Lovecraftian horror films, inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s novels, novellas, and short stories, form a unique genre of true terror. Lovecraft channelled his intense fears of space, the ocean, and the unknown into his work, creating a universe of cosmic horror with terrifying, often extraterrestrial or aquatic creatures. His stories rarely feature victorious heroes, emphasizing humanity’s insignificance against cosmic horrors. Many directors have attempted to adapt Lovecraft’s fearsome creatures, cults, and mad scientists to the big screen, with varying success. Here is a list of the best Lovecraftian movies of all time.
28. Necronomicon (1993)
Necronomicon: Book of Dead (1993) is a French-American anthology film that tells three Lovecraftian stories: The Drowned, The Cold, and Whispers.
What is it about? The film begins with H.P. Lovecraft (played by Jeffrey Combs) sneaking into a monastery to read the forbidden Necronomicon, which holds cosmic secrets that drive readers mad. In “The Drowned,” Edward De Lapoer inherits a haunted hotel and uses the Necronomicon to resurrect his deceased wife, with disastrous results. “The Cold” follows reporter Dale Porkel investigating mysterious disappearances, uncovering a scientist’s life-sustaining experiments requiring spinal fluid and avoidance of sunlight. “Whispers” features police officer Sarah chasing a suspect known as “The Butcher,” leading her to a cave of monstrous creatures.
Why we love it: The film concludes with Lovecraft fighting a monster after being confronted by a monk, barely escaping with the Necronomicon. Despite its anthology format, Necronomicon: Book of Dead stands out as one of the best Lovecraftian movies, offering three terrifying tales in one.
27. The Void (2016)
This 2016 Canadian film was written and directed by Steven Kostanski and Jeremy Gillespie and tells a chilling Lovecraftian tale of strange occurrences linked to a group of mysterious hooded figures and an unimaginable cosmic horror.
What is it about? Deputy Sheriff Daniel Carter (Aaron Poole) discovers a bloodied man crawling along the road and takes him to a run-down hospital, where chaos ensues. After collapsing and experiencing a strange vision, Daniel is attacked by a robed cultist and returns to the hospital for safety, only to find it surrounded by cultists and their occupants, transforming into tentacled creatures.
As the terror unfolds, many characters meet grim fates. The cult leader (Kenneth Welsh) opens a portal to the void, promising Daniel a reunion with his estranged wife. Despite tackling the leader into the void, Daniel and his wife (Kathleen Munroe) are later seen holding hands in another world beneath a black pyramid floating in the sky.
Why we love it: While it isn’t based directly on any of H.P. Lovecraft’s books, it is heavily influenced by the Cthulhu Mythos that Lovecraft created.
26. Underwater (2020)
Directed by William Eubank and written by Brian Duffield and Adam Cozad, Underwater is one of the more recent Lovecraftian films introduced to audiences.
What is it about? Deep within the Mariana Trench, the crew aboard the Keppler 822 Station are part of a project to drill seven miles into the bottom of the Mariana Trench for resources. A mechanical engineer on the crew, Norah Price (played by Kristen Stewart), is the only one awake when the station suffers a catastrophic breach, which only she and Rodrigo (Mamoudou Athie) survive.
They no longer have any means of escape, and they later encounter a distress beacon from the depths. When they investigate it, they find it ripped open and hatchlings of hostile, previously undiscovered species. Later, an even larger giant Cthulhu-like creature emerges from the depths.
Why we love it: Underwater explores Lovecraftian elements like the fear of the unknown and deep water. Again, this film isn’t based on any particular Lovecraft book but has undeniable Cthulhu influences. It deals with the fear of the unknown within the depths and the catastrophic effects of seeing a cosmic horror.
25. Castle Freak (1995)
This 1995 Lovecraftian film was directed and written by Stuart Gordon and Dennis Paoli, and H.P. Lovecraft is even credited as one of the writers.
