In Search of Darkness

In Search of Darkness

A Journey Into Iconic '80s Horror

2019 · 264 min · ★ 7.5 · Documentary, Horror

An exploration of '80s horror movies through the perspective of the actors, directors, producers and SFX craftspeople who made them, and their impact on contemporary cinema.

Directed by David A. Weiner · Written by David A. Weiner

Your Rating

Where to Watch

Streaming

Amazon Prime VideoPhiloAMC Plus Apple TV channelAMC+ Amazon ChannelAMC+ Roku Premium ChannelAMC+Amazon Prime Video with Ads

Rent or Buy

Amazon Video

Cast

Trailers & Videos

Make it a double feature

9h 6m together

In Search of Darkness

Aliens Expanded

Both from David A. Weiner.

In Search of Darkness CollectionSee all →

In Search of Darkness: Part IIIn Search of Darkness: Part II · 2020
In Search of Darkness: Part II
7.72020
MovieDocumentaryHorror
The ultimate ‘80s Horror retrospective just got BIGGER. In Search of Darkness: Part II is a four-hour-plus sequel to the Rondo Hatton-nominated In Search of Darkness, adding 15 new interviewees and 40+ returning favorites for the biggest and most comprehensive ‘80s Horror documentary cast ever assembled.
In Search of Darkness: Part IIIIn Search of Darkness: Part III · 2022
In Search of Darkness: Part III
7.52022
MovieDocumentaryHorror
The conclusion to the ‘In Search of Darkness’ '80s trilogy. In this epic final chapter, our focus turns to the straight-to-video horror classics that populated the bottom shelves at the video rental store. Imaginative, gory, experimental—but always entertaining—these hidden gems are ripe for rediscovery.
In Search of Darkness: 1990-1994In Search of Darkness: 1990-1994 · 2024
In Search of Darkness: 1990-1994
7.92024
MovieDocumentaryHorror
Film icons and genre experts share observations, experiences, and analysis to help reframe, deconstruct, and re-contextualize the "lost" decade of horror: the '90s.
In Search of Darkness: 1995-1999In Search of Darkness: 1995-1999 · 2025
In Search of Darkness: 1995-1999
7.02025
MovieDocumentaryHorror
In Search of Darkness: 1995-1999 celebrates and explores the movies that defined the era: from Scream’s genre-shattering impact to J-Horror’s global emergence, from mind-bending twists to Y2K apocalyptic dread, and from blockbuster hits to straight-to-video gems.
In Search of Darkness '70s
Jul 1, 2027
In Search of Darkness '70s · 2027
In Search of Darkness '70s
2027
MovieDocumentaryHorror
The Exorcist. The Omen. Halloween. Dawn of the Dead. Jaws. Carrie. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. The Amityville Horror. Phantasm. Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Alien... The '70s were an absolute golden age for horror at the movies, a collective time of cinematic greatness reflected by so many iconic films defining how we look at the genre for decades to come.

