Do you know cosmic horror? This horror subgenre explores the fear of the unknown and forces beyond human understanding. One of the foundations is the early 20th century writing of HP Lovecraft, and, in his honor, the subgenre is also known as Lovecraftian horror.
Overall, cosmic horror deals with themes such as ancient creatures, parallel dimensions, and madness. In cinema, the genre is distinguished by creating an atmosphere of mystery and desperation, where real terror lies not in the visible, but in the incomprehensible.
If you like stories that challenge the limits of reason, we have prepared a list of the 12 best cosmic horror films available for streaming.
The 12 best cosmic horror movies
An homage to HP Lovecraft, “The Edge of Madness” explores themes of madness and cosmic forces beyond human understanding. Directed by John Carpenter, it is the final chapter of his apocalypse trilogy, which includes “The Dark Prince” (1982) and “Prince of Shadows” (1987).
In the plot, an insurance investigator (Sam Neill) is hired to find a famous missing horror writer.
During his investigations, he discovers a small and mysterious town that seems to have come out of the writer’s pages. Furthermore, the line between reality and fiction begins to blur.
Based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, “The Fog” is a science fiction horror film directed by Frank Darabont.
In the plot, the residents of a small Maine town are trapped in a supermarket after a mysterious fog envelops the area. Furthermore, the fog hides deadly creatures with Lovecraftian characteristics.
Directed by Sam Raimi, the first film in the “Evil Dead” series is an independent production that has established itself as a cult classic.
The story revolves around demonic entities summoned by the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, a book of witchcraft with clear influences from the work of HP Lovecraft.
In the plot, a group in an isolated cabin accidentally releases evil spirits when they play a recording containing passages from that book.
Based on the novel of the same name by Jeff VanderMeer, *Annihilation* is a science fiction, suspense and horror film directed by Alex Garland.
The plot follows a group of scientists who enter a mysterious quarantine zone, where animals and plants have mutated due to alien presence.
The cast includes names such as Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson and Oscar Isaac.
Produced by A24, “The Lighthouse” is a psychological horror directed by Robert Eggers, the same as “The Witch” (2015).
Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson play two 19th-century lighthouse keepers stranded on a remote island after a storm. However, isolation and mysterious forces drive them mad.
Cosmic horror film, “The Evil Sect” is a Canadian production directed by Steven Kostanski and Jeremy Gillespie.
In the plot, a police officer finds an injured man on the street and takes him to the hospital. However, the place is soon surrounded by hooded cultists and grotesque creatures begin to emerge.
Directed by Ridley Scott, “Alien, the 8th Passenger” is one of the most acclaimed films influenced by HP Lovecraft.
In the plot, the crew of a spaceship receives a distress signal. During their investigation, they encounter an alien organism that evolves into a destructive threat.
Starring Kristen Stewart, “Deep Menace” is inspired by the monster Cthulhu, a cosmic entity created by HP Lovecraft.
In the plot, crew members of an underwater laboratory encounter mysterious creatures after an earthquake destroys the facility on the ocean floor.
Based on the short story “Dreams in the Haunted House” by HP Lovecraft, “Venus” is a Spanish horror and supernatural thriller.
In the plot, a nightclub dancer (Ester Expósito) steals a bag of pills from mobsters and hides in the building where her sister and niece live. However, sinister forces operate there.
Creating a bold mix of film noir and cosmic horror, like the Cthulhu mythos, “Death Spell” is directed by Martin Campbell.
Set in 1948, Los Angeles, the plot follows detective HP Lovecraft (Fred Ward), hired to locate the magical book Necronomicon.
The sequel to “Deadly Spell”, “Satanic Illusions”, this time stars Dennis Hopper in the role of private detective HP Lovecraft.
In the plot, a far-right senator plans a campaign to ban the practice of magic in the United States. Directed by Paul Schrader.
In this sci-fi horror film, two brothers return to a cult they previously belonged to.
However, they discover that the place is not exactly what they thought. Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead star in the production.
Unfortunately, some of the most famous and important titles in the cosmic horror genre are not available on streaming services today. However, it is essential to underline its importance, both for the terrifying atmosphere and for the influence of HP Lovecraft. Check:
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