What is it about? John Reilly (played by Jeffrey Combs) travels to Italy with his wife Susan (Barbara Crampton) and their teenage daughter Rebecca (Jessica Dollarhide), who is sight impaired. While the family inherited this 12th-century castle, they are trying to escape their past and the memories of a car accident that caused the loss of their five-year-old son. Unbeknownst to the family, there are other inhabitants of the castle. John has to uncover his complicated past and how he is involved with inheriting the castle and surviving the unseen denizens of the castle.
Why we love it: Castle Freak is a loose adaptation of two Lovecraftian books, The Outsider and The Dunwich Horror. The movie was remade in 2020, but the newer remake didn’t do nearly as well as the 1995 original, which is still considered one of the best Lovecraftian movies of all time.
24. Daniel Isn’t Real (2019)
Daniel Isn’t Real (written and directed by Adam Egypt Mortimer and credited to Brian DeLeeuw) is actually thought to be based on In This Way I Was Saved, a novel by Brian DeLeeuw.
What is it about? The story follows Luke, who meets his imaginary friend Daniel during childhood. Daniel, invisible to adults, helps Luke cope with trauma but also convinces him to do terrible things, leading Luke’s mother to lock Daniel in a dollhouse. Years later, college-aged Luke releases Daniel, who reappears at Luke’s age. Initially helpful, Daniel’s influence turns dangerous as he starts taking over Luke’s body. Luke then discovers that Daniel might have been the imaginary friend of someone else who negatively impacted his life, realizing Daniel may not be what he seems.
Why we love it: This psychological horror is considered influenced by Lovecraft because of its fantastic, mind-bending nature and dark creature elements. It has an 81% Rotten Tomatoes score.
23. Uzumaki (2000)
What is it about? Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s stories “The Thing on the Doorstep” and “The Shadow Over Innsmouth,” the film follows the residents of a small Japanese town who become obsessed with spirals, leading to madness and transformation. The protagonist, Kirie Goshima (played by Eriko Hatsune), witnesses this growing obsession as people either take their own lives or become spiral-like creatures.
Why we love it: Originally titled Uzumaki and later retitled Spiral for English audiences, this Japanese horror manga series was created by renowned horror artist Junji Ito. It is considered one of his most disturbing works and was adapted into a film directed by Higuchinsky, with a screenplay by Junji Ito, Kengo Kaji, and Takao Nitta.
22. The Empty Man (2020)
Directed and written by David Prior with the help of Cullen Bunn, The Empty Man isn’t based on any particular Lovecraftian book but has many elements that categorised his horror genre.
What is it about? The film begins with hikers encountering a terrifying sight in a cave, leading to one group falling into a crevice and ending up catatonic. Influenced by a strange skeleton in the cave wall, they vanished in 1995. In 2018, grieving former detective James Lasombra (James Badge Dale) befriends his widowed neighbour Nora Quail (Marin Ireland). When Nora’s daughter Amanda (Sasha Frolova) disappears after involving herself in a ritual to summon the Empty Man, James discovers the bodies of Amanda’s friends with a chilling message.
Why we love it: Labelled as one of the best horror films of 2021, The Empty Man is profoundly surreal and haunting. Its eerie atmosphere and thought-provoking themes contribute to the Lovecraftian vibe of the story.
21. The Resurrected (1991)
This 1991 thriller is thought to be loosely based on the Lovecraftian classic The Case Of Charles Dexter Ward. It was directed by Dan O’Bannon and written by Brent V. Friedman. Again, although Lovecraft had already passed in 1937, he is credited as one of the project’s writers.
What is it about? The movie follows Claire Ward (played by Jane Sibbett), who hires a private investigator named John March (played by John Terry) to investigate her husband, Charles Dexter Ward (played by Chris Sarandon). The reason for the investigation? The esteemed Rhode Island chemical engineer has been disappearing to an isolated carriage house after discovering his family history.
