What is Cosmic Horror? The Best Cosmic Horror Films, Books, and Games

Humans fear what they don’t know. Yet they’re equally curious. They inevitably succumb to their curiosity and generally face the loss of meaning. Let me explain what I mean by giving an example from supernatural horror, another type of fear. It’s been observed that viewers are more frightened during the parts of a film where the horrifying entity isn’t shown and remains unknown, and that the fear meter starts reversing after the first encounter with the malevolent force. In fact, many test subjects completely lost interest after the first encounter and didn’t even continue watching. In an average 2-hour film, having what you see not match your expectations and predictions, and having your theories fall flat can be tolerated as a minor disappointment. However, if the teachings of thousands of years of human history that have come down to us are suddenly demolished, falling into the clutches of nihilism becomes inevitable.

What is Cosmic Horror?

The word cosmos is derived from the root “kosmo.” Kosmo means encompassing everything. The word cosmos refers to the universe, encompassing billions of stars, planets, and galaxies. In other words, the game is big, very big indeed. Seeing that all your preparations for tomorrow are futile in such a vast cosmos will result in absolute madness.

Is humanity small and insignificant, or large and important? It could be small and important, just as it could be large and insignificant. In this case, it could also be both large and small, important and insignificant. Possibilities aside, as someone who has pondered these matters and reached a conclusion—though not a final one—I believe we are small and insignificant, but that this situation is actually a great advantage, a wonderful grace. That said, this is my opinion. Whether to agree or disagree is everyone’s own business.

I deliberately made such an introduction because the issue of cosmic horror we’re about to address is exactly about the roles we assume toward life, our search for meaning, and our confusions. To cut a long story short: If we think of human history as the history of the search for meaning—that is, the history of seeking answers to the possibilities I listed above—we call making the terrible mistake of finding the answer cosmic horror.

How Did Cosmic Horror Emerge?

The roots of cosmic horror lie in Gothic literature and Victorian-era horror stories. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Gothic literature addressed humanity’s fears in the face of the unknown by writing stories filled with supernatural elements, ancient structures, and dark atmospheres. Writers like Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, and Edgar Allan Poe explored the terror lurking in the depths of the human mind and incorporated these themes into their works.

The actual development and definition of cosmic horror began with Howard Phillips Lovecraft in the 1920s and 1930s. Lovecraft wrote stories emphasizing humanity’s smallness and insignificance in the universe and—though he never called it this—created his own universe known as the “Cthulhu Mythos.” In Lovecraft’s works, the cold and indifferent nature of the universe, and unknown and incomprehensible forces are frequently explored. Lovecraft emphasizes that these forces are too complex for the human mind to grasp and that these truths can drive people to madness.

So much so that just seeing a few pages of the Necronomicon book written by Abdul Alhazred, one of Lovecraft’s most important characters, would be enough to drive an ordinary citizen insane.

Authors and Works

The “Cthulhu Mythos” is one of Lovecraft’s most well-known and influential works. This mythos tells how ancient and powerful beings affect the world and humanity. The mythos Lovecraft created is considered the most distinctive example of cosmic horror and forms the foundation of modern cosmic horror stories.

The fundamental elements of cosmic horror are humanity’s insignificance in the universe, unknown and incomprehensible forces, and themes of madness and incomprehensibility. These elements were frequently emphasized in Lovecraft’s works and became the defining characteristics of cosmic horror. Writers and artists who came after Lovecraft continued his influence while working with these themes.

Contemporary writers and media have adopted Lovecraft’s understanding of cosmic horror and created their own works. Cosmic horror themes have been explored in various fields such as film, television, games, and comics, and have gained an important place in popular culture. Lovecraft’s influence is particularly felt in horror and science fiction genres. There are even many urban legends about the Necronomicon being real. You can encounter grown adults seriously debating the Necronomicon. Some even go further and claim to have seen the book in the British Museum.

Cosmic horror has left deep marks on modern literature and popular culture. This genre, which makes humanity question its place in the universe, continues to affect readers and viewers with stories that horrify in the face of the unknown and emphasize humanity’s cosmic-scale insignificance. Lovecraft’s legacy continues to live on as the cornerstone of cosmic horror in literature and other art forms.

