If you enjoyed the dark, surreal horror of 'Piglady' (2023), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similarly unsettling movies and shows that blend psychological terror, grotesque imagery, and eerie storytelling. Whether you're drawn to its nightmarish visuals or twisted narrative, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Under the Skin (2013)
Description: An atmospheric, nearly dialogue-free exploration of alienation and otherness, featuring surreal imagery and disturbing encounters. The film's ambiguous narrative invites multiple interpretations.
Fact: Many of the scenes featuring men were unscripted, with real people unaware they were being filmed. The haunting score was created using unconventional instruments including a detuned piano.


The Neon Demon (2016)
Description: A visually stunning horror film about beauty and obsession in the fashion industry, featuring surreal imagery and body horror elements. The striking color palette and slow pacing create a dreamlike yet disturbing atmosphere.
Fact: All fashion show scenes used real models walking in actual runway shows. The infamous final sequence was inspired by Renaissance paintings of martyrdom.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: A metaphorical horror film about grief and motherhood, where a supernatural entity represents unresolved emotional trauma. The story cleverly blends psychological drama with monster horror.
Fact: The iconic pop-up book featured in the film was handcrafted by the director and took months to create. The film's monster has become a queer icon despite its terrifying nature.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: A contained horror mystery that unfolds entirely within a morgue, blending forensic investigation with supernatural terror. The gradual revelation of the central mystery creates mounting dread.
Fact: The titular corpse was played by a real actress who had to remain completely motionless for hours. All autopsy procedures shown were technically accurate, consulting with real pathologists.


A Dark Song (2016)
Description: An occult horror film focusing on a grueling, months-long ritual performed by two people in isolation. The meticulous attention to real magical practices adds authenticity to the supernatural elements.
Fact: The magical rituals shown are based on actual occult practices from the Abramelin operation. The entire film was shot in sequence to maintain the actors' emotional trajectory.


The Wailing (2016)
Description: A complex horror mystery that blends shamanistic folklore with police procedural elements. The film's ambiguous ending and cultural specificity create a uniquely unsettling experience.
Fact: The director intentionally left the film's true meaning open to interpretation, resulting in multiple valid readings. Many of the shamanic rituals depicted were performed by actual practitioners.


The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Description: A clinical, unsettling drama with horror elements that explores themes of guilt, punishment, and moral dilemmas. The deliberately stilted dialogue and cold cinematography create a uniquely disturbing tone.
Fact: The young actor researched psychopathic behavior by watching interviews with real criminals. All surgical scenes were supervised by an actual surgeon to ensure medical accuracy.


Hereditary (2018)
Description: A deeply unsettling family drama wrapped in supernatural horror, focusing on inherited trauma and the disintegration of a family unit. The slow-burn tension and shocking imagery leave a lasting impact.
Fact: The miniature models seen throughout the film were all created by the protagonist actress herself, adding a meta-layer to her character's artistic expression. The film's most infamous scene was shot in one take.


The Lighthouse (2019)
Description: A claustrophobic descent into madness featuring two men isolated in a remote location. The black-and-white cinematography and intense psychological unraveling create a haunting, surreal experience.
Fact: The actors performed all their own stunts, including scenes in freezing water. The script was written in an archaic seafaring dialect that required linguistic experts to verify its accuracy.


Midsommar (2019)
Description: A psychological horror film that explores themes of grief, isolation, and the breakdown of relationships within a cult-like setting. The use of bright, daylight horror creates a unique and unsettling atmosphere.
Fact: The film's script was inspired by a real-life breakup the director experienced, channeling personal pain into the story. Many of the rituals depicted are based on actual Scandinavian folklore.
