Cemeteries have long been a staple setting in horror films, providing an eerie backdrop for tales of the supernatural, the undead, and the macabre. This collection of the 20 best horror movies about cemeteries will take you on a spine-tingling journey through haunted graveyards, cursed tombstones, and the restless spirits that dwell within. Whether you're a die-hard horror fan or just looking for a good scare, these films are sure to send chills down your spine and keep you up at night.

The Haunting (1963)
Description: This classic horror film, while not set in a cemetery, features a haunted house with a dark history, including a family crypt, which adds to the chilling atmosphere.
Fact: The film uses psychological horror rather than gore, making it a unique entry in the genre.


Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Description: Although not exclusively set in a cemetery, this groundbreaking film features scenes where the undead rise from their graves, setting the stage for modern zombie lore.
Fact: Due to a copyright error, the film entered the public domain, allowing it to be widely distributed and remade.


The Fog (1980)
Description: John Carpenter's tale of a cursed ship and its ghostly crew rising from the sea to seek revenge, with scenes set in a graveyard, adds to the film's eerie ambiance.
Fact: The film was originally conceived as a tribute to classic horror radio shows, with a focus on atmosphere over jump scares.


The Evil Dead (1981)
Description: While not entirely set in a cemetery, the film features scenes where the dead rise from their graves, leading to a night of terror for a group of friends in a remote cabin.
Fact: The film was made on a shoestring budget, with director Sam Raimi and his crew doing most of the special effects themselves.


The Dead Zone (1983)
Description: Although primarily about psychic visions, the film includes scenes in a cemetery where the protagonist experiences his first vision, setting the eerie tone for the rest of the movie.
Fact: The film was adapted from Stephen King's novel, and King himself has stated it's one of his favorite adaptations.


The Return of the Living Dead (1985)
Description: When a chemical spill in a cemetery reanimates the dead, chaos ensues. This film blends horror with dark comedy, making it a unique entry in the zombie genre.
Fact: The film's tagline "The dead just won't stay dead!" became a cult classic phrase. It was also one of the first films to depict zombies eating brains.


The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988)
Description: Based on true events, this film follows an anthropologist investigating voodoo in Haiti, where he encounters a zombie-making powder and a cursed cemetery.
Fact: The film was inspired by Wade Davis's book of the same name, which explores the cultural and scientific aspects of zombification.


Pet Sematary (1989)
Description: This film, based on Stephen King's novel, explores the dark side of grief and resurrection when a family moves next to an ancient burial ground with the power to bring back the dead. It's a chilling reminder that sometimes, the dead are better left undisturbed.
Fact: The film was so terrifying that King himself was reportedly disturbed by the adaptation. The original script was even darker than the final cut.


The Graveyard Shift (1990)
Description: Set in a textile mill with a graveyard in its basement, this film delves into the horrors that lurk beneath the surface. It's a classic tale of workers facing something far more sinister than just the night shift.
Fact: The film is based on a short story by Stephen King, and the rat scene was so realistic that some viewers thought real rats were used.


The Crow (1994)
Description: While not exclusively about a cemetery, the film's protagonist, Eric Draven, rises from the dead in a graveyard to avenge his and his fiancée's murder, making it a fitting addition to this list.
Fact: The film's production was tragically marked by the death of its star, Brandon Lee, during filming, which added a layer of real-life horror to the movie.
