Pregnancy, a time of joy and anticipation, can also be fraught with tension and suspense, especially when woven into the fabric of a thriller. This curated list of ten films explores the darker side of pregnancy, where expectant mothers face psychological twists, physical peril, and the unknown. These films not only provide edge-of-your-seat entertainment but also delve into the complex emotions and fears associated with bringing new life into the world amidst chaos and danger.
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992)
Description: A psychological thriller where a nanny, seeking revenge, infiltrates a family, with the pregnant mother at the center of her sinister plans.
Fact: The film was one of the highest-grossing films of 1992, and it was nominated for several awards, including a Saturn Award for Best Horror Film.
Watch Now
The Others (2001)
Description: A pregnant woman living in a secluded mansion with her children experiences supernatural occurrences, adding to the film's eerie atmosphere.
Fact: The film was shot in Spain, despite being set in the Channel Islands.
Watch Now
The Forgotten (2004)
Description: A mother, who is told her child never existed, fights to uncover the truth, blending psychological thriller elements with sci-fi.
Fact: The film's ending was changed after test audiences found the original too ambiguous.
Watch Now
The Descent (2005)
Description: A group of women, including one who is pregnant, go on a caving trip that turns into a fight for survival against creatures in the dark.
Fact: The film was shot in a real cave system in the UK, adding to the claustrophobic atmosphere.
Watch Now
Waitress (2007)
Description: While not a traditional thriller, this film features a pregnant waitress trapped in an unhappy marriage, adding a layer of suspense to her quest for freedom.
Fact: The film was completed after the death of its writer and director, Adrienne Shelly, and was dedicated to her memory.
Watch Now
The Babadook (2014)
Description: A widow struggles with her son's fear of a monster from a children's book, with her pregnancy adding to the psychological horror.
Fact: The film was initially banned in some countries due to its intense themes.
Watch Now
The Girl with All the Gifts (2016)
Description: In a post-apocalyptic world, a unique child, who is both a threat and a hope, is at the center of a survival story.
Fact: The film is based on the novel by M. R. Carey, who also wrote the screenplay.
Watch Now
Mother! (2017)
Description: A surreal thriller where a woman's pregnancy becomes a metaphor for creation and destruction, with intense psychological twists.
Fact: The film was polarizing, with audiences either loving or hating its allegorical narrative.
Watch Now
The Unborn (2009)
Description: A young woman discovers she is pregnant with a supernatural entity, leading to a battle against evil forces.
Fact: The film uses Jewish folklore as a basis for its horror elements.
Watch Now
Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Description: A classic thriller where a young wife suspects her neighbors are part of a satanic cult that wants to use her unborn child.
Fact: The film was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Ruth Gordon.
30 Days Free
