20 Best Internet-Themed Horror Movies, Ranked

20 Best Internet-Themed Horror Movies, Ranked


Following the success of the webcam horror movie sub-genre, several horror films depicting the dark side of social media began to flood the mainstream. In these disturbing movies, evil exists on the Internet, and characters are haunted by the World Wide Web. The question is, how does one expel an evil that has been invited through technology?




Horror has a way of turning even the most innocent or simple experiences into the most benign ones. However, since the Internet and social media have become such an integral part of modern life, it’s only natural for horror filmmakers to use them as a source of terror and entertainment. To deliver the most terrifying techno-horrors, Friend Request, Host, and Selfie from Hell play on newfound fears such as venturing into the forbidden dark web, being stalked online, and the lethal consequences of social media obsession. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of films that tackle the Internet and social media in particular, with several tech-related horror movies flying under the radar. These are the best horror movies that will make audiences want to quit social media, ranked by entertainment value.


20 ‘Assassination Nation’ (2018)

Directed by Sam Levinson

Image via Neon


Directed by Euphoria‘s Sam Levinson, Assassination Nation is an action crime comedy with horror elements. The story focuses on four girls who must fight to survive after a data hacker exposes the secrets of the American town of Salem. It stars Odessa Young, Abra, Suki Waterhouse, and Hari Nef.

Assassination Nation‘s social satire about our contemporary society, including privacy in the age of social media, is one of its most poignant, stand-out aspects. However, the movie’s visual style and engaging plot are also great. It is not as likely to scare audiences considering that its focus is mainly on the social satire aspect of things. However, Levinson’s movie is still worthwhile.

Release Date
September 21, 2018

Director
Sam Levinson

Runtime
110


19 ‘Selfie from Hell’ (2018)

Directed by Erdal Ceylan

When an online vlogger from Germany, Julia (Meelah Adams), visits her cousin Hannah (Alyson Walker) in the U.S. only to become ill. Hannah scours the Internet to find the cause of the strange illness, only to discover an inaccessible site on the dark web. Her seemingly normal home transforms into a haunted house.

Viewers who love horror movies with lots of jumpscares will definitely enjoy this; like many other dark web movies, it offers a glimpse into the terrifying online world. However, the film is a little formulaic, and it is difficult for some viewers to enjoy it thoroughly. Nevertheless, Selfie from Hell does a great job of warning people to stay away from the darkest corners of the Internet, given that bad things are certainly bound to happen when they venture there.

Watch on Tubi


18 ‘Missing’ (2023)

Directed by Will Merrick and Nicholas D. Johnson

Storm Reid as June and Megan Suri as Veena staring at a computer in Missing (2023)
Image via Sony 

Directed by Nicholas D.Johnson and WillMerrick, Missing focuses on a young woman’s (Euphoria’s star, Storm Reid, who plays Zendaya‘s younger sister in the acclaimed teen show) attempt to find her mother (Nia Long) who disappears while on vacation in Colombia and to bring her back home, using the latest technological tools available to her online thousands of miles away in Los Angeles.

Handling topics of family, loss, and regret, Missing is an engaging movie even if not the best in the genre. Its premise is not groundbreaking, but certainly enjoyable. Plus, the way Nicolas D. Johnson and Will Merrick’s picture incorporates innovative use of modern technologies in its storytelling is also a strong aspect, becoming a must-see cyber horror/thriller watch.


Missing

Release Date
January 20, 2023

Director
Nicholas D. Johnson , Will Merrick

Runtime
111 minutes

17 ‘Profile’ (2018)

Directed by Timur Bekmambetov

Valene Kane as Amy Whittaker in Profile smiling.
Image via Focus Feature

In the mystery thriller/horror film Profile, an undercover British journalist infiltrates the online propaganda channels of the so-called Islamic State, only to be sucked in by her recruiter. The story is based on French journalist Anna Erelle‘s book In the Skin of a Jihadist about her investigation into the recruitment of young women by ISIS.


Despite its mixed reviews, the lesser-known Timur Bekmambetov movie is a gripping watch that works as an effective way to keep boredom at bay, and investing enough to keep audiences interested. Although labeled as a horror film, Profile arguably falls under the mystery and thriller genres best, but certainly features some scary moments and horror elements, namely in how it highlights the dangers of the Internet.

