10 Best Movies Set In or About Lighthouses

Lighthouses stand as lonely beacons against stormy seas, guiding ships to safety while hiding stories of isolation, mystery, and struggle. Their towering presence makes them perfect settings for gripping tales, from eerie horrors to heartfelt dramas.

We’ve gathered a list of ten unforgettable movies set in or around lighthouses, each capturing the unique atmosphere of these coastal sentinels. From tales of madness to stories of love, these films use lighthouses to draw us into their worlds.

The Phantom Light (1935)

This British comedy-thriller follows a new lighthouse keeper arriving at a remote Welsh station. Strange events and ghostly rumors swirl as he uncovers a plot to wreck ships.

Directed by Michael Powell, ‘The Phantom Light’ blends humor with suspense, starring Gordon Harker as the witty keeper. Its early use of the lighthouse as a spooky backdrop makes it a hidden gem.

South Solitary (2010)

Set in 1928, ‘South Solitary’ centers on Meredith, a single woman joining her uncle at a remote Australian lighthouse. Her struggle with loneliness and family ties unfolds against the harsh island setting.

The film’s quiet drama, led by Miranda Otto’s heartfelt performance, captures the emotional weight of isolation. It’s a slow burn that highlights the human side of lighthouse life.

The Disciple (2013)

In ‘The Disciple’, a 13-year-old boy named Karl arrives at a Baltic Sea lighthouse in 1939 to assist the stern keeper Hasselbond. Tensions rise as Karl faces rejection and the keeper’s strict rule.

This Finnish drama explores youth and authority through a bleak, atmospheric lens. Its focus on personal conflict in a confined setting makes it a compelling watch.

The Sacred Mound (1993)

A young boy is sent to a remote Icelandic island farm in ‘The Sacred Mound’, where a lighthouse plays a key role. His coming-of-age journey involves love, loss, and a mysterious woman.

This lesser-known film weaves emotional depth with stark coastal visuals. Its unique setting and tender storytelling stand out for fans of introspective dramas.

Half Light (2006)

‘Half Light’ follows a grieving writer, played by Demi Moore, who retreats to a Scottish lighthouse to heal after her son’s death. Supernatural forces and dark secrets soon disrupt her peace.

The film mixes psychological thrills with ghostly elements, using the isolated lighthouse to amplify tension. Moore’s performance anchors this eerie tale of loss and mystery.

El faro del Sur (1998)

‘El faro del Sur’ follows two Argentine sisters, Memé and Aneta, orphaned after a car crash. Memé, left with a scarred leg, navigates love and loss when they visit a lighthouse with a man named Andy.

Ingrid Rubio’s award-winning performance anchors this emotional drama, directed by Eduardo Mignogna. The lighthouse setting frames the sisters’ tender, complex bond.

Cold Skin (2017)

Set in 1914, ‘Cold Skin’ follows a young man arriving at a remote lighthouse to work as a weather observer. Nightly attacks by sea creatures turn his stay into a fight for survival.

This horror-thriller, starring David Oakes, blends monster scares with existential dread. The lighthouse’s stark isolation makes it a perfect stage for this chilling battle.

The Light Between Oceans (2016)

‘The Light Between Oceans’ tells the story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife, played by Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, who find a baby in a drifting boat. Their decision to raise her sparks moral dilemmas.

This emotional drama, set on a rugged Australian coast, explores love and sacrifice. The lighthouse’s lonely beauty mirrors the couple’s heart-wrenching choices.

The Vanishing (2018)

In ‘The Vanishing’, three lighthouse keepers on a Scottish island find a mysterious trunk of gold. Greed and paranoia lead to deadly consequences as strangers arrive seeking their treasure.

Gerard Butler and Peter Mullan deliver gripping performances in this tense thriller. The Flannan Isles setting adds a haunting real-world backdrop to the story.

The Lighthouse (2019)

‘The Lighthouse’ follows two keepers, played by Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, trapped on a remote New England island in the 1890s. Their battle with madness unfolds in a surreal, black-and-white nightmare.

Directed by Robert Eggers, this psychological horror is a chaotic dive into isolation and myth. The lighthouse itself becomes a character, pulsing with unsettling energy.

Which lighthouse movie captured your heart, or did we miss a stormy classic? Drop your thoughts in the comments!