Vanessa Maki presents ten horror films about obsession…
Obsession is a perfect theme for horror, because it almost never ends well for anyone involved. Despite that, we still eat up horror movies centred on stalking, kidnapping, fixation on something or someone, and so on. We’re going to go for a quick ride down the block and explore a selection of horror movies about obsession that will have you making sure your location is turned off, that no strangers know where you live, and that your fists are ready for anything…
Windows (1980)
Alongside Cruising (1980), this film drew up an enormous amount of controversy and outrage because the main antagonist is queer. Windows follows a woman who is deeply obsessed with her neighbor, and she goes to horrific lengths to satiate her obsession. The film is deeply controversial and disliked, especially because the antagonist easily falls into the “crazy lesbian” trope.
Considering Windows came out during the ’80s, that’s maybe not too surprising, but despite the controversy it’s still a film to watch, and if you’re looking for a weird ’80s horror-thriller, you could easily cross this one off your list.
The Fan (1981)
Musical numbers, a deeply closeted man who is obsessed with an older woman for some reason, and a bizarre third act is what’s waiting for you. The Fan follows Sally Ross (Lauren Bacall), an actor who wishes to try something new, but is being stalked by an obsessive younger man named Douglas (Michael Biehn). It’s not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, though there are aspects about it that can be somewhat appreciated.
If you’re looking for something that’s got some deeply uncomfortable scenes and campy musical numbers, you may very well enjoy this baffling early ’80s horror-thriller film. Don’t go into this one expecting too much, and you’ll probably have an alright time. Instead, expect a fair amount of singing from Sally and ridiculous letters from Douglas.
Misery (1990)
It can be still regarded as one of the best Stephen King adaptations, that’s for sure. Misery follows a novelist named Paul Sheldon (James Caan), who ends up in an accident and is rescued by his disturbingly dedicated fan named Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates). This is by far a top tier example of obsession in horror, and how scary it can be in an isolated setting. Both performances from our leads lend to why this film is so well-regarded.
Instead of a high body count, Misery focuses heavily on psychological horror, and it amps up to a chaotic third act. Annie is the polar opposite fan that you want to deal with as a relatively known novelist. And us as the audience always wishes that Paul never ended up in the accident in the first place.
Perfect Blue (1997)
There’s more than enough to appreciate about Perfect Blue and what it has to say about obsession. Perfect Blue follows a retired Japanese pop star who tries to pursue an acting career, only to find herself dealing with a crazed stalker. Rather than live action, this is a gorgeous animated film that presents us with startling visuals. And the scenes with the stalker will have you looking around to make sure he’s not there.
It’s best not to look up any spoilers because this isn’t a straightforward film. Dive into this one and expect scenes that you won’t forget, as well as themes surrounding stalking, obsession, and more. Don’t deprive yourself of this gorgeous film if you’ve never seen it.
P2 (2007)
The holidays shouldn’t be spent running away from a nutbar in a parking garage. P2 follows a woman who ends up kidnapped by a security guard, and must fight to get away from him. As far as aughts horror films go – this one is relatively underappreciated in the grand scheme. It’s a creepy performance from Wes Bentley, and you’ll be unnerved by how disturbed his character is. Not to mention how men like him aren’t few or far between.
Overall, if you’re hoping for a tense horror film with a lot of hide and seek sequences, you’ll likely find a level of enjoyment with this one. The relatively isolated setting does make for an interesting watch. Also, if you like seeing women get back against their obsessed kidnapper, this is the horror film for you.
Pet (2016)
Forcing a woman to sleep and stay in a cage because you’re trying to do what you believe is best is certainly not the sanest decision. Pet follows Seth (Dominic Monaghan), a man who works at the pound, who becomes obsessed with a waitress named Holly (Ksenia Solo) and kidnaps her as a result. There are a lot of twists in this film that make this less of a cliche journey into an obsessive love situation. Thus making it a film that some folks might appreciate for that aspect alone.
There are some intense scenes that’ll linger around your brain for a while after you’ve watched this film. Ksenia Solo knows exactly how to portray a more complex character, and Dominic Monaghan portrays a pathetic and obsessed man who needs to get a grip. All in all, this is a thriller-horror film that’s got enough nail-biting sequences to keep you watching.
Unsane (2018)
Vulnerable individuals being deeply gaslit by those who should be helping is something that happens outside of horror as well. Unsane follows a woman named Sawyer (Claire Foy), whose attempt to escape her stalker results in her extended stay at a psychiatric facility, where she believes her stalker has found her at. The film has a found footage quality to it, without it being found footage, which lends to a voyeuristic feeling throughout. And the justified paranoia only increases as the film continues on.
If you’re someone who finds that you’re beyond frustrated by women not being believed in horror, this won’t be the most pleasant watch in that respect. Though, it does lean all the way into how someone’s life spins out of control in situations like this one. There’s no attempt at glamorizing a stalker in this, either, which is refreshing.
Greta (2018)
Sometimes it’s unwise to become close to an older woman who clearly doesn’t know boundaries. Greta follows a young woman who becomes the victim of an older woman’s obsessive behavior, after she forms an initially innocent bond with her. There’s a subtextually queer reading of this film that certainly makes it more intriguing than it may sound. And there are tense scenes throughout because Greta (Isabelle Huppert) is one of those antagonistic figures who is deeply unhinged.
It may not change your world as far as psychological thriller-horror films go, especially as this may go to places that you’re expecting. Regardless, it’s a watchable flip on what we typically see in films like this. So, if you find that you’re intrigued by the premise, then we recommend you check it out for yourself.
Red Rooms (2023)
Obsession can take on different forms and can manifest in ways that the viewer may not be expecting. Red Rooms follows an intense trial involving a serial killer, and a model who becomes increasingly obsessed with his trial. The film captures the ways in which people obsess over killers, disregard the victims, the other side of true crime obsession, and also the terror that lie in parts of the dark web.
Red Rooms will chew you up and spit you out afterwards, and it won’t apologize about that, either. The film knows exactly what it’s trying to say, and how it wants its audience to feel about that. It does in fact present you with thoughts surrounding forms of obsession, and what they can do to a person. You should check this one out if you’re looking to feel quite uncomfortable.
Nosferatu (2024)
There’s no illusion of pure romance in this remake, and the film gives you no moment to believe that it is. Nosferatu is a remake of Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror and is set in the 1800s, where a woman named Ellen (Lily Rose-Depp) is targeted by the mysterious and dangerous Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård). The moodiness of the film makes it quite obvious that nothing healthily romantic is going to happen in the story, certainly not between Ellen and Count Orlok. Instead, everything goes straight to the gutter for her.
The toxic obsession that blooms between Ellen and Orlok will remind you that only tragedy lies ahead. Considering the time period, Ellen never stood a chance in terms of having much in the way of agency or control. Therefore, it’s a gothic tale that focuses less on romance, and more on the tragic downfall of someone’s life because of a persistent and villainous force.
What are your favourite horror movies about obsession? Let us know on our social channels @FlickeringMyth…
Vanessa Maki