When the couple was visiting an old family farmhouse, Charles discovered a portrait of Joseph Curwen, with whom he shared a remarkable resemblance. Soon after, Charles started to crave blood and raw meat. They also uncover an underground lab in the catacombs near the farmhouse. It turns out that Charles had somehow raised Joseph from the dead, which cost him his life as Joseph had replaced him in his existence.
Why we love it: The film effectively translates the atmosphere of dread and the sense of impending doom present in Lovecraft’s works.
20. Color Out of Space (2019)
A movie based on a Lovecraftian horror novel rarely shares its name, but that is true for 2019’s Color Out of Space (directed and written by Richard Stanley with the help of Scarlett Amaris).
What is it about? The story follows the Gardners, a family who have moved to a remote farm in rural New England. Father Nathan Gardner (played by Nicolas Cage) and his family, Theresa (played by Joely Richardson), Lavinia (Madeleine Arthur), Benny (Brendan Meyer) and Jack (Julian Hilliard), are trying their best to adapt to their new life in the countryside when a strange meteorite crashes onto their front lawn. What is strange about the meteorite is that it almost buries itself into the Earth, like a seed, and starts to terraform or infect the land and the woodland creatures with a strange, otherworldly colour and nature.
Why we love it: Color Out of Space has been praised for its atmospheric cinematography, haunting soundtrack and strong performances, particularly from Nicolas Cage.
19. Dagon (2001)
Directed by Stuart Gordon, this well-loved horror classic is based on two of Lovecraft’s works: the more prominent Dagon and the less obvious The Shadow Over Innsmouth.
What is it about? The story centres on Paul Marsh (Ezra Godden), who becomes stranded on hidden rocks off the coast of Spain during a vacation with friends, including his girlfriend Barbara (Raquel Meroño). Seeking help, they stumble upon a church where only the priest can offer assistance. Paul’s search for Barbara leads him to a mysterious hotel surrounded by fish-like inhabitants. Fleeing to a tannery, he uncovers unsettling truths about the town’s dark history of worshipping Dagon, a malevolent entity demanding sacrifices and interbreeding. Ultimately, Paul discovers his own hybrid nature as he’s dragged into Dagon’s abyssal lair, signalling the town’s horrifying fate.
Why we love it: With a 69% Rotten Tomatoes score, Dagon is praised for its atmospheric cinematography, haunting setting, and practical effects.
18. The Ritual (2017)
Here we have yet another fantastic Lovecraftian horror movie that was actually not based on one of his books but is filled to the brim with Lovecraftian elements, from descents into madness to finding an unnamable supernatural being lurking within the woods.
What is it about? Netflix’s The Ritual (directed by David Bruckner and written by Joe Barton) is based on Adam Nevill’s horror novel of the same name. It finds four friends reuniting for a holiday in the Swedish mountains after they lose the fifth member of their friend group in a robbery. Deciding to take a holiday in memory of their lost friend, Phil (played by Arsher Ali), Dom (played by Sam Troughton), Hutch (played by Robert James-Collier), and Luke (played by Rafe Spall) find themselves looking for shelter in the nearby woods.
Why we love it: Nothing is as it seems. The discovery of ritualistic symbols triggers nightmares, blurring the line between dreams and reality. As the group delves deeper, they uncover a cult devoted to an ancient entity, plunging them into a terrifying reality they never imagined.
17. A Cure for Wellness (2016)
The screenplay for A Cure for Wellness was written by Justin Haythe, who came up with the story alongside the movie’s director, Gore Verbinski, drawing inspiration from The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann.
What is it about? This psychological horror tells the story of Lockhart, a young and ambitious financial firm executive who is sent to a mysterious “wellness centre” in the Swiss Alps to retrieve Roland Pembroke, his company’s CEO. While unable to retrieve Roland from the spa, Lockhart is in a car accident and wakes up three days later as a patient in the very spa he was sent to find his CEO. There, he learns the shocking history of the spa from other patients. Horrified by the history, Lockhart attempts to leave but discovers that no patient is permitted to leave.