More from David A. WeinerSee all →

Aliens ExpandedAliens Expanded · 2024
Aliens Expanded
8.92024
MovieDocumentary
Exploring James Cameron’s beloved science-fiction epic from teeth to tail, Aliens Expanded is truly the most in-depth, passionate and innovative celebration of a movie ever attempted.
The Thing ExpandedThe Thing Expanded · 2026
The Thing Expanded
8.52026
MovieDocumentaryHorror
The ultimate companion to John Carpenter’s "The Thing", digging deep into the proverbial iceberg to enhance your viewing experience with new insights, stories, and revelations.
In Search of Darkness: 1990-1994In Search of Darkness: 1990-1994 · 2024
In Search of Darkness: 1990-1994
7.92024
MovieDocumentaryHorror
Film icons and genre experts share observations, experiences, and analysis to help reframe, deconstruct, and re-contextualize the "lost" decade of horror: the '90s.
In Search of Darkness: Part IIIn Search of Darkness: Part II · 2020
In Search of Darkness: Part II
7.72020
MovieDocumentaryHorror
The ultimate ‘80s Horror retrospective just got BIGGER. In Search of Darkness: Part II is a four-hour-plus sequel to the Rondo Hatton-nominated In Search of Darkness, adding 15 new interviewees and 40+ returning favorites for the biggest and most comprehensive ‘80s Horror documentary cast ever assembled.
In Search of Darkness: Part IIIIn Search of Darkness: Part III · 2022
In Search of Darkness: Part III
7.52022
MovieDocumentaryHorror
The conclusion to the ‘In Search of Darkness’ '80s trilogy. In this epic final chapter, our focus turns to the straight-to-video horror classics that populated the bottom shelves at the video rental store. Imaginative, gory, experimental—but always entertaining—these hidden gems are ripe for rediscovery.
Science Fiction RevolutionScience Fiction Revolution · 2025
Science Fiction Revolution
7.52025
SeriesDocumentary
A journey through the 1980s sci-fi films, exploring the impact and relevance they had and still hold today, as told by the artists that made them as well as those inspired by their works.
In Search of Darkness: 1995-1999In Search of Darkness: 1995-1999 · 2025
In Search of Darkness: 1995-1999
7.02025
MovieDocumentaryHorror
In Search of Darkness: 1995-1999 celebrates and explores the movies that defined the era: from Scream’s genre-shattering impact to J-Horror’s global emergence, from mind-bending twists to Y2K apocalyptic dread, and from blockbuster hits to straight-to-video gems.
In Search of the Last Action HeroesIn Search of the Last Action Heroes · 2019
In Search of the Last Action Heroes
7.02019
MovieDocumentary
The most comprehensive retrospective of the '80s action film genre ever made.
In Search of TomorrowIn Search of Tomorrow · 2022
In Search of Tomorrow
6.72022
MovieDocumentaryScience Fiction
A nostalgic journey through ’80s Sci-Fi-films, exploring their impact and relevance today, told by the artists who made them and by those who were inspired to turn their visions into reality.
Puppet Master III: Toulon's RevengePuppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge · 1992
Puppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge
6.41992
MovieHorror
After hearing that mystical toymaker Andre Toulon has managed to create a troupe of sentient, living puppets, Nazi underling Dr. Hess sets his sights on exploiting Toulon's powers for the glory of the Reich.
Desert WindsDesert Winds · 1994
Desert Winds
5.31994
MovieDramaMystery
Jackie and Eugene are joined by a mystical wind tunnel which enables them to speak across a 500-mile desert. Believed by the Indians to be an omen of good luck, the wind inspires both characters to face their fears and follow their hearts.
In Search of Darkness '70s
Jul 1, 2027
In Search of Darkness '70s · 2027
In Search of Darkness '70s
2027
MovieDocumentaryHorror
The Exorcist. The Omen. Halloween. Dawn of the Dead. Jaws. Carrie. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. The Amityville Horror. Phantasm. Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Alien... The '70s were an absolute golden age for horror at the movies, a collective time of cinematic greatness reflected by so many iconic films defining how we look at the genre for decades to come.
In Search of Tomorrow: Part IIIn Search of Tomorrow: Part II
In Search of Tomorrow: Part II
MovieDocumentaryScience Fiction
The journey into ’80s Sci-Fi continues.

