Summer holidays are often associated with relaxation, sunshine, and fun, but what if we add a twist of terror to the mix? This curated list of horror films set during summer holidays offers a chilling contrast to the usual sunny escapades. From haunted campgrounds to sinister beach vacations, these movies provide a unique blend of horror and the carefree spirit of summer, making them an intriguing watch for those looking to spice up their movie nights with a touch of fear.

The Hills Have Eyes (1977)
Description: While not explicitly set during summer holidays, the film's premise of a family vacationing in the desert and encountering mutant cannibals captures the essence of a summer gone horribly wrong.
Fact: The film was remade in 2006 by Alexandre Aja, who also directed "High Tension."


Friday the 13th (1980)
Description: Perhaps the most iconic summer camp horror movie, this film introduces viewers to Camp Crystal Lake, where a mysterious killer begins to eliminate the camp counselors. Its setting during the summer holidays and the theme of isolation make it a quintessential pick for this list.
Fact: The film was originally titled "Long Night at Camp Blood" and was inspired by the success of "Halloween."


The Burning (1981)
Description: This classic slasher film revolves around a summer camp where a group of teenagers are stalked by a vengeful caretaker. It captures the essence of summer horror with its camp setting and the terror that lurks in the shadows of a supposed safe haven.
Fact: The film was inspired by the urban legend of the Cropsey Maniac. It also features early appearances by Jason Alexander and Holly Hunter.


I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
Description: After a summer night's accident, a group of friends are stalked by a hook-wielding killer. The film's summer setting and the theme of secrets from the past haunting the present make it a great choice.
Fact: The film is loosely based on a novel by Lois Duncan, and it helped revive the teen slasher genre.


Cabin Fever (2002)
Description: A group of college graduates rent a cabin in the woods for a summer getaway, only to encounter a flesh-eating virus. The summer vacation setting turns into a nightmare, making it a fitting entry for this list.
Fact: This was Eli Roth's directorial debut, and it helped kickstart the "torture porn" subgenre.


Piranha 3D (2010)
Description: A spring break party on Lake Victoria turns into a bloodbath when prehistoric piranhas are released. The summer vacation setting and the over-the-top gore make it a fun, if not terrifying, watch.
Fact: The film features a cameo by Richard Dreyfuss, referencing his role in "Jaws."


The Ruins (2008)
Description: A group of friends on a summer vacation in Mexico stumble upon an ancient Mayan temple, leading to a horrifying ordeal. The tropical setting and the theme of vacation gone wrong perfectly fit the summer horror theme.
Fact: The film was based on the novel by Scott Smith, who also wrote the screenplay.


The Final Girls (2015)
Description: A meta-horror comedy where a group of friends find themselves trapped inside a 1980s slasher film during a summer camp setting. It's a clever twist on the summer camp horror trope, blending humor with horror.
Fact: The film pays homage to classic slasher films, particularly "Friday the 13th."


Sleepaway Camp (1983)
Description: This film takes place at a summer camp where a series of bizarre and gruesome murders occur. Its shocking twist ending and the camp setting make it a memorable addition to the horror genre during summer holidays.
Fact: The film's ending is considered one of the most shocking in horror movie history, and it has a cult following.


The Pool (2001)
Description: A young couple discovers a mysterious pool in an abandoned house during their summer vacation, leading to supernatural events. Its eerie atmosphere and the summer holiday setting make it a unique horror experience.
Fact: The film was directed by Chris Smith, who also directed "Triangle," another film with a summer setting.
