If you loved the chilling holiday horror of The Advent Calendar (2021), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similarly eerie movies and shows that blend festive cheer with spine-tingling terror. Whether you're craving more supernatural thrills or dark twists on holiday traditions, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Others (2001)
Description: A gothic horror film with a slow-burning mystery, relying on atmosphere and psychological tension rather than jump scares, culminating in a shocking twist.
Fact: The movie was shot almost entirely on a single set to maintain its claustrophobic feel. It was one of the highest-grossing Spanish films at the time.


The Possession (2012)
Description: A supernatural horror film centered around a cursed object that brings malevolent forces into the lives of those who possess it, blending family drama with terror.
Fact: The film is inspired by a true story involving a haunted dybbuk box. The real box was allegedly auctioned on eBay and caused strange occurrences.


The Orphanage (2007)
Description: A haunting ghost story that combines emotional depth with supernatural elements, focusing on a mother's desperate search for her missing child in a sinister setting.
Fact: The film was produced by Guillermo del Toro, who also served as a creative consultant. It won numerous awards, including seven Goya Awards.


The Conjuring (2013)
Description: A supernatural horror film based on real-life paranormal investigations, featuring a malevolent entity terrorizing a family, with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and suspense.
Fact: The film is part of a larger cinematic universe, spawning multiple sequels and spin-offs. The real-life Warrens, who inspired the movie, claimed the case was one of their most terrifying.


Sinister (2012)
Description: A found-footage horror film mixed with traditional storytelling, focusing on a writer who discovers terrifying home movies that hint at a sinister presence.
Fact: The film's creepy soundtrack was created using unusual instruments, including a waterphone. The home movies featured in the film were shot on real vintage cameras to enhance authenticity.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: A psychological horror film that explores grief and mental illness through the lens of a haunting children's book, creating a deeply unsettling and emotional experience.
Fact: The Babadook became a cult symbol for the LGBTQ+ community, representing repressed emotions. The creature's design was inspired by early 20th-century horror icons.


Oculus (2013)
Description: A mind-bending horror film that blurs the line between reality and illusion, focusing on a haunted mirror that manipulates perception and memory.
Fact: The film was originally a short movie that won awards at several film festivals before being expanded into a feature. The mirror's design was based on antique mirrors from the 19th century.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: A chilling horror mystery that unfolds in a confined setting, focusing on uncovering dark secrets through a forensic investigation, leading to terrifying revelations.
Fact: The movie was praised for its claustrophobic tension and unique premise. It was filmed in a real morgue to enhance authenticity.


The Midnight Man (2016)
Description: A supernatural horror film that revolves around a cursed game, blending psychological terror with folklore elements, creating an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere.
Fact: The film is based on a popular urban legend about a midnight game that summons a malevolent entity. It was shot in just 18 days.


Hereditary (2018)
Description: A deeply unsettling horror film that explores family trauma and inherited curses, with a slow-building dread and shocking, visceral moments.
Fact: The film's miniature models were all handcrafted by the protagonist in the movie, adding a layer of eerie realism. It was A24's highest-grossing film at the time.
