33 Internet and Social Media Horror Movies You Need to Watch
Looking to curl up with the best internet and social media horror movies this freaky Friday? Then I’ve got you covered.
These are my TOP scary picks for movies that’ll creep you out and make you think twice before picking up that phone and logging into Facebook. Seriously, the internet IS a scary place, and these movies are ready to show you just how terrifying.
These internet and social media horror movies are perfect for your next creepy movie night.
Best internet and social media horror movies
1. Ingrid Goes West (2017)
Ingrid Goes West brilliantly captures the dark side of social media obsession.
Ingrid (Aubrey Plaza) becomes obsessed with an Instagram influencer (Elizabeth Olsen) and moves to Los Angeles to befriend her. The movie delves deep into the themes of loneliness, the quest for validation, and the curated realities of social media.
It’s a chilling reminder of how online obsessions can blur the lines between reality and fantasy, leading to dangerous consequences.
2. Countdown (2018)
Countdown taps into the modern fear of technology taking control over our lives.
The story centers around an app that predicts the EXACT moment of a user’s death – which as you can imagine is INCREDIBLY unsettling. What seems to be a sick joke turns out to be a paranormal mystery, and our main character must find a way to change their fate.
The film plays on the anxiety of being controlled by forces out of your hands – particularly technology, making it a relevant and terrifying watch.
3. Cam (2018)
Set in the world of online camgirl shows, Cam is a psychological thriller that explores identity theft in the digital age.
Alice (Madeline Brewer) finds her online identity stolen by a doppelganger who takes over her shows. The movie delves into the themes of online personas, privacy, and the lengths one would go to reclaim their digital identity.
It’s a creepy reminder that just because you can see it on the internet, doesn’t mean it’s true.
4. Friend Request (2017)
Friend Request taps into the fears associated with social media friendships.
After unfriending a mysterious girl online, Laura’s (Alycia Debnam-Carey) life spirals into a nightmare as she and her close friends become haunted by a demonic presence.
The movie serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of online interactions and the unknown entities lurking behind screens. Don’t accept friend requests if you don’t know the requestor!
5. Unfriended (2014)
If you love found footage films, then Unfriended is the social media scare for you.
This is a unique take on the genre, unfolding entirely on a computer screen. A group of friends finds themselves haunted during a Skype call by an unknown entity seeking vengeance for a shamed student’s suicide
The film effectively uses the online medium to build tension, making viewers question their own online interactions.
6. Unfriended: Dark Web (2018)
Unfriended: Dark Web is the sequel to Unfriended – which honestly isn’t as good as the first one, but it’s just as good.
The story revolves around a group of friends who stumble upon the dark web and become targets of a dangerous group. The movie highlights the perils of the uncharted territories of the internet, making viewers think twice before diving into the unknown.
It really taps into everyone’s fear of the dark web and the kind of things that happen there.
7. The Hater (2020)
A gripping tale of online deception, The Hater delves into the world of social media manipulation and the lengths individuals go to achieve power and influence.
The film showcases the dark underbelly of the internet, where fake news, cyberbullying, and character assassination thrive. It’s a chilling commentary on the age of misinformation and the consequences of unchecked ambition in the digital age.
It’s worth noting that The Hater is a Polish film, and you’ll get the best experience using subtitles with this bad boy.
8. Die Influencers Die (2020)
Die Influencers Die is a horror satire that takes a jab at the influencer culture, highlighting the extremes people go to for online fame.
As influencers gather at a mansion for a high-profile event, things take a sinister turn. The movie serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of chasing internet fame and the real-life horrors that can emerge from the virtual world.
If you’re afraid of clowns (hola, that’s me!) you might want to skip this one because there IS a killer clown.
9. Silk Road (2021)
Based on true events, Silk Road chronicles the rise and fall of the infamous dark web marketplace.
The film delves into the world of online drug trafficking, exploring the moral complexities and dangers of the digital underworld. It’s a gripping tale of ambition, law enforcement, and the shadowy corners of the internet.
10. Dashcam (2021)
Dashcam is a unique horror experience by Blumhouse that unfolds in real-time through a live stream – obviously it IS fiction but the main character does play a semi-fictionalized version of herself.
Annie Hardy (as herself), a musician and conspiracy theorist, inadvertently captures supernatural events on her dashcam while live streaming. The film plays on the modern obsession with documenting every moment and the unforeseen dangers that can emerge when the digital and supernatural worlds collide.
11. Nerve (2016)
A thrilling dive into the world of online dares, Nerve showcases the lengths individuals will go to for online validation.
