If you were captivated by the eerie atmosphere and haunting storytelling of Gwen (2018), this list is for you. Dive into 10 similarly atmospheric movies and shows that blend historical drama with psychological horror, perfect for fans of slow-burning tension and dark, gothic aesthetics.

The Others (2001)
Description: A gothic horror film that relies on atmosphere, suspense, and a twist narrative to explore themes of isolation and the unknown.
Fact: The film was shot almost entirely on a single estate in Spain, which added to its eerie, isolated feel.


The Devil's Backbone (2001)
Description: A gothic horror film set against the backdrop of war, blending ghostly elements with deep emotional and political undertones.
Fact: The film's title refers to a real medical condition, spina bifida, which is woven into the story's mythology.


The Orphanage (2007)
Description: A haunting ghost story that combines emotional depth with supernatural horror, focusing on themes of loss, motherhood, and the past's grip on the present.
Fact: The film's producer, Guillermo del Toro, was so impressed by the director's short film that he personally backed this feature debut.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: A horror film that intertwines psychological terror with themes of grief, motherhood, and repressed emotions, using a haunting storybook aesthetic.
Fact: The Babadook character was designed to resemble classic silent film monsters, with a bowler hat and elongated fingers.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: A claustrophobic horror film that unfolds in a single location, blending forensic mystery with supernatural terror and psychological unease.
Fact: The titular character's body was created using a combination of practical effects and a real actress, who had to remain perfectly still during filming.


A Dark Song (2016)
Description: A slow-burning occult horror film that focuses on ritualistic practices, grief, and the blurred line between reality and the supernatural.
Fact: The film's depiction of occult rituals was heavily researched, incorporating elements from real-world esoteric practices.


The Wailing (2016)
Description: A supernatural horror-thriller that blends folklore, mystery, and psychological dread, with a narrative that keeps viewers questioning reality.
Fact: The film's title in Korean translates to 'The Strangers,' reflecting its themes of outsiders and unseen threats.


Hereditary (2018)
Description: A deeply unsettling horror film that explores themes of grief, family trauma, and hidden malevolent forces, with a slow-burning narrative that builds to intense psychological horror.
Fact: The miniature models seen throughout the film were all handcrafted by the protagonist actress, adding a meta-layer to the story's themes of control and artistry.


The Lighthouse (2019)
Description: A psychological horror film that delves into isolation, madness, and supernatural elements, with a strong visual aesthetic and atmospheric tension.
Fact: The film was shot in black and white to enhance its eerie and timeless quality, and the dialogue was heavily inspired by 19th-century maritime speech.


Midsommar (2019)
Description: A folk horror film that uses bright, daylight settings to create an unsettling contrast with its dark themes of cults, psychological manipulation, and personal trauma.
Fact: The film's script was partially inspired by the director's own experiences with a breakup, channeling personal pain into the narrative.