Of course, cosmic horror isn’t just H. P. Lovecraft. We can also include Algernon Blackwood’s works The Willows, The Wendigo, and The Man Whom the Trees Loved in this genre. Unlike Lovecraft’s stories, they tell of humanity’s helplessness against nature and fear in the face of nature’s unknown forces. Blackwood’s descriptions of nature draw the reader into a deep unknown and emphasize humanity’s smallness against nature.

Another writer I love is Arthur Machen. Machen is another great name in cosmic horror. The Great God Pan and The White People are among the most important works of the genre. He explores the horror brought by humanity’s encounter with the unknown and the fear these encounters create in the human mind. He deeply influenced Lovecraft and became one of the cornerstones of cosmic horror.

I’d like to briefly share some other works I love besides those mentioned above:

The Shadow over Innsmouth – H.P. Lovecraft

“The Shadow over Innsmouth” is one of Lovecraft’s most disturbing and atmospheric stories. The story tells of a man investigating strange events in Innsmouth, a mysterious and isolated town. As he discovers the town’s secrets, he confronts horrifying truths hidden in the depths of the ocean. In this story, Lovecraft masterfully explores humanity’s fear of the unknown, people eating their beliefs when tested by hunger, and society’s attitude toward others. It leaves the reader in deep unease.

A short animated film directed by Joseph Kwong based on Lovecraft’s story of the same name.

The Ballad of Black Tom – Victor LaValle

Victor LaValle’s “The Ballad of Black Tom” brings a modern interpretation to H.P. Lovecraft’s story “The Horror at Red Hook.” LaValle tells the story of Charles Thomas Tester, who lives in 1920s Harlem and makes his living through petty theft. Tester unwittingly finds himself amid cosmic horrors and ancient powers. LaValle offers a critical look at the racist themes in Lovecraft’s works while providing a modern and impactful interpretation of cosmic horror. The novel stands out both as part of the Lovecraftian mythos and with its social criticisms.

In this respect, it resembles Matt Ruff’s work Lovecraft Country. Let me also mention that Lovecraft Country has a series adaptation through a partnership between Misha Green and Jordan Peele. I’ll address Lovecraft’s personal issues, which stand at a highly controversial point regarding racism, directly in an article series I’ll write about the authors, so let me just drop a small note here.

The Fisherman – John Langan

John Langan’s work “The Fisherman” is one of the finest examples of modern cosmic horror. The novel tells the story of two men who start fishing after losing their wives. This hobby leads them to a mysterious river in the Catskill Mountains and the strange events there. The river’s secrets are filled not only with fish but also with cosmic horrors. Langan blends humanity’s helplessness in the face of grief and loss with cosmic horror elements in his story. The novel stands out with its atmosphere and character depth.

Cosmic Horror in Cinema

Now we come to the genre’s bleeding wound. H. P. Lovecraft’s works haven’t been adapted very well. Although The Whisperer in Darkness (2011) and The Call of Cthulhu (2005), produced under the leadership of the H. P. Lovecraft Historical Society, are good, they aren’t box office films. The biggest factor in Lovecraft stories not being successfully transferred to cinema is that the descriptions have no visual equivalents. Because as we mentioned, the hallmark of cosmic horror is our exposure to something beyond our perceptual limits. For example, it’s impossible to show a color that has never existed in the world. Or a being that would drive a person insane upon sight isn’t something we can visualize. However, although we may not find what we’re looking for in direct adaptations of Lovecraft’s works, talented directors have gifted us magnificent films.

The Best Cosmic Horror Films

The Thing (1982)

“The Thing,” directed by John Carpenter, is perhaps one of the most important works of the cosmic horror genre.

The film is set in an isolated research station in Antarctica and tells of a group of scientists’ struggle with a mysterious and deadly entity they encounter. This entity takes the form of living beings it comes into contact with, making it impossible to tell who is real and who is an imitation among them. This situation creates deep paranoia and mistrust among the characters. Carpenter masterfully uses the suspense element, keeping the viewer in constant uncertainty and fear.

