Rain + Thunderstorms in Horror Movies

[Hellbilly]

Friday the 13th (1980) Probably my favorite thunderstorm from any movie. Looks and feels very realistic and lasts more than 5 minutes.

Prophecy (1979) Not very long but it certainly adds to the atmosphere.

Suspiria (1977) Great opening storm.

Terror (1978) Great use of rain, wind and thunder during a cool scene.

Honorable Mention:

Not really "horror" but me likes the one in The Witches of Eastwick and Identity. List some of your faves.

[Katatonia]

Poltergeist (1982) several instances of rain and thunderstorms. Poltergeist II and Poltergeist III get honorable mentions as well.


Sorority House Massacre II (1990) strong on the overall thunder/lightning atmosphere.


The Gate (1987) and The Monster Squad (1987) for the otherworldly storms near the end of the films.

[chancetx]

Poltergeist owns this one. They even incorporate the thunder and lightning into the story.

The rain storms in Happy Birthday To Me bookend the story nicely. Love that creepy shot of Lisa Langlois standing frozen in the rain for no explained reason.

[foller]

"The Wind" was the first one that came to my mind.

[Hellbilly]

Poltergeist (1982) several instances of rain and thunderstorms.



Poltergeist owns this one. They even incorporate the thunder and lightning into the story.



That's the one I forgot to list :eek1:

Good call on Happy Birthday To Me.

[Zombie Keeper]

Old Dark House has amazing storm effects.

[Myron Breck]

Great listings here already. I also like the storm in PSYCHO, when Marion is driving at night and having a slight attack of conscious. I love the effect of the headlights from passing cars.

[cazzasguy]

A bit tacky, but if you want to include modern day soundtracks it's hard to disregard Freddy vs Jason. Really gives the surround speakers and subwoofer a workout!

[Mutilated Prey]

Screams of Winter Night!

Is there a Friday the 13th that doesn't have a storm? I guess part 3 maybe?

[fceurich39]

Amityville Horror 1979 another great film with great thunderstorm/rain effects

[Chomp]

Return of the Living Dead had some great storms.

[shape22]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Myers escape scene from Halloween. The thunderstorm really enhances the foreboding mood as Loomis and Marion Chambers approach Smith's Grove to pick up Michael. And the shots of the patients in their white gowns silhouetted against the night sky by the lightning are very memorable.