Winter horror is a distinct corner of the genre, often relying on isolation and harsh conditions to tap into a kind of dread a summer camp slasher simply can’t. Here are ten horror films set during the winter, ranging from genre staples to more obscure entries perfect for those dark, lonely, bone-cold evenings.
10. Misery (1990)
After a car crash leaves him stranded during a blizzard, a bestselling author is rescued by an obsessive fan whose kindness turns deadly when she discovers he plans to kill off the main character in his novels.
I recently rewatched Misery, and it reaffirmed my belief that no one translates Stephen King to the screen quite like Rob Reiner does. Kathy Bates delivers one of the most commanding performances in film history, while James Caan’s slow realization of the trap he’s in is so palpable it makes you feel just as confined as he is.
9. Curtains (1983)
A group of actresses gather at a remote mansion to audition for a coveted film role, only to be picked off one by one by a masked killer.
It’s very possible that Curtains might have been lost to history if not for its unforgettable imagery, most notably the towering mask with bright red hair and the now-iconic sequence of the killer gliding across the ice in figure skates, a moment that feels quietly echoed decades later in The Black Phone 2. Among the many slashers released throughout the 1980s, Curtains stands out as one of the more confident entries, using costume and atmosphere rather than excess to leave a lasting impression.
8. The Damned (2025)
Set during a brutal winter in the 19th century, a widow and her isolated fishing community face an impossible choice after a shipwreck forces them to weigh survival against compassion.
I caught The Damned during a late 10 p.m. screening and ended up alone in the theater, which turned out to be the best possible way to experience it. Something about the film burrowed under my skin so deeply that I waited for the lights to come up during the credits because I felt genuinely uneasy about walking out by myself. It flew under last year’s radar, but it deserves far more attention.
7. The Shining (1980)
After accepting a caretaker position at the isolated Overlook Hotel, Jack Torrance begins to slip into madness while his wife and son remain trapped inside with him.
What’s a winter horror list without The Shining? There’s very little left to say about Stanley Kubrick’s film that hasn’t already been said, but seeing it in IMAX for the first time, with a pristine restoration, was a reminder of just how overwhelming it can still be. It also feels worth honoring Mick Garris’ television adaptation here as well, a very different interpretation that leans more heavily into Stephen King’s novel. Despite the inevitability of it being compared to Kubrick’s, I recommend trying to watch it as an entirely separate entity.
6. Shredder (2001)
At a secluded ski resort, a group of teenagers are stalked and slaughtered by a mysterious figure lurking on the slopes.
I somehow stumble upon a VHS of Shredder at nearly every video store I visit. I first came across it years ago while searching for a list just like this, and its insane CGI left a lasting impression on me. One of the strangest aspects of the film is that Scott Weinger, best known as Steve from Full House, turns up as one of the main characters, a casting choice that somehow makes the whole thing even more surreal.
5. Black Phone 2 (2025)
Following the events of The Black Phone, siblings Finn and Gwen are drawn back into danger when visions lead them to a snowbound youth camp, where the two are still haunted by The Grabber.
This was my favorite sequel of last year. I’m a big fan of Scott Derrickson, and his decision to intercut scenes shot on Super 8 and 16mm was an especially effective way to distinguish reality from dreams. The film is also just beautiful to look at. Ethan Hawke has said he’d be open to returning for more Black Phone sequels, and I hope he gets the chance.
4. Iced (1989)
Years after a tragic death, a group of friends are stalked by a killer seeking revenge at a remote ski resort.
Iced is both not discussed enough and probably discussed more than it deserves. The film looks like it was shot on a camcorder and then recorded again onto a VHS tape. It also features what may be the slowest death sequence of all time.
3. The Thing (1982)
An isolated Antarctic research team descends into paranoia when a shape-shifting alien begins imitating them from within.
John Carpenter’s The Thing is another film that has to have an obligatory mention on any winter horror list, though admittedly, the dog scene keeps me from revisiting it as often as others do.
2. Satan’s Blade (1984)
Travelers at a remote ski resort find themselves trapped as a series of fatal stabbings reveals a deadly legend tied to the mountain.
This movie falls into the same category as Shredder, something I discovered while digging through lists like this one. It’s another ’80s slasher that’s largely been forgotten over time, possibly because much of the film is poorly lit, making it difficult to see what’s actually happening. I did read, however, that the director was required to add two additional kill scenes and an extra topless scene in order to secure distribution, which feels about as quintessentially ’80s slasher as it gets.
1. Frozen (2010)
After hours at a mountain resort, three friends are stranded on a chairlift and forced to battle winter exposure and the elements.
I’m a big fan of Adam Green, and I was genuinely surprised by how much dread Frozen conveys on first watch, especially knowing him only from Hatchet at the time. Shawn Ashmore delivers one of the most empathetic performances in horror, communicating enormous emotional weight through even the smallest expressions, sometimes just with his eyes. I recommend Frozen constantly to people who haven’t seen it. It’s also worth noting that Ashmore’s character is named Joe Lynch, the exact name of fellow horror director and close friend of Green, Joe Lynch. Quite the nod.
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