Nurses are often seen as caregivers, symbols of comfort and healing. However, in the realm of horror cinema, these figures can take a dark turn, becoming harbingers of fear and dread. This curated list of 10 horror films delves into the unsettling world where nurses are not just medical professionals but also characters in terrifying tales. From ghostly apparitions to psychological thrillers, these movies offer a unique twist on the horror genre, making them a must-watch for fans of suspense and the macabre.

The Hospital (1971)
Description: This dark comedy-drama involves a hospital where a series of bizarre and deadly events occur, with nurses playing a pivotal role in the unfolding chaos.
Fact: The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and features George C. Scott in a memorable role.


The Dead Zone (1983)
Description: While not exclusively about a nurse, the film features a nurse character who plays a crucial role in the life of Johnny Smith, a man with psychic abilities.
Fact: The movie was adapted from Stephen King's novel and directed by David Cronenberg, known for his unique approach to horror.


The Skeleton Key (2005)
Description: A hospice nurse discovers dark secrets and voodoo practices in an old Louisiana mansion, leading to a terrifying confrontation with the supernatural.
Fact: The film was shot in New Orleans, adding an authentic Southern Gothic atmosphere.


The Ward (2010)
Description: Set in a psychiatric ward, this film follows a young woman who encounters a ghostly nurse haunting the facility, revealing dark secrets of the institution.
Fact: Directed by John Carpenter, known for his horror classics like "Halloween," this film marks his return to the genre after a long hiatus.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: While not about a nurse, the film involves a coroner and his assistant (who has nursing skills) uncovering horrifying secrets during an autopsy.
Fact: The film was praised for its suspenseful buildup and minimal use of jump scares.


The Exorcist III (1990)
Description: Although not centered on a nurse, the film features a nurse who becomes involved in the investigation of demonic possession and serial killings.
Fact: William Peter Blatty, the author of the original "Exorcist" novel, wrote and directed this sequel, bringing back the character of Father Karras.


The Haunting of Julia (1977)
Description: After losing her daughter, Julia moves into a new house where she encounters the ghost of a nurse who died there, leading to a series of supernatural events.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Peter Straub and features Mia Farrow in a haunting performance.


Visiting Hours (1982)
Description: A misogynistic killer targets a feminist journalist in the hospital, where a nurse becomes an unlikely ally in her fight for survival.
Fact: The film was one of the first to explore the theme of violence against women in a hospital setting.


The Nurse (2017)
Description: In this chilling tale, a nurse with a dark past starts working at a hospital where strange events begin to unfold, hinting at her sinister intentions.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life stories of nurses with criminal backgrounds. It was also shot in an actual abandoned hospital to add authenticity.


The Nurse with the Purple Hair (2015)
Description: A psychological thriller where a nurse with an unusual appearance becomes the center of mysterious and deadly events in a small town.
Fact: The film's unique visual style and the nurse's distinctive purple hair became iconic elements of its marketing.
