Everyone knows that an eclipse is ripe for horror happenings, with Satanic ceremonies that bring about the antichrist, evil prophecies being fulfilled, and plain old witchy mayhem playing out under the celestial shadow. As the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8th draws near (which near 44 million North Americans will have perfect view of), the veil between the normal and the paranormal seems thinner, stirring the pot of cosmic chaos and serving up a celestial smorgasbord of scares.
With the moon’s looming shadow set to sweep across the sky, it’s the perfect time to delve into the dark side of cinema where eclipses cast their eerie glow. These 10 terrifying horror movies eclipses utilize the astronomical event to amplify the horror, making you think twice about stepping outside to catch a glimpse of the eclipse. So, as we brace for the sun to disappear, let’s countdown to darkness with some of the most thrilling eclipse-themed horror movies that have left audiences captivated and terrified.
10. House of the Devil (2009)
In House of the Devil, a college student takes a babysitting job in a creepy, remote mansion during a lunar eclipse, only to discover that her employers have a nefarious plan in store. The film, set in the 1980s, pays homage to the horror classics of that era, using the eclipse as a harbinger of evil and a catalyst for the satanic rituals that ensue. Its slow build of tension and atmospheric dread, punctuated by the eclipse’s ominous presence, makes it a gripping watch for fans of eclipse-themed horror.
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9. Veronica (2017)
Veronica is a Spanish horror film that revolves around a teenage girl who, after using a Ouija board during a solar eclipse, becomes haunted by a malevolent entity. The eclipse in this film is not just a backdrop but a significant element that triggers the supernatural events, leading to an intense battle between the living and the spectral forces. The film’s creepy possession story, combined with the eerie setting of a solar eclipse, creates a perfect storm of terror.
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8. Gerald’s Game (2017)
Gerald’s Game centers on Jessie, a woman who faces a fight for survival while handcuffed to a bed in a remote lake house after her husband dies unexpectedly. The film intricately weaves her current predicament with traumatic childhood memories, highlighted during a solar eclipse. This Stephen King adaptation masterfully uses the eclipse as a metaphor for darkness and revelation, uncovering hidden fears and secrets in a suspenseful survival tale.
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7. Dolores Claiborne (1995)
In Dolores Claiborne, a woman is accused of murdering her wealthy employer, leading to a complex investigation that uncovers deep-seated family secrets. The story unravels through flashbacks, with a solar eclipse serving as a key moment that links the past and present. This psychological thriller uses the eclipse as a pivotal plot point, symbolizing the dark revelations that come to light, making it a compelling watch for those interested in the intertwining of celestial events and human drama.
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6. Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
Little Shop of Horrors is a horror-comedy musical about a meek florist who discovers a carnivorous plant that feeds on human blood, which he names Audrey II. The plant’s arrival on Earth coincides with a TOTAL. ECLIPSE. OF. THE. SUN!, suggesting its extraterrestrial origins. The eclipse is the catalyst for the bizarre and deadly events that follow, as the plant grows increasingly large and demanding, leading to a series of darkly comedic and horrific incidents.
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