Logged Off: 20 Horror Movies About The Dark Side Of The Internet

Welcome to Knockout Horror and to another Horror Movie List. Today’s topic is Logged Off: 20 Horror Movies About The Dark Side Of The Internet.

The Internet is a Very Dark Place

Today we are logging off from the real world and diving into the digital abyss. The internet has evolved from a simple communication tool into an extension of our very consciousness. It connects us, informs us, and entertains us, but it also exposes us.

Beneath the shiny veneer of filters and instant connectivity lies a horrifyingly murky underbelly… A place where privacy is a myth, anonymity breeds cruelty, and curiosity can have deadly consequences. Horror cinema has always held a mirror up to society’s anxieties, and right now, we are terrified of the technology we carry in our pockets.

This list covers 20 horror movies that highlight the different ways the web can turn against us. Whether it is the frantic panic of Screenlife thrillers or the voyeuristic creepiness of Found Footage, these films remind us that once something is online, it is there forever. As always, I have tried to highlight where you can watch these, with many available for free on Tubi for those of you tightening the purse strings. Let’s take a look at the dark side of the web

🕸️ Ranked: The Best of the Dark Web

20. Ghost Webcam (2023) – Swipe Left on the Paranormal

The Dark Side of the Web: The risks of online dating and how little you truly know about the person on the other side of the screen.

We are kicking this list off with a recent example of web chat horror. Set against a backdrop of internet dating, Ghost Webcam is a haunted house tale for the always online generation. Focusing on the story of a young man meeting a charismatic woman online, only to find out that there may be more to her than he realises. Ghost Webcam speaks to the realities of how little you know about the anonymous people you meet.

Ghost Webcam plays out in a Screenlife Found Footage style with all of the action taking place on webcams. This has become a popular approach in recent years and you will see it repeatedly in this list. For some reason, though, Ghost Webcam feels incredibly retro. Almost as if the internet hasn’t moved on from the early 2000s. It’s dull, not very scary, and frankly a little bit boring. Check out our review of Ghost Webcam right here.

19. The Sleepless Unrest (2021) – Boring Ghost Hunting

The Dark Side of the Web: The desperation of content creators trying to milk famous locations for views, even when absolutely nothing is happening.

Another low budget horror movie, another terrible title. The Sleepless Unrest: The Real Conjuring Home (to give it its full name) may, actually, be familiar to some of you; especially those of you who enjoy paranormal investigation shows. It stars some of the members of the investigation team from the recent 2019 Ghost Hunters reboot. Yes, the one that everyone hates.

It follows the investigation group heading into the actual home where the events of The Conjuring took place. Unfortunately, absolutely nothing happens – this is a really slow and painfully uneventful movie. Check out our review of The Sleepless Unrest right here. It’s boring, slow, and the cast are pretty damn awful. Especially their histrionic over-reacting to every little discovery. Still, as an opportunity to see a bit more of an iconic horror house, there is some justification for giving this a watch.

18. The Lost Vlog of Ruby Real (2020) – Into the Woods

The Dark Side of the Web: The lengths influencers will go to “debunk” myths and create content, often ignoring real danger for clicks.

The Lost Vlog of Ruby Real is a found footage horror movie focusing on social media influencers Steve, Ruby Real and Cali. Wanting to debunk an urban myth that says that a certain tree can transport you to an alternate dimension. Ruby takes her influencer friends into the deep woods of Vancouver in search of the mysterious tree. Little does she realise, there is more to the legend than she can possibly imagine.

Filmed during the turbulent times of 2020, The Lost Vlog of Ruby Real does one thing right and that is capturing the arrogance of social media influencers. Our protagonists beg for likes and subscriptions while being completely oblivious to the danger. When things start to go wrong, tensions fray and relationships are stretched.

Unfortunately, this movie never really does anything all that interesting. Annoying characters, sub-standard acting and a weak plot leave you desperately wanting more. Check out our review of The Lost Vlog of Ruby Real right here.

17. Followers (2021) – Cancel Culture Ghost

The Dark Side of the Web: The desperate attempts of a cancelled influencer to regain relevancy, even if it means exploiting the paranormal.

Followers is the story of English posh boy influencer Jonty Craig. Desperate to get his popularity back, the disgraced Jonty will do anything it takes to make people forget about the video of a bigoted rant secretly filmed and released without his knowledge. Even if that means braving the paranormal in a haunted house he shares with a few strangers.

