10 Movies & Shows Like The Dark (1979)

Description: A psychological horror film that masterfully builds paranoia and dread as a pregnant woman suspects a sinister conspiracy. The film's slow burn and unsettling tone make it a classic of the genre.

Fact: The film was shot in the same New York apartment building where the novel's author, Ira Levin, lived. Mia Farrow's dramatic haircut in the film was unscripted and done without the director's prior knowledge.

Description: A landmark horror film that explores demonic possession and the battle between good and evil. The film's intense atmosphere and shocking visuals make it one of the most terrifying movies ever made.

Fact: The film was based on a supposedly true story of a boy's exorcism. During production, strange accidents and injuries led some to believe the set was cursed.

Description: A gritty, relentless horror film that follows a group of friends terrorized by a family of cannibals. The film's raw, documentary-like style and unrelenting tension make it a harrowing experience.

Fact: The film was marketed as based on true events to heighten its impact, though it was largely fictional. Leatherface's mask was made from real human skin in the film's lore, adding to its disturbing realism.

Description: A horror film that combines psychological drama with supernatural elements, focusing on a bullied teenager with telekinetic powers. The film's climax is a visceral and unforgettable explosion of rage and violence.

Fact: The infamous prom scene used over 50 gallons of fake blood. Sissy Spacek suggested covering herself in Vaseline before the blood was poured to make it stick better.

Description: A supernatural horror film centered around the Antichrist and the ominous events surrounding a young boy. The film's foreboding atmosphere and shocking deaths create a sense of inevitable doom.

Fact: The film's composer, Jerry Goldsmith, won an Academy Award for his haunting score. Several eerie accidents occurred during filming, leading some to believe the production was cursed.

Description: A slasher film that set the standard for the genre, featuring a relentless, masked killer and a small-town setting. The film's minimalist score and use of shadows heighten the suspense and fear.

Fact: The film was made on a shoestring budget of $325,000 but went on to gross over $70 million worldwide. The mask worn by Michael Myers was a modified Captain Kirk mask painted white.

Description: A sci-fi horror masterpiece that blends suspense and terror in a confined spaceship setting. The film's slow build-up and sudden bursts of violence create a palpable sense of fear and isolation.

Fact: The alien's design was inspired by the works of H.R. Giger, whose biomechanical art gave the creature its distinctive, nightmarish appearance. The famous chestburster scene was kept secret from most of the cast to capture genuine reactions.

Description: A supernatural horror film with a slow-building tension and eerie atmosphere, focusing on a small coastal town haunted by vengeful spirits. The use of fog as a visual and thematic element creates a sense of dread and mystery.

Fact: The film was inspired by a visit to a British cemetery where John Carpenter saw a mysterious fog roll in. The original cut was deemed too short, leading to additional scenes being filmed.

Description: A psychological horror film that delves into madness and supernatural occurrences within an isolated hotel. The film's meticulous pacing and unsettling visuals create a deeply immersive and terrifying experience.

Fact: The iconic 'Here's Johnny!' line was improvised by Jack Nicholson. The hedge maze scene was filmed using a combination of miniatures and full-scale sets.

Description: A claustrophobic horror film set in an isolated Antarctic research station, where paranoia and distrust escalate as a shape-shifting alien infiltrates the group. The film excels in creating an atmosphere of relentless tension and psychological horror.

Fact: The special effects were groundbreaking for their time, using practical effects to create grotesque transformations. The film was initially a box office disappointment but later gained a cult following.