If you're a fan of the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of 'Mortuary' (1982), a cult classic horror film filled with dark secrets and supernatural twists, you'll love this curated list of 10 similar movies and shows. Dive into chilling tales of haunted mortuaries, vengeful spirits, and macabre mysteries that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're drawn to vintage horror or modern thrillers, this guide has something to satisfy your craving for the sinister.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Description: A gritty, low-budget horror film that thrives on raw tension and grotesque imagery, focusing on a group of victims terrorized by a cannibalistic family. The mortuary-like setting of the family's home amplifies the dread.
Fact: The film was marketed as based on true events to heighten its shock value, though it was largely fictional. It was shot in sweltering Texas heat, adding to the actors' discomfort and the film's visceral feel.


Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Description: A seminal zombie film that combines social commentary with relentless horror, as survivors barricade themselves in a shopping mall. The film's bleak tone and focus on societal collapse resonate deeply.
Fact: The movie was made on a shoestring budget but became a landmark in horror cinema. Its use of vivid gore effects set a new standard for the genre.


Phantasm (1979)
Description: A surreal horror film with dreamlike visuals and a mortuary setting, where a mysterious undertaker terrorizes a small town. The film's eerie tone and unconventional storytelling make it stand out.
Fact: The iconic silver sphere weapon was created using a modified bowling ball. The film's ambiguous ending sparked debates among fans for decades.


The Fog (1980)
Description: A supernatural horror film with a coastal town besieged by ghostly revenants emerging from a thick fog. The film's atmospheric dread and maritime setting create a haunting experience.
Fact: The original cut was deemed too tame, leading to reshoots that added more gore and scares. The film's lighthouse setting was inspired by real-life ghost stories.


The Beyond (1981)
Description: A nightmarish horror film filled with surreal imagery and graphic violence, centered on a hotel built over one of the gates to hell. The film's oppressive atmosphere and grotesque visuals leave a lasting impact.
Fact: The movie was heavily censored upon its initial release due to its extreme violence. It has since been recognized as a masterpiece of Italian horror cinema.


Demons (1985)
Description: A relentless horror film where a group of moviegoers are trapped in a theater as demonic forces take over. The film's claustrophobic setting and over-the-top gore deliver intense thrills.
Fact: The movie was shot in West Berlin, with the abandoned theater adding to its eerie vibe. It features a soundtrack filled with heavy metal and punk rock songs.


The Return of the Living Dead (1985)
Description: A horror-comedy that blends gruesome zombie mayhem with dark humor, featuring a group of people trapped in a mortuary as the undead rise. The film's mix of gore and satire creates a unique tone.
Fact: The film introduced the concept of zombies craving brains, which became a pop culture staple. It was originally conceived as a sequel to 'Night of the Living Dead' but took a different direction.


The Stuff (1985)
Description: A satirical horror film about a mysterious, addictive dessert that turns consumers into monstrous creatures. The film's blend of social commentary and body horror creates a unique experience.
Fact: The titular 'Stuff' was made from a mixture of yogurt, cottage cheese, and food coloring. The movie was a critique of consumer culture and corporate greed.


House (1985)
Description: A bizarre horror-comedy with surreal visuals and a haunted house setting, where a group of people face off against supernatural forces. The film's mix of humor and grotesque imagery makes it unforgettable.
Fact: The movie was inspired by the director's daughter, who described a painting of a scary house. It features practical effects that were groundbreaking for its time.


Night of the Creeps (1986)
Description: A sci-fi horror film with a mix of humor and grotesque body horror, revolving around alien parasites that turn people into zombies. The setting in a college town and the mortuary scenes add to the eerie atmosphere.
Fact: The film pays homage to classic B-movies, with character names referencing famous horror directors like Romero and Cronenberg. It was initially a box office flop but gained a cult following.
