night-vision imagery, leaving viewers on edge as they anticipate what might occur next. Furthermore, the strategic use of minimal lighting and silence creates a sense of discomfort, urging viewers to remain captivated.

2024-12-20 02:08