Playing out like a Found Footage haunted house tale for the younger generation, Followers manages to feel completely detached from trend and incredibly cheesy throughout. Despite trying its hardest to seem modern and relevant, it makes you cringe time after time. Acting is sub-par, the story is silly and some of the scenes are seriously embarrassing.

The tragic death of Followers‘ director Marcus Harben, before the movie’s release, likely contributed to its issues. But it is hard to imagine this being anything other than incredibly lacklustre. Worth a watch if you are desperate for more Influencer horror. Otherwise, probably an easy skip. Check out our review of Followers right here.

16. Shook (2021) – Influencer Scream

The Dark Side of the Web: The curated fake image presented by influencers and the vulnerability of sharing your location and life with strangers.

Shook feels like Scream with a social media influencer coating. After the murder of a number of social media personalities and their dogs. Make up influencer Mia decides to dog sit for her sister while she is out of town. The only problem is, she begins to receive phone calls from a malicious person who seemingly wants her dead.

From the creepy phone calls to the stalking around the house, right up to some of the revelations that come throughout the movie. The influence of Scream echoes throughout this social media themed slasher. The only problem is that Shook never manages to reach any of that horror classic’s level of suspense. It fails to build tension and fails to create a cast of characters that we can invest in or care about.

A sudden twist towards the end of the movie is welcome but the silliness of the story and some of the ending scenes undo much of the good will. Check out our review of Shook right here. Your mileage may vary, however.

15. Baby Ruby (2022) – Postpartum Pressure

The Dark Side of the Web: The crushing pressure to present a perfect, curated version of motherhood online, even while struggling in reality.

Time for something completely different, now. Baby Ruby focuses on heavily pregnant Social Media Influencer Jo. Expected to be the perfect mother by the people around her, as well as by her online following. Jo finds herself struggling to adapt to parenthood, sinking her deeper and deeper into a world of delusion and paranoia.

Wearing its pregnancy themed horror movie inspirations on its sleeve. Baby Ruby pays homage to movies like Rosemary’s Baby in both look and tone. Focusing heavily on the anxiety and paranoia of our protagonist as she begins to loose trust in the people around her. This is a movie that never quite manages to hit is mark.

It’s tonally confused – funny in parts and very dark in others, Baby Ruby is also extremely heavy on the drama. It rarely innovates and is frequently annoying with its soundtrack of screaming and crying. It’s just not that scary, either. Check out our review of Baby Ruby right here. You may enjoy it a whole lot more.

14. Initiation (2020) – Trending Murder

The Dark Side of the Web: Online bullying, social media shaming, and how digital actions can have deadly real-world consequences.

I am sure you know what is on the menu with a tag line like “Murder is Trending”. Initiation is a slasher movie set on a university campus. Marketing itself as something of a horror with a conscience. Initiation sees a violent killer dispatching frat boys left and right. Could it be connected to the culture of sexual assault, and social media shaming of women at the university?

Unfortunately, this movie just didn’t do it for me. With a cast that looks entirely too old to be gallivanting around a university campus and a plot that tries far too hard to buck slasher trend. Only to end up cramming in every old fashioned slasher trope anyway.

The fake reviews polluting IMDB leave a further nasty taste in the mouth. This is a slasher by numbers with a poorly executed, socially aware message designed to make the movie appeal to a younger crowd. It doesn’t work and feels like pandering. Check out our review of Initiation right here.

13. The Deep House (2021) – Underwater Content

The Dark Side of the Web: The relentless pursuit of unique content for views, leading creators into dangerous and forbidden places.

The Deep House is an innovative and modern take on the classic haunted house style of horror. Focusing on a pair of popular YouTube content creators investigating the mystery of a home with a sordid past. The Deep House sees our protagonists diving to the bottom of a murky lake to produce a video for their fans.

The Deep House is a real meeting of the old and the new. It takes tried and tested jump scares, a spooky house, and a fairly significant helping of ghosts and throws it into a pot with YouTube style video making and underwater cinematography.

The most surprising thing here might be the fact that, for much of its length, it really works. Sure, it’s just an underwater haunted house movie at heart but The Deep House is a great alternative to the more traditional fare. Check out our review of The Deep House right here.

