12 Forgotten Public Service Announcements That Were Terrifying
These chilling PSAs once haunted viewers, delivering unforgettable messages through fear.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Public service announcements (PSAs) have been tools for conveying important societal messages. However, some took a darker turn, employing horror elements to leave lasting impressions. This list revisits 12 such PSAs that, despite their age, continue to unsettle and remind us of their impactful messages.
1. “Lonely Water” (UK, 1973)
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This British PSA warned children about the dangers of playing near water. Featuring a hooded figure symbolizing death, it narrated accidents in a haunting tone.
2. “Grim Reaper” AIDS Awareness (Australia, 1987)
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Aimed at highlighting the dangers of AIDS, this ad depicted the Grim Reaper bowling over people, symbolizing the indiscriminate nature of the disease. Its stark imagery caused public outcry but effectively raised awareness.
3. “Apaches” (UK, 1977)
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Targeting farm safety, this film portrayed children imagining themselves as Apache warriors, only to face fatal accidents. The graphic depictions of injuries were shocking, especially for the young audience.
4. “Cow” (UK, 2008)
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This modern PSA focused on the consequences of texting while driving. It presented a realistic car crash scenario, emphasizing the tragic outcomes of distracted driving.
5. “Children and Disused Fridges” (UK, 1971)
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This film highlighted the hazards of abandoned refrigerators. It showed children getting trapped inside, leading to suffocation. Its stark message prompted changes in appliance disposal practices.
6. “Dark and Lonely Water” (UK, 1973)
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Similar to “Lonely Water,” this film used a spectral figure to caution against water-related accidents. Its haunting narration and visuals were designed to instill caution in children.
7. “Drinking and Driving Wrecks Lives” (UK, 1980s-1990s)
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This series of ads showcased the devastating consequences of drunk driving. It aimed to deter impaired driving through graphic crash scenes and emotional narratives.
8. “Children and Ponds” (UK, 1979)
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This film addresses the dangers of garden ponds. It depicts toddlers accidentally drowning, and its somber tone serves as a stark warning to parents.
9. “Set Yourself Free” (Australia, 2014)
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Initially appearing as a typical anti-truancy ad, it took a dark turn when truant teens faced fatal consequences. The unexpected violence shocked viewers, sparking debates about the use of fear in PSAs.
10. “Monsters” Child Abuse Awareness (UK, 2007)
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This PSA used the metaphor of monsters to represent child abusers. Its unsettling imagery aimed to raise awareness about abuse and encourage reporting.
11. “Amber Gambler” (UK, 1970s)
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Focusing on the dangers of running amber traffic lights, this film portrayed a driver racing through lights, leading to a fatal crash. Its dramatic narrative served as a cautionary tale for reckless drivers.
12. “AIDS: Don’t Die of Ignorance” (UK, 1987)
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This campaign featured tombstones and a menacing voiceover to highlight the dangers of AIDS. Its grim presentation aimed to shock the public into awareness.