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Fungi are uniquely unsettling organisms, capable of spreading uncontrollably, invading hosts, and creating a sense of creeping dread. These qualities make them the perfect subject for horror films, where they can take center stage in stories of body horror, psychological terror, and ecological collapse. Here are seven fungal-focused horror movies that use their unsettling traits to deliver unforgettable scares.
1. The Last of Us (2023)
This critically acclaimed TV series introduces a world ravaged by a fungal pandemic caused by a mutated version of the real-life Cordyceps fungus. The infection takes control of its human hosts, turning them into grotesque, zombie-like creatures that are both terrifying and heartbreaking. The show follows survivors like Joel and Ellie as they navigate the dangers of this fungal apocalypse, facing not only the infected but also the breakdown of society. From its visually horrifying depictions of fungal growth overtaking human bodies to the emotional toll of survival, The Last of Us strikes a powerful balance between horror and humanity.
We recommend The Last of Us because it takes the idea of fungal infection to a terrifyingly plausible level, making the horror feel grounded and real. The show doesn’t just focus on the monsters—it explores how an unstoppable force like fungi can reshape the world, pushing its characters into impossible moral dilemmas. Its combination of stunning visuals, heartbreaking moments, and intelligent writing makes it a standout in both horror and storytelling.
2. The Girl with All the Gifts (2016)
This post-apocalyptic film reimagines the zombie genre through the lens of fungal infection. Inspired by the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis fungus that affects insects, the movie depicts a world overrun by the "Hungries," humans infected by a parasitic fungus. At the heart of the story is Melanie, a young girl who is immune to the infection yet still carries its influence. As Melanie and a group of survivors journey through this dystopian landscape, the film raises questions about evolution, survival, and what it means to be human.
We recommend The Girl with All the Gifts for its deeply emotional storytelling and thought-provoking exploration of the blurred lines between humanity and nature. The movie isn’t just about fungal infection—it’s about how life adapts and evolves in unexpected ways. Melanie’s journey offers a unique perspective, balancing horror with profound ethical questions that linger long after the credits roll.
3. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
While the parasitic pods in this classic sci-fi horror film are extraterrestrial, their behavior closely mirrors that of fungi. The pods infiltrate human communities, replacing individuals with emotionless clones grown from alien spores. The film follows a group of survivors who discover the horrifying truth and desperately try to resist the invasion. Its slow-burn tension and creeping paranoia make it a masterpiece of atmospheric horror, showing how an unseen force can completely upend normal life.
We recommend Invasion of the Body Snatchers because it captures the fear of losing individuality and autonomy to an invasive force. Its depiction of transformation and replication resonates with the insidious nature of fungi, offering a chilling allegory for how quickly an infection can spread and consume. The performances and eerie visuals create a lingering unease that elevates the movie to a timeless classic.
4. The Ruins (2008)
This visceral horror film follows a group of tourists exploring an ancient Mayan temple, only to discover it’s overrun by a carnivorous plant with fungal-like traits. As the group becomes trapped, the plant begins to infect their bodies, growing inside them and taking over their minds. The claustrophobic setting and escalating sense of hopelessness turn the characters’ fight for survival into a grim and grotesque descent into body horror.
We recommend The Ruins for its unrelenting intensity and horrifying portrayal of parasitic invasion. The film doesn’t hold back on its depiction of the physical and psychological toll of infection, creating moments that are as disturbing as they are memorable. Its focus on the body as a battleground for survival makes it a standout in the genre.
5. The Beach House (2019)
Set against the backdrop of a quiet coastal retreat, The Beach House explores the terrifying aftermath of an environmental event that releases fungal spores into the air. As the infection spreads, characters begin to experience hallucinations and grotesque physical changes, blurring the line between reality and nightmare. The film builds tension through its eerie atmosphere and the growing realization that the infection is unstoppable.
We recommend The Beach House for its unique approach to ecological horror, blending a slow-building dread with moments of shocking terror. The fungal infection serves as a metaphor for humanity’s fragile relationship with nature, making the story feel both otherworldly and deeply relevant. Its haunting visuals and unsettling themes will stick with you long after watching.
6. Matango (1963)
This cult classic, also known as Attack of the Mushroom People, follows a group of shipwreck survivors who discover an island covered in mysterious fungi. As hunger and desperation set in, they consume the mushrooms, only to find themselves transforming into monstrous, mushroom-like beings. The movie’s slow unraveling of the characters’ sanity and humanity creates an atmosphere of creeping dread.
We recommend Matango for its imaginative and surreal exploration of fungal horror. The film combines psychological tension with grotesque transformations, creating a haunting depiction of what happens when survival instincts clash with the unknown dangers of nature. Its eerie visuals and unique premise make it a must-see for fans of atmospheric horror.
7. Shrooms (2007)
This psychological horror film follows a group of friends who venture into the Irish countryside to try hallucinogenic mushrooms. Their trip turns nightmarish as they begin experiencing horrifying visions, unable to tell whether the terror they face is real or a product of their altered perceptions. As paranoia sets in, the friends are hunted by an unknown force that seems to feed on their fear.
We recommend Shrooms for its clever use of hallucinogenic fungi as both a narrative device and a source of terror. The film explores the fragility of the mind when confronted with fear, offering a psychological twist that keeps you guessing until the end. Its atmospheric setting and disorienting visuals make it an unsettling and memorable watch.