Delve into the dark and often terrifying world of runaways with this curated collection of horror films. These movies explore the vulnerability and isolation of those who have left home, turning their struggles into spine-chilling narratives. From supernatural encounters to psychological horrors, these films offer a unique perspective on the perils of life on the run, providing not just scares but also a deeper commentary on societal issues.

The Strangers (2008)
Description: While not about runaways per se, the film captures the essence of vulnerability and isolation, themes central to the runaway experience, as a couple is terrorized by masked intruders.
Fact: The film was loosely inspired by true events, including the Manson Family murders.


Eden Lake (2008)
Description: A couple's romantic getaway turns into a survival horror when they encounter a group of feral children, showcasing the horror of youth gone wild.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life incidents of youth violence, making its premise chillingly plausible.


The Children (2008)
Description: This British horror film follows a family holiday turned nightmare when the children start exhibiting strange and violent behavior, highlighting the terror of familial betrayal.
Fact: The film was shot in chronological order to capture the natural progression of the children's behavior, adding to the realism of their performances.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: A single mother and her son are haunted by a sinister presence from a children's book, reflecting the psychological horror of isolation and the fear of losing control, themes resonant with runaway narratives.
Fact: The film was initially banned in some countries for its intense psychological horror.


The Invitation (2015)
Description: A man attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, where the guests' behavior becomes increasingly unsettling, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the unknown, akin to the experiences of runaways.
Fact: The film was shot in just 20 days, with much of the tension derived from the confined setting and character interactions.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: A coroner and his son uncover supernatural horrors during the autopsy of an unidentified woman, exploring themes of hidden pasts and the unknown, akin to the life of a runaway.
Fact: The film was praised for its suspenseful build-up and minimal use of jump scares, relying instead on atmosphere and tension.


The Witch (2015)
Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film follows a family banished from their Puritan plantation, essentially becoming runaways, and their subsequent descent into witchcraft and madness.
Fact: The film uses authentic 17th-century English dialogue, adding to its eerie authenticity.


The Devil's Rejects (2005)
Description: This sequel to "House of 1000 Corpses" features a family of outlaws, essentially runaways from society, who terrorize anyone in their path, blending horror with dark comedy.
Fact: The film was banned in several countries due to its graphic violence and disturbing themes.


The Orphanage (2007)
Description: While not directly about runaways, this Spanish horror film deals with themes of abandonment and the supernatural, as a woman returns to her childhood orphanage to open a home for special needs children.
Fact: The film was Spain's official submission to the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.


The Runaways (2010)
Description: While not a traditional horror film, this movie delves into the dark side of the music industry, where young runaways find themselves in a world of exploitation and danger, making it a fitting addition to this list.
Fact: The film features a breakout performance by Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett, and the real-life Joan Jett served as an executive producer.
