If you loved the eerie, sci-fi horror of 'Galaxy of Terror' (1981), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 gripping movies and shows that share its dark, suspenseful atmosphere and thrilling extraterrestrial terror. Whether you're a fan of cosmic dread or psychological horror, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Alien (1979)
Description: Seminal sci-fi horror that redefined the genre with its tense atmosphere, iconic creature design, and the concept of a working-class space crew facing cosmic terror.
Fact: The famous chestburster scene used real animal parts and shocked the unprepared cast during filming. The alien's design was partially inspired by H.R. Giger's paintings.


Forbidden World (1982)
Description: A low-budget sci-fi horror film featuring a deadly alien creature stalking a research team in an isolated space setting, blending gory practical effects with tense survival horror.
Fact: Originally titled 'Mutant', the film was shot back-to-back with another Roger Corman production to save costs. The creature effects were created by future Oscar-winner Rob Bottin.


Inseminoid (1981)
Description: Gory British sci-fi horror about an archaeological team encountering an alien lifeform that uses violent reproduction methods, featuring shocking body horror sequences.
Fact: Also known as 'Horror Planet', the film was shot at the same quarry used for 'Doctor Who' episodes. The production used real animal organs for some of the gore effects.


The Thing (1982)
Description: Masterpiece of practical effects horror about an Antarctic research team battling a shape-shifting alien, featuring groundbreaking creature designs and intense paranoia.
Fact: The film was initially a box office disappointment but became a cult classic. Over 15 different creature variations were designed for the transformation sequences.


Creature (1985)
Description: Space horror about a mining crew encountering a deadly alien lifeform on Titan, featuring grotesque creature designs and claustrophobic tension aboard a spacecraft.
Fact: Known as 'The Titan Find' during production, it was one of the last films to use the classic 'Alien' formula before the genre evolved. The production built massive, detailed spacecraft sets.


Lifeforce (1985)
Description: Extravagant space vampire horror with stunning visual effects, where a mysterious alien energy threatens to consume humanity through sexual transmission.
Fact: Based on Colin Wilson's novel 'The Space Vampires'. The film's elaborate space sequences were created by the same effects team behind 'Alien'.


The Dark Side of the Moon (1990)
Description: Paranormal space horror where astronauts discover supernatural forces aboard their spacecraft, combining sci-fi with occult themes and psychological terror.
Fact: Features one of the earliest appearances of the '666 satellite' conspiracy theory in cinema. The film's eerie score was composed by the director's brother.


Event Horizon (1997)
Description: A terrifying blend of sci-fi and supernatural horror about a spaceship that returns from another dimension with something evil aboard, featuring intense psychological horror.
Fact: The original cut was over 130 minutes before being trimmed by the studio. Many deleted scenes featured even more graphic hellish imagery.


Sunshine (2007)
Description: Visually stunning sci-fi thriller about a mission to reignite the dying sun, blending hard science with psychological tension and cosmic horror elements.
Fact: Scientists from CERN were consulted for the film's realistic depiction of stellar physics. The sun visuals were created using actual solar footage from NASA.


Pandorum (2009)
Description: Claustrophobic space thriller about crew members waking from hypersleep to find their ship overrun by mutated creatures, with themes of paranoia and survival.
Fact: The film's production design was heavily inspired by deep-sea drilling platforms. Many sets were built at practical angles to enhance the disorienting feel.
