Envy, a powerful and often destructive emotion, has been the catalyst for many a horror story. This curated list of ten horror films delves into the sinister consequences of envy, offering viewers a thrilling exploration of human nature's darker side. From psychological thrillers to supernatural tales, these films not only entertain but also serve as a cautionary tale about the perils of letting jealousy consume one's soul.

The Wicker Man (1973)
Description: A police sergeant's investigation into a missing girl reveals a community's envy of traditional values, leading to a horrifying ritual.
Fact: The film has become a cult classic, known for its unique blend of folk horror and psychological tension.


Misery (1990)
Description: A fan's envy of an author's life and work turns into a terrifying ordeal for the writer, showcasing the dark side of fan obsession.
Fact: Kathy Bates won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Annie Wilkes.


The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992)
Description: Envy and revenge intertwine as a nanny infiltrates a family, driven by her own loss and jealousy, creating a tense atmosphere of psychological horror.
Fact: The film was a box office success, grossing over $88 million worldwide.


Single White Female (1992)
Description: Envy and identity theft are at the core of this psychological thriller, where a roommate's jealousy leads to deadly consequences.
Fact: The film was based on the novel "SWF Seeks Same" by John Lutz.


The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Description: Tom Ripley's envy of a wealthy man's life leads to murder and identity theft, a chilling exploration of envy and ambition.
Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay.


The Others (2001)
Description: A tale of a mother's envy for her children's innocence, leading to a haunting realization about her own existence, showcasing how envy can blind one to reality.
Fact: The film was shot in Spain, with the house being a key character in the story.


The Skeleton Key (2005)
Description: This film explores the theme of envy through the story of a hospice nurse who uncovers dark secrets involving voodoo and the desire for eternal youth, driven by envy of others' vitality.
Fact: The film was shot in New Orleans, adding an authentic Southern Gothic atmosphere to the narrative.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: A mother's envy of her son's attention to a mysterious book leads to a descent into madness, exploring themes of grief and jealousy.
Fact: The film was initially banned in some countries due to its intense psychological horror elements.


The Invitation (2015)
Description: A dinner party turns into a night of paranoia and suspicion, with envy and past grievances fueling the tension among the guests.
Fact: The film was shot in just 20 days, adding to its intense, claustrophobic atmosphere.


The Stepford Wives (1975)
Description: Envy of the perfect housewife life leads to a chilling discovery about the town's male residents' sinister plans, highlighting the destructive nature of envy and conformity.
Fact: The film was remade in 2004 with a more comedic tone, but the original remains a classic horror film.