What follows is a series of shocking discoveries about the nature of the “treatments” that the patients undergo at the spa, a terrifying tale of how sane patients can be driven mad by experiments in a mental institution, and a quest for ever-lasting life that has catastrophic consequences.
Why we love it: Despite not being based on a book by Lovecraft, audiences worldwide have agreed that they could see many elements drawn from the Mythos that Lovecraft created, including stories like Dagon and The Shadow Over Innsmouth.
16. The Endless (2017)
Directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, who also star as the main characters, the film, initially not intended as Lovecraftian, couldn’t resist drawing from the deep well of Lovecraftian terror.
What is it about? The Endless follows brothers Justin and Aaron Smith, who escaped a commune in their youth. While Justin recalls it as a UFO-obsessed death cult, Aaron remembers it fondly. When they receive a video from the group, curiosity drives them to return and uncover the truth. Welcomed warmly, they notice the group hasn’t aged, and strange occurrences unsettle them. As they delve deeper, they realize they’re not alone and are drawn into a mystery involving distortions in time and an incomprehensible entity controlling the cult.
Why we love it: The film offers a fresh take on cosmic horror, exploring time loops and existential dread.
15. Prince of Darkness (1987)
This fantastic Lovecraftian film, written and directed by John Carpenter, is a testament to the idea that older films just portrayed unfathomable horrors better.
What is it about? The story begins when a group of researchers discover a canister locked away in the basement of an abandoned church for an unknown amount of years. Upon further study, the group come to believe that the liquid contained in the canister is evil or, instead, the remains of Satan himself. They also discover ancient knowledge that Satan plans to return and bring his own father, an all-powerful anti-God ack.
Why we love it: The movie is part of a series of films which Carpenter supposedly dubbed his Apocalyptic Trilogy. These movies portrayed Lovecraft’s sense of a slumbering, malevolent cosmic terror that mankind simply cannot understand. While the story has a vast religious overtone, an element you won’t find in many Lovecraftian stories, the movie is still considered a Lovecraftian classic and one of the best Lovecraftian movies of all time.
14. The Whisperer in Darkness (2011)
Here we have yet another Lovecraftian horror film that has been remade twice. Still, unlike many others on this list, the successor did better than the predecessor. Based on the Lovecraftian book of the same name, the film was directed and written by Sean Branney with the help of writer Andrew Leman, who expertly brought this story to life.
What is it about? A folklore professor at Miskatonic University named Albert Wilmarth (played by Matt Foyer) travels to the most remote hills of Vermont to investigate legends of strange creatures there. While he doesn’t find the answers he is looking for at first, his investigation is fruitful, as he discovers many horrors he couldn’t ever have imagined. Not only are the creatures real and that they are a terrifying extra-terrestrial race called the Mi-Go, but he discovers that there is a cult here on Earth that has a connection to them and is trying to open a portal between Earth and the creatures’ homeworld, Yuggoth.
Why we love it: Unlike the book (where Wilmarth manages to escape), audiences see that the film ends with Wilmarth becoming part of the Mi-Go’s constructs. It is simply a brain trapped in a cylinder, connected to a machine to give it a voice. The best Lovecraftian movies are usually ones that are based directly on the amazing writer’s work rather than inspired by it.
13. From Beyond (1986)
This 1986 horror film is one of a few Lovecraftian films on this list. It was directed by Stuart Gordon, and the leading actor was Jeffrey Combs. The film was written by Brian Yuzna and Denis Paoli, with credit given to H.P. Lovecraft directly.
What is it about? This classic film tells the story of a group of scientists who have created a device that allows them to see beyond our human realm of perception. Dr Edward Pretorius (played by Ted Sorel) and his assistant Crawford Tillinghast (played by Jeffrey Combs) manage to invent and develop what they call the Resonator. This machine lets users see beyond our standard perception by stimulating the pineal gland.
While testing the machine, everything that can go wrong seems to do so, ending with Crawford going insane and Dr Pretorius losing his head. The two discovered they might have opened the doorway to something that can’t be closed and will have calamitous consequences for the waking world.
