The Scariest Cabin Horror Movies

Ranker Film
Updated April 16, 2024 26.3K views 35 items
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Cabins are creepy enough as it is with their proximity to hungry bears and biting bugs, but add an axe-wielding murderer to the mix and they are downright terrifying. The top cabin horror movies feature teenagers looking for a vacation and instead finding a deadly destination. This is a list of the top horror movies in the middle of nowhere featuring everything from Friday the 13th to The Cabin in the Woods to I Spit on Your Grave.

What films will you find on this list of the top scary movies set in cabins? You might rank The Evil Dead near the top. Sam Raimi became a director synonymous with horror after he released this film – featuring college friends, a deserted cabin, and a few awoken demons – in 1981. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is another one of the all-time best movies set in a creepy cabin in the middle of nowhere. The Duplass Brothers gave the horror genre a mumblecore twist with their cabin-set film Baghead. Other good movies featured on this top scary cabin films list include Pumpkinhead, The Last House on the Left, and Secret Window.

Which creepy cabin movie do you think deserves the top spot on this list? Give your favorites a thumbs up to move them towards the top, and add any great scary flicks that are missing.

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Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Scariest Movies Set in Cabins
  • The Evil Dead
    1
    Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Betsy Baker
    127 votes
    Five college students, led by Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell), stumble upon an isolated cabin in the heart of a dense, eerie forest. Within its decaying walls, they discover an ancient book - The Necronomicon - and a tape recorder holding cryptic incantations. Recoiling in fascination and dread, they unwittingly unleash a horde of malevolent spirits. As the supernatural forces grow increasingly hostile, the group's bond is strained to breaking point. Directed by Sam Raimi, The Evil Dead is a visceral exploration of survival horror that has been celebrated as a cult classic within the genre since its release in 1981.
  • Friday the 13th
    2
    Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King, Harry Crosby
    121 votes
    On a chilling Friday the 13th, Camp Crystal Lake reopens after two decades of closure following a series of tragic accidents. The new group of young, energetic counselors, including Alice (Adrienne King) and Bill (Harry Crosby), are unaware of the ominous history that haunts this seemingly serene locale. As darkness descends upon the camp, an unknown assailant begins to pick them off one by one. Directed by Sean S. Cunningham, this seminal horror film combines suspenseful storytelling with a haunting score to create a classic slasher flick that birthed the infamous character Jason Voorhees, albeit in his mother's guise initially.
  • Wrong Turn
    3
    Desmond Harrington, Eliza Dushku, Emmanuelle Chriqui
    97 votes
    In the film Wrong Turn, a group of six friends, including medical student Chris Flynn (Desmond Harrington) and Jessie Burlingame (Eliza Dushku), find themselves stranded in the West Virginia wilderness. Their car troubles lead them to a remote cabin, where they soon discover they are not alone. They fall prey to a trio of disfigured, cannibalistic mountain men. Directed by Rob Schmidt, this horror-thriller tests their survival skills and ability to outwit these horrifying predators, as they desperately try to escape the woods alive. The film is known for its intense suspense and chilling storyline that unfolds amidst an eerie Appalachian backdrop.
  • The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
    4
    Marilyn Burns, Gunnar Hansen, Allen Danziger
    109 votes
    In the heart of rural Texas, a horrendous tale unfolds. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, a chilling horror film directed by Tobe Hooper, tells the story of Sally Hardesty (Marilyn Burns) and her friends, who unwittingly stumble upon a family of cannibals during their trip to an old homestead. Among them lurks Leatherface (Gunnar Hansen), a monstrous figure wielding a chainsaw, whose terrifying presence dominates the film. As their peaceful journey spirals into a nightmarish chase for survival, viewers are left on the edge of their seats. Despite its low-budget production, the movie has gained cult status and is widely regarded as one of the most influential horror films in cinema history.
  • Misery
    5
    James Caan, Kathy Bates, Frances Sternhagen
    111 votes
    In the chilling thriller Misery, acclaimed novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) experiences a disastrous car accident in the midst of a blizzard. Rescued by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates, in an Academy Award-winning performance), he soon finds himself held captive by his seemingly benevolent savior turned sadistic fan. The story unfolds as Sheldon, crippled and isolated, must devise a way to escape from Wilkes's demented clutches. Directed by Rob Reiner, this Stephen King adaptation delves into themes of obsession, mental instability, and survival, giving audiences a gripping tale that is sure to keep them on the edge of their seats.
