Television sets have long been a staple in horror cinema, often serving as portals to other dimensions, conduits for evil, or harbingers of doom. This curated selection of 10 horror films delves into the eerie and unsettling world where TVs become more than just a source of entertainment. Each film in this list explores the terror that can emanate from the screen, offering viewers a chilling experience that combines the familiar with the macabre. Whether it's a haunted broadcast, a cursed video, or a malevolent entity trapped within the TV, these films provide a unique perspective on horror, making them essential viewing for fans of the genre.
Poltergeist (1982)
Description: A family's home is invaded by spirits through their television set, leading to the abduction of their youngest daughter into another dimension.
Fact: The film was co-written by Steven Spielberg, who was originally set to direct but instead chose to produce due to his commitments to "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial."
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The Dead Zone (1983)
Description: While not directly about TVs, the film features a teacher who wakes from a coma with psychic abilities, often receiving visions through television broadcasts.
Fact: Directed by David Cronenberg, this film is based on Stephen King's novel and stars Christopher Walken.
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Videodrome (1983)
Description: Max Renn, a TV station executive, stumbles upon a mysterious broadcast that blurs the line between reality and hallucination, with the TV becoming a conduit for mind control.
Fact: David Cronenberg's film explores themes of media influence and body horror, making it a cult classic.
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The Ring (2002)
Description: This film revolves around a cursed videotape that kills viewers seven days after watching it, making the television a central element of terror.
Fact: The film was a remake of the Japanese horror film "Ringu" and was directed by Gore Verbinski, known for his work on the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series.
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Pulse (2006)
Description: Ghosts invade the world of the living through the internet and televisions, leading to a chilling exploration of isolation and technology.
Fact: This is a remake of the Japanese film "Kairo," directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, known for his slow-burn horror style.
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The Signal (2007)
Description: A mysterious signal transmitted through various media devices, including TVs, causes people to turn violent, creating a unique horror scenario.
Fact: The film was shot in a non-linear narrative style, which adds to the confusion and horror experienced by the characters.
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Unfriended (2014)
Description: A group of friends are terrorized by a mysterious entity during a Skype call, with their computer screens becoming the stage for their terror.
Fact: The film was one of the first to be entirely set within a computer screen, pioneering the "screenlife" subgenre.
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The Den (2013)
Description: A woman becomes obsessed with a live streaming website, only to find herself in a horrifying situation when she witnesses a murder through her screen.
Fact: The film was shot entirely through the perspective of computer screens, adding to the voyeuristic horror.
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Stay Alive (2006)
Description: Players of a video game find themselves dying in real life in the same ways as their in-game avatars, with the game's curse transmitted through a television screen.
Fact: The film features a young cast, including Sophia Bush and Frankie Muniz, and was one of the early entries into the "video game curse" subgenre.
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The TV Set (2006)
Description: While not strictly a horror film, this dark comedy explores the horrors of television production, with a meta twist on the genre.
Fact: The film stars David Duchovny and Sigourney Weaver and provides a satirical look at the television industry.
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