Horror is back! The classic genre that makes us hide behind our hands, gives us nightmares and raises heart rates off the scale has recently seen a significant resurgence.

In fact, whisper it behind your hand… the popularity of horror in both games and movies has never been higher.

That’s why Platforms like Netflix, Shudder and Hulu are making so many new horror films and series. New movies like The Witch, Hereditary and Midsommar have boosted the genre to new heights.

It’s why the best online casino sites offer a range of great horror-themed slots, like Halloween Horrors and Tombstone RIP.

Social media has helped too. Horror lends itself well to viral clips.

In gaming, titles like Resident Evil: Village, Phasmophobia and The Last of Us are huge hits. They combine horror storytelling with a new level of player immersion for a unique, adrenaline-pumping experience.

The rise of VR and indie developers is also adding a personal, often experimental edge. Hold on to your chair though, because VR is only going to get bigger – and scarier.

At the same time though horror is blending more with genres like comedy (The Menu), drama (Get Out) and action (Evil Dead Rise). This is boosting audiences who might otherwise avoid it.

The best way to see this is in the top ten games inspired by horror movies. Here’s our pick:

Alien: Isolation (2014)

• Based on: Alien (1979)

• This game perfectly captures the tense, claustrophobic atmosphere of the original film. Players must evade a deadly xenomorph aboard a desolate space station, with gameplay focusing on stealth and survival not combat.

Friday the 13th: The Game (2017)

• Based on: Friday the 13th franchise

• This multiplayer game pits players trying to survive against another player controlling Jason Voorhees. It faithfully replicates the series’ slasher vibes and campy horror style.

The Thing (2002)

• Based on: The Thing (1982)

• Acting as a direct sequel to John Carpenter’s film, this game introduces a paranoia mechanic amid team members who might turn into the alien creature. Its mix of psychological tension and action follows the film’s themes.

Saw: The Video Game (2009)

• Based on: Saw series

• Players navigate grisly traps and puzzles. It emphasizes twisted moral challenges that feel straight out of Jigsaw’s mind.

Evil Dead: The Game (2022)

• Based on: Evil Dead franchise

• This multiplayer game combines the iconic characters and over-the-top gore with a dash of humor, staying true to the spirit of the cult classic films.

Blair Witch (2019)

• Based on: The Blair Witch Project (1999)

• This psychological horror game follows a search for a missing boy deep in the eerie Black Hills Forest. The game incorporates found-footage elements and a chilling atmosphere in the style of the movie.

Predator: Hunting Grounds (2020)

• Based on: Predator (1987)

• Players either hunt as the Predator – or survive as a soldier. It’s packed with nostalgic references to the original classic film.

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed (2022)

• Based on: Ghostbusters (1984)

• Okay, the original is lighter in tone than true horror but this game captures that supernatural humor. Players can bust ghosts or play as one.

Jaws Unleashed (2006)

• Based on: Jaws (1975)

• This unique game flips the script, letting players control the shark. It builds on the suspense and carnage of the classic film in a clever way.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Game (2023)

• Based on: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

• Players can be Leatherface – or his victims. It’s a great game, recreating the gritty, terrifying atmosphere of the movie. Expect gruesome attention to detail.

What does this link between horror movies and games tell us?

The link between movies and games reflects the horror genre’s unique ability to thrive in multiple mediums. It always delivers immersive experiences.

Both horror movies and games tap into universal emotions like fear, suspense and adrenaline. Games expand on this by making the audience participants rather than passive viewers.

Adapting iconic horror films into games also allows fans to experience beloved stories in new ways. Players can actively face monsters like Jason Voorhees or the Xenomorph. Now its personal.

Games enable interactive narratives. The unpredictability of gameplay mirrors the unpredictability of the genre. The unexpected creates tension.

Translating these great horror movies into games keeps those franchises alive across generations. Both mediums are expanding their audience.

The tactile nature of games – where players control the pacing and decisions – allows for creative new ways to explore fear. This includes unique mechanics like the psychological manipulation in The Thing or ways to survive under pressure in Alien: Isolation.

All this shows how horror embraces innovation while staying rooted in a world of primal fear. No wonder film and gaming are such successful and effective forms of modern storytelling.