There's something inherently eerie about lakes - their still waters, the mysterious depths, and the isolation they often provide. This collection of horror movies taps into that primal fear, offering a chilling array of tales where lakes become the backdrop for terror. Whether it's a creature lurking beneath the surface or a haunting presence on the shore, these films will make you think twice about your next lakeside getaway. Here are 10 horror movies that will send shivers down your spine, all set against the backdrop of a lake.

The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
Description: This classic creature feature involves an expedition to the Amazon where scientists encounter the Gill-man, a prehistoric creature living in a lagoon.
Fact: The film was shot in 3D, making it one of the earliest horror films to utilize this technology.


Piranha (1978)
Description: A school of genetically altered piranhas escape from a secret military experiment into a lake, turning a summer getaway into a feeding frenzy.
Fact: The film was directed by Joe Dante, who would later direct "Gremlins," another horror-comedy classic.


Friday the 13th (1980)
Description: This iconic slasher film set the standard for lake-themed horror. Camp Crystal Lake becomes a deadly playground for Jason Voorhees, who terrorizes counselors with his machete.
Fact: The film was initially panned by critics but became a cult classic, spawning numerous sequels. The character of Jason Voorhees was not the killer in the first film; it was his mother.


Lake Placid (1999)
Description: A giant man-eating crocodile terrorizes a small town in Maine, leading to a mix of horror and dark comedy as a team tries to capture the beast.
Fact: The film's title is a playful nod to the serene Lake Placid in New York, known for its tranquility, which contrasts with the film's premise.


The Lake House (2006)
Description: While not a traditional horror, this film involves a mysterious lake house where time seems to bend, leading to a unique and eerie love story with elements of suspense.
Fact: The film stars Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, who previously starred together in "Speed."


The Burning (1981)
Description: Inspired by the urban legend of Cropsey, this film follows a group of summer camp counselors stalked by a disfigured caretaker named Cropsy, who was horribly burned in a prank gone wrong.
Fact: The film features early roles for several actors who would later become famous, including Jason Alexander and Holly Hunter.


Beneath (2013)
Description: A group of friends on a fishing trip find themselves trapped in a sinking boat, surrounded by a school of man-eating fish in a lake.
Fact: The film was directed by Larry Fessenden, known for his work in indie horror.


The Lake (1998)
Description: A group of friends visiting a remote lake house encounter a malevolent force that seems to be connected to the lake itself, leading to horrifying consequences.
Fact: This lesser-known film has gained a cult following for its eerie atmosphere and the use of practical effects.


The Lake (2007)
Description: A family vacation turns into a nightmare when they discover a dark secret beneath the lake, involving a creature that preys on their fears.
Fact: This film is often confused with the 1998 film of the same name due to similar titles and themes.


The Lake (2017)
Description: A group of friends camping by a lake find themselves hunted by a mysterious figure with a connection to the water, leading to a terrifying night of survival.
Fact: This film uses the lake setting to explore themes of isolation and the unknown, making it a unique addition to the horror genre.
