10 Scariest Movies About Cognitohazards

The Menu has delighted fans of the horror genre with its twisted take on the idea that a small obsession can turn into murderous intent. There are other movies that offer different spins on the genre, such as the cognitohazard movies, which focus on disasters and dangers happening when characters’ five senses are exposed.

These range from stories where hearing can cause a person’s death, like Pontypool, to films where seeing an entity is a setup for a demise, such as Bird Box. The cognitohazard aspect of things creates a tense environment, which is perfect for horror fans who will find this as a unique avenue for entertainment.

Pontypool (2008)

Stream On AMC+

Pontypool is a must-see lesser-known horror movie set in a radio station where the host hears of news outside that people have started going maniacal due to certain trigger words. The hazard in Pontypool is unique in that simply hearing certain words spells doom for people.

Pontypool remains high in the tension department by creating a sense of paranoia for viewers, with characters realizing they are in trouble at random. The minimalist setting of the radio station and interruptions by crazed individuals who threaten the protagonists make this an interesting but scary film to watch.

Bird Box (2018)

Stream On Netflix

While there are a lot of likable roles played by Sandra Bullock, they have largely been in rom-coms. Bird Box’s protagonist is likable for withstanding the terrifying cognitohazard brought by mysterious entities, all the while protecting her young children.

Bird Box’s horror element comes from the way people are compelled to claim their own lives as soon as they see the entities, while crazed individuals become murderous under their influence. The primary setting largely takes place inside a house filled with dubious personalities, which adds to the fear within audiences over who will turn on the rest.

Candyman (1992)

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Candyman remains one of the best films centering around folklore, with the hazard here being the summoning of the titular killer. The cognitohazard kicks in whenever a person hears themselves saying the Candyman’s name five times in the mirror.

The killer is hellbent on continuing his spree once he’s summoned, putting everyone at risk. Candyman is an interesting spin on the cognitohazard aspect since it’s a supernatural slasher film with quite a fair bit of nuance over how people bring their problems upon themselves.

The Empty Man (2020)

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The Empty Man combines folklore with cognithazards, depicting the deaths of anyone who hears the whispers of a person about to be eliminated by the titular character. The story follows a detective’s investigation into the killings, which places him at risk as well.

The Empty Man’s cognitohazard has to do with hearing, as characters are essentially doomed once this happens. However, there’s a larger conspiracy surrounding cults and the supernatural, making The Empty Man doubly interesting as the true reason behind it all comes to light.

Shadow People (2013)

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Shadow People brings the cognitohazard of sight, with the people in the movie targeted by a mysterious shadow – the ones who see it by the corner of their eye are marked for death. Additionally, even thinking about the shadows puts characters in peril.

Shadow People thrives on unsettling viewers by constantly making any kind of shadow out to be a potential end for the characters. This makes everything in the movie a supposed threat, showing just how dangerous a cognitohazard can get since seeing and thinking can kill a person.

Truth Or Dare (2018)

Stream On FXNOW

Truth or Dare is a supernatural film featuring just about the worst friend group in a horror movie, as everyone dooms each other. The basic premise is that engaging in a supernatural game of Truth or Dare causes the players to instantly be overtaken by an evil entity, who kills everyone off one by one.

The cognitohazard here comes from hearing the words “Truth or Dare?” once the game begins, as the participants are instantly overcome by the entity to spell their demise. Truth or Dare can be a bit formulaic, but the tension remains tight due to the mystery of how the characters can avoid their fate.

YellowBrickRoad (2010)

Stream On FuboTV

YellowBrickRoad is set in a town where more than 500 people caused their own deaths, with this mystery carried over 70 years later to the present. It’s revealed that loud and jarring music is responsible, which turns people maniacal with evil intentions.

In addition to the hearing hazard, there’s also the danger from hallucinogenic berries that causes the characters to go into a state where they want to do harm. YellowBrickRoad is an unsettling experience, but one that is certain to scare more than a few viewers.

In The Mouth Of Madness (1994)

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In the Mouth of Madness is a supernatural horror where protagonist John Trent investigates the disappearance of a horror novelist, only to learn that reading his works drives the person into madness – he realizes the town he’s investigating is now plagued with this hazard.

In the Mouth of Madness takes a paranormal spin on cognitohazards, as looking into a book exposes the characters to their deaths. The movie is also thought-provoking for the subtext about how easily people can be manipulated, with the finale leaving things off on a big note.

Vanishing On 7th Street (2010)

Stream On Hulu

Vanishing on 7th Street follows a bizarre threat where the people of the world start to vanish every time they find themselves in darkness. The cognitohazard here is viewing the dark, as those who do so instantly vanish, leaving behind just their clothes and belongings.

The movie then ups the ante by showing that the planet is not taking sunshine either, meaning the survivors have no choice but to search for some source of light or perish in the darkness. Vanishing on 7th Street deserves credit for making an effective thriller out of a premise most wouldn’t think of.

The Signal (2007)

Stream On Prime Video

The Signal follows several characters in different scenarios but all centered on mysterious signal through communication devices that affect their mental stability. The film is interesting because it has everything from horror to comedy, and even a love story.

The Signal’s cognitohazard comes from the sound that changes people’s minds, causing them to endanger themselves and those around them. The movie leaves plenty of questions on viewers’ minds, many of which aren’t answered as the purpose is to feel scared by the uncertainty of the disaster.

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