If you enjoyed the eerie suspense and psychological depth of Shadow Puppets (2007), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 gripping movies and shows that share its dark atmosphere, mind-bending twists, and chilling storytelling. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or supernatural mysteries, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Haunting (1963)
Description: A classic horror film that uses psychological terror and suggestive imagery rather than explicit scares. The story revolves around a group of people staying in a haunted house, with the house itself becoming a character.
Fact: The film is often cited as one of the greatest horror movies ever made, despite having almost no visible ghosts or monsters.


The Changeling (1980)
Description: A classic ghost story that relies on slow-building tension and a haunting atmosphere. The plot revolves around a grieving man who encounters supernatural forces in his new home.
Fact: The film is based on real events experienced by playwright Russell Hunter, who claimed to have lived in a haunted house in Denver.


The Sixth Sense (1999)
Description: A psychological horror film with a strong emotional core, revolving around a child who can see and communicate with the dead. The story is filled with suspense and a shocking twist.
Fact: The iconic line 'I see dead people' was improvised by Haley Joel Osment during filming.


The Others (2001)
Description: A slow-burning psychological horror film that relies on atmosphere and tension rather than jump scares. It explores themes of isolation, the supernatural, and the blurred line between the living and the dead.
Fact: The film was shot entirely in Spain, and Nicole Kidman's character was originally written for a much older actress.


The Devil's Backbone (2001)
Description: A gothic horror story set in an orphanage during the Spanish Civil War, blending historical drama with supernatural elements. The film is rich in atmosphere and symbolism.
Fact: Guillermo del Toro considers this film a 'sister piece' to 'Pan's Labyrinth,' as both explore the horrors of war through a child's perspective.


Session 9 (2001)
Description: A psychological horror film set in an abandoned asylum, relying on atmosphere and slow-building dread rather than overt scares. The story explores themes of mental illness and paranoia.
Fact: The film was shot in the real Danvers State Hospital, which was known for its dark history and was later demolished.


The Orphanage (2007)
Description: A haunting tale that blends emotional depth with supernatural horror, focusing on a mother's desperate search for her missing son in a creepy old house. The film masterfully uses suspense and eerie visuals.
Fact: The director, J.A. Bayona, was heavily influenced by classic ghost stories and even used some of the same locations as 'The Devil's Backbone.'


The Innkeepers (2011)
Description: A low-key, character-driven horror film set in a supposedly haunted hotel. The film builds tension through subtle scares and a focus on the protagonists' personal stories.
Fact: The film was shot in the same real-life hotel where the director's previous film, 'House of the Devil,' was also set.


The Woman in Black (2012)
Description: A gothic horror film with a chilling atmosphere and a vengeful ghost at its center. The story is set in a remote, eerie mansion and focuses on themes of loss and revenge.
Fact: Daniel Radcliffe's first major film role after the 'Harry Potter' series, and he admitted to being genuinely scared during filming.


Crimson Peak (2015)
Description: A visually stunning gothic horror romance with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and intricate set design. The story combines supernatural elements with a dark, tragic love story.
Fact: The house in the film was a massive, detailed set built from scratch, complete with decaying walls and a functioning elevator.
