10 Movies and Shows Similar to Lady, Stay Dead (1981)

Description: 'A Bay of Blood' and 'Lady, Stay Dead' both feature graphic violence and a focus on the dark side of human nature. Both films also use their isolated settings—a bay in 'A Bay of Blood' and a remote house in 'Lady, Stay Dead'—to create a sense of dread. The films share a similar visual style, with a focus on shocking, visceral imagery.

Fact: Directed by Mario Bava, it is considered a precursor to the slasher genre. The film's kill scenes were highly influential on later horror films. It was released under multiple titles, including 'Twitch of the Death Nerve.'

Description: While 'Don't Torture a Duckling' is more of a giallo thriller than a straight horror film, it shares with 'Lady, Stay Dead' a focus on mystery and violence in a rural setting. Both films explore themes of isolation and the dark side of human nature, and both feature shocking, graphic scenes that leave a lasting impact.

Fact: Directed by Lucio Fulci, it is considered one of his most politically charged films. The film was controversial for its depiction of violence against children. It features a rare sympathetic portrayal of a journalist as the protagonist.

Description: This film shares with 'Lady, Stay Dead' a focus on psychological horror and a female protagonist in peril. Both films feature dark, twisted plots and a focus on the grotesque. The films also share a similar visual style, with a focus on eerie, atmospheric settings.

Fact: Directed by Sergio Martino, it is one of his most celebrated giallo films. The film's title is a reference to an Edgar Allan Poe story. It features a standout performance by Edwige Fenech.

Description: 'Torso' and 'Lady, Stay Dead' both feature graphic violence and a focus on the dark side of human nature. Both films also use their isolated settings—a university in 'Torso' and a remote house in 'Lady, Stay Dead'—to create a sense of dread. The films share a similar visual style, with a focus on shocking, visceral imagery.

Fact: Directed by Sergio Martino, it is considered one of the first slasher films. The film's kill scenes were highly influential on later horror films. It was released under the title 'Carnal Violence' in some countries.

Description: 'The Psychic' shares with 'Lady, Stay Dead' a focus on a female protagonist uncovering dark secrets. Both films blend psychological horror with elements of mystery, and both feature shocking, violent climaxes. The films also share a similar visual style, with a focus on eerie, atmospheric settings.

Fact: Directed by Lucio Fulci, it is one of his more underrated films. The film's plot involves psychic visions and a murder mystery. It features a standout performance by Jennifer O'Neill.

Description: 'The Black Cat' and 'Lady, Stay Dead' both feature supernatural elements and a focus on psychological horror. Both films also use their isolated settings—a small village in 'The Black Cat' and a remote house in 'Lady, Stay Dead'—to create a claustrophobic atmosphere. The films share a similar visual style, with dark, shadowy cinematography.

Fact: Directed by Lucio Fulci, it is loosely based on Edgar Allan Poe's story. The film features a haunting score by Pino Donaggio. It was one of Fulci's lesser-known works but has gained a cult following.

Description: 'Inferno' shares with 'Lady, Stay Dead' a focus on supernatural horror and a female protagonist uncovering dark secrets. Both films feature eerie, atmospheric settings and a slow-building tension that erupts into shocking violence. The films also share a similar visual style, with a focus on surreal, nightmarish imagery.

Fact: Directed by Dario Argento, it is the second film in his 'Three Mothers' trilogy. The film features a haunting score by Keith Emerson. It was poorly received upon release but has since gained a cult following.

Description: Like 'Lady, Stay Dead,' 'City of the Living Dead' is a horror film that combines supernatural elements with visceral gore. Both films feature a small group of characters battling an unseen evil, and both employ a slow-building tension that erupts into shocking violence. The films also share a similar aesthetic, with dark, moody cinematography.

Fact: Another entry in Fulci's 'Gates of Hell' trilogy. The film's infamous 'drilling' scene is one of the most talked-about moments in horror cinema. It was filmed in Savannah, Georgia, giving it a unique American Gothic feel.

Description: 'The Beyond' shares with 'Lady, Stay Dead' a focus on supernatural horror and graphic violence. Both films create a pervasive atmosphere of doom and feature protagonists who uncover dark secrets tied to a specific location. The visual style of 'The Beyond,' with its surreal and nightmarish imagery, parallels the unsettling tone of 'Lady, Stay Dead.'

Fact: Also directed by Lucio Fulci, it is considered one of his masterpieces. The film was heavily censored upon its original release. It has been praised for its atmospheric score by Fabio Frizzi.

Description: Similar to 'Lady, Stay Dead' (1981), 'The House by the Cemetery' is a horror film that blends gore with psychological terror. Both films feature eerie settings—a secluded house in 'Lady, Stay Dead' and a haunted mansion in 'The House by the Cemetery'—that amplify the sense of dread. Additionally, both movies were released in the early 1980s, a period known for its experimental and often graphic horror films.

Fact: Directed by Lucio Fulci, the film is part of his unofficial 'Gates of Hell' trilogy. The film's English dubbing was notably poor, adding to its cult status. The child actor Giovanni Frezza's performance was criticized but has since become iconic among horror fans.