More Like This

Is the Man Who Is Tall Happy?Is the Man Who Is Tall Happy? · 2013
Is the Man Who Is Tall Happy?
6.92013
MovieDocumentaryAnimation
A series of interviews featuring linguist, philosopher and activist Noam Chomsky done in hand-drawn animation.
DC Films Presents Dawn of the Justice LeagueDC Films Presents Dawn of the Justice League · 2016
DC Films Presents Dawn of the Justice League
6.02016
MovieDocumentary
A documentary special taking a look at the upcoming films making up the DC Universe. Kevin Smith hosts with Geoff Johns, as they take a look at Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad, the upcoming Wonder Woman and Justice League movies.
Hellraiser: JudgmentHellraiser: Judgment · 2018
Hellraiser: Judgment
5.12018
MovieHorrorThriller
Three detectives trying to stop a diabolical serial killer are sucked into a maze of otherworldly horror, where hellish denizens including the Auditor, the Assessor, and the Jury await to pass judgment.
A Nightmare on Elm StreetA Nightmare on Elm Street · 1984
A Nightmare on Elm Street
7.41984
MovieHorror
Teenagers in a small town are dropping like flies, apparently in the grip of mass hysteria causing their suicides. A cop's daughter, Nancy Thompson, traces the cause to child molester Fred Krueger, who was burned alive by angry parents many years before. Krueger has now come back in the dreams of his killers' children, claiming their lives as his revenge. Nancy and her boyfriend, Glen, must devise a plan to lure the monster out of the realm of nightmares and into the real world...
Saw IIISaw III · 2006
Saw III
6.42006
MovieHorrorThriller
Jigsaw has disappeared. Along with his new apprentice Amanda, the puppet-master behind the cruel, intricate games that have terrified a community and baffled police has once again eluded capture and vanished. While city detectives scramble to locate him, Doctor Lynn Denlon and Jeff Reinhart are unaware that they are about to become the latest pawns on his vicious chessboard.
Saw IISaw II · 2005
Saw II
6.62005
MovieHorror
The chilling and relentless Jigsaw killer returns to terrorize the city once again. When a gruesome murder victim emerges with unmistakable traces of Jigsaw's sinister methods, Detective Eric Matthews is thrust into a high-stakes investigation. To his surprise, apprehending Jigsaw seems almost too easy, but what he doesn't realize is that being caught is merely another piece of Jigsaw's intricate puzzle.
SawSaw · 2004
Saw
7.42004
MovieHorrorMystery
Two men wake up to find themselves shackled in a grimy, abandoned bathroom. As they struggle to comprehend their predicament, they discover a disturbing tape left behind by the sadistic mastermind known as Jigsaw. With a chilling voice and cryptic instructions, Jigsaw informs them that they must partake in a gruesome game in order to secure their freedom.