Profile (2018)

Release Date
May 14, 2021

Cast
Valene Kane , Morgan Watkins , Christine Adams , Kate Watson , Kelley Mack , Sherine Chathie , Eloise Thomas , Adam Sidman

Watch on Peacock

16 ‘Megan is Missing’ (2011)

Directed by Michael Goi

Rachel Quinn and Amber Perkins as Megan and Amy, sitting on a bed and smiling at the camera in Megan Is Missing
Image via Anchor Bay Entertainment

This totally disturbing and obscure film follows 14-year-old Megan (Rachel Quinn) and 13-year-old Amy (Amber Perkins), two young teens who are kidnapped and consequently tortured after talking with a stranger on the Internet that turned out to be a child predator.


If there is a scarring movie that will likely keep anyone — especially young teens — away from the net, it is probably Michael Goi’s one. Often criticized for its usage of explicit content, Megan is Missing is a horror film that features a lot of gore and unsettling scenes. Ultimately, it sends out thought-provoking messages on the dangers of the Internet world and the cyber predators that inhabit it.

Megan Is Missing

Release Date
May 1, 2011

Director
Michael Goi

Cast
Amber Perkins , Rachel Quinn , Kara Wang , April Stewart

Runtime
85 minutes

Watch on Hoopla

Directed by William Malone


In this William Malone horror film, detective Mike Reilly (Stephen Dorff) collaborates with Department of Health associate Terry Huston (NatashaMcElhone) in New York City and looks into strange murders that happen 48 hours after visitors register on the website feardotcom.

Although it is far from being among the best horror films out there — rather, it is on the other side of the spectrum, as it was panned by critics and, ultimately, a box-office bomb — Feardotcom is frightening because of its realistic and believable narrative. Even if not expertly executed, this 2002 horror thriller manages to disturb audiences by showcasing the crimes around a deadly website and sending out messages that certainly provide a lot of food for thought.

Watch on Pluto

14 ‘Friend Request’ (2016)

Directed by Simon Verhoeven

A woman with a laptop on Friend Request


Friend Request revolves around a popular college student, Laura (Alycia Debnam-Carey), who makes the mistake of unfriending a mysterious girl named Marina (Liesl Ahlers) and invites a demonic presence into her life. When her friends die mysteriously, a frightened Laura has no choice but to figure out how to fight this evil.

The list of social media horror movies cannot be complete without mentioning Friend Request. The plot may become predictable at some point, since it shares some similarities with iconic and timeless slashers like Friday the 13th. However, this gripping horror movie is more than satisfying to watch. Though it may seem a bit campy with its idea of a Facebook demon, Friend Request does have a lot of fun moments and some blood too.

Friend Request

Release Date
January 7, 2016

Director
Simon Verhoeven

Cast
alycia debnam carey , Brit Morgan , William Moseley , Connor Paolo , Brooke Markham , Sean Marquette

Runtime
92

Watch on Tubi


13 ‘Ratter’ (2015)

Directed by Branden Kramer

In this 2015 film, a young graduate student living alone in New York is tormented by a hacker who stalks her through all of her technological devices. When video feeds are not enough, he goes from virtual to a physical stalker.

Ratter manages to induce real-life panic and fear by focusing solely on online prowling. Shot through the lens of a webcam, cellphone, wobble cam, and other devices, this home invasion horror movie is frighteningly realistic. This short cyber horror movie is quite different from movies of its type in that it does not rely on gore or violence to tell the story. It has enough suspense to make it terrifying

Rent on Apple TV

12 ‘Initiation’ (2020)

Directed by John Berardo


John Berardo‘s movie illustrates a party that starts innocently but quickly takes a sinister and bloody turn when a star athlete is found impaled in his dorm room. Soon, bodies start turning up on campus as a metal mask-wearing killer picks and kills frat boys and sorority girls.

Initiation crosses slasher-horror and crime thriller tropes to deliver an engaging story. It paves the way for modern-day horror slashers by incorporating new elements such as social media bullying, women’s rights, and more. An indie horror flick, Initiation is more than just another horror movie for horror’s sake; while far from being a groundbreaking horror movie, it takes time to develop characters as well as the storyline, which is what makes it so memorable.

Rent on Apple TV

11 ‘Unfriended: Dark Web’ (2017)

Directed by Stephen Susco

Unfriended Dark Web


In Unfriended: Dark Web, a group of friends stumbles upon a laptop that has access to the dark web, where they watch a series of disturbing videos about people who appear to be in danger. Soon after, they receive anonymous messages informing them that they will all die if they disconnect or call the police. The fun night suddenly turns into horrifying as they die one by one while others watch in terror.

The only similarity between this video call horror movie sequel to Unfriended and the first installment of the franchise, is that they are both depicted on laptop screens. Stephen Suscosucceeds in creating a cruel and unsettling movie that offers a bleak glance at how terrifying the Internet age can be.

