Is Physical Media Dead? The Role of Physical Media in Horror Film Plots

In the age of streaming, physical media may seem like a relic of the past. But if there’s one genre where physical formats are still alive—both literally and metaphorically—it’s horror. Far beyond nostalgia, physical media like VHS tapes, DVDs, and vinyl records have been used as central plot devices in some of the most iconic horror films, often acting as the medium through which terror is unleashed.

Physical Media as a Catalyst for Horror

The tangible nature of physical media lends itself well to horror because it feels real and immersive. Something about popping a tape into a VCR or playing an old vinyl record sets up an eerie, almost ritualistic experience that digital streaming can’t quite replicate. Horror filmmakers have long recognized this and have used physical media as a plot device to drive fear.

Classic Examples in Horror

DISCLAMER: May contain SPOILERS!!!

source: nytimes.com

• The Ring (2002): Perhaps the most iconic use of physical media in a horror plot is the cursed VHS tape in The Ring. The tape contains a disturbing video, and anyone who watches it receives a terrifying phone call foretelling their death within seven days. The physicality of the VHS tape is central to the plot—without it, the curse wouldn’t spread. Its physical presence makes the horror feel more immediate, something you can touch and be haunted by.

• Sinister (2012): In Sinister, the plot revolves around a series of Super 8 home movies found in the attic of a new house. Each film shows the murders of families, and as the protagonist digs deeper into the mystery, he realizes that watching these films is drawing him closer to a dark entity. The films act as both a record of past horrors and a conduit for evil.

source: dreadcentral.com

• Evil Dead (1981): The discovery of an old tape recording in a cabin leads to the unleashing of demonic forces. When the characters play the tape, they unknowingly recite incantations that awaken ancient spirits. The tape recorder becomes the medium through which the terror begins, showing how physical media can be both a passive object and an active participant in horror.

• Videodrome (1983): David Cronenberg’s Videodrome explores the idea of a mysterious broadcast signal hidden in a television show. It blurs the line between reality and hallucination, but what drives the madness is the physical VHS tapes. The protagonist's obsession with the tapes leads him down a mind-bending, body-horror rabbit hole, where physical media literally alters his perception of reality.

• Host (2020): While mostly virtual, even modern horror films have found ways to incorporate the eerie nature of physical objects. In Host, while the story unfolds via Zoom, it is the physical séance items and their use that drives the plot. It’s a digital world being haunted by tangible, real-world elements.

source: nytimes.com

This movie is a pure example of how it is being used nowdays, which brings us to…

The Power of Tangibility in Horror

Why is physical media such a compelling plot device in horror? One reason is its tangibility. There’s something unsettling about a cursed object you can touch—whether it’s a VHS tape, a book, or an old record. The idea that horror could exist in something as mundane as a video or cassette gives the genre a raw, visceral edge. It’s much harder to fear a "cursed" streaming file that exists in the cloud compared to a tape you could find in your attic or thrift store.

The Future of Physical Media in Horror

As streaming dominates, physical media may be less common, but its legacy in horror is far from dead. Filmmakers continue to use it as a nostalgic callback to an era where terror could be contained in a tape or a disc. And while fewer people might own physical copies of films today, there’s still a fascination with the idea of cursed or mysterious media—especially in horror where atmosphere and tension are everything.

Now, if you're someone who loves the eerie vibe of physical media-driven horror but prefer modern convenience, FlixSnip offers a perfect blend. While the app doesn’t serve up cursed VHS tapes, it curates a collection of indie and short films from around the world, including suspenseful shorts as Spanish short film Rewind where while studying on Halloween, Elisabeth hears a recording on her walkman which triggers a terrifying presence. FlixSnip content captures the same immersive experience in under 20 minutes that you can watch for FREE. With categories like mini documentaries, art & travel, and unique festival selections, you never know what hidden gem you’ll discover next. Who knows—maybe you’ll stumble upon the next spine-tingling thriller, much like finding a long-lost tape in the back of a dusty old store.

Just because we’re in the digital age doesn’t mean that sense of discovery is gone. With FlixSnip app, it’s still alive—waiting for you to press play.