Urbex, or the exploration of abandoned places, fascinates people around the world. Mysterious ruins, forgotten hospitals, old factories, and bunkers inspire not only explorers but also filmmakers. Which films best capture the spirit of urbex?
Here is a list of the best films related to urban exploration, where you will see abandoned buildings, underground spaces, and the thrill associated with urbex!
Best Films Related to Urbex
1. Chernobyl Diaries (2012) – Horror in Pripyat
🎥 Genre: Horror, thriller
🏚 What is it about? A group of tourists goes on an illegal trip to the abandoned city of Pripyat, near Chernobyl. On site, they discover they might not be alone in the ruins...
👀 Why watch it? The film perfectly captures the atmosphere of abandoned cities and the horror of exploring places you shouldn’t enter.
2. As Above, So Below (2014) – Secrets of Paris Catacombs
🎥 Genre: Horror, psychological thriller
🕳 What is it about? A group of explorers descends into the Paris catacombs to discover hidden treasures. A nightmare begins underground...
👀 Why watch it? The film perfectly conveys the claustrophobic atmosphere of underground exploration, and the plot is inspired by the real Paris catacombs.
3. The Tunnel (2011) – Horror in an Abandoned Tunnel
🎥 Genre: Horror, found footage
🚇 What is it about? Journalists investigate the mysteries of an abandoned tunnel system under Sydney, where many people reportedly disappeared. Soon they discover they are not alone...
👀 Why watch it? The found footage style builds tension well and shows the dangers of exploring abandoned places.
4. Grave Encounters (2011) – Urbex in a Haunted Psychiatric Hospital
🎥 Genre: Horror, found footage
🏥 What is it about? A TV crew investigates an abandoned psychiatric hospital that is said to be haunted. The night exploration turns into a nightmare.
👀 Why watch it? Abandoned psychiatric hospitals are one of the most popular places for urbex enthusiasts – the film perfectly captures this atmosphere.
5. Tetsuo: The Iron Man (1989) – Industrial Urbex Atmosphere
🎥 Genre: Cyberpunk, experimental horror
🏭 What is it about? The story of a man who begins turning into a machine, set in a post-apocalyptic, industrial world full of rusted structures and ruins.
👀 Why watch it? The film has a brutal, industrial atmosphere that will appeal to fans of abandoned factories and dark spaces.
Documentaries and Films About Real Urbex
🎬 “Dark Tourism” (Netflix, 2018) – A documentary series where the host visits Chernobyl, Cold War bunkers, and other places related to urbex.
🎬 “Explore With Us” (YouTube) – A channel documenting the exploration of abandoned places.
🎬 “The Ruins of Detroit” – A documentary about the decline of an industrial city and the exploration of its ruins.
Summary
If you love urbex and abandoned places, these films will provide you with plenty of emotions and inspiration for your own adventures. From horrors to documentaries – each production offers a unique atmosphere of exploring places forgotten by time.
