This curated list of horror films focuses on the unsettling theme of elderly men as sources of fear and dread. These films explore the psychological and supernatural aspects of aging, often portraying older men as either victims or perpetrators of horror. This collection is perfect for those intrigued by the darker side of aging and the mysteries it holds, offering a unique perspective on horror cinema.

The Old Dark House (1932)
Description: A group of travelers take refuge in a creepy old mansion during a storm, only to find themselves at the mercy of the eccentric and terrifying elderly inhabitants. This film is a classic example of the "old dark house" subgenre, where the elderly are often depicted as menacing or mad.
Fact: Directed by James Whale, who also directed "Frankenstein," this film was thought to be lost until a print was discovered in the 1960s.


The Haunting (1963)
Description: An aging professor invites a group to stay in a haunted house to study fear, where the elderly caretaker adds to the eerie atmosphere with his own mysterious backstory.
Fact: The film is based on Shirley Jackson's novel "The Haunting of Hill House," known for its psychological horror elements.


The Amityville Horror (1979)
Description: While not exclusively about an old man, the film features the elderly priest Father Delaney, whose attempts to bless the house lead to his own horrifying experiences, highlighting the terror of aging in a haunted setting.
Fact: The film is based on the alleged real-life haunting of the Lutz family in Amityville, New York.


The Changeling (1980)
Description: Composer John Russell moves into an old mansion where he encounters the ghost of a child, with an elderly senator revealing dark secrets about the house's past, intertwining themes of aging, loss, and supernatural horror.
Fact: The film is often cited for its effective use of sound to create an atmosphere of dread.


The Shining (1980)
Description: Jack Torrance, an aging writer, becomes the caretaker of the Overlook Hotel, where he slowly descends into madness, terrorizing his family. The film uses the isolation and the eerie presence of the hotel to amplify the horror of an old man's descent into insanity.
Fact: Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel is known for its significant deviations from the book, including the iconic "Here's Johnny!" scene.


The Others (2001)
Description: Grace, an aging woman, lives in a secluded mansion with her children, who are photosensitive. The film delves into the horror of aging and the fear of the unknown as Grace encounters ghostly presences in her home.
Fact: The film was shot in Spain, despite its English setting, to capture the gothic atmosphere needed for the story.


The Skeleton Key (2005)
Description: A hospice nurse discovers that the elderly couple she cares for in their Louisiana mansion are involved in hoodoo rituals, leading to a chilling exploration of aging, death, and supernatural horror.
Fact: The film was shot on location in New Orleans, enhancing its eerie atmosphere with authentic settings.


The Visit (2015)
Description: Two siblings visit their estranged grandparents, only to uncover dark secrets and bizarre behaviors that suggest their grandparents might not be who they claim to be.
Fact: M. Night Shyamalan's film was shot in a found-footage style, adding to the realism and tension of the narrative.


The Exorcist III (1990)
Description: Detective Kinderman investigates a series of murders that seem to be connected to the Gemini Killer, who was executed years ago. The film features an elderly priest whose body is possessed, exploring themes of aging and demonic influence.
Fact: This sequel was directed by William Peter Blatty, the author of the original "Exorcist" novel.


The Innocents (1961)
Description: A governess, Miss Giddens, becomes convinced that the children in her care are being haunted by the spirits of former employees, with the elderly housekeeper Mrs. Grose playing a pivotal role in the unfolding horror.
Fact: The film is an adaptation of Henry James's novella "The Turn of the Screw," and its ambiguity adds to its chilling effect.
