10 Horror Films That Explore the Dark Side of Elections

Description: A classic political thriller where a brainwashed soldier is set to assassinate a presidential candidate, highlighting the manipulation of elections through mind control.

Fact: The film was remade in 2004, but the original remains a chilling study of political intrigue.

Description: Though not a horror film, it's a political thriller about a lawyer running for Senate, showing the dark side of campaigning and the loss of ideals, which can be seen as a psychological horror of sorts.

Fact: Robert Redford, who plays the lead, also produced the film, marking one of his early forays into political cinema.

Description: A journalist investigates a series of political assassinations, uncovering a shadowy corporation that manipulates elections and public opinion through mind control.

Fact: The film's title refers to the Parallax Corporation, a fictional entity with sinister motives.

Description: This film, based on Stephen King's novel, features a schoolteacher who wakes from a coma with psychic abilities, foreseeing a politician's rise to power leading to nuclear war. It's a chilling exploration of the consequences of political ambition.

Fact: The film was directed by David Cronenberg, known for his body horror films, making this a unique blend of political thriller and horror.

Description: While not strictly about elections, this film explores a dystopian future where a masked vigilante fights against a totalitarian regime, touching on themes of political corruption and the power of the people.

Fact: The film was adapted from a graphic novel by Alan Moore, who famously disowned the movie adaptation.

Description: A political drama that turns into a psychological thriller as a press secretary navigates the murky waters of a presidential campaign, revealing the horror of political betrayal.

Fact: The film was adapted from the play "Farragut North" by Beau Willimon, who later created the TV series "House of Cards."

Description: In this third installment of the Purge series, a senator campaigns to end the annual Purge, leading to a night of survival against those who benefit from the chaos. It's a direct commentary on the manipulation of elections for personal gain.

Fact: The film was released during a real U.S. presidential election year, adding to its topical relevance.

Description: While primarily a science fiction film, it includes a subplot where the government's response to a global catastrophe is influenced by political elections, showing the horror of political decision-making in crisis.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white, with color used only for the opening and closing sequences to depict the Earth's changing axis.

Description: An Australian film where a lawyer's investigation into a murder case leads him into a world of Aboriginal mysticism and apocalyptic visions, with political undertones about the impact of elections on indigenous communities.

Fact: The film was directed by Peter Weir, known for his work on "The Truman Show" and "Dead Poets Society."

Description: While not directly about elections, this dystopian film explores a society where women's rights are stripped away, showing how political decisions can lead to horror and oppression.

Fact: The film was adapted from Margaret Atwood's novel, which has since become a critically acclaimed TV series.