As players participate in increasingly dangerous challenges for money and fame, the line between game and reality blurs. The film is a stark reminder of the perils of peer pressure in the digital age and the consequences of reckless online behavior.
12. The Circle (2017)
Set in a dystopian future, The Circle explores the consequences of total transparency in a world dominated by a single tech company. As Mae (Emma Watson) climbs the corporate ladder, she grapples with the ethical implications of surveillance and the loss of privacy.
The film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked technological advancement and the erosion of personal freedoms. It’s a bit more of a creepy movie than scary, but it features Tom Hanks!
13. Followed (2018)
Followed taps into the modern obsession with vlogging and the lengths content creators go to for views. The story revolves around a vlogger, Mike (Matthew Solomon), who decides to explore a haunted hotel to boost his online following.
As he delves deeper into the mysteries of the hotel, the line between reality and the supernatural becomes blurred. The film serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of chasing virality without considering the real-world consequences.
This movie has heavy references to the real-life Elisa Lam case – though I want to make it clear that this is NOT based on a true story.
14. Catfish (2010)
One of the pioneering films in the genre, Catfish delves into the world of online relationships and the potential deceptions therein.
The documentary-style narrative follows Nev who builds a romantic relationship with a woman online, only to discover a web of lies. It’s a haunting exploration of trust, deception, and the complexities of online interactions.
This is Nev’s story, he went on to host Catfish the TV Show later on – which is full of cheese, but a bit of a guilty pleasure to watch.
15. Do Not Reply (2019)
This film delves into the dark side of online dating. The story revolves around a young woman who gets abducted by a man she meets online.
As she tries to escape, the horrors of her captor’s intentions become clear. Do Not Reply serves as a stark warning about the dangers lurking behind seemingly innocent online interactions.
This is a VERY creepy movie, it’s not the most “horror” filled as I’ve seen, but it deals with kidnapping teenage girls.
16. Clickbait (2021)
A satirical take on the world of viral content, Clickbait explores the lengths people will go to achieve internet fame.
In this miniseries, a content creator becomes the target of a mysterious entity, her life spirals into chaos. The film is a commentary on the perils of online validation and the unforeseen dangers of chasing internet stardom.
17. Searching (2018)
Searching is a unique thriller that unfolds entirely on computer screens.
It chronicles a father’s (John Cho) desperate quest to find his missing daughter using digital clues. The film brilliantly utilizes the digital medium to weave a gripping narrative, highlighting both the advantages and dangers of our interconnected world.
It’s a testament to the power of technology and the potential pitfalls of the digital age. It was also a truly unique film concept when it first came out – there are a few more that fit that mold now.
18. Missing (2023)
Missing follows the same screen-style shooting scheme as Searching (technically it happens in the same “universe”), and it’s done REALLY well.
It tells the story of June (Storm Reid) who’s home alone after her mother and her partner go on vacation. But when her mother doesn’t return, she’s forced to find her from a distance – uncovering a whole slew of darkness and mystery.
19. Kimi (2022)
Kimi is a gripping tale set in the age of smart home devices and constant surveillance. It’s a film by the talented Steven Soderbergh.
The story revolves around an agoraphobic tech worker (Zoe Kravitz) who discovers a violent crime on a data stream. The film brilliantly captures the paranoia and vulnerability of living in a world where privacy is a luxury.
It serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers of our over-reliance on technology and the implications of a constantly monitored society.
20. Slenderman (2018)
Drawing inspiration from an internet urban legend, Slenderman delves into the story of a faceless, supernatural entity that haunts and abducts children.
The film taps into the modern fear of online myths and their potential real-world consequences. It’s a haunting exploration of how internet folklore can take on a life of its own, leading to tragic outcomes.
21. Don’t Hang Up (2016)
This film is a tense thriller that revolves around a series of prank calls that take a dark turn. When two friends become the target of a mysterious caller seeking revenge, they’re thrust into a night of terror.
Don’t Hang Up serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of online pranks and the unforeseen dangers of anonymous interactions.
22. Assassination Nation (2018)
A bold commentary on the digital age, Assassination Nation follows the chaos that ensues when a hacker leaks the personal data of an entire town.
The film delves into themes of privacy, mob mentality, and the dark side of online culture. It’s a brutal reflection on the fragility of reputation in the age of the internet and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.
This is a very crass, gory film. It’s well done, no doubt, but I remember wincing a few times when I saw it at the film festival.