Why we love it: The film captures the essence of Lovecraftian horror with its exploration of forbidden knowledge and otherworldly entities.
12. Event Horizon (1997)
With Lovecraft’s intense fear of the unknown and space, it shouldn’t be too surprising that we will find a few space-themed movies here. One of the best space movies and the best Lovecraftian movies of all time is Event Horizon (directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and written by Philip Eisner).
What is it about? A crew ship called the Event Horizon disappears from the ether and remains gone for seven years before reappearing again. When people start to realise that the spaceship has reappeared, the crew of the Lewis and Clark ship is dispatched to investigate. The crew of the Lewis and Clark is led by Captain Miller (Laurence Fishburne) and joined by the esteemed creator of the ship, William Weir (Sam Neill). They explored the abandoned vessel, not finding any trace of the previous inhabitants.
Soon, the unknown and reality seem to collide as the crew starts to feel that they aren’t alone on the vessel and slowly starts to uncover what happened to the last crew.
Why we love it: Event Horizon is a terrifying tale that tells Astronauts and space voyagers an interpretation of what could happen if they traverse space travel into the unknown. Dealing with space and the unknown, as well as madness, it’s no wonder that this film is loved as one of the best Lovecraftian movies.
11. Spring (2014)
Spring (2014) is an exciting film that combines horror and romance in a way that few films do. Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead appear again on a list of the best Lovecraftian horror movies, so it can’t be a coincidence. Although not explicitly related to one of Lovecraft’s books once again, the directors seem unable to keep Lovecraft out of their work. This time, however, the directors don’t star in the film.
What is it about? The story follows a young man, Evan Russell (played by Lou Taylor Pucci), who feels like nothing in his life is going right. Hence, he decides to travel to Italy for fresh air and to see new surroundings. While in Italy, Evan meets a beautiful woman named Louise (played by Nadia Hilker) and even takes a job at a local farm so that he can pursue a relationship with her. Eventually, the two make love, and the following day, Louise wakes up having monstrously transformed into an unrecognisable creature.
Why we love it: A monstrous journey about a mutant that can defy the effects of time turns into a stunning and touching love story in Spring, and it is one of the most heart-warming and best Lovecraftian movies of all time.
10. The Haunted Palace (1963)
The Haunted Palace is the predecessor to The Resurrected, both based on the H.P. Lovecraft novel The Case of Charles Dexter Ward. Both director Roger Corman and writer Charles Beaumont thought it only fitting to credit Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft. It’s an interesting fact that H.P. Lovecraft drew much inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe in his early writings. Hence, it’s incredible to see a correlation between the two influential writers.
What is it about? Unless you skipped over the part about The Resurrected, you might remember that the story followed Charles Dexter Ward and Joseph Curwen. The Haunted Palace tells the story of Joseph Curwen (played by Vincent Price) and the events that led to his passing. More than 100 years later, Charles Dexter Ward (also portrayed by Price) moves into his ancestor’s old mansion. From here, we get a prelude to what occurred in The Resurrected and the events that led to Joseph’s resurrection and replacing Charles.
Why we love it: Although the film is an old classic, it made its way to the upper tier of this list because of the magnificent way that it portrays Lovecraftian horror and brings the story of Charles Dexter Ward to the big screen.
9. Hellboy (2004)
What is it about? In 2004, Guillermo del Toro introduced audiences to Hellboy, a film adored far more than its 2019 remake. Ron Perlman embodies the titular character as Hellboy adjusts to human life while confronting a dire prophecy in which he plays a pivotal role. This visually captivating tale seamlessly blends fantasy, fairy tale, and Lovecraftian elements, ensuring a gripping narrative that solidifies its place among the finest Lovecraftian films (or superhero films) ever made.
Why we love it: Traditionally, when you think about Hellboy, your mind probably doesn’t jump straight to the conclusion that it is considered a Lovecraftian film. Still, thanks to the cultists, the mutants, the monsters, the magic, and the possibility of a world-ending evil, it fits into the Lovecraft category.