More on Prime VideoSee all →

The Runner
NEW
The Runner · 2026
The Runner
6.72026
MovieThrillerAction
Maia Marten, a brilliant London lawyer, has her life shattered by a single call on her morning run: her son has been taken. To get him back, she must keep running, obey every ruthless command, and trust no one-each second a test of how far a mother will go to save her child.
The Last Sunrise
NEW
The Last Sunrise · 2026
The Last Sunrise
6.62026
MovieRomanceDrama
Ry, a college student with a chronic illness, escapes to Mallorca for the summer with her mother, where she unexpectedly falls for a local and begins to embrace living in the moment. But as her condition worsens and long-hidden family secrets come to light, everything she has found before summer's end is threatened.
Drawn Together
NEW
Drawn Together · 2026
Drawn Together
6.82026
MovieRomanceThriller
Marfil Cortés, a daughter of a wealthy Spanish businessman, is kidnapped and released, leading her father to hire Sebastian Moore as a bodyguard. Despite initial clashes, they form an irremediable attraction, navigating a world where no one is who they say they are.
War of the WorldsWar of the Worlds · 2025
War of the Worlds
4.02025
MovieScience FictionThriller
Will Radford is a top analyst for Homeland Security who tracks potential threats through a mass surveillance program, until one day an attack by an unknown entity leads him to question whether the government is hiding something from him... and from the rest of the world.
Masters of the UniverseMasters of the Universe · 2026
Masters of the Universe
7.12026
MovieActionFantasy
After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam back to Eternia, where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor. To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela and Duncan/Man-At-Arms, and embrace his true destiny as He-Man — the most powerful man in the universe.
Barreda
NEW
Barreda · 2026
Barreda
7.32026
MovieDramaCrime
A fictionalized drama film based on one of the most shocking crimes in Argentina's history. In 1992, Ricardo Barreda was an unassuming dentist, brutally murdered his wife, mother-in-law, and two adult daughters in their family home. Branding himself as a victim, Ricardo Barreda ignited a media storm and fueled a national scandal.
The Sheep DetectivesThe Sheep Detectives · 2026
The Sheep Detectives
7.92026
MovieComedyFamily
George Hardy is a shepherd who reads detective novels to his beloved sheep every night, assuming they can't possibly understand. But when a mysterious incident disrupts life on the farm, the sheep realize they must become the detectives. As they follow the clues and investigate human suspects, they prove that even sheep can be brilliant crime-solvers.
My FaultMy Fault · 2023
My Fault
7.72023
MovieDramaRomance
Noah must leave her city, boyfriend, and friends to move into William Leister's mansion, the flashy and wealthy husband of her mother Rafaela. As a proud and independent 17 year old, Noah resists living in a mansion surrounded by luxury. However, it is there where she meets Nick, her new stepbrother, and the clash of their strong personalities becomes evident from the very beginning.
Crime 101Crime 101 · 2026
Crime 101
7.02026
MovieCrimeThriller
When an elusive thief whose high-stakes heists unfold along the iconic 101 freeway in Los Angeles eyes the score of a lifetime, with hopes of this being his final job, his path collides with a disillusioned insurance broker who is facing her own crossroads. Determined to crack the case, a relentless detective closes in on the operation, raising the stakes even higher.
The Devil's MouthThe Devil's Mouth · 2026
The Devil's Mouth
6.52026
MovieHorrorThriller
A group of college friends' Thailand adventure turns deadly when they become trapped in submerged caves with a dangerous predator. As oxygen runs low, past conflicts emerge in their desperate fight for survival.
Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost WarTom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost War · 2026
Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost War
6.92026
MovieActionThriller
Jack Ryan is reluctantly pulled back into espionage when an international covert mission unravels a deadly conspiracy. Racing against time, he joins CIA allies Mike November & James Greer and sharp MI6 officer Emma Marlowe to battle a rogue black-ops unit in a high-stakes, deeply personal fight.
The Wrecking CrewThe Wrecking Crew · 2026
The Wrecking Crew
7.12026
MovieActionComedy
Estranged half-brothers Jonny and James reunite after their father's mysterious death. As they search for the truth, buried secrets reveal a conspiracy threatening to tear their family apart.
Road HouseRoad House · 2024
Road House
6.92024
MovieActionThriller
Ex-UFC fighter Dalton takes a job as a bouncer at a Florida Keys roadhouse, only to discover that this paradise is not all it seems.
VengeanceVengeance · 2026
Vengeance
7.52026
MovieActionThriller
The brutal murder of the wife of “Toro,” a military hero in the special forces, turns him into a man with a single purpose: revenge. After a stroke of fate makes him a millionaire, Carlos transforms his fortune into an arsenal and, together with his closest soldiers, sets out to hunt down those responsible.
Blade RunnerBlade Runner · 1982
Blade Runner
7.91982
MovieScience FictionDrama
In the smog-choked dystopian Los Angeles of 2019, blade runner Rick Deckard is called out of retirement to terminate a quartet of replicants who have escaped to Earth seeking their creator for a way to extend their short life spans.
Red OneRed One · 2024
Red One
7.02024
MovieActionAdventure
After Santa Claus (codename: Red One) is kidnapped, the North Pole's Head of Security must team up with the world's most infamous tracker in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.
The Accountant²The Accountant² · 2025
The Accountant²
7.12025
MovieMysteryCrime
When an old acquaintance is murdered, Wolff is compelled to solve the case. Realizing more extreme measures are necessary, Wolff recruits his estranged and highly lethal brother, Brax, to help. In partnership with Marybeth Medina, they uncover a deadly conspiracy, becoming targets of a ruthless network of killers who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried.
Our FaultOur Fault · 2025
Our Fault
7.42025
MovieRomanceDrama
Jenna and Lion's wedding brings about the long-awaited reunion between Noah and Nick after their breakup. Nick's inability to forgive Noah stands as an insurmountable barrier. He, heir to his grandfather's businesses, and she, starting her professional life, resist fueling a flame that's still alive. But now that their paths have crossed again, will love be stronger than resentment?
Your FaultYour Fault · 2024
Your Fault
7.12024
MovieDramaRomance
The love between Noah and Nick seems unwavering despite their parents' attempts to separate them. But his job and her entry into college open up their lives to new relationships that will shake the foundations of both their relationship and the Leister family itself.
Jurassic WorldJurassic World · 2015
Jurassic World
6.72015
MovieAdventureScience Fiction
Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter