

Alone in the Dark
“When the lights go out, the terror begins.”
Overview
A quartet of murderous psychopaths break out of a mental hospital during a power blackout and lay siege to their doctor's house.
Top Cast

Jack Palance
Frank Hawkes

Donald Pleasence
Leo Bain

Martin Landau
Byron "Preacher" Sutcliff

Dwight Schultz
Dan Potter

Erland van Lidth
Ronald "Fatty" Elster

Deborah Hedwall
Nell Potter
Lee Taylor-Allan
Toni Potter

Phillip Clark
Tom Smith / Skaggs
Elizabeth Ward
Lyla Potter

Brent Jennings
Ray Curtis
Themes & Keywords
About Alone in the Dark
Alone in the Dark is a horror, thriller film released in 1982 exploring themes of escape, blackout, siege, revenge, murder, mental institution. Directed by Jack Sholder, it stars Jack Palance, Donald Pleasence, Martin Landau. A quartet of murderous psychopaths break out of a mental hospital during a power blackout and lay siege to their doctor's house.
Movies Similar to Alone in the Dark
Discover titles like Alone in the Dark — ranked by similarity and community votes
We found 15 movies similar to Alone in the Dark
If you enjoyed Alone in the Dark, you'll love these handpicked recommendations. Each title below shares similar themes, tone, and storytelling style. Our algorithm analyzes genres, keywords, director filmography, and cast connections to find the closest matches. Whether you're looking for the same emotional depth, narrative structure, or visual style, these picks are curated to deliver the best viewing experience for fans of Alone in the Dark.

The Initiation(1984)
An amnesiac sorority member who has been plagued by a recurring nightmare is stalked alongside other coeds by a killer in a deserted department store where they are completing a hazing ritual.

Friday the 13th Part 2(1981)
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The Burning(1981)
A caretaker at a summer camp is burned when a prank goes tragically wrong. After several years of intensive treatment at hospital, he is released back into society, albeit missing some social skills. What follows is a bloody killing spree with the caretaker making his way back to his old stomping ground to confront one of the youths that accidentally burned him.

Halloween(1978)
Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween Night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois to kill again.

The Mutilator(1985)
As a child, Ed was cleaning his father’s hunting rifles - a surprise birthday treat for the old man - when one of them went off, hitting and killing his mother. On seeing the bloodshed, his father flew into a murderous rage - Ed just barely escaped with his life. Now in his teens, he returns home; he doesn’t expect to find his father, still there, waiting for a chance to settle the score . . .

Friday the 13th Part III(1982)
An idyllic summer turns into a nightmare of unspeakable terror for yet another group of naïve friends. Ignoring Camp Crystal Lake's bloody legacy, one by one they fall victim to the maniacal Jason, who stalks them at every turn...

Psycho III(1986)
When Maureen Coyle, a suicidal nun who resembles Norman's former victim, Marion Crane, arrives at the motel, all bets are off and "Mother" is less than happy.

Gothika(2003)
After a car crash, criminal psychologist Dr. Miranda Grey regains consciousness only to find that she's a patient in the same mental institution that currently employs her. She's been accused of murdering her husband Dr. Douglas Grey — but she has no memory of committing the crime. As she tries to regain her memory and convince her co-worker, Dr. Pete Graham, of her innocence, a vengeful spirit uses her as an earthly pawn, which further convinces everyone of her guilt.

The Purge: Anarchy(2014)
One night per year, the government sanctions a 12-hour period in which citizens can commit any crime they wish -- including murder -- without fear of punishment or imprisonment. Leo, a sergeant who lost his son, plans a vigilante mission of revenge during the mayhem. However, instead of a death-dealing avenger, he becomes the unexpected protector of four innocent strangers who desperately need his help if they are to survive the night.

Scream VI(2023)
Following the latest Ghostface killings, the four survivors leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter.

Ten years after his original massacre, the invalid Michael Myers awakens on Halloween Eve and returns to Haddonfield to kill his seven-year-old niece.

Stepfather 2(1989)
"Stepfather" Jerry Blake escapes an insane asylum and winds up in another town, this time impersonating a marriage counselor. With a future wife and new stepson who love him, Blake eliminates anyone who stands in his way to building the perfect family.

Madhouse(1981)
A woman is pursued by her murderous, psychopathic twin sister in the days leading up to their birthday.

Prom Night IV: Deliver Us from Evil(1992)
Thirty years after slashing a Hamilton High couple on Prom Night 1957, psychotic priest Father Jonas gets loose from the chapel basement where the other church fathers had been secretly keeping him locked up and drugged.
