Homelessness is a stark reality that often goes unnoticed by many, but in the realm of horror cinema, it becomes a chilling backdrop for tales of terror. This curated list of 10 horror films explores the eerie and unsettling aspects of homelessness, offering a unique perspective on survival, fear, and the unknown. From ghostly encounters to psychological thrillers, these movies not only entertain but also provoke thought about the lives of those on the fringes of society.
The Dead Zone (1983)
Description: This film, based on Stephen King's novel, features a schoolteacher who wakes up from a coma with psychic abilities. His visions include a homeless man who plays a pivotal role in his premonitions of a catastrophic future.
Fact: The film was directed by David Cronenberg, known for his body horror films, and it was one of the first adaptations of King's work to receive widespread critical acclaim.
Watch Now 
The People Under the Stairs (1991)
Description: This Wes Craven classic involves a young boy breaking into a house to help his family, only to discover a family of deranged landlords who keep their homeless tenants locked away.
Fact: The film was originally conceived as a satire on gentrification and the exploitation of the poor.
Watch Now 
The Descent (2005)
Description: Although primarily about a group of women trapped in a cave, the film touches on themes of isolation and survival, akin to the plight of the homeless.
Fact: The film was shot in a real cave system in the UK, adding to its claustrophobic atmosphere.
Watch Now 
The Strangers (2008)
Description: While not exclusively about homelessness, the film features a group of masked intruders who terrorize a couple in their home, with one of the attackers possibly being a homeless person seeking shelter.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events, including the Manson Family murders.
Watch Now 
The Midnight Meat Train (2008)
Description: A photographer delves into the dark underbelly of New York City, encountering a serial killer who preys on the homeless. The film uses the city's homeless population as a grim canvas for its horror.
Fact: The film is based on a short story by Clive Barker, and it features a cameo by the author himself.
Watch Now 
The Collector (2009)
Description: A serial killer traps a family in their home, with one of the victims being a homeless man who had sought refuge there.
Fact: The film was originally conceived as a prequel to the Saw franchise but evolved into its own story.
Watch Now 
The Road (2009)
Description: Based on Cormac McCarthy's novel, this post-apocalyptic tale features a father and son navigating a world where homelessness is the norm, and survival is a daily horror.
Fact: Viggo Mortensen lost significant weight for the role to portray the harsh reality of the characters' existence.
Watch Now 
The Invitation (2015)
Description: While not directly about homelessness, the film's tension builds around a dinner party where the host's past includes a tragic event involving a homeless person.
Fact: The film was shot in one location, enhancing its sense of confinement and dread.
Watch Now 
The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: While not directly about homelessness, the film's setting in a morgue and the mysterious body of a woman who might have been homeless adds a layer of horror to the narrative.
Fact: The film was praised for its suspenseful buildup and minimal use of jump scares.
Watch Now 
The House That Jack Built (2018)
Description: Lars von Trier's film features a serial killer who targets various victims, including the homeless, in his quest for the perfect murder.
Fact: The film was controversial for its graphic violence and was banned in several countries.
Watch Now 
