Delving into the darker corners of society, these horror films explore the terrifying encounters with the homeless, turning the plight of those without shelter into a spine-chilling narrative. This collection not only offers a unique perspective on horror but also sheds light on the societal issues surrounding homelessness, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre looking for something both thrilling and thought-provoking.

The Dead Zone (1983)
Description: In this adaptation of Stephen King's novel, a schoolteacher gains psychic abilities after a coma, and one of his visions involves a homeless man who becomes central to a chilling prophecy.
Fact: Christopher Walken, who plays the lead, was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Actor for his performance.


The People Under the Stairs (1991)
Description: Wes Craven's tale involves a boy breaking into a house to steal money for his family's rent, only to discover a family of sadistic landlords and their imprisoned homeless victims.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events involving landlords who mistreated their tenants.


The Descent (2005)
Description: While primarily about cave exploration, the film includes a subplot involving a homeless man who inadvertently leads the group to their terrifying fate.
Fact: The film was shot in real caves, adding to its claustrophobic atmosphere.


The Crazies (2010)
Description: A remake of George A. Romero's film, it features a town where a biological weapon turns residents into homicidal maniacs, including the homeless population.
Fact: The film was shot in Iowa, which added to its authentic small-town feel.


The Strangers (2008)
Description: While not explicitly about homelessness, the film's masked killers could be interpreted as societal outcasts or homeless individuals, adding a layer of horror.
Fact: The film was inspired by true events, including the Manson Family murders.


The Midnight Meat Train (2008)
Description: Based on a Clive Barker short story, this film features a photographer who follows a serial killer targeting homeless people on the subway.
Fact: The film was initially banned in Malaysia for its graphic violence.


The Road (2009)
Description: This post-apocalyptic film, while not directly about homelessness, portrays a world where everyone is essentially homeless, highlighting the struggle for survival.
Fact: Viggo Mortensen lost 30 pounds for his role to portray the physical toll of the character's journey.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: This film involves a mysterious corpse that leads to supernatural occurrences, with a homeless man's discovery setting the plot in motion.
Fact: The film was praised for its slow-building tension and minimalistic approach to horror.


The Burning (1981)
Description: While not exclusively about homelessness, the film features a homeless man who becomes a key figure in the backstory of the vengeful Cropsy, a camp caretaker turned killer.
Fact: The film was one of the first slasher movies to feature a character with a backstory involving homelessness.


The Dead Next Door (1989)
Description: In this low-budget zombie film, a group of survivors, including homeless individuals, must navigate a world overrun by the undead.
Fact: The film was made by J.R. Bookwalter, who was only 22 at the time of production.