12. Superhost (2021) – Review Culture

The Dark Side of the Web: The commodification of travel experiences and how desperate influencers can become to maintain their following after a scandal.

Superhost is a 2021 Slasher movie that follows the story of social media influencers Claire and Teddy. After losing much of their travel vlog following, the couple now visit different holiday homes giving scores and offering sneak peeks inside. Superhost sees the pair having to deal with a rather over enthusiastic host who is ruthlessly determined to get a good score from the pair.

Superhost would be far lower on this list if it wasn’t for the amazing performance of Gracie Gillam as Rebecca. Stealing the show in every scene, she makes this rather average movie entirely worth watching. The social media element plays into the plot quite heavily and is the driving force behind the couple’s willingness to ignore the warning signs. Superhost isn’t a great movie but is well worth a watch purely for its maniacal villain. We awarded Superhost 6/10.

11. Ratter (2015) – Hacked and Exposed

The Dark Side of the Web: The terrifying vulnerability of our always connected devices and how easily our private lives can be accessed by strangers.

Ratter is a found footage horror movie that demonstrates the vulnerability of your online devices. Young student, Emma, has moved to New York city to escape an abusive relationship, only to find herself in an even more sinister situation. The photos she has in online storage begin to disappear, she receives messages from unknown phone numbers, and things at home begin to seem very amiss.

Starring Ashley Benson – Ratter is a good example of a movie with a lot of potential that never manages to realise it. A pertinent message about safeguarding devices and practicing online security is buried beneath a rather boring horror movie that wastes far too much time focusing on mundane everyday activities and not enough time highlighting the vulnerability of our protagonist. Some scenes are effective but a very PG approach to the voyeuristic elements and a terrible ending mar the entire experience. Check out our review of Ratter right here.

10. Unfriended (2014) – Skype Nightmare

The Dark Side of the Web: The lingering ghosts of cyberbullying and how online actions can have supernatural consequences.

We have another Screenlife horror movie next. Unfriended follows the story of a group of friends chatting on Skype. Having recently witnessed the suicide of a classmate, it becomes apparent that the girl killed herself due to online bullying. What begins as an ordinary chat between buddies quickly turns into a night from hell as a stranger appears on their chat and begins tormenting the teens.

Unfriended is a fun computer screen horror movie with plenty to offer fans of this form. It has some decently tense scenes and a fairly compelling plot. The social media aspect here is all encompassing, too, as themes of online bullying take centre stage.

The friends communicate on Skype, talk on IMs, leave messages on each other’s Facebook accounts, and more. This is horror that feels very pertinent given people’s current obsession with social media. It’s a nice example of how combining current technology with more traditional supernatural horror can work really well. We awarded Unfriended an above average 6/10.

9. Followed (2018) – Hotel Horror Vlog

The Dark Side of the Web: The exploitation of real-life tragedies for content and the pressure to escalate stunts to keep an audience engaged.

The internet is chock full of obnoxious internet personalities. Love them or hate them, people who become successful as influencers are often obnoxious yet tend to be tremendous business people. Something they deserve praise for. Followed tries to tap into this trait by focusing on an awful internet personality investigating a haunted hotel.

Hoping to make the next big viral video, Mike is taking his crew to a notorious hotel in the downtown area of Los Angeles. Formerly home to a Satan obsessed serial killer and the scene of many murders and suicides. Mike hears the story of a woman who was filmed acting rather bizarrely in an elevator at the hotel before mysteriously disappearing. Determined to get to the bottom of it and, hopefully, to get some extra fans at the same time – Mike is about to risk it all for the sake of followers.

If some of this sounds familiar. It is because Followed absolutely rips off the story of the Cecil Hotel, Richard Ramirez, and the tragic death of Elisa Lam. It’s all rather shameless and a bit embarrassing to be honest. Still, there is a watchable horror movie buried in here somewhere with some decent scares. Check out our review of Followed right here.

8. Death of a Vlogger (2019) – Viral Consequences

The Dark Side of the Web: The brutal backlash of the internet mob and how the quest for viral fame can destroy a person’s life.

Death of a Vlogger is a quirky little found footage horror movie from Scotland. Focusing on the story of a popular internet prankster, Death of a Vlogger illustrates the real world consequences of internet backlash. Looking for more fans, Graham posts up videos of his supposedly haunted apartment but is it just another prank or something far more sinister?

