Lighthouses have long captured the imagination of filmmakers, symbolising isolation, guidance, and often, a touch of the supernatural. This curated collection of 10 films delves into the lives of lighthouse keepers, the eerie atmosphere surrounding these structures, and the stories they inspire. Whether you're a cinephile or simply fascinated by maritime lore, these films offer a diverse look at the lighthouse as both a literal and metaphorical beacon.

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
Description: While not exclusively about a lighthouse, the film features a widow who moves into a cottage haunted by the ghost of a sea captain, with the lighthouse often visible in the background.
Fact: The film was remade as a TV series in the 1960s, and the original movie was one of the first to use Technicolor.


The Fog (1980)
Description: A classic horror film where a small coastal town is haunted by the ghosts of mariners who died in a shipwreck, with the lighthouse playing a central role in the eerie events.
Fact: John Carpenter, the director, also composed the film's score, and the movie was remade in


The Light Between Oceans (2016)
Description: A romantic drama set in post-World War I Australia, where a lighthouse keeper and his wife find a baby in a boat and decide to raise her as their own.
Fact: The film was shot on location at Cape Campbell Lighthouse in New Zealand, standing in for the fictional Janus Rock.


The Lighthouse (2019)
Description: A psychological horror film that explores the descent into madness of two lighthouse keepers on a remote New England island in the 1890s. Its intense atmosphere and black-and-white cinematography make it a standout in this collection.
Fact: The film was shot in a


The Vanishing (1993)
Description: Based on true events, this film tells the story of three lighthouse keepers who mysteriously disappear from a remote Scottish isle, leaving behind only a single log entry.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life Flannan Isles Lighthouse mystery, and it features a haunting performance by Ewan McGregor.


The Lightkeeper (2009)
Description: A whimsical tale of a lighthouse keeper who encounters various eccentric characters, exploring themes of solitude, community, and the passage of time.
Fact: The film was shot on location at the Portland Head Light in Maine, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.


The Lighthouse of the Orcas (2016)
Description: This Argentine film tells the story of a lighthouse keeper who helps an autistic boy connect with nature through orcas, highlighting the lighthouse's role in guiding both ships and souls.
Fact: The film is based on a true story, and the orca scenes were filmed with real orcas in Patagonia.


The Keeper of Lost Things (2017)
Description: Although primarily a drama, the film features a lighthouse keeper who collects lost items, symbolizing the lighthouse's role in guiding lost souls back to safety.
Fact: The film was adapted from Ruth Hogan's bestselling novel, and the lighthouse setting adds a layer of poetic symbolism.


The Lighthouse at the End of the World (1971)
Description: An adventure film based on Jules Verne's novel, where a lighthouse keeper battles pirates on a remote island, showcasing the lighthouse's strategic importance.
Fact: The film was directed by Kevin Billington, and it features a young Kirk Douglas in one of his lesser-known roles.


The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter (2018)
Description: This film follows the life of a young woman growing up in a lighthouse, exploring themes of isolation, duty, and the impact of war.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life stories of lighthouse keepers' daughters, and it was shot on the Isle of Man, known for its many lighthouses.
