Some of the best horror movies set in space have one thing in common, apart from the obvious: they all have a suspenseful atmosphere. Also, most of them have unique names for space: the great unknown, the expanse, the black sea, the gap between your ears…
The vast expanse of space has been referred to by many names, but one word that aptly describes it is “terrifying”. The majority of outer space remains a mystery to us, and what we do know about it is often disturbing.
From black holes and supernovas to giant chunks of rock hurtling through space at thousands of miles per hour… the dangers of space are manifold.
It’s no wonder that space has become a popular setting for horror movies. The lack of knowledge about the subject allows filmmakers to create their own terrifying visions of space, filled with ghoulish delights.
Space can also be portrayed as an incredibly isolating place where loneliness can play havoc with the human mind. This makes it an ideal setting for psychological horror.
If you’re a fan of horror movies set in space, here are ten terrifying films that you might enjoy.
In no particular order, these movies take place on a spaceship, another planet, or some combination of the two. Just remember, in space, no one can hear you scream…
1 Pitch Black (2000), the first of our horror movies set in space
Vin Diesel, the actor known for his roles in the Fast and Furious franchise, starred in a 2000 sci-fi-cum-horror adventure film called “Pitch Black”. The movie follows the story of Riddick, a convict who must team up with his captors to escape a harsh desert world.
Riddick has genetically enhanced eyes that allow him to see in the dark, but also make him very sensitive to sunlight. The planet they crash land on has two suns, but the ship arrives in time to witness an eclipse.
In the movie, the length of the eclipse isn’t stated but will likely be around a week. We make this guesstimate based on movie dialogue, but we aren’t ones for spoilers…
Riddick and ‘friends’ are plunged into total darkness, surrounded by creatures that only come out at night and can see in the dark.
Pitch Black is a firm favourite of ours for horror movies set in space, we think it’s fairly easy to see why.
The start of something new
The Pitch Black movie was the start of a new franchise, of horror movies set in space, and a great one at that. The movie was also a breakout performance for Vin Diesel and set him on the path to superstardom.
Did you know that Vin Diesel’s involvement in “Pitch Black” may have led to his role in the Fast and Furious franchise? In 2006, Diesel agreed to make a cameo in “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” in exchange for the rights to the Riddick character.
This led to the production of two sequels, “The Chronicles of Riddick” and “Riddick”, as well as several offshoots. These included an animated short film, video games, motion comics, and novelisations.
2 Event Horizon (1997)
When it first hit the screens in 1997, Paul W. S. Anderson’s Event Horizon was not exactly a crowd-pleaser. The movie has found a new lease of life in recent years and is on many a recommended list for horror movies set in space.
Event Horizon stars the amazing talents of Laurence Fishburne and Sam Neill. The film follows a group of astronauts who set off on a rescue mission featuring a stranded spacecraft. But what they discover on board is beyond their wildest nightmares.
Let’s be honest, if you’re going to be stuck in space with a bunch of monsters, then Morpheus and Dr. Alan Grant are some pretty decent teammates. But even they might not be enough to save you from the horrors that await you on the Event Horizon.
Critics have described the movie as “The Shining but in space”, and it’s not hard to see why. The film features creative monster designs, spine-chilling music and truly disturbing scenes. All of which make Event Horizon a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Did you know?
The film’s original runtime was a whopping 130 minutes, with the theatrical release being 96 minutes long.
Paramount made some serious edits to the project behind Anderson’s back, over 30 minutes worth. Some say this is the reason Event Horizon suffered as badly as it did on release. It was devoid of its creator’s true vision and lacked some important story/plot points.
But despite its rocky start, people have come around to Event Horizon in recent years. And that’s all that matters. After all, good things come to those who wait.
3 Alien (1979)
When it comes to the best horror movie set in space, this one was always going to make the list. “Alien” is a 1979 science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley. The movie follows the crew of the commercial space tug Nostromo, who encounter a deadly extraterrestrial creature that systematically kills them off one by one.
Alien is widely regarded as being a masterpiece of the genre; with its pacing, suspense and Ripley’s character being particularly praised.
The film’s influence on the horror and science fiction genres is undeniable. It has inspired countless movies, TV shows, and video games, and has become a cultural touchstone for generations of fans. The film’s iconic design, including the creature itself and the Nostromo’s industrial aesthetic, has been imitated and parodied countless times.
In short, “Alien” is a classic film that has stood the test of time and continues to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in science fiction or horror movies.
4 Ghosts of Mars (2001)
It is the year 2046, and Mars has been colonised and designated as a mining colony. The Martian police force arrives to transport a dangerous criminal when the colony is suddenly overtaken by villagers who have become violent creatures.
“Ghost of Mars” is a unique horror action film directed by John Carpenter and starring Natasha Henstridge, Ice Cube, Jason Statham and Pam Grier.
The creatures are people who have become possessed by an alien entity and have defamed their flesh. Each of them looks like a heavy metal version of characters from the Hellraiser universe. The film is a thrilling ride from start to finish, with Carpenter’s signature suspense and action sequences keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Carpenter fans were split on the film, but many still consider it an undervalued gem. If you’re a fan of horror, action, or science fiction, “Ghost of Mars” is a must-watch and has to be on any ‘best horror movie set in space’ list.
5 Apollo 18 (2011)
The Apollo program was a series of space missions undertaken by NASA between 1961 and 1975. The goal of the program was to land a human on the Moon and return them safely to Earth. The program ended with the Apollo 17 mission in 1972 when astronaut Gene Cernan became the last person to step on the lunar surface.
“Apollo 18” is a 2011 found footage horror film that imagines a secret Apollo 18 mission that landed on the Moon but never made it back to Earth. The film’s premise is intriguing, and the decision to shoot it as found footage is commendable.
The claustrophobic feeling of being trapped in a spacesuit on the Moon is tripled by the viewer’s narrow point-of-view perspective. The film has some real goosebump-inducing moments, particularly as the astronauts begin to discover the remnants of a previous mission gone wrong.
While “Apollo 18” may not be as memorable as other horror movies on our list, it’s certainly worth a watch for fans of the genre.
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