This curated list of horror films revolves around the ominous and often terrifying presence of thunder. Thunder, with its deep, resonant booms, has long been a staple in horror cinema to heighten tension and evoke fear. These films not only use thunder as a backdrop but integrate it into their narrative, making it a character in its own right. Whether it's the precursor to a supernatural event or the harbinger of doom, these movies will keep you on the edge of your seat, offering a unique auditory experience that complements the visual horror.

The Haunting (1963)
Description: This classic film uses the sound of thunder to amplify the eerie atmosphere of the haunted Hill House, where strange occurrences escalate with each storm.
Fact: The film was based on Shirley Jackson's novel "The Haunting of Hill House" and was remade in 1999 with a different approach to the thunder theme.


The Fog (1980)
Description: John Carpenter's film features a mysterious fog accompanied by thunder, signaling the arrival of vengeful spirits from a shipwreck.
Fact: The film was remade in 2005, but the original is noted for its atmospheric use of sound, including thunder.


The Others (2001)
Description: Thunder and lightning are integral to the film's gothic atmosphere, enhancing the sense of isolation and dread in this haunted house story.
Fact: The film was shot in Spain, and the director, Alejandro Amenábar, used real thunderstorms to capture the authentic sound.


The Conjuring (2013)
Description: Thunder is used effectively to punctuate the paranormal events in this film, creating a sense of impending doom.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren.


The Woman in Black (2012)
Description: Thunderstorms are a constant in this film, setting the mood for the ghostly apparitions and the chilling narrative of a haunted village.
Fact: The film is based on Susan Hill's novel and was adapted into a successful stage play before its cinematic release.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: Thunder and rain are symbolic in this psychological horror, representing the inner turmoil of the characters.
Fact: The film was initially banned in several countries due to its intense themes but has since gained cult status.


It Follows (2014)
Description: Thunder is used to heighten the tension in scenes where the entity is approaching, creating an eerie, relentless atmosphere.
Fact: The film's soundtrack, which includes the sound of thunder, was critically acclaimed for its contribution to the film's mood.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: Thunderstorms outside the morgue add to the claustrophobic and suspenseful setting as the mystery of Jane Doe unfolds.
Fact: The film was shot in a real morgue, enhancing the authenticity of the setting.


The Witch (2015)
Description: Set in 1630s New England, the film uses thunder to underscore the supernatural elements and the family's descent into madness.
Fact: The film was shot entirely on location in a remote forest, using natural sounds including real thunderstorms.


The Ritual (2017)
Description: Thunder and the sounds of the forest are used to build suspense in this film about a group of friends encountering an ancient evil.
Fact: The film was shot in Romania, where the natural environment provided the perfect backdrop for its eerie atmosphere.
