10 Horror Films About TVs That Will Make You Rethink Your Viewing Habits

Description: Although primarily a ghost story, this film features a TV set that becomes a conduit for supernatural occurrences, making it an early example of the horror trope.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use the "screaming skull" gimmick, where viewers were promised a free burial service if they died of fright during the movie.

Description: This classic horror film features a family whose home is invaded by spirits through their television set, leading to the haunting of their youngest daughter. The TV becomes a literal portal to another dimension, making it a perfect fit for this list.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life paranormal events reported by writer Steven Spielberg. Also, the famous scene where the TV turns on by itself was achieved using a remote control hidden inside the set.

Description: Johnny Smith, after waking from a coma, discovers he has psychic abilities that are triggered by touching objects, including a TV. His visions often involve horrific events, making the TV a medium for his terrifying insights.

Fact: The film was based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. The TV scene where Johnny sees the future was one of the first uses of a TV screen as a plot device in horror.

Description: A TV station executive's life spirals into madness as he becomes obsessed with a mysterious and violent TV signal called Videodrome. This film explores the psychological horror of media influence and the blurring lines between reality and fiction.

Fact: Director David Cronenberg used real-life TV signals to create the eerie Videodrome broadcast. The film's special effects, particularly the "flesh gun," were groundbreaking at the time.

Description: A cursed videotape that kills viewers seven days after watching it is at the heart of this modern horror classic. The TV screen becomes a portal for the vengeful spirit of Samara, making it a chilling addition to our list.

Fact: The film was a remake of the Japanese horror film "Ringu." The iconic scene where Samara crawls out of the TV was done using a combination of practical effects and CGI.

Description: While not strictly about TVs, this film features a video game that kills players in real life if they die in the game, with the TV screen serving as the gateway to this deadly virtual world.

Fact: The film was inspired by the urban legend of "The Most Dangerous Video Game," where players allegedly died in real life after losing in the game.

Description: In this American remake of the Japanese film "Kairo," ghosts use the internet and TV to invade the world of the living, causing people to vanish into thin air. The TV becomes a medium for these spectral entities to cross over.

Fact: The film was directed by Jim Sonzero, who also worked on the original Japanese version as a second unit director. The eerie, static-filled TV screens were a nod to the original film's visual style.

Description: While not a horror film, this comedy-drama about the making of a TV pilot features a scene where the protagonist's life is eerily reflected on the TV screen, hinting at the power of television to influence reality.

Fact: The film was written and directed by Jake Kasdan, who also created the TV series "Freaks and Geeks."

Description: A mysterious signal transmitted through various media, including TV, turns people into homicidal maniacs. The film uses the TV as a means to spread the signal, making it a unique entry in our list.

Fact: The film was shot in a continuous shot, giving it a real-time feel, and the signal itself was created using a combination of sound and visual effects.

Description: A radio talk show host must survive a terrorist attack while broadcasting live on TV. Although the focus is on radio, the TV plays a crucial role in the dissemination of information and chaos.

Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days, and the director, Corbin Bernsen, also stars in the movie.