Sundance Horror Films: A Spine-Chilling Selection

Description: A schoolteacher awakens from a coma with psychic abilities, foreseeing disasters and murders. Its adaptation of Stephen King's novel and Cronenberg's direction made it a notable entry at Sundance.

Fact: This was one of the first Stephen King adaptations to be critically acclaimed.

Description: Three film students vanish after traveling into a Maryland forest to film a documentary on the local Blair Witch legend. Its found footage style and marketing were revolutionary, making it a Sundance sensation.

Fact: The film was made on a budget of less than $60,000, yet grossed over $248 million worldwide.

Description: A group of women venture into a cave system for an adventure, only to encounter horrifying creatures. Its claustrophobic setting and creature design were praised at Sundance for their effectiveness in building terror.

Fact: The film was shot in a real cave system in Scotland, adding to its realism.

Description: A single mother, plagued by the violent death of her husband, battles with her son's fear of a sinister storybook character, The Babadook. This film delves into psychological horror, making it a standout at Sundance for its emotional depth and chilling narrative.

Fact: The film was initially rejected by several Australian funding bodies before finding success at Sundance.

Description: A man attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, where the evening takes a sinister turn as he suspects her new friends have ulterior motives. This film's tension and paranoia were critically acclaimed at Sundance.

Fact: The film was shot in just 20 days, with most scenes taking place in one location.

Description: Two coroners perform an autopsy on an unidentified woman, only to uncover supernatural forces that threaten their lives. Its blend of medical horror and supernatural elements made it a standout at Sundance.

Fact: The film was shot in a real morgue, adding to its chilling authenticity.

Description: Set in 1630s New England, a family is torn apart by forces of witchcraft, black magic, and possession. Its historical accuracy and atmospheric dread made it a festival favorite, showcasing the raw power of folk horror.

Fact: The film uses authentic 17th-century English dialects, adding to its eerie authenticity.

Description: After the death of her secretive mother, a grieving family begins to unravel cryptic and increasingly terrifying secrets about their ancestry. This film's slow-burn approach to horror was highly praised at Sundance for its unsettling atmosphere and complex family dynamics.

Fact: The film was shot in only 32 days, despite its intricate plot and detailed set design.

Description: A young boy discovers that his babysitter is part of a satanic cult, leading to a night of horror and comedy. Its mix of horror and humor was well-received at Sundance for its fresh take on the genre.

Fact: The film was inspired by director McG's own childhood experiences with babysitters.

Description: A young woman, after witnessing her mother's murder, descends into a life of isolation and darkness, exploring themes of loneliness and madness. Its black-and-white cinematography and psychological depth were highlights at Sundance.

Fact: The film was shot in just 15 days, with a very small crew.