This is one of those movies that critics love but divides viewers down the middle. Death of a Vlogger‘s commitment to remaining a little tongue in cheek, as well as its somewhat passive approach to scares, undermines what is a very enjoyable movie. It has a few plot pivots that might lose viewers here and there. It doesn’t really lean into the horror enough, either but it’s a lot of fun for fans of movies like Lake Mungo. Check out our review of Death of a Vlogger right here.

7. The Collingswood Story (2002) – The Original Screenlife

The Dark Side of the Web: A time capsule of the early internet, showing the creepy side of online psychics and the vulnerability of webcam communication.

We are going back over 20 years for the next movie. The Collingswood Story follows long distance couple Rebecca and Johnny as they uncover the mystery of Rebecca’s new home. After meeting with an online psychic, Johnny is dismayed to here some troubling information about the place Rebecca is staying. Encouraging Rebecca to investigate, the pair begin digging deeper into the dark and sordid past of the house.

This is one of the original dark side of the internet horror movies. It is a bit of a hidden gem, in my opinion, not getting much attention from the horror community. Even despite how fantastically innovative it was for 2002.

Featuring webchats, online searches, quirky online entertainers, and archaic websites – The Collingswood Story acts as something of a time capsule for the early internet. It is also a very effective horror movie that features a well developed and engaging story and some tense moments. Well worth a watch if you don’t mind some retro Screenlife horror entertainment. Check out our review of The Collingswood Story right here.

6. The Den (2013) – Chat Roulette Killer

The Dark Side of the Web: The terrifying anonymity of random video chats and how quickly a fun social experiment can turn into a targeted nightmare.

The Den, also known as Hacked, is a screenlife horror movie that takes place almost entirely through webcams. The Den follows the story of Elizabeth, a university sociology student who is conducting a social experiment. She aims to spend an extended period of time on a Chatroulette style video sites. While there, she will document her interactions and calculate how many of them are meaningful.

It isn’t long before Elizabeth encounters a chatter with a twisted agenda and her life begins to fall apart. This is a fairly interesting movie that’s part slasher and part social commentary on the dangers of the always on nature of modern internet usage. The social media aspect needs no real explanation here. The entire movie’s plot revolves around video chatting sites. If you are a fan of screenlife horror or found footage, The Den is well worth checking out. We awarded The Den 6/10.

5. Sissy (2022) – Toxic Positivity

The Dark Side of the Web: A brutal satire of wellness culture and how fake online personas can crumble when confronted with real-world trauma.

Taking the top spot in our Social Media Themed Horror list is fantastic Aussie horror Sissy. Following the story of social media influencer Cecilia as she reconnects with a friend from school. Sissy sees Cecilia spending a weekend away for her friends hen party, only to realise a bully from her childhood has made the trip too. The result is a chaotic weekend of Cecilia attempting to channel her own self help advice and not succumb to the anger problems that she had as a child..

Sissy is fantastic fun – it’s a horror with a wicked sense of humour. It’s gory, violent, shocking, and hilarious all at the same time. The engaging plot and spiralling sequence of events keep you on your toes throughout and when the killing starts, it’s hard to turn away. Well worth a watch if you like sadistic horror with a biting sense of humour. Check out our review of Sissy right here.

4. Unfriended: Dark Web (2018) – Game Night Gone Wrong

The Dark Side of the Web: The hidden criminal underbelly of the internet and the dangers of exploring where you don’t belong.

More of the same next as we have the sequel to Unfriended – Unfriended: Dark Web. Dark Web ditches the supernatural themes of its predecessor, instead opting to bring the story in to the real world. The result is a movie that feels far more effective in its presentation of horror.

Following a group of friends chatting on Skype, their night quickly goes from bad to worse as the laptop that Matias recently purchased on Craigslist suddenly exposes them to outside influences. Particularly those of the seedy world of the dark web. This feels quite timely thanks to its themes of online security and the way in which it taps into the internet’s obsession with the Dark Web.

Don’t get me wrong, the plot absolutely ridiculous but it still makes for a fun watch. Again, the social media aspect takes centre stage as the friends chat on Skype, interact on Facebook, and Facebook messenger. We awarded Unfriended: Dark Web a solid 6.5/10.

