In an age where smartphones are an extension of ourselves, it's no surprise that filmmakers have found a chilling new avenue for horror. This collection of 10 horror films explores the dark side of technology, where smartphones become tools of terror, capturing the fears and anxieties of our digital age. From ghostly apps to sinister social media, these films delve into the unsettling possibilities of what can go wrong when our most personal devices turn against us.

The Caller (2011)
Description: Though primarily about a mysterious phone, the film touches on themes of technology and communication, where a woman receives calls from a woman claiming to be from the past, leading to horrifying events.
Fact: The film was shot in Puerto Rico, giving it a unique setting for its eerie narrative.


Open Windows (2014)
Description: A fan wins a contest to meet his favorite actress, but the event is hijacked by a hacker who manipulates him through his computer, leading to a night of terror and manipulation.
Fact: The film was shot entirely on computer screens, with director Nacho Vigalondo using innovative techniques to tell the story in real-time.


Friend Request (2016)
Description: A college student accepts a friend request from a social outcast, only to find herself haunted by the girl's ghost after unfriending her. The film explores the horror of social media isolation and the consequences of digital rejection.
Fact: The film was released in Germany under the title "Unfriend," playing on the theme of social media interactions.


Unfriended (2014)
Description: This film is a pioneer in the "screenlife" genre, where the entire story unfolds through a computer screen. A group of friends are haunted by a mysterious entity during a Skype call, revealing dark secrets and leading to horrifying consequences.
Fact: The film was shot in real-time, with actors performing in front of green screens to simulate the computer interface. It was also one of the first films to be released in the same format on home video.


Siren (2016)
Description: A man answers a call from a woman in distress, only to find himself drawn into a supernatural horror involving a siren's call through his smartphone.
Fact: The film was inspired by the myth of sirens, adapting it to the modern context of digital communication.


The Dark Tapes (2016)
Description: This anthology horror film includes a segment where a smartphone app is used to capture paranormal activity, leading to terrifying consequences for those involved.
Fact: The film was produced by a company known for its found footage horror, showcasing a variety of horror sub-genres within one movie.


The Den (2013)
Description: A documentary filmmaker uses a video chat service to study human behavior, but her project turns into a nightmare when she witnesses a murder and becomes the next target.
Fact: The movie was inspired by real-life incidents of cyberstalking and the dark side of internet anonymity.


The Signal (2014)
Description: A road trip takes a sinister turn when a mysterious signal from a smartphone leads three friends into a nightmarish situation, blending sci-fi with horror elements.
Fact: The film uses a three-act structure, each directed by a different filmmaker, creating a unique narrative style.


Shutter (2008)
Description: While not exclusively about smartphones, this film involves a photographer who discovers ghostly images in his photos, a concept easily translatable to modern smartphone photography.
Fact: The film is a remake of a 2004 Thai horror film of the same name, which itself was inspired by urban legends about ghostly presences in photographs.


The App (2013)
Description: A group of friends download an app that promises to fulfill their deepest desires, but it soon turns their lives into a living nightmare, exploring themes of technology addiction and the cost of instant gratification.
Fact: The film was released directly to video, reflecting the growing trend of horror films exploring digital themes.
