7 Iconic Goth Scenes in Horror Films

It’s safe to say the safest stomping ground for goths is the horror genre. Those who are considered the weirdest people are more often than not celebrated in horror. And obviously, it’s not just gothic horror that makes sense for goths. The most macabre and visually striking imagery exists in many subgenres. But naturally, some of the most iconic goth scenes in various horror films often include vampires or werewolves.

If you’re looking to be reminded of some (not all) iconic goth scenes in horror films, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going down a path of strangeness, style, and a lot of top tier outfits. Not to mention a lot of women being bad-asses because that’s just how it goes, right?

The Hunger (opening credits)

Let’s face it, something should be immediately goth as fuck if Bauhaus starts playing. Okay, maybe not everything, but in the case of the opening scene of The Hunger then it absolutely does. It’s an artsy erotic horror film starring David Bowie, Catherine Deneuve, and Susan Sarandon. Not only is the film very outwardly queer, it has cemented itself as part of goth culture. The opening basically shows a lot of sexy goth people and Bauhaus singing “Bela Legosi’s Dead.” It’s hard not to revel in the atmosphere and get caught up.

Angela’s dance (Night of the Demons)

Dancing in a demon-filled empty funeral home is pretty damn goth if you ask me. Not to mention dancing to Bauhaus (a running theme in goth horror? Probably). Night of the Demons isn’t as discussed compared to other ’80s horror films. But Angela (Amelia Kincaid)’s dance is iconic as hell. She becomes possessed and starts creepily dancing to “Stigmata Martyr” by Bauhaus. It’s wonderfully choreographed and perfect for connoisseurs of goth horror.

“We are the weirdos, Mister” (The Craft)

Witches tend to be thrown into the goth conversation, when in reality not every witch is goth and not every goth is a witch. In the case of The Craft, it’s pretty damn goth as a whole and there happen to be witches in it. Nancy Downs (Fairuza Balk) is often touted as a goth icon, and for good reason. And the iconic line “We are the weirdos, Mister” is something that many folks who identify as goth can subscribe to. There’s something so freeing about claiming weirdness, and that ties directly into the subculture.

Blood rave (Blade)

If you don’t remember much from Blade, it’s likely not the blood rave. The blood rave is so damn iconic in horror, and it’s without a doubt the embodiment of goth insanity. A human goes to a rave, only to fail to realize he’s partying with vampires, and blood rains down from above. It’s morbidly sexy, and vampires are naturally goth figures. What more is there to say? Especially when Blade (Wesley Snipes) is a notably Black goth character in the MCU!

Tiffany’s introduction (Bride of Chucky)

The iconic entry of our queer icon Tiffany Valentine (Jennifer Tilly) is part of what makes Bride of Chucky so good. Tiffany is unapologetically goth and sexy, and “Living Dead Girl” by Rob Zombie plays over most of the opening. What else can you ask for? The Child’s Play franchise is delightful as it is, and absolutely one of the most consistent. Inserting a goth sensibility into the franchise is exactly what it needed at the time. And having Tiffany enter the franchise in such a way makes it worthy of being included on this list.

Hallway scene (Ginger Snaps)

It wouldn’t be dramatic to say the hallway scene in Ginger Snaps was pivotal for goths in the early 2000s. The film itself follows a story of girlhood puberty, using lycanthropy as a metaphor. And of course, werewolves already fall into the gothic category. Ginger walking down the hallway, unapologetic and confident in her look and herself, is tremendous. It’s so iconic that it for sure inspired Jennifer Check (Megan Fox)’s hallway walk in Jennifer’s Body.  

Underworld (Selene overseeing the city)

The scene and the film speak for themselves because a vampire hanging out in a leather outfit on a balcony is deliciously gothic. Underworld is a must-watch if you’re looking for an atmospheric and very stylish vampire/werewolf horror film. The reason it’s being included on this list is because it authentically captures goth aesthetics. Not to mention Selene (Kate Beckinsale) is a vampire that should be talked about more in terms of discussions on vampires.