23. Selfie From Hell (2018)
Playing on the modern obsession with selfies, this film tells the story of a woman who discovers terrifying occurrences in her photos. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a sinister entity linked to the dark web.
Selfie From Hell serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking behind seemingly innocent online trends and the unknown entities that might be watching.
24. Meghan is Missing (2011)
A harrowing found footage film, Meghan is Missing chronicles the disappearance of two teenage girls after meeting a stranger online.
The movie serves as a stark warning about the dangers of online interactions and the potential real-world consequences of seemingly harmless online friendships. It’s a chilling exploration of the vulnerabilities of the digital age and the predators that lurk in the shadows.
25. FearDotCom (2002)
One of the early films to delve into the horrors of the internet, FearDotCom explores the deadly consequences of a sinister website that claims the life of anyone who logs on.
Set in a time when the internet was still a burgeoning entity, the film taps into the fears of the unknown digital realm. It’s a chilling reminder of the early days of the web, where myths and mysteries abounded, and the line between reality and the virtual world was still being defined.
26. Friend Request (2016)
Delving into the world of social media friendships, this film highlights the dangers associated with online interactions.
After unfriending a mysterious girl on a social media platform, a college student’s life spirals into a nightmare as she and her friends are haunted by a demonic presence. The movie serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of online relationships and the unforeseen dangers lurking behind the screen.
27. Ratter (2015)
Ratter is a disturbing look into the world of cyberstalking.
The film follows a young woman who is unknowingly being watched through her electronic devices by a stalker. As the stalker’s obsession grows, the line between the virtual and real worlds blurs, leading to terrifying consequences.
It’s a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities we face in an interconnected world and the potential dangers of our digital footprints.
28. Like Me (2017)
A commentary on the modern obsession with online validation, Like Me follows a young woman’s quest for internet fame through a series of increasingly dangerous and bizarre stunts.
The film delves into the lengths individuals will go to for online attention and the blurred lines between reality and online personas. It’s a haunting exploration of the human psyche in the age of social media and the potential pitfalls of seeking validation from strangers.
29. Tragedy Girls (2017)
A darkly comedic take on the world of social media influencers, Tragedy Girls follows two high school girls who use their online presence to document a series of murders.
As they become more engrossed in their quest for virality, the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred. The film serves as a satirical commentary on the modern obsession with internet fame and the moral compromises individuals might make in its pursuit.
30. Spree (2020)
Spree was not my favorite flick, but it does provide commentary on a serious issue we have today – our need to document EVERYTHING for money and fame. It’s a darkly comedic and satirical take on the lengths one might go to achieve viral fame.
The story follows Kurt, a rideshare driver, who turns his lackluster vlogging attempts into a murderous spree, all while live-streaming to a growing audience. The film brilliantly captures the desperation for online validation in the age of social media, highlighting the dangerous extremes some might consider to gain followers and likes.
It’s a chilling commentary on the perils of internet fame and the blurred lines between reality and online performance. It’s even creepier considering we have seen real-life cases where people have committed crimes live online.
31. Host (2020)
Set entirely on a Zoom call during the COVID-19 lockdown, Host taps into the fears of the digital age and the supernatural. Not to mention, it really plays into the aloneness that people felt during the isolation of the pandemic.
A group of friends hires a medium to conduct a séance over the video call, leading to terrifying consequences. The film effectively uses the constraints of the digital medium to build tension, making it a unique and timely addition to the horror genre.
It’s a stark reminder of the unforeseen dangers that can emerge even in our most familiar digital spaces.
32. Deadstream (2022)
Deadstream delves into the world of live-streaming, where the quest for views and engagement can lead to unforeseen horrors. The film follows a streamer who, in an attempt to boost his viewership, encounters supernatural forces during a live broadcast.
As the terror unfolds in real-time, the line between performance and genuine fear becomes blurred. It’s a gripping commentary on the live-streaming culture and the potential pitfalls of chasing online virality.
33. Initiation (2020)
Touching upon the sensitive topics of campus culture, social media, and secrecy, Initiation is a slasher film for the digital age. After a college party leads to a mysterious death, a series of cryptic messages and murders begin to unfold, all linked to social media.
The film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of online interactions, the spread of rumors, and the real-world consequences of digital actions. It’s a timely exploration of the dark side of college life in the age of social media.
Final Thoughts: Best Internet and Social Media Horror Films
If you’re looking for the best internet and social media horror films, you’ve got plenty to choose from. Whether you want gory satires or films that are entirely filmed on voyeuristic-style cameras, there’s something for you.
