8 horror movies with killer pool scenes

8 horror movies with killer pool scenes

As a dedicated horror movie enthusiast and someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the genre, I can wholeheartedly affirm that there’s something truly terrifying about the idea of something lurking beneath the surface of a pool, waiting to strike. The eight horror movies listed below not only validate this fear but also provide some of the most iconic and memorable scenes in the genre.


Swimming pools are generally considered safer than the ocean for swimmers due to their regulated environments. However, some individuals harbor deep-seated fears of encountering unexpected objects in pools.

Eight horror films underscore the terror of hidden threats, poised to pounce at the most unexpected moments.

The Legacy (1978)

For horror movie enthusiasts, the most striking scene often involves a young woman taking a dip in an eerie indoor pool with a disturbing green hue.

I observe a serene atmosphere as I glide through the water, my slender form gracefully cutting through its surface. But my peace is shattered when I try to exit, finding the pool covered in transparent glass once again. Panicking, I frantically pound on it and shout for assistance, yet my cries go unanswered. In desperation, I struggle against the water’s pull, but eventually succumb and drown.

The Prowler (1981)

Joseph Zito’s renowned slasher film “The Prowler” boasts numerous gruesome deaths, and the special effects for these gory moments are a testament to Tom Savini’s unparalleled talent. Among the most notorious scenes, which is a favorite among fans including me, is the pool sequence. In this scene, a character decides to take a relaxing dip in a shimmering blue pool without suspecting that someone else is already there.

In about two minutes, the ominously titled “Prowler” emerges from the pool wearing unsettlingly old military uniform. He outpaces her, ending in a chilling and unforgettable demise.

The House on Sorority Row (1982)

In this movie, the swimming pool holds a pivotal position with two crucial events taking place there. Initially, as part of a misguided prank, some sorority sisters conceal their house mother’s cane within the pool and compel her to retrieve it at gunpoint. Towards the end, during the film’s near conclusion, the sole survivor discovers that all others have perished when she comes across their lifeless bodies floating face down in a radiant green pool.

The Mutilator (1984)

In this movie, there’s a unique pool scene where instead of water, the pool is filled with milk for an opaque effect. Filming it took several days due to the lengthy process of filtering out the milk afterwards. During that scene, a young couple engages in skinny dipping and then proceed to play hide-and-seek in the milky pool.

A young woman peacefully floats face-up in the water when suddenly two unseen hands lift her from beneath, wrapping around her midsection, and forcibly submerge her. This seemingly tranquil demise may be deemed unsatisfying by some due to the lack of graphic violence, yet the unexpectedness and swiftness leave a striking impression, serving as a grim reminder of death’s unpredictable nature and senselessness.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985)

Without a doubt, one of the most memorable pool scenes in horror movies is found in “Freddy’s Revenge.” This scene unfolds at a teenager’s home, where they are hosting a lively pool party. The adults have retired for the night, allowing the kids to let loose and enjoy themselves. However, Freddy crashes the party with a chilling entrance. He raises the temperature of the pool to unbearable levels, filling it with scalding water. Once this terrifying transformation is complete, Freddy terrorizes the guests at this backyard bash.

Jennifer’s Body (2009)

As a gamer, I’d describe it like this: This pool scene doesn’t appeal to me one bit. It’s filled with grime and has a sickly dark green tint that makes you shudder just looking at it. But this is where the movie reaches its climax, with a tense standoff between the main characters. The humor in the situation is dark and quiet, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. It’s a surreal scene, one where circumstances beyond their control have thrust these characters into a high-stakes showdown.

It Follows (2014)

In this film, there are numerous striking scenes that stay with you. Among them is one towards the end, where a band of children, hunted by the elusive IT, come up with a strategy to confront it. Their weapon of choice: a swimming pool.

The plan unfolds catastrophically, just as you might imagine, leading to ominous consequences as the figure transforms into an unsettling version of the main character’s late father. The image of the pool filling with blood is a striking visual from that sequence and one that will linger in your mind well after watching the scene.

The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018)

As a gamer, I can rephrase that experience as follows: Three masked slashers terrorized my family and me at the trailer park. In self-defense, I managed to take down one of them. But just as I thought we were safe, another attacker appeared – this time, in the pool. The haunting melody of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler filled the air as we faced off in our watery showdown.

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2024-07-23 16:25

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