“The Thing” stands out not only with its suspense and horror elements but also with its literary roots. It was inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s work “At the Mountains of Madness.” It brings Lovecraft’s created atmosphere and cosmic horror to cinema. The successful exploration of Lovecraftian themes in cinema was made possible by Carpenter with this film.

Kurt Russell’s impressive performance in the lead role, combined with the film’s unforgettable atmosphere and visual effects that were ahead of their time, plunges “The Thing” viewers into a deep cosmic horror experience. This film, which can also be read as a Cold War allegory, masterfully explores the mistrust and paranoia between individuals.

With its unique atmosphere, suspenseful scenes, and Carpenter’s distinctive directorial style, “The Thing” stands out as one of the most impressive and lasting examples of cosmic horror in cinema. The film has become iconic through many of its scenes over time and is recognized as one of horror cinema’s masterpieces.

Event Horizon (1997)

This science fiction/horror film directed by Paul W.S. Anderson didn’t initially receive the expected attention but eventually achieved cult status. The story, which begins with the reappearance of a spaceship lost in the dark and unknown corners of deep space, takes the viewer to the peaks of psychological and cosmic horror. As the crew tries to understand what happened on the ship, they must face horrible truths and cosmic terrors. Event Horizon, which stands out with its cold and eerie atmosphere, disturbing scenes, and philosophical subtext, is one of the most impressive examples of the space horror genre.

In the Mouth of Madness (1994)

This film, another masterpiece by John Carpenter, is one of the finest reflections of Lovecraftian horror in cinema. A popular horror writer named Sutter Cane disappears, and insurance investigator John Trent is assigned to find him. However, during his investigation, he realizes that the boundaries between reality and fiction are blurring. In the Mouth of Madness, which explores themes of paranoia and madness, keeps the viewer in constant uncertainty. Sam Neill’s successful performance and Carpenter’s masterful direction make this film one of the leading works of the cosmic horror genre.

The Color Out of Space (2019)

This film directed by Richard Stanley is adapted from H.P. Lovecraft’s short story of the same name. After the Gardner family moves to a rural area, they encounter strange events following a meteor that falls near their home. The strange color brought by the meteor affects the environment and family members, causing horrifying transformations. The Color Out of Space, which stands out with its visual effects, atmosphere, and Nicolas Cage’s unforgettable performance, is one of the most successful adaptations of Lovecraftian horror in modern cinema.

Annihilation (2018)

This film directed by Alex Garland is adapted from Jeff VanderMeer’s novel of the same name. Lena, a biologist, volunteers to join an expedition to Area X, a dangerous and mysterious region, to find her missing husband. Lena and her team, encountering supernatural and cosmic events in the region, must question their perception of reality and their humanity. Visually mesmerizing and psychologically jarring, Annihilation is a perfect blend of cosmic horror and science fiction elements. Natalie Portman’s powerful performance and the film’s philosophical depth leave the viewer under its influence for a long time.

The Void (2016)

This film directed by Steven Kostanski and Jeremy Gillespie stands out as one of the modern examples of cosmic horror. A group of people are trapped in an abandoned hospital and must face cosmic horrors along with cult members. The film, where Lovecraftian themes are masterfully explored, stands out with scenes that push the mental limits of humanity and its terrifying atmosphere. The Void has become one of the most impressive examples of cosmic horror in cinema with its visual effects and claustrophobic setting.

The Best Cosmic Horror Games

So does cosmic horror only appear in literature and cinema? The answer is of course no. If the answer were yes, I wouldn’t have made such an introduction, right? Cosmic horror continues to be the backbone of computer games. The genre truly has countless games, but let me list my personal favorites among those generally accepted.

Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem (2002)

“Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem” is one of the most successful examples of the cosmic horror genre in the gaming world. This game, developed for Nintendo GameCube, places the player in the middle of a war that has lasted for centuries. The story, told from the perspective of 12 different characters, allows us to explore a world under the influence of ancient powers and ancient gods. The game’s most striking feature is its “sanity” mechanic, which constantly threatens the player’s mental health. This feature, which pushes the boundaries of reality, keeps the player in a constant state of paranoia and unease. It’s a hard-to-find game that has aged poorly, but I’d say check out YouTube videos and such.

Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth (2005)

This game, inspired by Lovecraft’s works, draws players into the horrifying events experienced by investigator Jack Walters in the town of Innsmouth. The game is extremely faithful to Lovecraft’s world. This game, which contains the fundamental elements of cosmic horror in terms of both storytelling and gameplay, is a godsend for fans of the genre.

Amnesia: The Dark Descent (2010)

“Amnesia: The Dark Descent” is virtually a turning point among horror games. Everyone knows it. This game, developed by Frictional Games, tells of Daniel, a man who has lost his memory, trying to discover horrifying secrets in a dark castle. As the player pieces together fragments of Daniel’s past, they must escape from the terrifying entities pursuing him. The game’s unique atmosphere, sound design, and frightening moments keep the player in constant tension. Amnesia, where Lovecraftian horror is intensely felt, brought a new breath to the horror game genre and has been a source of inspiration for many games.

Conarium (2017)

“Conarium” is an adventure game inspired by Lovecraft’s “At the Mountains of Madness.” This game, developed by independent Turkish developer Zoetrope Interactive, is set in a research base in Antarctica. The player joins a group of scientists in their discoveries testing the unknown limits of humanity. The game stands out with its atmosphere, storytelling, and Lovecraftian elements. It offers the player the opportunity to explore a dark and mysterious world, while also making you feel like a character from The Thing film.

Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones (2019)

“Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones” is a role-playing game that delves into the depths of the Lovecraftian mythos. This game, created by Turkish development team Cultic Games, is set in 1920s Arkham. The player embarks on a dangerous journey to face cosmic horrors and find a lost friend. Stygian, which stands out with its character creation, deep storytelling, and turn-based combat system, offers players an unforgettable experience while staying faithful to Lovecraft’s works. The game’s atmosphere and art style successfully reflect the feeling of horror and hopelessness. It’s an extremely original game and my personal favorite. So much so that I couldn’t handle this game during full lockdown and left it halfway, saying I’d continue later. If you want to feel cosmic nihilism in your veins, don’t miss it.

The Sinking City (2019)

“The Sinking City” is a detective game developed by Frogwares and inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s works. This game, where private detective Charles Reed investigates supernatural events in the sinking city of Oakmont, offers a large and explorable open world. As the player tries to solve the city’s mysteries, they must also preserve their own sanity. The Sinking City, where Lovecraftian themes and cosmic horror are intensely explored, stands out with its atmosphere, storytelling, and detective elements. Although this somewhat casual game doesn’t show anything very new, once you start, you can’t stop.

Call of the Sea (2020)

“Call of the Sea” is an adventure game developed by Out of the Blue Games with Lovecraftian influences. Set in the 1930s, this story tells of Norah, a woman who journeys to a mysterious island in the Pacific Ocean to find her missing husband. By solving puzzles and exploring the island, the player tries to uncover the secrets of both Norah and the island. Call of the Sea, which stands out with its beautiful graphics, impressive story, and emotional depth, presents cosmic horror elements in a lighter way but successfully reflects the unease created by the unknown. It’s one of those puzzle games you can finish in one evening. The art design and story are wonderful. Especially the ending touches your heart so much, don’t even ask.

The Shore (2021)

“The Shore” is a horror game inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s works and created by Ares Dragonis, a solo developer. The player takes control of a man named Andrew who wanders a mysterious and dangerous shore searching for his missing daughter. This shore is full of cosmic entities and strange events. The game’s atmosphere perfectly reflects Lovecraftian horror and the fear of the unknown. With its powerful visuals and deep story, The Shore is an impressive representative of cosmic horror. I can say it’s one of the most important representatives of the Cthulhu Mythos. Especially coming out of narrow caves and just as you’re about to experience the relief of reaching the sea, encountering Lovecraft’s massive entities truly made my knees shake.

One of the aspects that makes me happiest about these games is that two games by Turkish developers have found a place on this list and among the most appreciated worldwide. I hope we’ll see more games in more genres.

Thank you for reading, and I say see you in new files. Farewell.