  • The Cabin in the Woods
    6
    Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison
    142 votes
    The Cabin in the Woods is an enigmatic horror film, laced with elements of comedy. Five college friends, including Dana (Kristen Connolly) and Curt (Chris Hemsworth), embark on a vacation to a remote cabin. Unbeknownst to them, their every move is being manipulated by mysterious puppeteers underground. As the group's weekend getaway transforms into a terrifying ordeal, they find themselves entangled in an intricate web of life-and-death scenarios. Directed by Drew Goddard, this movie offers a refreshing twist on classic horror tropes and won the Saturn Award for Best Horror or Thriller Film in 2013.
  • Evil Dead II
    7
    Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Dan Hicks
    103 votes
    Evil Dead II, a sequel that straddles the line between horror and comedy, sees Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) returning to the screen. He's marooned in a cabin in the woods, besieged by demonic forces awakened by an ancient text - the Necronomicon. Joined by Annie Knowby (Sarah Berry), daughter of the cabin's owner, they grapple with relentless undead onslaughts. Director Sam Raimi uses innovative camera work and practical effects to create a uniquely terrifying yet laugh-inducing atmosphere. The film is lauded for its blend of genres, making it a cult classic in both horror and comedy circles.
  • The Last House on the Left
    8
    Tony Goldwyn, Monica Potter, Garret Dillahunt
    71 votes
    Mari and her friend look forward to a holiday at the remote Collingwood lakehouse, but instead an escaped convict (Garret Dillahunt) and his crew kidnap them and later leave them for dead. Mari makes her way back home, where her parents, John (Tony Goldwyn) and Emma (Monica Potter), have unwittingly offered shelter to the thugs. When John and Emma find out what happened to their daughter, they decide to make the strangers rue the day they harmed Mari.
  • The Blair Witch Project
    9
    Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams, Joshua Leonard
    95 votes
    The Blair Witch Project, a found footage horror film, tells the story of three student filmmakers - Heather Donahue (Heather Donahue), Michael C. Williams (Michael C. Williams), and Joshua Leonard (Joshua Leonard). As part of an academic project, they venture into the Black Hills near Burkittsville, Maryland to investigate the local legend of the Blair Witch. Equipped with cameras, they document their experiences, only to find themselves lost in the woods and increasingly terrorized by unseen entities. The low-budget movie, which cleverly blurs the line between fiction and reality, became a cultural phenomenon upon its release and pioneered a new era of horror filmmaking.
  • Evil Dead
    10
    Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci
    81 votes
    In Evil Dead, a group of friends discovers an ancient book in a remote cabin, unknowingly summoning malevolent spirits. As they possess each member, a terrifying ordeal begins, with the remaining few battling for survival against the awakened demonic entities.
  • Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter
    11
    Kimberly Beck, Peter Barton, Corey Feldman
    65 votes
    In Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, a chilling sequel in the iconic horror genre, Tommy Jarvis (Corey Feldman) takes center stage in an unyielding battle against the notorious Jason Voorhees (Ted White). The narrative unfolds at Crystal Lake where unsuspecting vacationers become targets of Jason's relentless brutality. As the body count rises, Tommy, with his sister Trish (Kimberly Beck), devises a daring plan to put an end to Jason's reign of terror. Their struggle for survival against the masked murderer forms the riveting core of this film. Despite its title, this was not the final chapter in the relentless saga of Friday the 13th.
  • Sleepaway Camp
    12
    Felissa Rose, Jonathan Tiersten, Karen Fields
    70 votes
    At Camp Arawak, a seemingly idyllic summer retreat, strange and horrifying events begin to unfold. The movie Sleepaway Camp is a classic 1983 horror flick directed by Robert Hiltzik. The story revolves around Angela (Felissa Rose), an introverted teenager, and her cousin Ricky (Jonathan Tiersten). As they try to navigate the usual trials of camp life, an unseen assailant starts offing the less-than-desirable campers and staff. Amidst the chaos, Angela's mysterious past slowly unravels. Notable for its shocking twist ending, this film remains a cult favorite in the slasher genre.
  • The Last House on the Left
    13
    Sandra Cassel, Lucy Grantham, David Hess
    57 votes
    In The Last House on the Left, a harrowing tale of revenge and horror unravels. The plot pivots around Mari Collingwood (Sandra Peabody) and her friend, Phyllis Stone (Lucy Grantham), who encounter escaped convicts while venturing into the city for a birthday celebration. Krug Stillo (David Hess), the maniacal leader of the convicts, orchestrates horrifying events that lead to an unforeseen backlash. This film, directed by Wes Craven, is a chilling exploration of retribution in its rawest form, set against the backdrop of an ordinary suburban landscape.
