The Top 12 Space Horror Movies

Horror films set in space are a very specific subgenre. The inky mystery of the vast unknown makes for compelling storytelling and claustrophobic dread. All of the movies on the top horror movies in space list deserve a watch. Each has its charm and appeal; some are truly scary, no matter how many times you have seen them. Whether you like them thoughtful, gory, psychological, or comical, there is something for everyone.

12. Jason X (2001, James Isaac)

For ridiculous reasons, Jason is cryogenically preserved and shot into space, where terrible things happen. Adding to the bonkers fun is a silly plot beat where he becomes Uber Jason because he wasn’t indestructible enough.

Why it’s top 10– Holding down the so bad it is good portion of the space horror list is this 10th installment of the Friday the 13th movies. This kind of awful movie is perfect for a cheesy group watch party. Go into it with the right spirit, and you won’t be disappointed.

11. Apollo 18 (2011, Gonzalo López-Gallego)

Found-footage horror takes flight as a recently declassified mission to the moon reveals disturbing discoveries and a terrifying truth. We are not alone! Distrust of the government, alien dangers, and the emptiness of space combine to make a genuinely scary film.

Why it’s top 10– While the found-footage format might not be for everyone, it creates a visceral sense of realism and ratchets up the tension while exploring the unknown dangers of space exploration. This one sneaks up on you and is far better than you think it will be. It is a solid addition to the top space horrors list.

10. Solaris (1972, Andrei Tarkovsky)

When psychologist Kris Kelvin is sent to a space station orbiting Solaris, he receives an ominous message from a previous astronaut who killed themselves. Making matters worse, Kelvin’s dead wife won’t stay dead. The entire film is an exercise in existential dread.

Why it’s top 10– The cerebral horror was remade in 2002 and isn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great either. Go straight for the original and prepare to sink into a very dark place.

9. Sunshine (2007, Danny Boyle)

A crew on a suicide mission to reignite the dying sun faces not only the immense heat but also something lurking in the darkness. This one is more psychological sci-fi than horror, but it deserves a place for what the film makes you feel. The creative team that brought us 28 Days Later gave us this one that is beyond reproach for two-thirds of the film. The wheels come off a little in the final act but the rest is so good it is easy to overlook it.

Why it’s top 10– The visuals are stunning, showcasing the awe-inspiring power of the sun while contrasting it with the fragility of human life. Alex Garland of Ex Machina, Annihilation, and the upcoming Civil War wrote it, and Oppenheimer’s Cillian Murphy starred, so you know you can’t go wrong.

8. Annihilation (2018, Alex Garland)

A biologist enters a mysterious quarantined zone known as “The Shimmer” to find her missing husband, encountering mutated landscapes and strange creatures. Since we don’t know exactly where the “shimmer” is, we might be stretching the definition a bit of space horror. This film pulls on a wide range of emotions, from intense fear, dread, anger, sadness, and finally, acceptance.

Why it’s top 10– Visually stunning and thought-provoking, it blurs the lines between horror and sci-fi, offering a haunting reflection on nature and identity. The book trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer is a must-read, but the angle Garland took is just as interesting and strangely adds something to the already engrossing story. If you want a deep dive into what you watched, read our explainer here.

7. Moon (2009, Duncan Jones)

An astronaut spends every day on a three-year mission gathering and sending resources from the Moon to Earth to stop an impending energy crisis. Towards the end of his time, he has a personal awakening that changes everything. This is another film that is more thoughtful science fiction than space horror, but the concepts presented speak to the inherent horror in loneliness, greed, and the human condition.

Why it’s top 10- The low-budget films make excellent use of every dollar. Sam Rockwell is fantastic as our lone protagonist, and the special effects are surprisingly effective. It is a critic and audience favorite for good reason.

6. Life (2017, Daniel Espinosa)

A team of scientists aboard the ISS discovered a rapidly growing lifeform that threatens life as we know it. This film owes its roots to Alien. The group learns that some things are better off left alone. There are some great visuals of the ever-evolving lifeform that sell the conceit.

Why it’s top 10– The cast is stacked and stellar. The blob that evolves into a horrifying space monster is done well. The final act packs a wallop.

5. Pitch Black (2000, David Twohy)

A smuggler and a young girl crash-land on a deserted planet with two suns: one plunges the world into darkness, unleashing horrifying creatures. Vin Diesel does what he does best. He scowls, glares, hulks, and gravel voices his way through intense, truly unique action sequences. Who knew we could see so much in the darkness?

Why it’s top 10– Action-packed with a surprising amount of depth, showcasing the character’s resourcefulness and resilience in the face of fear. While the following sequels didn’t ever capture the same sense of fear, they are both quality films that showcase a good story and an actor who knows his signature style.

4. Pandorum (2009, Christian Alvart)

Two astronauts awaken on a derelict spaceship with no memory, only to discover a horrifying truth. Think “Memento” meets “Alien” for a mind-bending, claustrophobic experience. I love an excellent mind-melter, and Pandorum is one of the best. It is a wild ride that doesn’t let up until the very end.

Why it’s top 10– It throws you into the mystery with the characters, creating a tension-filled puzzle that unravels into an unexpected twist you won’t see coming.

3. Alien (1979, Ridley Scott)

A claustrophobic masterpiece pitting Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley against a terrifying Xenomorph. Its groundbreaking creature design, suspenseful atmosphere, and existential themes remain iconic. It is the stick by which all space horror has been measured, and it has spawned countless sequels, prequels, and now a television series.

Why it’s top 10-It has become the blueprint for space horror: its influence is undeniable, offering pure, primal fear wrapped in stark, terrifying set pieces and monsters. In space, no one can hear you scream.

2. Event Horizon (1997, Paul W.S. Anderson)

A descent into hell aboard a haunted spaceship. Imagine “Hellraiser” in space with Event Horizon’s disturbing imagery and descent into madness. This one has a cult following thanks to the disturbing extra footage that can never make a director’s cut due to film mishandling and natural disasters. There are a ton of weird things about it, and you can find them all here in the 7 Things You Never Knew about Event Horizon.

Why it’s top 10– Not for the faint of heart, it dives into psychological horror, exploring the dark corners of human nature amplified by isolation and the unknown. The cast is excellent, and Sam Neill is a God.

1. Aliens (1986, James Cameron)

When alien eggs are found, Ripley decides to head back into space, where she discovers that as bad as aliens are, greedy humans are even worse. Along with a group of soldiers with can-do attitudes, including the late Bill Paxton in a scene-stealing role, Ripley, an orphaned girl, and Bishop the android, have to fight for their lives.

Why it’s top 10– The second in the Alien franchise is arguably the best. It uses Weaver’s feminist hero Ripley to the best use and gives us the most iconic battle cry of all time. “Get away from her, you bitch”, indeed. Long live Bishop, Ripley, and Newt.

All of these horror films set in space are movies that can be watched again and again. They are the kinds of movies that pack so much into every frame you could easily miss significant clues and Easter eggs.