6 Subterranean Horror Movies That Prove You’re Better Off Above Ground

Tyler Doupe' |

Jan 27, 2022

I am a big fan of subterranean horror as a spectator. But the dark, cavernous world beneath the earth’s surface is a dangerous place that is best avoided at all costs. So, for that very reason, I am grateful for the existence of several cautionary tales about the unsavory evils awaiting anyone cavalier enough to venture below ground. Read on for seven subterranean horror films that demonstrate why we are all much safer above the earth’s surface.

Stag Night

I will be the first to say that Stag Night is flawed. It suffers from amateur performances from its supporting cast and features characters that aren’t always particularly likable. But in spite of its shortcomings, this tale that sees the attendees of a bachelor party stalked by subterranean cannibals benefits from an eerie and foreboding setting. The abandoned subway tunnels in which the picture unfolds are dark, creepy, and ominous. When I have the occasion to revisit this flick, my desire to stay above ground is reaffirmed.

As Above, So Below

This flick, which is set in the Parisian catacombs is tense, atmospheric, and frightening. But anyone familiar with the output of The Brothers Dowdle (John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle) likely knows to expect nothing less from their work. After all, we’re talking about the creative team behind The Poughkeepsie Tapes, one of the most frighteningly realistic mockumentaries ever committed to film. As Above, So Below makes effective use of an eerie setting and delivers a handful of well-timed jump scares. Although, you likely wouldn’t guess that from the film’s abysmal critical reception. But take my word for it, dear reader, this flick will make you think twice before recklessly gallivanting below ground.

The Descent

If you think spelunking is for you, I suggest you watch The Descent. One look at the monstrous creatures dwelling in the dank caverns beneath your feet will get you back in your right mind. Director Neil Marshall went all out with this flick, going to great lengths to detail the unspeakable evil that lurks below the surface. In addition to featuring horrifying, pint-sized monsters, the film also makes effective use of claustrophobic settings and pits the talented cast against a nonstop barrage of terror that never lets up long enough for the audience to catch their breath.

Midnight Meat Train

And here we are with another admonition regarding the various ways in which evil can manifest itself via the subway. This flick sees a young photographer lured into the dangerous world of subterranean homicide in an attempt to elevate his creative output. The Midnight Meat Train is a beautifully photographed, thrilling film that is brimming with brutality. This Clive Barker adaptation is as chilling as it is useful at illustrating why one should consider riding a bike, taking a bus, or even piloting an automobile before daring to trifle with the subway system.

The Hole

If you have the sudden urge to explore a dangerous hole in the ground, stop! And then pause to rethink that dangerous notion. I can assure you the British teens in this subterranean horror film wish someone would have warned them before they holed up in an underground bunker. If I haven’t yet succeeded in persuading you to stay above ground, the horrors of this 2002 shocker will likely do the trick. Contained within are unstable teens, bad language, and conflicting accounts of exactly how the harrowing underground ordeal unfolded. If you’re on the fence about the dangers lurking beneath your feet, make haste to watch this intense and often unpredictable cautionary tale.

Catacombs

I am well aware that this film doesn’t have much of a fanbase. And I concede that it isn’t fine art or even a great movie. But with that said, I would argue that Catacombs makes good use of an inherently frightening setting. Moreover, there are at least a few legitimately creepy sequences contained within. So, if you don’t go in expecting to have your socks knocked off, you may just find this tale of subterranean horror. It also features popstar P!NK in a starring role, which isn’t a total bust. At the very least, I hope it encourages you to stay above ground for your own safety.