Unfriended 2

Release Date
July 19, 2018

Director
Stephen Susco

Runtime
88

Rent on Apple TV


10 ‘Like Me’ (2017)

Directed by Robert Mockler

Still From Like Me
Image via Kino Lorber

In the entertaining Like Me, a teenage girl desperate for human connection sets out on a killing spree that she broadcasts on social media. It is safe to say that Robert Mockler is among the most unique and underappreciated horror movies, even though it is also a widely divisive one.

The color-soaked cinematography blended with an outstanding portrayal of characters by the cast and the inventiveness of the kills will surely engender many in this disturbing serial killer tale. Furthermore, Kiya’s (Addison Timlin) representation of millennial isolation sheds light on the dark side of trying so hard to be relevant online. The thrilling psychedelic horror film is a must-see for fans of the subgenre.


Like Me

Release Date
January 25, 2018

Director
Robert Mockler

Cast
Addison Timlin , Ian Nelson , Larry Fessenden , Jeremy Gardner , John O’Creagh , Nicolette Pierini

Runtime
80

Watch on Tubi

9 ‘We’re All Going to the World’s Fair’ (2021)

Directed by Jane Schoenbrun

Anna Cobb as Casey with face paint on in We’re All Going to the World’s Fair.
Image via Utopia

This terrifying Jane Schoenbrun picture sees a teenage girl (Anna Cobb) alone in her attic bedroom. When Casey becomes immersed in an online role-playing horror game and participates in a challenge rumored to have transformative effects on participants, she begins to document a series of changes that may or may not be happening to her.

We’re All Going to the World’s Fair blurs the lines between reality and virtual reality, exploring themes of identity and loneliness and the effects that social media and online culture overall can have on young people who grow up in front of a computer. Even if not traditionally scary, this Schoenbrun picture is indeed unsettling and thought-provoking, partly because it explores existential questions and our relationship with social media through a chilling lens.


We’re All Going to the World’s Fair

Release Date
April 22, 2022

Director
Jane Schoenbrun

Cast
Michael J. Rogers , Anna Cobb , Theo Anthony , Holly Anne Frink

Runtime
86 Minutes

8 ‘Cam’ (2018)

Directed by Daniel Goldhaber

Madeline Brewer celebrating in Cam
Image via Netflix

In a true social media horror movie (a film that could easily take part in Black Mirror cinematic universe), Alice (Madeline Brewer), a cam girl, discovers that a doppelgänger has hijacked her followers, and she must figure out who the double is to regain access to her account.


Aside from giving viewers a glimpse into the world of cam girls, Daniel Goldhaber‘s psychological horror film is expertly woven to have a great blend of sci-fi and supernatural. Many fans have compared Cam to Black Swan, but with a cyber twist and cam girls. Cam is pretty creepy and perfectly captures what it’s like to be obsessed with achieving status rank online or being obsessed with numbers. Although the film was great, some viewers may find the ending unsatisfying.

Cam

Release Date
November 16, 2018

Director
Daniel Goldhaber

Cast
Madeline Brewer , Patch Darragh , Melora Walters , Devin Druid , Imani Hakim , Michael Dempsey

Runtime
94 minutes

7 ‘Tragedy Girls’ (2017)

Directed by Tyler MacIntyre

Tragedy Girls 2x1
Image via Otter Media

Two small-town friends, McKayla Hooper (Brianna Hildebrand) and Sadie Cunningham (Alexandra Shipp) are obsessed with becoming social media stars and resort to murder to entertain their distraught fans. Fortunately for them, they capture a serial killer Lowell (Kevin Durand), and commit several brutal murders for their ominous social media page while pinning them on him.


Tyler MacIntyre presents a slasher genre with a modern twist. Tragedy Girls is as dark as slasher films can get, featuring psychopath killers, gore, killing spree, suspense, and terror. Its satire is an aspect that differs it from traditional slasher films. While some may find this comedy-horror funny, it may put others off since these villains show no remorse for their heinous actions and virtually go unpunished.

Tragedy Girls

Release Date
October 20, 2017

Director
Tyler MacIntyre

Runtime
90

6 ‘The Cleansing Hour’ (2019)

Directed by Damien LeVeck

The Cleansing Hour
Image via Shudder


Directed by DamienLeVeck, The Cleansing Hour is a worth-mentioning entry in both the exorcism and Internet subgenres. The film focuses on two entrepreneurs who run a webcast that streams live exorcisms. Although this is just a well-planned money-grabbing scheme featuring staged hoaxes, the film takes a wild turn of events when an actress becomes mysteriously possessed by a real demon that holds the crew hostage.

