8 underrated wintery horror movies about the terrors of being snowed in

As a seasoned horror enthusiast who has braved countless chilling nights and darkened corridors, I find myself drawn to the icy allure of winter-set horror movies. The cold, unforgiving landscapes, the isolation, and the ever-present threat of nature’s wrath – there’s a certain appeal in these tales that send shivers down my spine.

Winter, with its abundant aromas and joyous celebrations, is a season of beauty, but it can also be gloomy, dismal, and even hazardous if one isn’t adequately equipped to navigate through a blizzard. Failure to prepare for such conditions can lead to catastrophic outcomes. The horror genre often amplifies already dire situations.

8 underrated wintery horror movies about the terrors of being snowed in

The Pale Blue Eye (2022)

A former detective, played by Christian Bale, is summoned to aid an ongoing investigation into the apparent suicide of a military academy student. He teams up with a younger Edgar Allan Poe (Harry Melling) to uncover evidence suggesting that the student was in fact brutally murdered. Their findings hint at a potential link between the death and occult practices.

The movie “The Pale Blue Eye” is an adaptation from Louis Bayard’s novel of the same title, and it received acclaim for its outstanding lead performances. Given that the story unfolds in the late 1800s, the film effectively establishes a fittingly somber ambiance, incorporating a stunning winter backdrop.

Stream on Netflix

The Lodge (2019)

Richard (Richard Armitage) is about to wed his fiancée Grace (Riley Keough), a lady who grew up in an extremist cult and is yet to fully cope with her turbulent childhood. However, the swift alterations Richard brings into the lives of his two children are surprising, as they’re still mourning their deceased mother, causing them to be reluctant to bond with someone new.

The situation gets even more complex as the children discover Grace’s troubled history. In an attempt to strengthen their relationship, Richard organizes a Christmas retreat for Grace and the kids at a secluded lodge in the countryside. Regrettably, the getaway turns into a nightmare when they are stuck indoors because of harsh winter conditions.

Stream on Kanopy

The Terror season 1

This critically acclaimed AMC series, titled “The Terror“, offers an almost flawless first season, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a chilly viewing experience. Adapted from Dan Simmons’ popular novel, this fictional narrative follows Captain Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated Arctic expedition in 1845.

The series employs the authentic names of two Royal Navy vessels, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. In an attempt to navigate through the Arctic, the voyage becomes lost and was last spotted by a couple of whalers in a nearby bay. The first season narrates the crews’ struggles to endure the harsh cold, where ice remains solid year-round, while also being pursued by a terrifying supernatural entity. The second season unfolds during WWII, and plans for a third are underway.

Streaming on Netflix

30 Days of Night (2007)

If you’re eager to experience chilling horror with authentic, terrifying vampires, this 2007 film is your ideal choice. The story unfolds in an Alaskan town haunted by these nocturnal monsters during a 30-day polar night (a time when the sun doesn’t rise). Initially, the eerie atmosphere is due to the cold and a stranger’s arrival, but things take a dark turn as a horde of vampires strikes, massacring the town residents.

Available to rent/buy on demand

Wind Chill (2007)

Over the holiday break, I found myself in a chilling tale titled “Wind Chill,” starring Emily Blunt. This under-the-radar horror flick follows my college journey home for Christmas. A classmate offered me a ride, but little did we know, our journey would take a terrifying turn when a careless driver sent us off the road in the dead of night, leaving us stranded in the cold on an isolated highway. As the mercury plummeted and the icy wind bit at our bones, we started to see strange things in the darkness, questioning if we’d make it out of this perilous predicament alive.

Available to rent/buy on demand

Frozen (2010)

It’s quite evident from the list that I have a strong preference for stories where characters are confined to a specific area, particularly when it comes to winter-themed horror films, given how treacherous conditions like snow and ice can hinder travel. In a 2010 movie, an intriguing scenario unfolds as three companions discover themselves stuck on a ski lift, suspended precariously above a mountainside following a day of skiing.

Streaming on Prime Video

No Exit (2022)

In the TV series “Bottoms,” Havana Rose Liu portrays Darby, a former addict who finds herself in peril when she attempts to aid a kidnap victim. Unbeknownst to her, the kidnapper is hiding within the rest stop she’s taking shelter in during a severe snowstorm. This puts everyone inside the rest stop in a precarious predicament.

The movie, derived from Taylor Adams’ suspenseful novel, was launched on Hulu. Although it garnered mixed opinions, many find No Exit an enjoyable watch, particularly for those who enjoy the tense atmosphere of a movie set in a snowbound location.

The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)

If you enjoyed this year’s popular horror flick, “Longlegs”, I recommend checking out director Oz Perkins’ earlier work, “The Blackcoat’s Daughter”. Since the movie is set during winter before a prolonged winter vacation, it was almost named “February”, suggesting the film’s overall frosty atmosphere.

The movie titled “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” unfolds at a Catholic boarding school, where the narrative centers around the intricate bond between students Rose (portrayed by Lucy Boynton) and Kat (Kiernan Shipka). As their parents fail to show up for pickup, they are compelled to stay at the institution. With no other individuals present, Rose and Kat develop a closer relationship, yet Rose grows suspicious about Kat’s behavior. In addition, Emma Roberts plays a character, appearing to be lost, who encounters kindness from a sympathetic couple after being discovered alone in harsh weather conditions.

Available to rent/buy on demand

2024-12-11 03:25

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