Elevators, those everyday contraptions that take us up and down, can turn into terrifying traps in the right horror setting. This curated list dives into the eerie world of elevator horror, where the mundane becomes macabre. From psychological thrillers to supernatural scares, these films explore the claustrophobic terror of being trapped in a confined space, making every ride a potential nightmare. Whether you're a horror aficionado or just looking for a unique scare, these movies will leave you gripping the handrail a little tighter.

Elevator to the Gallows (1958)
Description: While not strictly a horror film, this French thriller features a suspenseful sequence where a character is trapped in an elevator, adding to the film's tension and noir atmosphere.
Fact: The film's score by Miles Davis was improvised and recorded in one night, adding to its unique and haunting atmosphere.


The Lift (1983)
Description: This Dutch horror film features a killer elevator with a mind of its own. The elevator's malfunctions lead to gruesome deaths, and a technician must uncover the dark secret behind its behavior.
Fact: The film was remade in Hollywood as "Down" in 2001, but the original remains a cult classic for its unique blend of horror and sci-fi.


Devil (2010)
Description: M. Night Shyamalan's twist on the elevator horror genre involves five strangers trapped in an elevator, one of whom is the Devil himself, leading to a series of supernatural events.
Fact: The film was originally conceived as part of Shyamalan's "The Night Chronicles" anthology series.


The Elevator Game (2023)
Description: Based on an urban legend, this film explores the terrifying consequences of playing a game in an elevator that supposedly opens a portal to another dimension.
Fact: The film is inspired by the real-life "Elevator Game" urban legend, which has been popular among horror enthusiasts online.


Elevator (2011)
Description: A group of strangers are trapped in an elevator during a blackout, and as the situation escalates, their true natures are revealed, leading to a tense and claustrophobic horror experience.
Fact: The film was shot in a real elevator, adding to the authenticity of the claustrophobic setting.


The Elevator (1974)
Description: This made-for-TV movie is a classic example of how a simple elevator ride can turn into a nightmare. When a group of people get stuck in an elevator, their fears and secrets come to the surface, leading to tension and terror.
Fact: The film was directed by Jerry Jameson, who later directed the disaster film "Airport '77". It was also one of the first films to explore the psychological horror of being trapped in an elevator.


The Elevator Massacre (1976)
Description: A group of people are stuck in an elevator, and one by one, they start to die under mysterious circumstances. This film plays on the fear of being trapped with a killer.
Fact: The movie was released under several different titles, including "The Lift" and "The Elevator," which can lead to confusion with other elevator-themed horror films.


The Elevator: Three Minutes Can Change Your Life (2000)
Description: This French thriller follows a group of people stuck in an elevator, where their personal secrets and fears are exposed, leading to a psychological horror experience.
Fact: The film was shot in a real elevator, enhancing the realism of the setting.


The Elevator: A Modern Ghost Story (2001)
Description: A group of people are trapped in an elevator with a ghost, leading to a chilling tale of supernatural horror and psychological tension.
Fact: The film was released directly to video and has since gained a cult following for its unique take on elevator horror.


The Elevator (2015)
Description: A group of strangers are trapped in an elevator during a power outage, and as they wait for rescue, their secrets and fears come to light, leading to a psychological horror experience.
Fact: The film was shot in a single location, emphasizing the claustrophobic setting.
