By George Bate & Josh Bate
Most people have had an iffy experience renting a home from Airbnb, but those experiences likely pale in comparison to the horrors seen in this emerging sub-genre of horror cinema. Here are five films that will have you think twice before booking that next rental…
Barbarian
Barbarian follows a young woman, who discovers that the rental home she booked is already occupied by a stranger. Against her better judgment, she decides to spend the night but soon discovers there’s a lot more to fear than just an unexpected house guest.
The Rental
Dave Franco, in his directorial debut, helms this ominous Airbnb horror flick. The film follows two couples on an oceanside getaway, who grow suspicious that the host of their seemingly perfect rental house may be spying on them. Before long, what should have been a celebratory weekend trip turns into something far more sinister.
Bone Lake
This twisty, sexy psychological thriller follows Sage and Diego, a couple who rent out a beautiful lakeside mansion for a quiet weekend – only to arrive and find another couple already staying there. There’s seductive gaslighting, whsipers of an old serial killer, an ominous lake, and all sorts of fun to be had in this Airbnb nightmare.
The Strangers: Chapter One
The two newest installments in The Strangers movies are far from perfect, but, if you’re looking for a rental property horror movie with some decent thrills and kills, The Strangers: Chapter One fits the bill. The film follows a young couple who stay at an Airbnb cabin for the night in a creepy town, only to discover that they are being hunted by masked intruders.
A Perfect Host
Imagine checking into an isolated lake-house rental expecting relaxation — only to discover the owner of the house is not just intrusive, but dangerously obsessed. That’s the disturbing premise of A Perfect Host. A group of friends arrive at what seems like a chill weekend getaway, but their host, Tad — a fitness-obsessed loner — begins inserting himself into every part of their stay.
Maniacal Night
Finally, the Airbnb subgenre of horror crosses over with holiday horror. Maniacal Night follows a couple spending their first Christmas together at an Airbnb. Off course, things don’t go to plan as an evening of romance turns into a nightmare.
Do Not Enter
Do Not Enter is a 17-minute short film that’s worth a watch if you’re looking for a taut, chilling supernatural thrillride. When a woman checks into a quiet Los Angeles Airbnb, she’s warned about one simple rule: “Do not enter this room.” But as strange noises echo from behind the locked door, her curiosity turns into fear — and then into pure horror. Check out the full movie here.
Gone in the Night
Upon arriving at a remote cabin for a getaway, a woman (Winona Ryder) and her boyfriend discover another couple already staying there. They decide to share the rental for the night, but the boyfriend’s disappearance sparks a race for answers.
You Should Have Left
Kevin Bacon stars as a father and husband, who takes his family on a trip to the Welsh countryside for a holiday. While renting a home, a series of sinister events take place which indicate that all is not what it seems. You Should Have Left is now streaming on Peacock.
Superhost
In Superhost, two travel vloggers check into a vacation rental with a host that will do anything for a good review. Superhost is now streaming on Shudder.