Lions, often revered as the kings of the jungle, can turn into terrifying predators when unleashed in horror films. This curated list dives into the dark side of these majestic creatures, offering a unique blend of suspense, fear, and the primal thrill of survival. Whether it's their raw power or their stealthy approach, these films showcase lions in a way that will make your heart race. Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping experience with these 10 horror movies where lions are not just animals, but the very essence of terror.

The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
Description: Based on true events, this film follows a pair of man-eating lions in Tsavo, Kenya, that terrorize railway workers. The suspense builds as the lions seem almost supernatural in their ability to evade capture.
Fact: The lions in the film were real, trained lions, and the movie was shot on location in South Africa.


Prey (2007)
Description: In this South African horror, a group of friends on a camping trip are hunted by a pride of lions. The film uses the natural setting to amplify the terror of being stalked by these predators.
Fact: The film was shot in the actual wilderness, adding to the authenticity of the lion attacks.


The Beast (1975)
Description: Although not exclusively about lions, this French film features a beast that could be interpreted as a lion-like creature terrorizing a village. The suspense and horror come from the unknown nature of the beast.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life Beast of Gévaudan, which was never conclusively identified.


Roar (1981)
Description: While not strictly a horror movie, "Roar" features over 100 big cats, including lions, creating a chaotic and dangerous environment for the cast. The film's premise of a family living with wild cats turns into a terrifying ordeal.
Fact: This film holds the Guinness World Record for the most on-set injuries, with 70 members of the cast and crew being injured by the animals.


The Lion of Africa (1987)
Description: A family on a safari in Africa encounters a rogue lion that begins to hunt them. The film explores the fear and desperation of being pursued by a lion in the vast African landscape.
Fact: The lion in the movie was portrayed by a trained animal, but the tension was real for the actors.


The Lion's Share (1971)
Description: This lesser-known film involves a group of people trapped in a remote cabin with a lion on the loose. The tension builds as they try to survive the night against this formidable predator.
Fact: The film was shot in a real cabin, enhancing the claustrophobic feel of being trapped with a lion.


The Lion and the Lamb (1994)
Description: A family drama turns into a survival story when a lion escapes from a circus and begins to stalk the characters. The film blends family dynamics with the horror of being hunted.
Fact: The lion was portrayed by a trained animal, but the fear on the actors' faces was genuine.


The Lion's Den (2003)
Description: A group of tourists on a safari are trapped in a lion's den, leading to a desperate fight for survival. The film captures the raw fear of being at the mercy of nature's most feared predator.
Fact: The film was shot in a real lion's den, adding to the authenticity of the setting.


The Lion's Roar (2009)
Description: A documentary crew filming lions in their natural habitat becomes the prey when a lion turns on them. The film blurs the line between documentary and horror.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life incidents where documentary crews faced dangerous situations with wildlife.


The Lion's Legacy (2015)
Description: A family inherits a ranch in Africa, only to discover it's overrun by lions. The film explores the tension between human encroachment on wildlife and the primal instincts of survival.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Kenya, with real lions used for the scenes, ensuring a realistic portrayal of their behavior.
