Spooky Films Similar to An American Ghost Story

Description: A classic ghost story that focuses on a grieving man who encounters a malevolent spirit in a historic mansion, using slow-building suspense and atmospheric horror.

Fact: The film is considered one of the best ghost stories ever made and was inspired by real-life events reported by screenwriter Russell Hunter. It won several Genie Awards in Canada.

Description: A supernatural thriller that masterfully blends emotional depth with horror, focusing on a child who sees dead people and a twist that reshapes the viewer's understanding of the narrative.

Fact: The iconic line 'I see dead people' was improvised by Haley Joel Osment. The film was a sleeper hit, becoming the second-highest-grossing movie of

Description: A psychological horror film that explores the terror of a haunted mansion, where the characters' fears and sanity are tested by unseen forces and eerie occurrences.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1963 classic 'The Haunting,' which was based on Shirley Jackson's novel 'The Haunting of Hill House.' It features elaborate set designs and practical effects.

Description: A slow-burning psychological horror film that relies on atmosphere and tension rather than jump scares, featuring a haunted house setting and a twist ending that recontextualizes the entire story.

Fact: The film was shot entirely in Spain, and Nicole Kidman's character was written specifically for her. It was also one of the few horror films to receive critical acclaim upon release.

Description: A gothic horror film set during the Spanish Civil War, blending supernatural elements with historical drama, as a ghostly presence haunts an orphanage and its inhabitants.

Fact: The film is often seen as a companion piece to 'Pan's Labyrinth,' sharing similar themes and settings. It was Guillermo del Toro's first major Spanish-language film.

Description: A haunting Spanish-language ghost story that blends emotional drama with supernatural horror, centered around a mother's search for her missing son in a mysterious orphanage.

Fact: The film was produced by Guillermo del Toro, who also served as a creative consultant. It won numerous awards, including seven Goya Awards in Spain.

Description: A found-footage horror film that builds dread through subtle, everyday occurrences, creating a sense of realism and unease as supernatural events escalate in a domestic setting.

Fact: The film was made on a budget of just $15,000 and became one of the most profitable movies ever made. It was originally shown at film festivals before gaining widespread release.

Description: A period horror film based on real-life paranormal investigators, featuring a haunted house, malevolent spirits, and a family in peril, with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and suspense.

Fact: The film is based on the case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren. It spawned a successful franchise, including spin-offs like 'The Nun' and 'Annabelle.'

Description: A gothic horror film set in a remote, eerie mansion, where a vengeful ghost's presence leads to terrifying consequences, relying on atmosphere and slow-building tension.

Fact: This was Daniel Radcliffe's first major film role after the 'Harry Potter' series. The film is based on a 1983 novel and a popular stage play.

Description: A chilling horror film that combines supernatural elements with psychological terror, focusing on a writer who discovers disturbing home movies that hint at a sinister presence.

Fact: The creepy soundtrack was created using sounds like slowed-down animal noises and distorted voices. The film's villain, Bagul, was inspired by Mesopotamian mythology.