With so many horror genres to choose from, some of them aren't as recognized as they would have deserved - at least in comparison to classics such as slashers or ghost stories. Techno-horror movies are one of the underappreciated subgenres. As its name suggests, techno-horror movies use modern technology and inventions as the source of horror.
As a result, these movies sometimes walk a fine line between the horror genre and the science fiction genre. If the viewers aren't familiar with techno-horror, they can start by watching some of the best techno-horror movies ever made as these movies will help them understand what the genre is all about.
5 Unfriended (2014)
Despite the fact that the movie doesn't have as high a rating as other techno-horror movies, it's still one of the most notable and modern representatives of the genre. While the scary story about revenge from beyond the grave is fairly usual, what makes Unfriended unique is not what it's about, but how the story's told. The entire movie is set on the computers of the main heroes who are talking together over chat and also go online at times, sharing pictures and other things with their friends.
The previously calm evening gets scary when an unknown user enters their chat, and they can't seem to get rid of the person. The movie keeps a fast pace and keeps the audience guessing what will happen next. So even though the resolution of the plot isn't original, Unfriended is a good example of how modern technologies can be used in storytelling.
4 Videodrome (1983)
Even though techno-horror movies primarily focus on modern technologies, directors have been using this genre for decades. David Cronenberg is famous for his sci-fi horror movies such as The Fly (1986) but Videodrome is one of his lesser-known movies. That, nevertheless, doesn't reflect the movie's quality. The movie tells the story of Max, a TV station programmer, who starts searching for the producers of a broadcast called Videodrome, and he bites off more than he can chew.
The movie can be confusing at times but has the power to make the audience think about the power of media and how it can damage people if they aren't careful and submerge themselves in it. Cronenberg doesn't spare the main character as well as the audience which only makes Videodrome more disturbing, and at the same time, also memorable.
3 Ring (1998)
Japan is a master of horror movies that are disturbing and stay with the audience for a long time. Ring, known as Ringu in the original version, is the most iconic Japanese techno-horror movie. It's well-known so even those who haven't watched it might recall the plot. It tells the story of people who start dying after watching a mysterious videotape. It's up to a reporter and her ex-husband to find out what's going on and hopefully stop it. This isn't going to be easy since everybody who watches the tape only has seven more days to live.
Just like some of the best horror stories, Ring takes something familiar and safe - in this case, videotapes that were at the height of their popularity around this time period - and changes it into something scary. The movie builds an intense atmosphere and suggests that sometimes watching too much video can be detrimental to a person's health, in ways they couldn't possibly guess in advance. The movie got several sequels and also a well-rated American remake The Ring (2002) that's also worth watching for all who wish to see a different interpretation of the scary story with known actors such as Naomi Watts and Brian Cox.
2 Upgrade (2018)
Techno-horror movies often show that upgrades and technological advancements aren't always a good thing. This movie that even has an upgrade in its title is an excellent example of that. It centers on Grey Trace, a man who loses his ability to walk during an attack that also leads to the death of his girlfriend. Things turn around for Grey when he gets the chance to upgrade his body thanks to a microchip called Stem. Once he's able to walk again, Grey decides to get revenge.
Upgrade isn't a typical horror movie, it combines horror scenes and action moments. The scariest thing about it is how realistic it seems. Unlike other techno-horror movies, it's not a stretch to imagine that such technologies could be used one day for nefarious purposes. Despite Grey setting on the path of vengeance, he comes across as a more likable character in comparison to others who appear in the movie. As such, it's easy to cheer him on despite the fact that he hurts multiple people.
1 The Terminator (1984)
Interestingly enough, most viewers don't think about The Terminator as a techno-horror movie - even though that's exactly what it is. The main focus lies on the time travel aspect, but the movie also contains a fair share of horror scenes in which the Terminator relentlessly pursues its victims. The scenes from Kyle Reese's dark future in which he grew up wouldn't be out of place in a horror movie either.
Another horror aspect of the movie is the realization that no matter what Sara Connor and Kyle are going to do, the Terminator will keep coming after Sara. Despite its limited budget in comparison to other movies from the same series, The Terminator has a strong atmosphere that works today just as well as it did in the 1980s. What's more, it serves as a clear warning that giving too much power into the hands of artificial intelligence could backfire on humanity and cause its doom.