Picture yourself driving or walking up to a large castle or house with nothing but ominous vibes awaiting you. This is the experience of people in horror movies that feature gothic mansions, castles, or houses, and oftentimes they don’t heed the warning signs. We wouldn’t have these movies otherwise, right?
Many of us horror fans have favorite horror films that are set in a gothic environment. Whether they’re about vampires, ghosts, or other beings that make nighttime impossible to relax. And the following horror movies are all set in different places, but they have mostly ominous atmospheres (even the one comedy horror film in this list does, don’t deny it).
If you want to find out if any of your favorites are on here or if you are in need of a recommendation for the remainder of summerween, you’ve come to the right gothic castle. Just try not to disturb the ghosts and avoid going into the hot vampire’s quarters and you’ll be fine.
The Old Dark House (1932)
Horror that came out in the ‘30s can be a bit challenging to watch, but this pre-code horror film might satisfy various horror fans who don’t mind older horror. The Old Dark House follows 5 individuals who find themselves temporarily lodging in an old house occupied by the Femm’s. There’s a fair amount of queer subtext woven throughout the film, and that can be chalked up to the film’s director, James Whale (as he was an out gay man).
The film is in black & white, which does contribute to the gothic aesthetic of the decaying house the characters are in. Of course, the characters themselves add to the atmosphere by being peculiar and occasionally ominous in their intentions. The Old Dark House isn’t a blood soaked time in the slightest, and is a comedy horror film, so there’s a blend of comedic beats alongside the horror. But you should watch it if you want to learn more about queer coded horror from the ‘30s.
Army of Darkness (1992)
It might be a little goofy and not everyone’s favorite in the Evil Dead franchise, but it’s got a little something to offer. Army of Darkness follows survivor Ash (Bruce Campbell) who time travels back to the Middle Ages and is forced to face a Deadite army. The film leans heavily into the comedy and isn’t nearly as scary as it could be in comparison to the first film. Though its atmosphere is heavily appreciated by some folks.
Army of Darkness has its flaws, though its set pieces are relatively memorable, and the aesthetics are there. It’s not a film that’ll scare you under a blanket and its goofiness might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s not unworthy of a first time watch. If you happen to enjoy Evil Dead and or Evil Dead 2, then watching the third film won’t be the worst mistake you could make.
Elvira’s Haunted Hills (2001)
Elvira is a queer icon (who is part of the community if you didn’t know) and this comedy horror film is a fun time. Elvira’s Haunted Hills is set in the 1800s and follows Elvira (Cassandra Peterson) and her assistant Zou Zou (Mary Jo Smith), who end up staying at a castle before they head off to Paris. Only for Elvira to realize that she looks quite a bit like the deceased wife of the Lord whose castle they’re lodging in.
The silliness of the premise and the fact that Elvira is the only person who is in her regular costume is a riot. It’s not period accurate in a few ways, and that’s part of Elvira’s Haunted Hills’ overall charm. You’re not meant to take anything too seriously, and you’ll absolutely laugh at Elvira’s constant antics. It’s one of those films that you have fun with, appreciate the practical effects, and the charm that comes with a low budget at times.
Oculus (2013)
A haunted mirror should be the stupidest premise you can’t take seriously for a second. Though in the case of Oculus, it does take itself seriously and does a great job with it. Oculus follows siblings who are finally investigating the haunted mirror which destroyed their lives. Since it’s a Mike Flanagan film, there’s a specific moodiness that spreads throughout the film’s runtime, until its very heartbreaking ending.
Oculus lets you into its world and doesn’t let you go whatsoever, even when you feel most uncomfortable. There’s no escape from the mirror’s influence, and that’s shown clearly through the flashbacks of the siblings’ lives. And their childhood home is perfectly crafted to be creepy for its audience. As a whole Oculus is very much worthy of a watch, even if the haunting is specifically in the mirror and not the entire home.
House of Darkness (2022)
It might not break any ground as far as what it aims to do, but you might find yourself appreciating the gothic estate more than anything. House of Darkness follows a man who goes home with a mysterious woman he met, only to find that not everything is what it seems. The film offers some commentary on the expectations that straight men often have with the women they meet, and how predatory men come in all forms.
House of Darkness takes a while to really get going and vibes might not be enough to sustain everyone. Though aside from its flaws in the writing, the film allows the women to be as unapologetically sexy as they wish. And Justin Long plays a character that you know is getting what’s coming to him. Overall, you could watch it if you’re fine having to wait until near the end of the film for the big leap.
