In the digital age, online dating has become a common way to meet potential partners. However, what happens when these virtual connections turn sinister? This curated list of horror films delves into the dark side of internet romance, offering a thrilling and cautionary exploration of the perils that can lurk behind a seemingly perfect profile. From psychological thrillers to supernatural scares, these films highlight the importance of caution in the online dating world, making for an engaging watch for those who appreciate a good scare.
Hard Candy (2005)
Description: Though not about online dating per se, it involves a young girl meeting an older man online, leading to a psychological battle that explores themes of manipulation and revenge.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days, and its title refers to the candy the protagonist uses to distract her captor.
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Catfish (2010)
Description: Although not a traditional horror film, "Catfish" explores the psychological horror of online deception, making it a fitting inclusion. It follows a man who discovers the woman he's been dating online isn't who she claims to be.
Fact: The film started as a documentary but became a cultural phenomenon, leading to a TV series of the same name.
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The Invitation (2015)
Description: While not directly about online dating, it involves a dinner party where the host's new partner, met online, brings an unsettling atmosphere, exploring themes of trust and paranoia.
Fact: The film was shot in one location to create a claustrophobic and tense atmosphere.
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Friend Request (2016)
Description: A college student accepts a friend request from a social outcast, leading to a series of supernatural events as the outcast's spirit seeks revenge through social media.
Fact: The film was originally titled "Unfriend" in some markets, highlighting the theme of social media isolation.
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Nerve (2016)
Description: A high-stakes online game turns deadly as participants are dared to perform increasingly dangerous tasks, highlighting the risks of seeking thrills through digital means.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life phenomenon of online dares and challenges.
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Unfriended (2014)
Description: This film is a pioneer in the "screenlife" genre, where the entire story unfolds through a computer screen. It follows a group of friends who are haunted by a mysterious figure during a Skype call, revealing the dark secrets of their past online interactions.
Fact: The film was shot in real-time, and all actors performed their roles live, without any post-production edits to their performances.
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The Perfect Guy (2015)
Description: While not strictly a horror film, it delves into the terrifying reality of a seemingly perfect online match turning into a nightmare. It explores themes of obsession and control.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life stories of online dating gone wrong, focusing on the psychological aspects of manipulation.
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Searching (2018)
Description: This film follows a father's desperate search for his missing daughter, uncovering her online life and the dangers she faced. It's a modern thriller that uses digital interfaces to tell its story.
Fact: The entire movie was shot from the perspective of computer screens, a unique narrative technique.
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The Den (2013)
Description: A documentary filmmaker uses a live streaming service to explore online interactions, only to witness a murder and become the next target. This film captures the terror of voyeurism and the anonymity of the internet.
Fact: The movie was inspired by real-life webcam horror stories and uses a found footage style to enhance the realism.
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The Tinder Swindler (2022)
Description: This Netflix documentary tells the story of a con artist who uses Tinder to swindle women out of millions, offering a real-life horror story of online dating.
Fact: The film became a global sensation, sparking discussions on the safety of online dating apps.
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