Movies about the corrupting influence of power like Laserblast
Characters are destroyed by the very power they sought to control. If you liked watching Billy's tragic transformation in Laserblast, you'll find similar themes in these movies about characters destroyed by power. This collection features stories where gaining extraordinary abilities leads to a bleak descent into monstrosity, violence, and self-destruction.
- grim
- brutal
- desperate
- vengeful
- alienating
- uneasy
- Tone: dark, tragic
- Pacing: steady escalation
Why these movies?
The story pattern: These narratives typically begin with a vulnerable or marginalized protagonist who discovers a source of great power. The story charts their initial empowerment, which quickly spirals into addiction, corruption, and a loss of humanity, culminating in a violent rampage and an inevitable, tragic ending.
Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared exploration of power's dark side, a consistently grim tone, and a steady pacing that builds towards an explosive and bleak climax. They share a heavy emotional weight and focus on the visceral horror of transformation.