  • Pumpkinhead
    14
    Lance Henriksen, Jeff East, John D'Aquino
    55 votes
    After his son dies in a hit-and-run accident, Ed Harley (Lance Henriksen) seeks revenge against the teenagers responsible. With the help of a local witch (Florence Schauffler), Ed summons the vengeful demon Pumpkinhead to hunt and kill the group of friends. But when Ed discovers a bond between himself and the creature, he begins to have second thoughts about employing the vicious monster, and he fights to end Pumpkinhead's murderous rampage before it is too late.
  • Cabin Fever
    15
    Jordan Ladd, James DeBello, Rider Strong
    79 votes
    In Cabin Fever, a group of five college friends, led by Paul (Rider Strong), set out for a fun-filled vacation in a remote cabin. They're looking for relaxation and escape, but their hopes are dashed when they become the hosts of a gruesome, flesh-eating virus. The quiet, forested setting becomes an arena of terror as each friend falls victim to the relentless disease. Eli Roth directs this horror flick that takes cabin in the woods to new, horrifying heights. This is survival at its most desperate and fear at its most raw.
  • Tucker & Dale vs. Evil
    16
    Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk, Katrina Bowden
    78 votes
    In the 2010 horror-comedy Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, two amiable hillbillies, Tucker (Alan Tudyk) and Dale (Tyler Labine), retreat to their dilapidated mountain cabin for a peaceful vacation. Their tranquility is shattered when they are mistaken for killers by a group of preppy college students camping nearby. Misunderstanding and mishaps snowball into chaotic hilarity as Tucker and Dale attempt to clear their names. The film cleverly subverts typical horror tropes, delivering laughs alongside thrills. Directed by Eli Craig, this movie offers a fresh twist on the genre, blending comedy with suspense in a unique mix.
  • Wolf Creek
    17
    Teresa Palmer, John Jarratt, Kestie Morassi
    53 votes
    Wolf Creek is a 2005 Australian horror film written, co-produced, and directed by Greg McLean, and starring John Jarratt. The story revolves around three backpackers who find themselves held captive and subsequently hunted by a man in the Australian outback. The film was ambiguously marketed as being "based on true events"; the plot bore elements similar to the real-life incidents of tourists in Australia by Ivan Milat in the 1990s and by Bradley Murdoch in 2001. Wolf Creek premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2005, and premiered in Australia in March 2005 in Adelaide.
  • I Spit on Your Grave
    18
    Sarah Butler, Jeff Branson, Andrew Howard
    52 votes
    Jennifer (Sarah Butler), a writer, rents an isolated cabin in the country so she can work on her latest novel. The peace and quiet is soon shattered by a gang of local thugs who rape and torture her, then leave her for dead. But she returns for vengeance, trapping the men one by one. Jennifer inflicts pain on her attackers with a ferocity that surpasses her own ordeal.
  • Secret Window
    19
    Johnny Depp, John Turturro, Maria Bello
    62 votes
    In Secret Window, Mort Rainey (Johnny Depp), a successful writer, is ensnared in a web of psychological terror and suspense. Retreating to his secluded cabin following a bitter divorce, he attempts to reclaim his creative spark. Unexpectedly, an enigmatic stranger named John Shooter (John Turturro) appears, accusing Rainey of plagiarism. As the allegations intensify, so does the terror. The line between fiction and reality blurs as Rainey's life spirals into chaos. Amid this eerie narrative lie hidden truths waiting to be unearthed in this thriller directed by David Koepp.
  • High Tension
    20
    Cécile De France, Maïwenn, Philippe Nahon
    49 votes
    In High Tension, a French horror film, college friends Marie (Cécile de France) and Alexia (Maïwenn) journey to the countryside for a quiet study retreat. Their weekend getaway, however, turns into a nightmare when a brutal killer (Philippe Nahon) invades the peaceful home. Marie, determined to save her friend, engages in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with the intruder. As night becomes day, the line between hunter and hunted blurs. The film is known for its intense suspense and shocking twists, keeping viewers on edge until its final moments.
