Asylums, sanitariums and institutions for the insane have always captured the minds and imaginations of writers and readers alike, starting with the chapbooks of Victorian England and continuing on to present day. As media has evolved the insane asylum as backdrop has spread to movies and games as well as books.
It’s an evocative backdrop and one we instinctively fear. Below are The Kali Krew’s favourite visits to these dark and grim locations. Join us, in the dark.
12 Monkeys
Chosen by Shawn
American Horror Story: Asylum
Chosen by Tracy
Asylum by Ambrose Ibsen
Chosen by Lilyn
Check out Lilyn’s review of Asylum
Asylum by Madeleine Roux
Chosen by Lilyn
Check out Lilyn’s review of Asylum
Asylum of Shadows by Stephanie Ellis
Chosen by Lilyn
Batman: City of Bane – Complete Collection by Tom King
Chosen by Bill
The Blackstone Chronicles by John Saul
Chosen by Tracy
A Cure for Wellness
Chosen by JB Rockwell
Check out Lilyn’s review of A Cure for Wellness
The Devil in Silver by Victor LaValle
Chosen by Tracy
Eat the Dark by Joe Schreiber
Chosen by Brian
Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum
Chosen by Eliza
Check out Gracie’s review of Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum
Gothika
Chosen by JB Rockwell
Inside the Asylum by Mary San Giovanni
Chosen by Lilyn
Check out Lilyn’s review of Inside the Asylum
The Lingering by S.J.I. Holliday
Chosen by Olly
Check out Olly’s review of The Lingering
Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
Chosen by Gracie
Check out Gracie’s Focus on the Frightful – A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
Outlast
Chosen by Cory
The Prisoners of Stewartville by Shannon Felton
Chosen by Tracy
Saw
Chosen by Shawn
Session 9
Chosen by JB Rockwell
Check out Gracie’s Focus on the Frightful: Session 9
Shadows in the Asylum by D.A. Stern
Chosen by Gracie
Shutter Island
Chosen by Gracie and Bill
Stonehearst Asylum
Chosen by Gracie
Tales That Witness Madness
Chosen by Gracie
True Fear: Forsaken Souls (Part 2)
Chosen by Gracie
Reviews to come soon for True Fear: Forsaken Souls Parts 1 and 2!
Got a favourite dark and creepy read set in an asylum? Let us know!
GracieKat was the first co-host of Sci-Fi & Scary, Lilyn’s partner-in-crime, and sub-head of the Kali Krew. She reviews horror books, movies, and games for the site. She also does a weekly Focus on the Frightful feature, and is the site list-maker. She is also in control of the Sci-Fi & Scary podcast which will relaunch soon.