While this Shudder original movie is hardly a masterpiece, it is a well-executed one nonetheless. The Cleansing Hour seamlessly combines social media elements with the horror genre, ultimately delivering a refreshing and unique premise. It is also fun and surprisingly frightening at times, featuring numerous twists and turns to keep viewers invested. Furthermore, it is considered one of the best Shudder originals.

The Cleansing Hour

Release Date
September 16, 2019

Director
Damien LeVeck

Runtime
94 minutes


5 ‘Spree’ (2020)

Directed by Eugene Kotlyarenko

Spree: Joseph David Keery
Image via Image Entertainment

In 2020’s Spree, a lonely rideshare driver will stop at nothing to become famous online. He devises a deadly plan to go viral and soon earns himself a reputation as the “Rideshare Killer.”

No doubt, Spree is another shocking horror-comedy movie that satirizes the lengths people will go to become famous online and delivers a refreshing take on the similar digital era/reality we’re living in. While not at all a scary film, it is an atmospheric only. Plus, it is unsettling to see sweet Joseph David Keery from Stranger Things as a bloodthirsty villain. Nonetheless, his presence in the film is one of the reasons why so many viewers love it.

Spree

Release Date
August 14, 2020

Director
Eugene Kotlyarenko

Runtime
93 minutes


4 ‘Hard Candy’ (2005)

Directed by David Slade

Elliot Page as Hayley smiling in Hard Candy (2005)
Image via Lionsgate

Hard Candy provides audiences with an intriguing and twisted narrative that follows a young girl (Elliot Page in one of their earlier roles) who heads to meet Jeff (Patrick Wilson), the photographer she met on the internet, at a coffee shop. While Jeff initially thinks he is in for a real treat, Hayley plays an unexpected trick on him.

What’s so interesting about Hard Candy is the surprising turnaround on its initial sexual predator storyline, which ultimately gives Hayley the power in what could’ve been a terrible scenario. David Slade’s intelligent film keeps audiences on the edge of their seats and warns them about the dangers of the Internet through its unconventional and entertaining narrative, with a memorable performance by Page.


Hard Candy

Release Date
January 14, 2005

Director
David Slade

Runtime
99 minutes

Watch on Amazon Prime

3 ‘Host’ (2020)

Directed by Rob Savage

A group of friends on a Zoom call
Image via Vertigo Films

In 2020’s lean Host — one of the scariest pandemic movies — a group of friends attempt an online séance during their weekly Zoom meeting only to invite a demonic presence into their homes. What happens next turns Host into one of the best webcam horror movies that maximizes the format.


A Zoom-based British horror movie with a well-timed jump scare, pacing that doesn’t meander, and superb acting has distinguished it from many other modern horrors. Despite being conceived during the COVID-19 lockdown, Host is among the most compelling internet horror movies, juggling between genuine tension and unsettling scares while every action is played on a Zoom call. Like Unfriended and movies of the like, this desktop horror feature will indeed have many viewers hiding under their blankets — there is no helping it.

Host

Release Date
July 30, 2020

Cast
Haley Bishop , Jemma Moore

Runtime
56 minutes

2 ‘Deadstream’ (2022)

Directed by Vanessa and Joseph Winter

In an attempt to win back his followers, a problematic internet personality has a bright idea of live streaming one night alone in a haunted house named Death Manor, where several people have died. However, as audiences would probably guess, things start to go south when he annoys a vengeful spirit.


With a runtime of only 90 minutes, Vanessa Winter and Joseph Winter’s low-budget, unpredictable found-footage Deadstream is entertaining and comical. Additionally, the clever way it manages to blend technology with horror elements is one of its strongest aspects, and the unpredictability in the way it scares viewers in one minute and cracks them up in the next is also worth mentioning.

Watch on Shudder

1 ‘Pulse’ (2001)

Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa

The eerie shadow of a man in 'Pulse'
Image via Toho Co., Ltd.

Pulse (translated from Japanese: Kairo) is perhaps one of the country’s most atmospheric horror movies, as well as one of the most recommended. The techno-horror film centers on two groups of people who learn that ghosts might be attempting to infiltrate the world through the Internet.


Among the best horror movies about online interactions, this sinister thriller Pulse is the best out of the bunch, and it does a very good job at depicting the digital horrors of social alienation (with some people even believing that Pulse has predicted recent years of isolation), as well as the withdrawal from relationships. No doubt, the haunting 2001 movie provides food for thought and makes for an intriguing time in front of the screen; this is, of course, especially true if audiences are into Japanese horror features.

Pulse (2001)

Release Date
February 3, 2001

Director
Kiyoshi Kurosawa

Runtime
119 Minutes

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