If you don’t believe me, just look at the character Abe Sapien (played by Doug Jones) and tell me that that isn’t a totally Lovecraftian creature right there. If you need further convincing, Seed of Destruction by Michael Joseph Mignola is where the concept of Hellboy was birthed, which is dedicated to H.P. Lovecraft and comic book artist Jack Kirby. We’re still hoping for Hellboy 3.
8. Annihilation (2018)
Said to be another adaptation of The Color Out of Space, Netflix’s Annihilation is written and directed by Alex Garland, with the help of writer Jeff VanderMeer.
What is it about? Lena (played by Natalie Portman), a cellular biology professor and former U.S. Army soldier, signs up to be part of an exploration party into an anomalous zone in Florida. The zone, which they dub “The Shimmer,” appeared after a meteor landed in a lighthouse in Blackwater National Park and completely terraformed the environment around it (sound familiar yet?). When the team enters the zone of the Shimmer, which is constantly but gradually expanding, they find unusually mutated plants and animals. By meeting hostile mutated creatures and discovering clues left by the previous expedition team, they learn that the zone will continue to spread, absorb, and mutate everything that it comes into contact with…including them.
Why we love it: It isn’t easy to take a concept that has been covered by two movies before and turn it into something entirely new while staying true to the elements of the original source material. Having accomplished all this and more, Annihilation is easily one of the best Lovecraftian movies ever made. Watch the trailer here.
7. In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
If you are a Lovecraftian fan, you might be sitting here thinking that this title seems almost right, but not entirely. That is because it’s a play on the title of the Lovecraftian novella At the Mountains of Madness, a tale about the depths of insanity.
What is it about? Penned by Michael De Luca and helmed by John Carpenter, In the Mouth of Madness follows John Trent (Sam Neill) on a harrowing journey into insanity triggered by the bizarre events surrounding renowned horror author Sutter Cane (Jürgen Prochnow), who has vanished. Hired to find Cane and retrieve his final manuscript, Trent’s investigation leads him to the eerie town of Hobb’s End, depicted in Cane’s novels. As reality blurs with fiction, Trent and Cane’s editor, Linda Styles (Julie Carmen), confront the horrifying truth: Cane’s stories have summoned ancient beings known as “The Old Ones” to reclaim Earth. Trent realizes he’s a pawn in a cosmic game, plunging him into a terrifying descent into madness.
Why we love it: Sam Neill is no stranger to the world of Lovecraftian horror. He brings his characters to life and often loses them to madness.
6. The Call of Cthulhu (2005)
Now we are really getting into the good stuff.
What is it about? Diving into quintessential Lovecraftian territory, The Call of Cthulhu stays true to its cosmic horror roots. Adapted from H.P. Lovecraft’s 1926 novel, the film delves into themes of human insignificance and encountering incomprehensible terrors. Directed by Andrew Leman and penned by Sean Branney (with credit to Lovecraft), the 2005 adaptation follows a young man (Matt Foyer) who uncovers clues about the Cthulhu Cult while exploring his late uncle’s letters. As he becomes ensnared by “Cthulhu’s Call,” he descends into madness, dragging those he confides in along with him on a journey fraught with terror.
Why we love it: The Call of Cthulhu is about as genuinely Lovecraftian as it gets. It is based on the 1926 novel of the same name, which is said to be one of the earliest examples of cosmic horror that Lovecraft is considered the pioneer of. The novel deals with terrifying themes like the insignificance of humans in this cold, unfeeling universe, facing terrors that are beyond our understanding.
5. The Lighthouse (2019)
Said to be inspired by many classics spanning from John Milton’s Paradise Lost to the entirety of Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos, The Lighthouse tells the story of two lighthouse keepers trying desperately to cling to their sanity while on a remote island in 1890s New England.
