Space horror

Space horror is a subgenre of horror fiction generally defined as space-based horror.^[1]

Xenomorph from the Alien franchise

While pure outer space horror films may solely include films taking place in spacecrafts, space stations or outer space, the broader blend of settings covered by the subgenre of space horror include locations on exoplanets and exomoons, within the Solar System but not on Earth, and terrestrial films set on Earth (alien invasion films).^[2] Films belonging to the subgenre of space horror typically feature an alien antagonist.^[2]

Variety's Jenelle Riley cited the following titles as standout space horror films: Life (2017), Dead Space: Downfall (2008), Solaris (1972), Lifeforce (1985), It! The Terror from Beyond Space (1958), Sunshine (2007), Pitch Black (2000), Event Horizon (1997), Alien (1979), and Aliens (1986).^[3]

An innovative feature that can be found in some films blending a space setting and horror is an altered topology of time.^[4]

See also

• Lovecraftian horror