10 Chilling Movies Like ‘Hereditary’ That Will Haunt You
‘Hereditary’ left me shaken with its raw emotional weight and creeping dread. Its blend of family trauma, supernatural horror, and psychological unraveling is rare, making it a standout in modern horror.
If you’re chasing that same unsettling vibe, I’ve rounded up ten films that dig into similar themes of grief, dark secrets, and eerie atmospheres. Each one delivers a haunting experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
The Witch (2015)
Set in a bleak New England wilderness, ‘The Witch’ follows a Puritan family unraveling under suspicion and fear. When their newborn vanishes, accusations of witchcraft tear them apart, plunging them into paranoia.
The film’s slow-building tension and stark visuals create a suffocating sense of doom. Anya Taylor-Joy’s breakout performance as the eldest daughter anchors this chilling tale of faith and betrayal.
Midsommar (2019)
Directed by Ari Aster, the mind behind ‘Hereditary,’ ‘Midsommar’ trades dark shadows for bright daylight. A grieving young woman joins her boyfriend at a Swedish festival that hides sinister rituals.
Florence Pugh’s raw portrayal of loss carries the film, while its vivid imagery and unsettling communal vibe make it unforgettable. The slow descent into madness mirrors ‘Hereditary’s’ emotional depth.
The Babadook (2014)
‘The Babadook’ centers on a single mother grappling with grief and her son’s fear of a monstrous figure from a creepy storybook. The line between psychological breakdown and supernatural terror blurs as their home becomes a battleground.
Jennifer Kent’s direction crafts a raw, emotional horror story. Its exploration of depression and motherhood makes it a gut-punch that resonates deeply.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
A young couple moves into a New York apartment, unaware of their neighbors’ dark intentions. Mia Farrow’s Rosemary grows paranoid as strange events surround her pregnancy, hinting at a chilling conspiracy.
Roman Polanski’s classic builds dread through subtle clues and a claustrophobic setting. Its themes of betrayal and occult horror echo ‘Hereditary’s’ family-centric fears.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
A surgeon’s life unravels when a strange teenager, played by Barry Keoghan, enters his family’s world. Yorgos Lanthimos weaves a cold, unsettling tale of guilt and retribution with a mythical undertone.
The film’s stark dialogue and eerie atmosphere create a sense of inevitable doom. It’s a slow burn that burrows under your skin, much like ‘Hereditary’s’ relentless tension.
The Lodge (2019)
A woman, portrayed by Riley Keough, is snowed in with her fiancé’s children, who resent her. As strange events pile up, grief and isolation fuel a descent into madness.
The film’s icy setting and fractured family dynamics mirror ‘Hereditary’s’ emotional weight. Its unpredictable twists and haunting visuals make it a gripping watch.
The Others (2001)
Nicole Kidman stars as a mother in a secluded mansion, protecting her light-sensitive children from unseen forces. Strange occurrences suggest the house holds dark secrets.
Alejandro Amenábar’s gothic tale thrives on atmosphere and a shocking twist. Its focus on motherhood and hidden truths feels eerily close to ‘Hereditary’s’ core.
The Invitation (2015)
A man attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, sensing something off about her new life. The evening spirals into paranoia as he uncovers a disturbing truth.
Karyn Kusama’s direction keeps you guessing, blending psychological tension with cult-like dread. The film’s exploration of grief and mistrust hits hard, much like ‘Hereditary.’
Don’t Look Now (1973)
A couple, played by Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie, grapples with their daughter’s death in Venice. Mysterious visions and encounters hint at a supernatural presence.
Nicolas Roeg’s film weaves grief and dread into a haunting narrative. Its emotional depth and shocking moments make it a perfect companion to ‘Hereditary.’
The Wailing (2016)
A rural Korean village faces a string of brutal murders, and a bumbling policeman investigates a possible supernatural cause. The film blends horror, mystery, and folklore into a gripping tale.
Na Hong-jin’s direction creates a sprawling, unpredictable story with a devastating climax. Its mix of family bonds and otherworldly terror feels akin to ‘Hereditary’s’ chilling legacy.
Which of these haunting films is your favorite, or did I miss a creepy gem? Drop your thoughts in the comments!