What is it about? Directed and written by Robert Eggers with writing assistance from Max Eggers, it introduces us to Ephraim Winslow (played by Robert Pattinson), a rookie lighthouse keeper who goes to work under the supervision of the experienced lighthouse keeper Thomas Wake (Willem Dafoe). Working in isolation isn’t easy. Wake reveals that he had lost his previous assistant because the boy had lost his sanity, a fear that Winslow has for himself after he starts having nightmares of sea demons and floating out at sea.
Why we love it: Both Pattinson and Dafoe give their career-best performances. Just watch this hilarious scene from the movie here.
4. Jacob’s Ladder (1990)
Jacob’s Ladder is influenced by The Tibetan Book of the Dead, which some argue was one of the inspirations for Lovecraft’s Necronomicon, the Book of the Dead.
What is it about? The 1990 film was directed by Adrian Lyne and written by Bruce Joel Rubin and tells the story of Jacob Singer (played by Tim Robbins), a Vietnam War veteran who suffers from PTSD that plagues him with hallucinations, flashbacks, and intense paranoia. Still mourning the loss of his child, Jacob undergoes a journey to uncover his past and sift through his fractured memories. This journey ends in a descent into madness. Instead of healing him, his attempts at understanding his mind lead him further down the rabbit hole as the world around him twists and distorts into grotesque and disturbing images. Will Jacob be able to climb the ladder back to sanity, or will he drop further into pandemonium?
Why we love it: Exploring psychological horror is one of the most significant elements of Lovecraftian works. No film on this list does this better.
3. Dark City (1993)
Directed by Alex Proyas and written by him alongside Lem Dobbs and David S. Goyer, Dark City draws from so many Lovecraftian inspirations that it is hard to pinpoint just one.
What is it about? The film centres on John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell), who wakes up in a hotel bathtub with amnesia, unaware of his past or how he got there. Fleeing a crime scene he can’t remember, he’s pursued by Police Inspector Frank Bumstead (William Hurt) while trying to uncover his identity and his wife, Emma (Jennifer Connelly). Pursued by mysterious figures known as The Strangers, John discovers he can manipulate reality and escapes to a dark city where perpetual darkness reigns.
Why we love it: The movie is dark and has a wonderful plot about altering reality. It’s easy to see how it influenced films like The Matrix, too.
2. The Thing (1982)
What is it about? Directed by John Carpenter and written by Bill Lancaster, the film tells the story of a group of researchers on a research expedition in Antarctica. The researchers are shocked to see a helicopter flying over their camp in the middle of nowhere, shooting at what appears to be a sledgedog. The dog manages to survive, and the group chalks up the strange antics of the helicopter driver to a cruel hunting game.
MacReady (played by Kurt Russel), a resourceful helicopter pilot, and Dr. Cooper (Richard Dysart) begin the charge to lead the crew to safety against this unknown and strange creature, which slowly diminishes the crew one by one. Watch the trailer for the remastered version here.
Why we love it: The Thing draws inspiration from various sources, including John W. Campbell Jr.’s novella “Who Goes There?” and the 1951 film The Thing from Another World. Despite being a remake, it’s hailed as one of the finest Lovecraftian horror films, with strong ties to Lovecraft’s At the Mountains of Madness.
1. Alien (1979)
Ridley Scott’s Alien stands as a titan in pop culture, birthing the iconic Xenomorph creature born from the hauntingly captivating visions of H.R. Giger. It’s easy to see the Lovecraftian influence all over the franchise – in the designs, the writing and the concepts.
What is it about? Starting aboard the Nostromo, the movie comes to a head when the crew discovers a distressed beacon and decides to investigate it. Discovering a colony on a desolate moon, the group quickly come to learn why no one in the colony survived.
Why we love it: With just the right amount of horror, sci-fi, mythos, and aliens, Alien is a well-loved classic and is thought by many to be the best Lovecraftian movie of all time.
Which Lovecraftian movies do you think are the best? Also, check out our lists of the best horror movies on Netflix and the 13 best horror movies you can watch with your kids.
