Escape rooms have become a popular theme in horror cinema, offering a unique blend of suspense, puzzles, and terror. This curated list of 10 horror films explores the chilling concept of being trapped in an escape room, where the stakes are life or death. Each film brings its own twist to the genre, making it a must-watch for fans of horror and puzzle enthusiasts alike. From psychological thrillers to supernatural scares, these movies will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Cube (1997)
Description: A group of strangers wake up in a bizarre cube-shaped room, which is essentially an escape room with deadly traps. Its minimalistic setting and psychological horror make it a fitting addition.
Fact: The film was made with a very low budget, using practical effects to create its unique environment.
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Saw (2004)
Description: Although not an escape room per se, the film's premise of being trapped and forced to play deadly games aligns with the escape room theme.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days on a budget of $
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The Belko Experiment (2016)
Description: Employees are locked in their office building and forced to kill each other, turning their workplace into a deadly escape room scenario.
Fact: The film was directed by Greg McLean, known for his work on "Wolf Creek."
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Exam (2009)
Description: Candidates for a job are locked in a room and given an exam, where the rules and environment mimic an escape room's puzzle-solving nature.
Fact: The film was shot in a single location, emphasizing the claustrophobic atmosphere.
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The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
Description: While not strictly an escape room film, it features a scenario where characters are manipulated into a horror scenario, akin to an escape room setup.
Fact: The film was co-written by Joss Whedon, known for his work on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
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The Invitation (2015)
Description: While not an escape room, the film's dinner party setting where guests feel trapped and manipulated shares themes with escape room horror.
Fact: The film was well-received for its slow-burn tension and psychological depth.
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Escape Room (2019)
Description: This film follows six strangers who find themselves in an escape room where the puzzles are deadly. It's a perfect fit for this list due to its direct connection to the escape room theme.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life escape rooms. The set design was meticulously crafted to reflect actual escape room environments.
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The Maze (2010)
Description: A group of friends enter a maze-like escape room, only to discover it's a trap set by a deranged killer. The film's claustrophobic setting and psychological horror elements make it a standout.
Fact: The film was shot in a real abandoned hospital, adding to its eerie atmosphere.
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Would You Rather (2012)
Description: Participants in a dinner party are forced to play a game where they must choose between painful options, similar to an escape room's life-or-death decisions.
Fact: The film was shot in just 15 days.
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No Escape Room (2018)
Description: A family stumbles upon an escape room that turns into a deadly game. Its inclusion in this list is justified by its focus on the escape room concept with a supernatural twist.
Fact: The film was originally a TV movie before gaining a wider release.
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