If you're a fan of horror movies, you know that the most mundane objects can become terrifying in the right context. Radios, often overlooked, have been used in horror films to create suspense, deliver messages from beyond, or even as a conduit for evil. This curated list dives into the dark side of radio waves, offering a unique blend of psychological horror, supernatural scares, and technological terror. Whether it's a voice from the past, a signal from the unknown, or a device that shouldn't be, these films will make you think twice before turning on your radio.

The Dead Zone (1983)
Description: While not centered on radios, the film features a scene where the protagonist receives a vision through a radio, which sets the tone for the horror elements. It's a classic Stephen King adaptation with a unique twist.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use CGI for a scene where a character's head explodes.


The Last Broadcast (1998)
Description: This found footage film involves a group of people investigating the Jersey Devil using radio equipment. The eerie use of radio signals to capture the unknown makes it a chilling watch.
Fact: It's often credited as one of the first found footage films, predating "The Blair Witch Project" by a year.


Frequency (2000)
Description: While not strictly a horror film, "Frequency" uses a ham radio to connect a father and son across time, leading to suspenseful and eerie moments. The film's use of radio communication to alter fate adds a chilling dimension.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life incident where a man claimed to have communicated with his deceased father via a ham radio.


The Ring (2002)
Description: Although primarily about a cursed video tape, "The Ring" includes a pivotal moment where a radio plays a key role in the unfolding horror, making it a must-watch for this theme.
Fact: The film was remade from the Japanese original "Ringu," which itself was based on a novel.


White Noise (2005)
Description: This film focuses on electronic voice phenomena (EVP) through radio static, where a man tries to communicate with his deceased wife. The eerie atmosphere and the concept of messages from the dead make it a standout in this collection.
Fact: Michael Keaton, who stars in the film, was initially hesitant to take on the role due to the supernatural elements.


The Signal (2007)
Description: This film explores the concept of a mysterious signal that affects people's behavior, making it a perfect fit for our list. It's a psychological thriller that delves into the power of media manipulation through radio waves.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days. The signal in the movie is actually a real shortwave radio broadcast called "The Buzzer."


The Apparition (2012)
Description: In this film, a couple is haunted by an entity they inadvertently summoned during a college experiment involving radio frequencies. The film's use of radio waves to manifest the supernatural is chilling.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of the director's friends who claimed to have encountered a similar phenomenon.


The Quiet Ones (2014)
Description: Although primarily about paranormal experiments, the film features a pivotal scene where a radio plays a crucial role in summoning a spirit, making it a fitting addition to our list.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the Philip experiment, where a group tried to create a ghost through psychological means.


The Signalman (1976)
Description: This British TV film, adapted from a Charles Dickens story, involves a signalman haunted by a ghostly figure. While not directly about radios, the eerie atmosphere and the use of communication signals make it relevant.
Fact: The film was directed by Lawrence Gordon Clark, known for his work on the BBC's "A Ghost Story for Christmas" series.


The Entity (1982)
Description: This film features a woman being attacked by an invisible entity, with a radio playing a crucial role in one of the haunting scenes. It's a blend of psychological horror and supernatural elements.
Fact: The film is based on a real-life case of alleged paranormal activity.