3. Unlocked (2023) – Smartphone Stalker

The Dark Side of the Web: The extreme vulnerability of our digital lives and how easily a lost phone can turn into a life-destroying weapon.

We have a fantastic South Korean thriller movie for you next. Unlocked approaches the internet themed horror subject of stalking and device hacking. It follows the story of a young, internet obsessed, woman who loses her phone while out on a bender. After having the phone returned to her, our protagonist’s life begins falling apart as she suffers the consequences of sharing too much of her information online. What starts as minor inconveniences, quickly becomes something more sinister than she could ever imagine.

Unlocked is simply a ton of fun. More of a thriller than a horror movie, this well acted film places a very modern twist on themes of stalking. It really highlights the potential danger of sharing too much information online, as well as reminding people to be careful of how much they rely on their communication devices. Well paced and extremely well acted, the well loved Siwan’s turn as a sinister villain is fantastic. Check out our review of Unlocked right here.

2. Deadstream (2022) – Livestreaming the Dead

The Dark Side of the Web: The desperate lengths disgraced influencers will go to in order to regain their following, even in the face of death.

Deadstream is a fantastically fun, supernatural, found footage, haunted house horror movie for the modern age. Following the story of social media influencer Shawn Ruddy. Deadstream sees the disgraced online personality attempting to recoup his fame by performing his most insane stunt yet. Spending the night in a haunted house.

This is a fantastic found footage horror that is somewhat reminiscent of movies like The Evil Dead. It’s very traditional in its approach to scares but the entire thing is presented as an ongoing livestream which makes it feel ultra current. The merging of the old and the new works incredibly well.

The found footage style presentation may not be for everyone. But its hard not to appreciate just how much fun Deadstream is and how effective it can be. Absolutely worth a watch, even if you aren’t interested in the internet based horror aspect. Check out our review of Deadstream right here.

1. Host (2020) – Zoom Doom

The Dark Side of the Web: The disrespect of spiritual traditions for the sake of online entertainment during a time of global isolation.

Made during the turbulent year of 2020 in the UK. Host is another Screenlife horror movie with some seriously effective scares and bags of innovation. Following a group of friends taking part in an online séance while stuck at home. It isn’t long before something demonic makes its way across the astral plane.

Host feels a lot like Unfriended but, somehow, manages to be far more effective. Taking many of the negative elements present in screenlife horror movies and pushing them to one side. Host is a tightly paced horror movie that feels both traditional and modern.

It deserves a ton of praise for what the crew achieved during a tough world situation. Being perfectly honest, Host is the most effective Screenlife horror on the market and I don’t see it being passed any time soon. Genuinely nail biting in parts and incredibly well acted, Host absolutely demands checking out. Check out our review of Host right here.

It’s About Time to Log Off…

So that brings us to the end of our deep dive into the Dark Side of the Web. From the dangers of online dating to the horrors of the Dark Web, hopefully, this list has made you think twice before clicking that next link. It is a sub-genre that is only going to grow as our lives become increasingly digital. If you’d like to stick around, why not take a look at our Horror Movie Review section? I add to it all the time. Thanks for reading and stay safe online.

💻 Quick Picks: The Best Dark Web Horror by Vibe

The Scariest Experience: Host (2020)
For when you want genuine, nail-biting tension. It utilizes the Zoom format better than any other film to deliver scares that feel immediate and terrifying. Proof that you don’t need a big budget or a long runtime to create nightmare fuel.

The Most Fun: Deadstream (2022)
For those who want to laugh while they scream. It captures the obnoxious energy of livestreamers perfectly while throwing Evil Dead style ghosts at the screen. It is chaotic, gross, and a total riot from start to finish.

The Reality Check: Unlocked (2023)
For when you want to be paranoid about your phone. It ditches supernatural scares for a gripping thriller about how easily your life can be dismantled by a lost device. It will make you want to delete your social media accounts immediately.

The Satire: Sissy (2022)
For when you are sick of toxic positivity. It skewers the fake world of wellness influencers with a bloody, neon-soaked revenge tale. It is satisfying, gory, and darkly funny in all the right ways.

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• Stopmotion (2024) Review – Fantastic Animation Trapped In A Formulaic Horror Story
• Anna and the Apocalypse (2017) review – Catchy but tonally confused zombie musical
• Speak No Evil (2022) Review – A Brutal and Divisive Masterclass in Discomfort

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