Dormitories, with their close quarters and shared living spaces, provide a perfect backdrop for suspense, mystery, and psychological thrillers. This curated list of 10 films dives into the heart of college life, where the line between friend and foe blurs, and the walls of the dorms hold secrets waiting to be uncovered. From psychological twists to chilling supernatural elements, these films offer a thrilling escape into the world of dorm life, where every knock on the door could be the beginning of a nightmare.

Black Christmas (1974)
Description: A sorority house is terrorized by obscene phone calls and then by a killer during the Christmas break. This film is considered one of the first slasher films, setting the stage for many dorm-based thrillers.
Fact: The film was remade in 2006 with a slightly different plot.


The House on Sorority Row (1983)
Description: A group of sorority sisters accidentally kill their house mother and try to cover it up, only to be stalked by a mysterious killer. This classic slasher film is set in a sorority house, akin to a dorm.
Fact: The film has gained a cult following over the years for its suspenseful plot.


The Initiation (1984)
Description: A college student undergoes a sorority initiation that leads her into a night of terror, revealing dark secrets about her past. The film mixes elements of slasher horror with psychological twists.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use a dream sequence to mislead the audience.


The House of the Devil (2009)
Description: A college student takes a babysitting job in a secluded house, only to find herself in a terrifying situation involving satanic rituals. The film captures the eerie atmosphere of a lonely dorm-like setting.
Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to give it an authentic 1980s feel.


The Roommate (2011)
Description: A college freshman's dream of independence turns into a nightmare when her new roommate exhibits increasingly disturbing behavior. The film delves into themes of obsession and identity theft.
Fact: The film was inspired by the true story of a stalking incident at a college.


The Pact (2012)
Description: After her mother's death, a woman returns to her childhood home, now a dorm, to find it haunted by a malevolent spirit. The film blends supernatural horror with psychological tension.
Fact: The film was initially conceived as a short film before being expanded into a feature.


The Dorm That Dripped Blood (1982)
Description: Four college students stay behind during winter break to clean out an old dormitory, only to find themselves hunted by a killer. The film plays on the isolation and vulnerability of being in a deserted dorm.
Fact: The film was originally titled "Pranks" but was changed to capitalize on the horror genre's popularity.


Deadgirl (2008)
Description: Two high school students discover a woman chained in an abandoned asylum, leading to a descent into moral decay and horror. This film is not for the faint-hearted, exploring dark themes within a dorm-like setting.
Fact: The film was banned in several countries due to its graphic content.


The Dorm (2014)
Description: This film explores the dark side of college life when a group of students in a dorm begin to experience paranormal activities. The tension builds as they uncover the sinister history of their living quarters.
Fact: The film was shot in an actual abandoned dormitory, adding to the eerie atmosphere.


The Babysitter (2017)
Description: A young boy discovers his babysitter is part of a satanic cult, leading to a night of terror in his own home, which feels like a dorm with its shared spaces and secrets.
Fact: The film was a surprise hit on Netflix, leading to a sequel.