  • Mama
    21
    Jessica Chastain, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Megan Charpentier
    68 votes
    In the chilling horror flick Mama, two young sisters, Victoria (Megan Charpentier) and Lilly (Isabelle Nélisse), vanish from their suburban neighborhood without a trace. Their Uncle Lucas (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and his girlfriend Annabel (Jessica Chastain) undertake a desperate search. Five years later, the girls are found alive in a decrepit cabin, wild and animalistic. Under Lucas and Annabel's care, they begin a bumpy adjustment to normal life. As the girls try to reclaim their lives, a maternal supernatural entity, Mama, with whom they've formed an eerie attachment during their isolation, continues to hover over them, casting long shadows of fear and mystery.
  • The Burning
    22
    Brian Matthews, Leah Ayres, Brian Backer
    41 votes
    At summer camp, some teenagers pull a prank on the camp's caretaker, Cropsy (Lou David). But the joke goes terribly wrong, and the teens leave Cropsy for dead after setting him on fire. But no one keeps Cropsy down. A few years later, the burned and disfigured caretaker returns to camp equipped with his trusty shears, ready to unleash his particular brand of vengeance on a whole new group of teens. The murderous Cropsy stalks the campers in the woods, one by one.
  • Hatchet
    23
    Joel David Moore, Tamara Feldman, Deon Richmond
    41 votes
    Ben (Joel Moore) and Marcus (Deon Richmond) are college students in New Orleans, enjoying Mardi Gras, when they decide to go on a boat tour of an allegedly cursed bayou. Meeting up with several other tourists, including quietly beautiful Marybeth (Tamara Feldman), they are entertained by their guide Shawn (Parry Shen), who regales them with tales of a ghostly serial killer who wanders the swamp. They laugh off the stories -- until someone, or something, starts picking off members of the group.
  • Eden Lake
    24
    Finn Atkins, Michael Fassbender, James Gandhi
    42 votes
    During a romantic weekend getaway, a young couple confronts a gang of youths, and suffers brutal consequences.
  • The Lodge
    25

    The Lodge

    Riley Keough, Jaeden Martell, Lia McHugh
    22 votes
    During a family retreat to a remote winter cabin over the holidays, the father is forced to abruptly depart for work, leaving his two children in the care of his new girlfriend, Grace. Isolated and alone, a blizzard traps them inside the lodge as terrifying events summon specters from Grace's dark past.
  • Hatchet II
    26
    Danielle Harris, Tony Todd, Shawn Ashmore
    39 votes
    Hatchet 2 is a 2010 horror film directed by Adam Green.
  • Dead Snow
    27
    Ane Dahl Torp, Bjørn Sundquist, Vegar Hoel
    47 votes
    This film is a 2009 Norwegian zombie splatter film directed by Tommy Wirkola, starring Charlotte Frogner, Stig Frode Henriksen, Vegar Hoel, Jeppe Laursen, Evy Kasseth Røsten, Jenny Skavlan, and Lasse Valdal. The film centers on a group of students surviving a Nazi zombie attack in the mountains of Norway. The premise of the film is similar to that of the draugr. NYAV Post has produced an English dub of this film for the home media release.
  • Antichrist
    28
    Willem Dafoe, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Storm Acheche Sahlstrøm
    41 votes
    In the chilling drama Antichrist, a grieving couple retreats to their cabin in the woods, aptly named Eden, following the tragic death of their son. He (Willem Dafoe) is a therapist, intent on aiding his wife, She (Charlotte Gainsbourg), through her grief. As they delve deeper into the wilderness, they descend into madness and brutality. Directed by Lars von Trier, this controversial film won Charlotte Gainsbourg the Best Actress award at Cannes Film Festival for her harrowing performance. This movie is an exploration of sorrow, insanity and the dark corners of human nature, all set against an eerily beautiful backdrop.
  • The Cottage
    29
    Andy Serkis, Jennifer Ellison, Doug Bradley
    34 votes
    The Cottage is a 2008 British darkly comic horror film, written and directed by Paul Andrew Williams.
  • Baghead
    30
    Ross Partridge, Steve Zissis, Greta Gerwig
    26 votes
    Spurred on by a colleague's success, four struggling filmmakers (Steve Zissis, Ross Partridge, Greta Gerwig, Elise Muller) endeavor to jump-start their careers. Together, they retreat to a cabin in the haunting back woods of Big Bear, California, where they hatch an idea for a new film -- a horror flick about a guy with a bag on his head who torments people. But when romantic interests crisscross and their story comes to life, they find finishing the script may be the least of their concerns.