One of the scariest British films of all time is on air tonight

The 'soul-chilling' movie is airing for only the fourth time in its history

However, real fear, the kind that lasts with a generation emerges from story-telling based on a scenario that is not only plausible, but has almost seemed likely down the decades.

This is the kind of soul-chilling film that portrays a reality that can only be described as the worst possible outcome for humanity, and the film is called Threads.

A British and Australian film made by the BBC, Nine Network and Western World Television, the movie depicts the horrors of what an all out nuclear war would do to the UK and its devastating consequences.

It first aired on 23 September 1984 and it is widely known for traumatising a generation, only being shown on TV three times since and required a public information film to proceed it.

Now, that doesn't sound like a great argument to tune into an existential dread-fest, however, hear us out.

Threads sits in an exclusive club of films to have 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and 8/10 on IMDb and is an enthralling rollercoaster of emotions that you just cannot look away from.

While the film concerns an all out nuclear war, it follows specifically one family in Sheffield who are victims of a bomb intending to destroy the steel industry.

A peak into an alternate reality the film is a dystopian thriller that will leave you glued to your seat and engrained into your mind for the rest of the week, although for the previous generation the film was engrained indefinitely.

If we can't convince you to watch the film, then maybe the good people of X will be able to do so, as they took to social media to give their thoughts on the film returning to screens.

One user said: "Watching Threads as a youngster (too young really) was a massively transformative experience for me. It’s on telly tonight for the first time in years and years. BBC4 at 10:20pm. If you haven’t watched it, you owe it to yourself to do so."

Another person put: "Don’t have nightmares, but the BBC is re-showing the classic 80’s drama “Threads” tonight. Probably the thing that terrified me most as a child (even more than “Watership Down”) because it was about something that could really happen..."

Meanwhile one commenter wrote: "Potentially one of the greatest, grittiest cult classic films EVER made makes a rare TV appearance tonight.. BBC 4, 22:15....... Threads."

Well, there you have it, your evening's entertainment sorted. Watch it and be gripped, and don't blame us if you wake up in the middle of the night hearing air raid sirens.

Threads is on tonight at 10:20pm on BBC Four.