In an era where technology increasingly integrates into our daily lives, the concept of a "smart home" has become both a convenience and a potential nightmare. This curated list of horror films delves into the dark side of home automation, where the very systems designed to protect and serve us turn against their owners. From haunted AI to malevolent software, these movies explore the terrifying possibilities when technology goes rogue. This collection is not just for horror enthusiasts but also for those intrigued by the intersection of technology and terror, offering a thrilling exploration of modern fears.

The Dead Zone (1983)
Description: While not directly about a smart home, the film includes scenes where technology plays a significant role in the protagonist's life, including a computer system that predicts future events, tying into the theme of technology's dark side.
Fact: The film is based on Stephen King's novel, and its exploration of fate and technology remains relevant.


The Lawnmower Man (1992)
Description: Though primarily about virtual reality, the film includes elements of a smart house when the protagonist's intelligence is enhanced by technology, leading to disastrous results. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked technological advancement.
Fact: The film was one of the first to explore the concept of virtual reality in cinema, and its special effects were groundbreaking at the time.


The Matrix (1999)
Description: While not a traditional smart home film, the Matrix itself can be seen as an ultimate smart environment where AI controls everything. The film's exploration of AI's control over human lives makes it relevant to this theme.
Fact: The film's concept of the Matrix was inspired by various philosophical ideas, including Plato's Allegory of the Cave.


The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
Description: This meta-horror film features a cabin that's part of a larger, technologically controlled experiment. The cabin's ability to manipulate its environment and the people within it adds a layer of smart home horror.
Fact: The film was written by Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard, who also directed, and it subverts many horror movie tropes.


The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018)
Description: While not strictly about a smart home, this film features a house with magical and mechanical elements, including a clock that could end the world. The house's intelligence and autonomy make it a fitting addition to this list.
Fact: The film is based on the 1973 novel by John Bellairs, and its blend of horror and fantasy elements provides a unique take on the haunted house trope.


The Machine (2013)
Description: While more of a sci-fi thriller, the film involves AI and robotics, with a home setting where technology becomes a threat. It's a chilling look at AI's potential for harm when integrated into everyday life.
Fact: The film explores themes of consciousness and the ethics of AI, making it a thought-provoking addition to this list.


The House on Mansfield Street (2018)
Description: This British horror film features a haunted house with a dark history, where the technology within the home seems to have a life of its own, trapping and tormenting its residents.
Fact: The film was shot in a real haunted location, adding an extra layer of authenticity to its eerie atmosphere.


The Smart House (1999)
Description: This Disney Channel Original Movie features a futuristic home that becomes overly protective of its new family, leading to chilling consequences. It's a light-hearted entry into the smart home horror genre, making it an excellent introduction for younger viewers.
Fact: The film was one of the first to explore the concept of a smart home in a family setting, and it inspired a generation of viewers to think about the potential downsides of AI.


The Black Hole (2006)
Description: A sci-fi thriller where a scientist's experiment with a black hole in his home goes awry, turning his house into a deadly trap. The house's transformation into a sentient, malevolent entity fits the theme perfectly.
Fact: The film was released directly to video and has become a cult classic for its unique premise.


The App (2013)
Description: A German horror film about a social networking app that turns deadly. While not about a smart home per se, the app's control over users' lives parallels the theme of technology turning against its users.
Fact: The film was released in Germany as "App" and has gained a following for its unique take on technology horror.
