Television has always been a source of entertainment, but what happens when the screen becomes a portal to terror? This curated list of horror films delves into the chilling concept of television as a conduit for fear, exploring themes from haunted broadcasts to sinister signals. Whether you're a horror aficionado or just looking for a thrilling watch, these movies offer a unique twist on the genre, making you think twice before turning on your TV.

Poltergeist (1982)
Description: This classic horror film revolves around a family whose home is invaded by spirits through their television set. The eerie phenomenon begins with static on the screen, leading to the disappearance of their youngest child into another dimension.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life paranormal claims about a haunted house in Herrmann, Illinois. Also, the iconic scene where the TV turns on by itself was achieved by using a remote control hidden inside the set.


The Dead Zone (1983)
Description: Based on Stephen King's novel, this film features a schoolteacher who wakes up from a coma with psychic abilities, including visions from touching people or objects, often linked to television broadcasts.
Fact: The film was directed by David Cronenberg, who also directed "Videodrome," showing his interest in the psychological effects of media.


Videodrome (1983)
Description: In this David Cronenberg masterpiece, a TV station executive stumbles upon a mysterious broadcast called "Videodrome," which blurs the line between reality and hallucination, leading to grotesque physical transformations.
Fact: The film's concept was influenced by Cronenberg's own experiences with television and his fascination with the medium's potential to alter perception.


The Ring (2002)
Description: A cursed videotape that kills viewers seven days after watching it is at the heart of this American remake of the Japanese horror film "Ringu." The film explores the terrifying power of media to spread fear.
Fact: The film's iconic ring of water around the well was created using a giant water tank and a rotating platform.


Dead End (2003)
Description: A family's Christmas Eve road trip takes a horrifying turn when they encounter a strange woman on a deserted road, leading to a series of eerie events linked to a mysterious TV show.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days, and the entire movie takes place on one night.


Stay Alive (2006)
Description: This horror film features a video game that kills players in real life if their character dies in the game. The game's origin is tied to a cursed TV show, making it a unique entry in the horror genre.
Fact: The film was one of the first to explore the concept of video games as a source of horror, predating many similar themes in later movies.


Pulse (2006)
Description: An American remake of the Japanese film "Kairo," it deals with ghosts infiltrating the world through the internet and television, causing people to lose the will to live.
Fact: The film's director, Jim Sonzero, was known for his work in music videos, which influenced the film's visual style.


The TV Set (2006)
Description: While not a traditional horror film, this dark comedy satirizes the television industry, exploring the nightmarish aspects of producing a TV show, which can be terrifying in its own right.
Fact: The film was written and directed by Jake Kasdan, who drew from his own experiences in television production.


The Signal (2007)
Description: A mysterious signal transmitted through TV sets causes people to go insane, leading to chaos in a small town. This low-budget horror film plays with the idea of mass hysteria induced by media.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days, and the signal itself was created using a combination of sound design and visual effects.


The Signal (2014)
Description: This sci-fi thriller involves a mysterious signal that affects people's behavior, with television playing a significant role in the spread of the phenomenon.
Fact: The film was shot in Atlanta, Georgia, and its narrative structure is divided into three distinct parts, each focusing on different characters.
